Everytime he hears the thunder he starts shaking, what can i do to help him stop it? I tried holding him in my arms and we're sitting in the basement so he can't hear it as much, but still shaking.
2006-07-23 07:11:30 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
dogs can still hear it even though your in the basement and they do feel fear of it just like ppl do, the only thing you can do right now is talk to him and tell him what it is that way he will understand and pet him and that should calm him down.
2006-07-23 07:30:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
Create a Safe Place: Try to create a safe place for your dog to go to when she hears the noises that frighten her. But remember, this must be a safe location from her perspective, not yours. Notice where she goes, or tries to go, when she's frightened, and if at all possible, give her access to that place. If she's trying to get under your bed, give her access to your bedroom.
You can also create a "hidey hole" that is dark, small, and shielded from the frightening sound as much as possible. Encourage her to go there when you're home and the thunder or other noise occurs. Consider using a fan or radio near the spot to help block out the sound. Feed her in that location and help your dog associate that spot with other "good things" happening to her there. She must be able to come and go from this location freely. Confining her in the "hidey hole" when she doesn't want to be there will only cause more problems. The "safe place" approach may work with some dogs, but not all. Some dogs are motivated to move and be active when frightened and "hiding out" won't help them feel less fearful.
Distract Your Dog: This method works best when your dog is just beginning to get anxious. Encourage her to engage in any activity that captures her attention and distracts her from behaving fearfully. Start when she first alerts you to the noise and is not yet showing a lot of fearful behavior, but is only watchful. Immediately try to interest her in doing something that she really enjoys. Get out the tennis ball and play fetch (in an escape-proof area), or practice some commands that she knows. Reward her with praise and treats for paying attention to the game or the commands.
As the storm or other noise builds, you may not be able to keep her attention on the activity, but it might delay the start of the fearful behavior for longer and longer each time you do it. If you can't keep her attention and she begins acting fearfully, stop the process. If you continue, you may inadvertently reinforce her fearful behavior.
Behavior Modification: Behavior modification techniques are often successful in reducing fears and phobias. The appropriate techniques are called "counter-conditioning" and "desensitization." These techniques condition or teach your dog to respond in non-fearful ways to sounds and other stimuli that have previously frightened her.
2006-07-23 14:22:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Holding your dog is the best thing that you can do for him. And no matter what you try to do so that he won't hear the storm doesn't matter. Dogs and other animals can sense the pressure change in the atmosphere and will no the storm is coming long before it gets there. So all you can do is comfort the animal or let the dog find a spot where he fells comfortable.
2006-07-23 14:17:38 · answer #3 · answered by tc 77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dogs sense a change in the atmospheric pressure due to the storm front and they fear the unknown. Some vets claim that the difference in pressure causes them some pain in their ears.
Our hunting dogs will hold a point thru a volley of shotgun blasts, but go ape when a storm front moves thru.
2006-07-23 14:26:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog used to do the same thing, she would whine and shake when it would storm and insist on being around me. You're doing the right thing, try distracting him too by petting him while watching tv or something.
2006-07-23 14:16:21 · answer #5 · answered by James P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is just scard of the loud noisee. Try giving him a treat whenever he stops. Try and divert his attention from the storm. Talk to him in a soft voice for reasurrence.
2006-07-23 14:15:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When we know its going to thunder or fireworks we give our dogs Dramamine it calms them right down our vet says its safe even while traveling just make sure to ask your vet how much to give for there body weight.
2006-07-23 14:27:22 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's probably afraid of the noise, more than anything else.
What breed of dog, and how old?
Does he also react to fireworks, jets or other loud noises?
2006-07-23 14:16:24 · answer #8 · answered by dcnblues 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He can sense when your anxious, so try to turn time like this into games or something positive or rewarding. Give him treats... or try to distract him. It may not work... but it is worth a try.
2006-07-23 14:16:09 · answer #9 · answered by Leigh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog isn't used to loud noises. Or its just afraid. my cat and dog are like that and we just get them used to loud noises like my radio up all the way or we bring them to the fireworks.
Or you might have to take it to the vet and get him/her medication. How old is the dog? Please respond by email.
2006-07-23 14:50:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋