Thunderstorm Phobia

As the clouds darken and the storm approaches, the first rumblings of distant thunder send some of our canine companions ducking for cover. Coming closer, the loud clap frightens more and sets many to manic barking. The immediate crash of close lightning sends many into a panic. With the proper knowledge, we can help our canine companions cope with their fear of thunderstorms; when dealt with properly, it can be easily managed.

From: THE CANINE BEHAVIOR SERIES: Thunderstorms by Author and Trainer, Kathy Diamond Davis:

Fear of thunderstorms is common in dogs, and tends to get worse as they age. It is partly genetic. While some aspects of this problem remain a mystery, we know a lot that can make life easier for thunderstorm-phobic dogs and their families. Best of all, you may be able to help your dog avoid developing this fear in the first place.

Some general prevention and precautions recommended by Davis are:

• Keep your companion inside.
• If you must go outside, make it a fun, calm experience. Ideas include special treats for pottying outside, special games, and activities.
• Remain calm and upbeat. Our companions key in on our emotions, they will pick up any impatience, pity, or frustration in our voices.
• Do not reward your dog by providing attention for his or her fearful behavior.

For more severe cases Davis recommends:

Beyond the above tactics, here are some things you may decide to try:

1. A quiet, dark, sheltered refuge. Your dog may find the preferred spot independently, leaving you to simply make sure it stays consistently available to the dog. Chosen places dogs include basements, bathrooms (sometimes in the bathtub), closets, and crates that are kept in secluded parts of houses.

2. If your dog becomes frantic and as a result might suffer injury or do damage during a storm, you may need to develop a good means of confining the dog. Sometimes a secluded crate works, if the dog has been conditioned to rest calmly in a crate.

She has some more great suggestions, so if you have a companion that suffers from Thunderstorm phobia, be sure to read the rest of this short article. Like Davis says:

Don't take thunderstorm phobia lightly, even if the problem seems minor in your dog. Handled badly by humans, it will get worse, and dogs have been known to jump through glass windows during storms. Some dogs will throw up when it storms. Many dogs have fled fenced yards. This is a major problem that calls for intelligent handling at the first sign. Treat storms as a routine part of life, nothing to fear, and even perhaps occasion for some special times. Do these things before your dog ever shows signs of phobia, and perhaps you'll never experience a serious case.