It just started pouring rain over her where I live and there's very strong wind pounding on the door as well as lightning and thunder and my dog is terrified. He's a labrador and golden retriever mix, as if it matters. Any suggestions on how I can calm him down?
2007-06-12 08:43:54 · 26 answers · asked by Peace 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thanks everyone, lots of great answers; although a bit conflicting as some people are telling me to cuddle him and the rest to ignore him. But I'm giving him treats and turned on some calming music (the oldies station should be calming enough) and it seems to be working ok. He likes to sleep in my closet so I put a blanket for him down there and he's laid down and seems quite comfortable. He's still a bit nervous since he won't stop trembling but at least he's stopped pacing around the house.
2007-06-12 09:35:16 · update #1
Too many great answers so I'm gonna have to put this one up for voting.
2007-06-15 09:56:20 · update #2
For my pets, whenever they were scared by whatever, I would just keep them close and talk to them in a calm and soothing voice, saying that everything was OK, and to not worry. I know some people would say that's silly, but our pets respond to our voices, so use a soothing tone of voice.
Hey people, I'm not saying to overwhelmingly coddle them. I stayed relaxed and they responded in kind. If you were afraid of lightning and thunder, I'm sure your parents would explain stuff and say not to worry, well, dogs don't understand the exact words we're saying, but they certainly understand any inflection in our tone of voice and any physical response we might have. I don't think this is coddling.
2007-06-12 08:46:41 · answer #1 · answered by Julie F 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Would you ask a dentist to fix a broken foot?
Would to go to a gas station when you are ready to deliver your baby?
Julie said "For my pets, whenever they were scared by whatever, I would just keep them close and talk to them in a calm and soothing voice, saying that everything was OK, and to not worry. I know some people would say that's silly, but our pets respond to our voices, so use a soothing tone of voice."
She is doing everything 100% wrong. People who do not understand dog how dogs learn have no business telling someone with a problem how to fix it.
Every one of those things the reinforces the dogs fear. Those are human actions and emotions that reward him and tell the dog you are agreeing with him.
All it teaches him is that when he is frightened of the thunder, he gets rewarded for it your attention. This only adds to his anxiety. We are in a horrible thunder storm as I write this in Philadelphia and all 5 of my dogs are sound asleep on the sofa.
Now please - read some information provided by professionals and not people who mean well but have no cluewhat the bleepity bleep they are talking about.
What to Do If Your Dog's Afraid of Thunder and Other Startling Noises
http://www.animalhumanesociety.org/bhv_thunder.asp
2007-06-12 09:08:48 · answer #2 · answered by panjpetevents 3 · 1⤊ 5⤋
Poor thing,
My Lab is the same way. All you can do is get him where he knows he is safe, where he sleeps. Does he have a crate or bed of some kind? If he is crate trained put him in it and close the door. Give him a good sized dog treat. Then put a large towel or blanket over it so he thinks he's hiding. It may take some doing and he may never like it. My Lab is 14 years old and I still have to help him during thunder storms.
2007-06-12 08:53:26 · answer #3 · answered by Suzy 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
How to calm down a dog that is scared of thunder?
It just started pouring rain over her where I live and there's very strong wind pounding on the door as well as lightning and thunder and my dog is terrified. He's a labrador and golden retriever mix, as if it matters. Any suggestions on how I can calm him down?
2015-08-06 20:08:43 · answer #4 · answered by Nicholle 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crate or kennel with a blanket over it (if the dog is accustomed to being crated - this creates the feeling of a den or haven); soft music playing.
Don't make a fuss over the dog as it will reinforce the behavior. Act like everything is normal; if you cuddle and coo then he will think something really IS the matter!
At least bring it inside, put it in laundry room or bathroom and do the music thing...
2007-06-12 08:46:43 · answer #5 · answered by Karen W 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This is what you do, find or make a tape of thunder and play it on low when ever you are playing with her, As soon as she gets used to that play is a little louder every time that way when there really is storm she will think it's just the tape.
2007-06-12 08:57:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
A lot of people say cuddle and a lot of people say ignore your dog but I had the same problem. My Labrador was only five months old and she would totally freak out in bad weather. I finally had to get some pills from the vet that relaxed her and now she isn't scared anymore.
2007-06-12 09:58:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I put my dog in a very confy room. Preferly its FAVORITE room. Turn the tv on because most dogs get distracted by the tv. CLose the windows and make sure the room has insulation. That muffles the sound a little. When thunder hits you must hold him tight and try feeding him a snack.
2007-06-12 08:49:16 · answer #8 · answered by hardworker :D 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sometimes putting a small blanket on top of the dog to cover it will help.
If you pet him and reassure him it might only intensify his fear of thunder.
You can tel him also, that Thunder is the sound of the "Sky Dogs" playing up in the sky -- and they are knocking over their water dish -- that's why it's raining <:-)
2007-06-12 08:47:07 · answer #9 · answered by aattura 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Bach flower essences - Rescue Remedy
Young Living - Peace and Calming
Lavender oils
They work very well on my sound sensitive BC's.
2007-06-12 08:48:23 · answer #10 · answered by BC Fun 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋