Our vet has started him on diazapam and it helps. But there are sometimes when a strom will happen when we are at work and we did not know it was comming, so he gets very scared and brakes his crate and chews everything in the house. What are some ways we can train him to not be so frightened of storms?
Also when we are at work we crate him and when those storms come he just brakes out of his crate and destroys our house. Does any know of a crate the is almost indestrucable or unexcapable?
Thanks for the help.
(sorry if I spelled anything wrong.)
2007-09-07 02:44:55 · 6 answers · asked by John K 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
he is an American Stadfordshire Terrier
2007-09-07 02:47:16 · update #1
I don't know of any crate that will hold a panicking, terrified dog. Do you currently use a wire crate? If so, a plastic one might be better.
Counterconditioning to storms is difficult, partly because the dog may be reacting to things like the change in barometric pressure or the darkness. You can't really recreate those. But, you can get him to be less frightened of the noise. There are cds available with thunderstorm noises. Get one and play it at the lowest volume. Immediately start to make excellent things happen for your dog - give him chicken, play with him, give him a rawhide, praise him, etc. Play the cd for about one minute. When you turn off the cd, stop all excellent things. Try to do this a few times a day.
When he visibly has no reaction to the cd you may start to play it a bit longer (add about 30 seconds every two or three times you play it). Once he is comfortable with the cd playing for about ten minutes, turn up the volume slightly. Go back to playing the disc for only one minute. Repeat the entire process at this volume, raise it again, etc. You can also play the cd even longer after you have been doing this for awhile.
2007-09-07 03:14:06 · answer #1 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some pretty indestructable crates but they are the high dollar ones. Many of the wire crates you see in pet supply stores are pretty light metal. You can talk to the store manager about needing a very strong crate and see what he can get for you and the cost. I just don't think the light weight wire or the Vari-kennel type will hold a strong dog that is terrified.
Also, I had a dog that went into an absolute panic mode over storms and fireworks. I gave him melatonin (bought over the counter at most pharmacies and grocery stores) and that calmed him. A radio or TV left on also helped to block some of the noise from outside.
Good luck, I can emphathize having had one myself that freaked out.
2007-09-07 10:17:23 · answer #2 · answered by gringo4541 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a hard one. I have a bullmastiff that is the same way. I am not sure of an indestructable crate but if you find one will you let me know. What I do with mine. I have become a weather fanatic. If there is the slightest chance of rain I will give him a high dose of Benedryl in the morning. This works as a sedative but not quite as strong as the Valum. I have also found that he loves the closet. When the rain comes i just put him in the closet and crack the door so that he is able to get out if he wants. I will go back and check on him in about 30 minutes and his is always asleep. GOOD LUCK.
2007-09-07 09:55:05 · answer #3 · answered by brittanyw13@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog;s condition is genetic, not much you can do about it. He has weak nerves which do not allow him to handle some things. As far as crates, there are aluminum crates out there that will hold a horse, I know, I have one and use it for a much more determined dog. Google aluminum dog crates and pick one that you like and can afford. Good luck.
2007-09-07 10:16:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, have you got a problem!
Your dog is going to have to learn that storms are no big deal. And the best way to teach that is to let him see you ignoring the storm. Don't talk to him or fuss over him. But let him see you act like everything is perfectly normal
Now- My mother has a kennel for her lab dog that stays inside. And as you know, labs are strong dogs. The kennel is actually more of a wire cage than just about anything else. Perhaps that will prove resistant to destruction.
Good luck!
2007-09-07 10:20:02 · answer #5 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most dogs are petrified of storms and all the noise associated with it.
Try simply just putting him in your bathroom or small laundry type laundry room (with 0 breakable around) and a radio with music playing to drown out sounds.
2007-09-12 04:04:58 · answer #6 · answered by deltadawn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋