Fear of thunderstorms is quite common in dogs, and the onset of the fear
can be obscure. Sometimes a dog is afraid from puppyhood; sometimes a
particularly bad storm is connected to another fearful event in the dog's
life; and sometimes the origin of the fear cannot be pinpointed.
Puppies may pick up fear or discomfort with storms from their people, so it
is important to develop a matter-of-fact attitude when dealing with a
frightened youngster. Let the pup stay close, reassure him that he's fine,
and coax him to play to divert his attention, but don't hover over him,
stroke him incessantly, or cuddle him anxiously.
Storms that develop from rapidly falling barometric pressure can
subliminally affect an animal, so the dog may demonstrate anxiety even
before the storm can be heard. Again, it is important to reassure the dog
that he is fine and to not exaggerate the situation.
Dogs that continue to panic when a storm approaches and dogs that develop
such apprehension as adults may have to be reconditioned. Some behaviorists
recommend creating an artificial storm with environmental tapes or stereo
recordings. The reconditioning procedure is time-consuming but has a high
success rate.
* Begin by finding the dog a safe place on a rug or a bed that he
thinks of as his own. Then play with the dog in the vicinity of the rug,
teach him to down-stay on the rug, and feed him treats there. Use a
particularly appealing treat, not simply a dog biscuit.
* When the dog is comfortable on the rug, turn on the recording very
softly, so you can barely hear it. Give him a bit of treat every few
seconds unless he is showing signs of anxiety. The reward should be for a
lack of fear; giving the treat when he is panting, drooling, or otherwise
escalating nervousness rewards the fear itself. After a few minutes,
increase the volume of the recorded storm. If the dog becomes fearful,
lower the volume for another five minutes, then raise it again, ever so
slightly. The idea is to create a storm that rumbles in, rages for a few
minutes, then travels on.
* When the dog is relaxed on his rug during a half-hour "storm," play
the recordings under different circumstances--when the dog is eating, when
you are working about the house in other rooms, etc. Then, when the dog is
relaxed under these circumstances, set the stereo on a timer and leave the
house for a short time. Remember to set the volume low at first.
Thunderstorms are a constant presence in most area's summers, leaving
little time to desensitize a dog in between episodes. If a storm happens
between sessions, do what you can to calm the dog without adding to his
panic. If he needs a dark room, let him have it. If he wants to lean
against your leg, let him do so. If he follows you from room to room,
accept his presence without overreacting. If you have successfully been
using mild tranquilizers, continue treatment until reconditioning is complete.
-- By Norma Bennett Woolf --