Thunderstorm Terror and Helping Your Dog Cope

Brought to you by the AKC GoodDog! Helpline – the AKC’s 7-day-a-week training support service

By: Hilarie Erb

April showers might come with thunder, and while most dogs aren’t fazed by it, some are very afraid. Why? Nobody knows for sure, but dogs’ senses are very sharp; they may pick up on barometric pressure changes, which may predict thunder. Static electricity buildup due to a storm may also cause stress.

There are ways you can help your best friend. First, pay attention to the weather forecast and learn your dog’s body language so that you can recognize signs of fear. Panting, whining, barking, or pacing might be some signs. Severe fear behavior might even include destruction of property – doors, gates, etc. If you see your dog doing any of these things, check the weather! If a storm is predicted, you’ll know that your dog feels unsafe.

How can you provide comfort? Take it seriously and never punish or scold. But don’t baby the dog either. This can encourage even more anxiety. Staying calm yourself can help to show your dog that everything is okay.

If your dog has a favorite place to hide, make it available and comfortable, as long as it’s a safe place. Prepare it well ahead of when it might be needed. If it’s under a bed, close the bedroom door. Some dogs may like their crates, the laundry room, the back of a closet, even a bathtub! A crate in a quiet room without windows is ideal. This can be a place your dog uses at any time, regardless of the weather. During a storm, provide an extra special chew or treat or maybe a lick mat with peanut butter or other favorite food spread on it.

For safety, it is best to confine terrified dogs to a small, den-like space and to make sure that they cannot escape from the home. A frightened dog might bolt and run for miles and get lost, or worse, run into a road.

Some tips that may help your best friend:

• Comfort your dog: Your dog may find comfort simply in being near you, maybe getting gently stroked.
• Background noise: music or television.
• Counter condition: play recordings of loud noises, starting at a low volume. Pair high value treats with this and increase volume gradually, as your pup gets more comfortable.
• Stay calm yourself. Dogs pick up on our emotions and behavior.
• Start with a tired dog – if the forecast calls for a storm, exercise the dog beforehand.
• Try a calming vest.

The most important thing is to keep your dog safe; it’s when dogs are very frightened that they can escape the safety of your home and get lost. Complete relaxation during a storm or fireworks may never happen, but with patience and time, you can help your dog get through these scary times. For dogs that get destructive and cannot be calmed, talk to your vet about medication.

For more tips and advice on training your dog, join the AKC GoodDog! Helpline, a seven-day-a-week telephone support service staffed by experienced dog trainers: www.akcgooddoghelpline.org.