Holly is a 3yr old staffy. We have had her for a year and don't know how to deal with her problem.She is terrified of rain beating on the windows and doors. She starts panting heavily, shakes and just won't settle. She sometimes runs upstairs and hides in the bedroom. She was a rescue dog so we have no idea of her background but she obviously had a nasty experience. At this moment it is raining, not heavily, but she is unnerved, unsettled and just sitting in the middle of the dining room floor shifting from foot to foot. We have been told not to fuss her as this is telling her it's OK to be frightened, but how else can we help her?
2007-03-04 00:24:33 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
awww poor thing, well done you for rescuing her. Staffys are beautiful dogs, mines 12 now and she still runs round like a puppy! I agree that i don't think it would be a good idea to mollycoddle her when she gets upset as she might be reinforcing the idea that there is something to be afraid of. Maybe you could distract her with toys and games and things so it takes her mind of it and then hopefully she'll learn to block it out. Do you take her for walks when it's raining? maybe a coupla jaunts out in the rain may ease her anxiety some, as long as shes dried and kept warm when you get her home (yourself included!) i'm sure she'd love it! good luck to you both!
2007-03-04 00:38:12 · answer #1 · answered by sausagejockey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that you can remedy this quite easily, if you get a tape of the sound of rain you can easily desensitize your dog, this should be done a couple of times a day and the dog should be in a quiet area with you while this tape is playing the sounds of rain, this should be done until the dog is frightened no more of rain, I had a similar situation with my poodle he was frightened of flies and would jump in the bath and shake all over, I had to get a recording of a fly buzzing and play it to him, he finally calm down and was not so frightened anymore, also had a dog that was frightened of her reflection in windows and mirrors that was a different technique all together, but she is fine now since I coax her to the windows and mirrors gently and gradually. Good Luck !
2007-03-04 08:47:53 · answer #2 · answered by mshonnie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are sedatives that can be used to relax her ( Ask your vet )
Dogs sometimes need them for thunderstorms. I have seen dogs jump through windows when there is a thunderstorm.Its an actual fear they have.If you want to try something natural you can try Bach's Rescue Remedy. You can find it in health stores or vitamin shops. Its for people but can be used by animals. I have used it on my cat.I would put a couple of drops in her water.It will not hurt her as its only an herb.It may not be strong enough though.You could also work with a behaviorist to help desensitize her to the rain .I feel bad for her as its so stressful to them and you.Make sure you always talk to her in a calm voice as the sound of your voice will be comforting to her. Good Luck!!!
2007-03-04 08:49:56 · answer #3 · answered by Bird lady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you invite the dog on the furnture with you and give it lots of hugs and love till the rain stops
it will soon get the idea that rain means a fuss and stop being scared
2007-03-06 18:56:43 · answer #4 · answered by Dreamweaver 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This would be a good time to get some real good treats (raw hotdog, rolled up bologna, boiled chicken) and work on some basic obedience. Divert her attention, food seems to work wonders.
Keep her busy. When she starts paying attention to the rain, window or door, redirect again.... I'm not saying feed her throughout the entire storm, you could break it up between working on her obedience and playing. And make sure you always reinforce good behavior with alot of praise.
2007-03-04 08:39:01 · answer #5 · answered by Pam 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have no idea!
How about positive reenforcement? When she starts to experience trauma give her something else to think about, give her tasty snacks, play with her, hug her.
If this doesn't work, Perhaps give her a dark cubbyhole (cardboard box might work) with a bit of nice padding where she can hide?
We have a small dog that gets terrified when it thunders; we hold her and give her a little special attention, whatever we can do depending upon the time.
2007-03-04 08:33:16 · answer #6 · answered by Fuzzy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about "fussing" her (whatever that is!) but there's no harm in reassuring her. I will agree that you shouldn't overdo it but time is the only thing that will cure her. She has to know that she is safe.
Stay away from medication unless she becomes really disturbed.
I don't care if you do work for a vet, I've had dogs for 40 years.
2007-03-04 08:50:43 · answer #7 · answered by maureen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first i think when it rains 1 of you go and stand outside at the window and let her know you are there by tapping on the window ,do it every time it rains and when you come in give her a treat and praise herxxxxxxxxi love staffies
2007-03-04 13:17:50 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hold her and pet her gently until the rain stops. That might calm her down. Or you can sit with her in the most quiet room in the house and cover up the windows.
2007-03-04 08:41:42 · answer #9 · answered by lovelyswan92 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Definitely don't fuss her (and I aint a macho fool, honest). Basic psychology says that if you fuss her you are reinforcing her behaviour. If you make a fuss you are telling her that she's right to be scared.... distract her... play with her... feed her... even ignore her and carry on doing whatever you are doing so she learns from you that it's okay. Buy yourself a good book...
http://www.play.com/Books/Books/4-/257904/The_Dog_Listener/Product.html
this particular book would be perfect for your situation
2007-03-04 08:31:31 · answer #10 · answered by Laura H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋