SCARED OF THE WEATHER

[Gwen and Hoda]

My doodle has a very good disposition and not spooky at all but she is afraid of thunderstorms. Does anyone have a doodle that has this problem? I try and get her mind off the situation but nothing helps. She gets very serious, shakes, and stays in between my legs. I'd appreciate any input.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Our guys are fine with the thunderstorms. The bark at the thunder. They also bark when our neighbor sets off fireworks.

My only advise would be to try to distract her - perhaps the TV or Stereo would help.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

My doodle is afraid of thunder storms too.....he doesn't shake but he does throw himself on me and wants to be held during a storm.....If I'm not in a place were he can easily do this, he will pull me by the arm to the couch so that he can snuggle close and lay his head on my shoulders burying his head in my hair...lol...He's a wimp...

[Adina P]

Our doodles don't notice thunder, but our border collie is afraid of it. She used to be worse, but being near two other dogs that don't care has helped some. I have heard that some dogs do well if they are good in obedience to have them practice commands (something that gives them control/confidence) to take their mind off of the thunder and put their mind to work on something.

Others simply use medication when they expect thunder or fireworks so their dog can be calm.

[Belinda Stevens]

If they are food motivated then try giving them treats before they start to get upset and of course if they love toys then play something really distracting like "tug" with them. That is harder to do for long periods of time. I used the treats with my friends dog while dog-sitting (which worked pretty well and she uses a water botte to spray her chocolate lab. It has helped a little. Either way all of these things are hard to do during the middle of the night when it seems like most stom hit.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Have you read the book "Marley and me"? That dog (a yellow lab) had a terrible fear of thunderstorms. He actually tore up the house and had to be tranquilized.

[Joannie]

We had a German Shorthair Pointer who was petrified of them. I could tell a storm was on it's way an hour before it got here. She'd start shaking and panting. I always thought she was going to have a heart attack she was so scared.
Barney fears nothing!

[13x08f1q0ejk6]

Both of my doodles ignore the thunderstorms.

I had two Akita's before the doodles and the male Akita did not like thunderstorms. The funny part was it was not the sound of the thunder or the lightening that he did not like. It was either the pressure change or the vibrations. He would actually climb in my bath tub and salivate like crazy. He knew when a thunderstorm was about to hit and would start pacing back and forth and eventually end up in the bathroom tub. Once he started his little routine we would know a storm was coming and would make sure all the windows were down and stuff was put away. I was not real sure how to work with him on this and all the trainers had a couple of suggestions, but nothing really worked.

Now, if your doodle is afraid of the noise of the storm, this is an easy fix because you can buy a CD of a storm and desensitize her. Do not give her treats or affection when she is nervous and showing fear. This will only compound the situation and she will start thinking this is how she is supposed to act. Only give her treats when she is acting in a way you want her to. Never reward behavior you don't want to see.