Affaird of Thunder

[Kaitlyn]

My male doodle Charlie is affaird of Thunder. When he hears the sound he always shakes.

Is your doodle affaird of Thunder too? Any tips for him not to be affaid? Thanks

[Camilla and Darwin]

I think if you get some really yummy treats, like chicken or cheese or something, and fed them to him during the storm, it could help. Just get cubes of it, and try to distract him during a storm by doing training, or games and feeding the treat to him. Perhaps, over time, he will learn to associate thunder storms with yummy treats and games!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

There was a recent discussion on this:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/fear-of-storms

[Christine & Shelby]

Shelby and I live in Texas and I was concerned this would be an issue... we get lots of thunderstorms! I have been happy to learn that she isn't afraid of thunder. Now, when a storm is right over head and the lightning to thunder delay is almost non exist and the windows rattle... that makes her a bit nervous, but it startles me too.

From day one.... I have tried to be very non chalant about thunderstorms.... we've gone out to potty in them, we sit at the window and watch them together. Any time I hear rumblings (thunder) - I just say.... ooohh... Thunder in a happy voice and go on as though there is nothing wrong.

I think treats and a positive focus could be good. Also try a nature CD of a thunderstorm and play it on a low volume... gradually over a few weeks increase the volume so your dood gets used to the sound.

Shelby actually tries to chase thunder when she is in yard... it sounds like it is rolling by and she will run from one side of the yard to the other trying to catch it. It's pretty funny!

Good luck... keep us updated!

[Leigh & Allie]

I had a shih tzu who was terrified of thunder. She would shake and run to the smallest enclosed space she could find. This would usually behind the toilet. I tried to comfort her. I tried to feed her. I tried everything I could think of. I rescued her from a home who did not want her anymore. When I first met her she was chained outside, so I always thought this might have been the reason. I was so nervous the first time we had a thunderstorm with Allie. I just did not make a big deal out of it and she has never been scared, but I have to say I do not think it was anything I did. I think she was just born this way. The only thing I can say is don't beat yourself up about it. I would just try to be as normal as possible and understand it might be just how he is. This is just my opinion based on my two dogs. I truly hope he can overcome it.

[Tammy & Gracie]

Gracie was afraid of storms beginning last year. I always try to be "normal" and give her no coddling or special treatment. If she finds a place to hide and cower I just leave her to it. Recently I was at a romp in the country. There was gunfire nearby. I literally thought Gracie was going to have a heart attack, shaking, panting, trying to hide under me. Since then, her fear of storms has lessened and we have had a few whopper storms in the past few weeks. I give her an herbal remedy called calming aid before storms arrive and this seems to help. Recently I mentioned this to my vet. He said to get cd's of storms and fireworks. Play it quietly while playing ball, feeding or otherwise distracting her. Do this daily, slightly increasing the volume over a long period of time to desensitize her to it. He did caution that it should not be begun this time of year though. We have such pop up storms he said that if she were at volume 4 comfortably then a huge clap of thunder happened that it may set her back so that we start the whole thing over. He also recommended melatoinin as a help for many dogs.