my dog gets really scared during thunderstorms i dont know what to do i feel like i should do something but she wont stop shaking and hiding under my bed when the storm is over she's fine help!!!!!!!!
2007-03-19 06:37:39 · 15 answers · asked by bad_river_baby413 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Poor little pup. My dog used to do that. When it's thundering you just have to comfort her and talk soothly to her.
2007-03-19 06:41:47 · answer #1 · answered by ~♥The Hon♥~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Dog is the same way. We have a little Yorkie and the family that had her before us kept her outside and would hit her. So now when it rains she will huddle by the nearest person and shake until the storm passes. However I am not impling that that is the same reason your dog has the same behavior. Most dogs are just frightened of things like thunder storms. Just like some people are scared of the dark. It does not mean she is sick though. However if you are truely conserned take her to a vet and they may be able to give you a medicine that will help calm her nerves until the storm is over. Hope it helps
2007-03-19 06:43:29 · answer #2 · answered by Jacki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to do 2 things:
1- show her by example that there is nothing to be afraid of (using a confident tone of voice, relaxed posture and facial expressions)
2- desensitization
Although one's first instinct might be to comfort a scared dog, the best comfort would be to act like nothing is out of the ordinary. As her leader, she will be looking to you to help determine if a situation is something to be alarmed about. Talking to her in a soft, special way just communicates to her that she is a victim of something. You would be confirming for her that there is something wrong.
An excellent book about rehabilitating nervous dogs suggests getting a tape recording of thunder sounds and starting out by playing it very quietly while doing something fun with your dog. Play a game she loves and give her treats and praise... you can even do obedience drills to get her mind focused on anything but the sound. Once she is calm, turn the volume up a little bit, continue playing and redirecting her focus until she is once again calm. Keep doing this until she is able to remain calm with the thundersounds at a realistic volume.
This may not account for all scary aspects of thunderstorms (air pressure, ground vibrations, rain drops on the windows) but it may help with a large aspect of it.
After desensitization using the tape, wait for the next thunderstorm to continue this routine of play and fun and praise. Show her with your facial expessions, voice, and body language that everything is fine!
The dog may not be able to accomplish all of this in one session so I might suggest breaking it up, depending on how much stress it is putting on the dog. (take your time... it could take a day or a few weeks) It takes time to break dogs of these fears but you will succeed!!
2007-03-19 07:02:42 · answer #3 · answered by Bee 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi ad_river_baby413!
I read some posts about dogs being frightened of thunder. I understand that this is a real problem for all those who have such a dog. I've seen, on this list, different suggestions and ways to try to solve this problem. It's lovely to see how people want to help each other. And this list shows the world that worldwide friendship exists. It's just wonderful.
But now about thunder. There are in fact different ways to TRY to cure. But in the first place we must accept that it is NOT possible to help each and every dog. It is hard, but it's the truth. Some methods to try to help a dog could be so logical, that WE want to succeed. And the danger is that we put to much pressure on the dog. It's not us, but the DOG that should have succes, IF POSSIBLE. Please look article: http://www.askedweb.com/askedweb/Thunder_Phobias/ - written by Jos Lermyte and avoid this problem.
Jason Homan
2007-03-19 07:18:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your vet can help with tranquilizers or sedatives. However, I'm not a really big proponent of medicating your animal. There isn't a lot you can do except see that the dog has a "safe" place to go to during storms and try some behavior modification. Check out the following site for more tips:
2007-03-19 06:45:33 · answer #5 · answered by kablair 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you listen to canine trainers, you will NOT comfort and pet your dog. That may seem to be the ideal thing to do, but what you are really doing is reinforcing that behavior and teaching your dog that what it is doing is OK. Many dogs get scared during storms, but the best thing that you can do for your dog is to be calm with them, don't let the fact that they get upset get you upset. You are the one that they look to for guidance, if they see you upset, that will only make it worse in the future. Too many people treat their dogs like their children. You really have to try to understand the way that the canine brain works, which is very different than ours.
Many dog trainers do not agree with his methods, but I would recommend watching Cesar Milan, "the dog whisperer" on National Geographic Channel. He has a great ability to see the world through the dog's eyes.
2007-03-19 06:53:26 · answer #6 · answered by Doctor B 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Many animals are scared of thunderstorms or other loud continuous noises. All you can do it comfort her through it and don't worry too much. They will get through it. Also, remember, dogs are alot like little kids, if you make too much out of it, they will too. So downplay it. Just comfort her and then let it go. And tell her it's okay and she will be fine. Sound harsh. But, dogs live in the moment, and she will be fine.
Good luck!!
2007-03-19 06:44:22 · answer #7 · answered by Harley Girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many dogs are like this. You just have to deal with it. I have 4 dogs that hide and shake when a storm hits.
2007-03-19 06:42:23 · answer #8 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's normal for pets (and some people) to fear thunderstorms. She feels safe under the bed, so allow her to remain there, but try to stay with or near he and talk to her in a comforting voice, pet her, and maybe put a small blanket (a baby receiving blanket is good) over her for comfort
2007-03-19 06:42:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well..gee...I'd be right under there with her! THey are scary things...Just keep telling her (while leaving her where she feels safe!) that everything is okay...and wait til the storm is over!! ya can't change "human nature" even in animals... Tell her leave me room...I'm 42 and scared to death of thunderstorms!!
2007-03-19 07:07:00 · answer #10 · answered by just me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its ok, it happens, some dogs are afraid of the thunder, just cuddle her and say soothing things like, its ok, i'm here, don't be afraid and just be around her, that should help a little. if she continues shivering, its ok, the shivering might not stop but at least she knows you're there. there's nothing else you can do besides that.
2007-03-19 06:43:43 · answer #11 · answered by Felicia C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋