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What else can I do for my dog during storms2007-11-25 2:51:33

She is so afraid of storms and I shut everything down and take her in my bedroom and lie down so she will calm down. I won't give her tranquilizers but maybe there is something else I could be doing.

Answers:

I have worked with several dogs with this problem. The best solution that I have found is as follows:

Get a CD or tape of a Thunderstorm and put it on and let it play.

The best time to do this is if you are cleaning house or doing something where you are moving about. Put a leash on your dog so that it has to go every where you do. Attach the leash to a belt or belt loop.

Do your moving around and ignore her reactions. When she following you or looking to you praise her verbally.

When she is afraid and you coddle her or pet her you are encoring the kind of feelings that she is having. You are sending a message to her that "It's OK to be afraid".

By moving around and not staying focused on her you are showing her that you are not paying attention to the storm, you are doing normal thing that she has seen you do before, and you are showing her that in any situation that she feels afraid she must first look to you and see how you are reacting to it. She will then learn to be calm unless she can tell that you are upset by something.

Good luck and it may take several time doing this, so don't give up after one try.

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it's a dog...

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Maybe singin or Cuddling with her to calm her down and stroking her fur/hair maybe shell fall asleep and forget all about it

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Rub your dogs ears.keep him distracted. Play some music if you can...

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Being with her & gently petting her is the best you can do.