The Dreaded Thunder - Milton Ontario Dog Trainer

A thunder storm can make everyone stressed and nervous.

Remember how scary thunder was when you were a child? And how the lightening added to the fear? But your parents explained that there was nothing to fear, and it couldn't really hurt you unless you stood outside under the tallest tree in the back yard or tallest metal object on the playground.

Unfortunately, we can not explain away this natural phenomenon to our dogs. There is no way of telling them that it won't hurt them, and that the sound is, well that, just a sound.

It is a controversial subject, how to control your dogs fear during thunderstorms, with many suggested measures that can be taken to help alleviate the fearful response. Some suggest ignoring the reaction from your dog, others admit a good distraction works well, while still other are in a debate whether or not comforting your dog has any negative affects.

I was awoken the other night at about 1:15am to a 7 month old baby, roused from sleep by the thunder. Then, at 3:30am, a little dog crept in my room, pacing and shivering because of the weather outside.

What I have found works well is a distraction during the storm, such as a game with favorite toy, or a trick training session with much adored treats. I have also found that allowing the dog to remain in his or her "comfort zone", often times a crate, plush bed, beneath one of their favorite persons legs or a certain room, will reduce some of the worry from your storm hating canine.

At 3:30am, a rousing game of fetch is definitely out of the question, so a trip to the crate, complete with soft bedding, was the option I choose, and what was left of the night remained peacefully quite.

Of course, not all dogs will respond in kind to the above suggestions. If you have a dog who is reactive during bad weather, don't be afraid to try something new to help her out. Get creative, be empathetic and remember to remain calm yourself. If you are afraid of storms, this is just going to exacerbate your dogs reaction, so enlist someone else who can keep it together when the lightening strikes to help you with your dog if you begin to feel panicky at the first sign of rain.

If, at any time, your dog's reactions become progressively worse, seek the help of a local trainer or behaviourist and they can also give you some ideas to try and help your friend through the stormy season.