how to deal w/ a dog that freaks out over thunder?

[Cara]

I agree with the desensitization suggestions. You might also try Clomicalm, it's like a Glade plug-in but is supposed to calm animals down.

Also, and you probably already do this, ignore the behaviour. Reassuring is the same as rewarding to a dog, and makes the problem worse.

My old Bloodhound hated storms, probably because she was kept outside before I adopted her. She would pace and drool and whine, but luckily not climb on my head. I'd just ignore her and eventually she would find herself a safe spot under a desk or behind the sofa until it was over.

 

[Wynette]

Desensitizing is the best, I agree!!

Try to catch some Cesar Millan episodes if you can, or check out his website - he's got lots of tips & I believe even some episode excerpts: http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/

Sedating should be a last resort. It'll take some time, but it'll be time well worth it.

And, as Cara says, AVOID petting or any other affection while they're all hyped up; this is rewarding the negative behavior. Also, try (it's VERY difficult) to not feel sorry for them. Dogs sense anxiety (feeling sorry, anger, exasperation) and view the person displaying that anxiety as being weak, and they won't follow a weak leader.

Good luck!

 

[Agilityscots]

Here are a few things I recommend for my clients:

1. If you go the medication route, which CAN assist in counterconditioning and desensitization, avoid acepromazine (the drug of choice for most vets). Studies have shown that ace dulls motor skills but not the brain; in other words, a frightened and panicked dog is trapped inside a non-responsive body. If you try medication, ask specifically for alprazolam (Xanax). Drugging the dog in and of itself is not the answer...however, medication can be a huge help when dealing with such a hard-wired phobia. I strongly recommend it in conjunction with behavior modification for thunderstorm phobia.

2. Purchase the book Help for Your Fearful Dog by Nicole Wilde. She has a wonderful chapter on thunderstorm phobia. She also clearly explains desensitization and counterconditioning; exposure and desensitization are NOT the same thing!

3. Purchase a Comfort Zone plug-in (Cara thought it was called Clomicalm, which is actually an oral medication). Comfort Zone contains dog-appeasing pheromone and diffuses it throughout a room to help calm anxious or stressed dogs. I've found that it doesn't help with the worst anxiety cases, but it certainly can't hurt to try it.

4. Melatonin. Some clients have had success by giving their dogs melatonin and doing nothing else. Google melatonin, thunderstorms and dogs and you'll find all sorts of information.

5. Please don't just ignore the dog when she's suffering. While it's not a good idea to pet/soothe/coddle while she's reacting to the storm, neither is it helpful to just hope she'll go find comfort somewhere else. If she'll eat, it can be helpful to play "obedience training" with delicious treats like cheese or hot dogs, and ask for behaviors that will earn her a cookie. In other words, reward her for something else. Don't just ignore her.

Hope this helps.

Amy (who, when not busy collecting eggs, is a professional dog trainer)