Storm-phobic dogs panic and attempt to make a frenzied escape from their surroundings when they sense a thunderstorm. Owners of affected dogs report witnessing their dogs chewing "with such unending force that their muzzles and feet become injured and bloody," according to baytownhumanesociety.org. Training your dog to calm down during a storm requires a desensitization program characterized by positive reinforcement methods, and calming remedies used adjunctively to enhance training results.
Things You'll Need
- CD mimicking thunderstorms
- Training treats
- Dog toys
- 20 or 30 ml Rescue Remedy
Instructions
The "Take Cover" Training Game
Teach your dog to relax in the presence of sounds of thunderstorms. Purchase a CD that mimics thunderstorm sounds. Play the CD at low volume initially, increasing the sound gradually as your dog acclimates.
Coax your dog to a secluded area like a closet or bathroom, where he is least likely to injure himself while the CD plays. Lure him with a treat by holding it to his nose and gesturing with the treat hand toward the area. Praise lavishly when he lies down in the bathroom or closet. Massage your dog, rub his tummy and use a soothing, happy tone of voice.
Repeat luring your dog to his safe space in three sessions per day, getting him to lie down and relax five times during each of those sessions. This practice helps your dog associate the sounds of the storm with going to a safe place to relax. Increase the volume of the CD only if your dog performs going to his room without anxiety. Once your dog is eager to play this game, add a command.
Say, "take cover" or "let's relax" in a calm tone, as you walk with your dog to the safe zone. Adding a phrase to indicate "go to the closet (or bathroom) and relax" puts the behavior on cue for times when a real storm comes through. This is proactive training. It prepares your dog for "the real thing" and keeps him focused on playing the game, rather than chewing to escape.
Practice all of the training steps many times during an actual thunderstorm. Remain calm if your dog's compulsive behavior returns, but be persistent in coaxing him to the safe zone.
Natural Calming Remedy
Administer Rescue Remedy 30 minutes before you expect a storm. Rescue Remedy for dogs provides natural stress relief for many thunder-phobic dogs. Mix four drops of Rescue Remedy in an ounce of water.
Fill a dropper with the solution. Place four drops directly in your dog's mouth. If your dog is agitated, do not attempt to use the dropper and risk injury. Instead place four drops on a treat and feed.
Administer four drops twice daily during storm season for dogs exhibiting extreme fear and that risk injury trying to escape. Add 10 drops to every gallon of water in his bowl on days that you are not at home.