thunderstorms

[dab_20]

my one year old pup is scared of thunder storms. at night when she is in her kennel and there is a thunder storm she whines like crazy. she doesn't quit until i take her out. how do i teach her there is nothing to be afraid of during thunder storms?

[ginagt]

Thunder storms are scary things for animals. What you can do is make it so she can't hear the thunder storm, play soothing music, turn on the TV anything to drown out the thunder storms.

Also be sure that you are not worried about the storm, dogs (animals) can sense when we are upset and key off our emotions. Talk to her in a happy voice. You can also randomly give her treats when the thunder is loud so she associates thunder with treats ( or good things).

Does she whine any other time she is in the crate or only when there is thunder?

[dab_20]

only when there is thunder. otherwise she will whine when she hears us get up in the mornings, because she knows it's time to go potty.

[ginagt]

My 1 year old only whines in the kennel if she has to go potty. I never let her out if she is whinning. She loves her kennel and is totally potty trained. She lets me know she has to go with a little whine but just for a second or 2. I never let her out when she is whinning or if she continues to whine (which she doesn't) she knows being quiet is what gets her out not the whining.

As for teaching your dog not to be scared of thunder, will require a postive coming from the scary thunder. Everytime there is thunder treats literally fall from the sky. You should be sitting there reading a magazine and when you hear thunder you throw treats on the floor for her. If you really want to train this then go get a CD that has thunder on it and play it during your training session. Play the CD for 1-2 minutes giving many treats ( use something low fat like cheerios so you can give lots but won't make your dog fat). Stop the Cd play with her for a few minutes and start it up again. Good luck and remember with any training this will take time and patience.

[dab_20]

my dog is the same way. she loves her kennel and is potty trained. thanx for the advice.

[ginagt]

Your welcome, hope it helps your dog.

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

Yup, Blaze is freaked out with storms too! I think the best thing is try to ignore them since they'll act even more scared if you give them attention. (he knows you'll give him attention if he acts this way) Blaze always stays in the basement during storms, so try getting him away from the thunderstorm in your house.

[dab_20]

ok thanks everyone.