Gainesville, Georgia – As the summer thunderstorm season approaches, Bruce and Robin Edwards, owners of Home Dog Training would like to help dog owners know how to manage their dog’s fear of thunder and lightning. Dogs can be trained to deal with their reactions to violent storms and feel calmer through all the noise and bright flashes of a thunder storm.

“Thunderstorms are a common fear in dogs, causing many to become frightened, escape the home, get destructive, or even hurt themselves,” said Bruce Edwards, dog behavioral therapist and trainer, Home Dog Training. “Dogs can sense that a storm is on the way, and they often begin to show signs of anxiety even before the storm can be heard.”

Edwards would like to offer these tips to help your dog learn to be relaxed during storms, fireworks or other “loud times” that may be very scary to him:

  • Make sure that your dog a safe place to stay during storms.  Create a quiet, den-like area inside your house.  Your dog will feel more secure there. A properly socialized crate or kennel can be a calming refuge for him. When a storm is getting near, take your dog to his special place to help him feel safe and protected.
  • Dogs can become frightened when the storm approaches because of the actions of family members. It is important that you maintain a calm and collected attitude when a storm is approaching. “Let your dog stay close and try to distract him with fin and diverting activities” said Edwards. “Do not try to comfort him in a sympathetic voice. This sounds like praise and may increase his nervousness and confusion.”
  • Keep windows and curtains closed when the storm hits.  This will reduce noise and bright flashes. Keep your television on to distract your dog and help him to relax.
  • Some dogs can be destructive when they are frightened. Using a crate is a great method to keep your dog safe and your belongings in one piece. If you don’t use a crate, take all the “destroy-able items” out of the room with your dog.
  • Always keep proper identification securely fastened to your dog’s collar in case he gets out. A microchip provides an added layer of protection and helps the chances that your dog will be found if he is lost or runs away.
  • Keep your dog away from doors that go to the outside. “Your dog may be under very high stress, which could result in unintended injury to others entering your home or cause him to run outside and get lost or even worse,” said Edwards.
  • Your dog could have a lot of potty accidents due to his high level of fear and the rush of adrenaline he experiences during a storm. Be prepared for this and don’t get mad at him. It is not his fault.

Dogs that continue to become scared when a storm approaches may have to be reconditioned. You can do this by making a “make-believe storm with “storm sounds” and flashing lights. While reconditioning can take a bit of time, it can have a high success rate. Other options to try include the Thundershirt®, which uses gentle, constant pressure to calm your dog and reduce his anxiety and fearfulness. In extreme instances, medication may be the best solution to help your dog cope with his fear of storms. Talk with your vet about possible solutions, in conjunction with training.

“Your dog’s fear of thunderstorms won’t get better all by itself,” said Edwards. “Help him learn that a thunderstorm is just noise and is nothing for him to worry about. When he learns to relax and remain calm, you too can relax and not worry about your dog during future storms.”

Gainesville, Georgia – As the summer thunderstorm season approaches, Bruce and Robin Edwards, owners of Home Dog Training would like to help dog owners know how to manage their dog’s fear of thunder and lightning. Dogs can be trained to deal with their reactions to violent storms and feel calmer through all the noise and bright flashes of a thunder storm.

“Thunderstorms are a common fear in dogs, causing many to become frightened, escape the home, get destructive, or even hurt themselves,” said Bruce Edwards, dog behavioral therapist and trainer, Home Dog Training. “Dogs can sense that a storm is on the way, and they often begin to show signs of anxiety even before the storm can be heard.”

Edwards would like to offer these tips to help your dog learn to be relaxed during storms, fireworks or other “loud times” that may be very scary to him:

  • Make sure that your dog a safe place to stay during storms.  Create a quiet, den-like area inside your house.  Your dog will feel more secure there. A properly socialized crate or kennel can be a calming refuge for him. When a storm is getting near, take your dog to his special place to help him feel safe and protected.
  • Dogs can become frightened when the storm approaches because of the actions of family members. It is important that you maintain a calm and collected attitude when a storm is approaching. “Let your dog stay close and try to distract him with fin and diverting activities” said Edwards. “Do not try to comfort him in a sympathetic voice. This sounds like praise and may increase his nervousness and confusion.”
  • Keep windows and curtains closed when the storm hits.  This will reduce noise and bright flashes. Keep your television on to distract your dog and help him to relax.
  • Some dogs can be destructive when they are frightened. Using a crate is a great method to keep your dog safe and your belongings in one piece. If you don’t use a crate, take all the “destroy-able items” out of the room with your dog.
  • Always keep proper identification securely fastened to your dog’s collar in case he gets out. A microchip provides an added layer of protection and helps the chances that your dog will be found if he is lost or runs away.
  • Keep your dog away from doors that go to the outside. “Your dog may be under very high stress, which could result in unintended injury to others entering your home or cause him to run outside and get lost or even worse,” said Edwards.
  • Your dog could have a lot of potty accidents due to his high level of fear and the rush of adrenaline he experiences during a storm. Be prepared for this and don’t get mad at him. It is not his fault.

Dogs that continue to become scared when a storm approaches may have to be reconditioned. You can do this by making a “make-believe storm with “storm sounds” and flashing lights. While reconditioning can take a bit of time, it can have a high success rate. Other options to try include the Thundershirt®, which uses gentle, constant pressure to calm your dog and reduce his anxiety and fearfulness. In extreme instances, medication may be the best solution to help your dog cope with his fear of storms. Talk with your vet about possible solutions, in conjunction with training.

“Your dog’s fear of thunderstorms won’t get better all by itself,” said Edwards. “Help him learn that a thunderstorm is just noise and is nothing for him to worry about. When he learns to relax and remain calm, you too can relax and not worry about your dog during future storms.”

For more information, please contact us at Call Bruce and Robin.