Flashing lights. Booming cracks. Thunderstorms terrorizing your furry loved one?
Dogs have that fight-or-flight instinct like we do. They hear a loud, scary sound and some may react without a thought. Sadly, they don't always make the right decision. Instead of hiding away temporarily like a cat, dogs try to escape and get as far away from the scariness. That doesn't bode well for them or you!
You can help your dog in these stressful times, though!
1. Reward calm behavior. If you aren't giving your dog praise or treats for being calm, now is the time. You shouldn't wait until a storm comes. Teach your dog, in advance, that calm, relaxed behavior is appreciated and rewarded!
2. Create a safe haven. Where does your dog go when a storm approaches? Turn that location into a safe place by providing a cozy bed and a special treat. Ensure that your dog can easily come and go. They shouldn't feel trapped, so I don't recommend relying on a crate.
3. Desensitize. Play CDs (or other media) of thunderstorms to desensitize your dog from the sound. Keep the volume relatively low as you don't want to scare your pet. This won't stop their sensitivity to the static electricity or barometric pressure changes, but it can provide some relief and help the other trainings take root.
4. Engage with your dog. It is now time to pull out that dog tricks book and reinforce any others that your dog already knows. Ask your dog to perform a task and give him a treat when he does it. Distraction and mental, physical exercise is just what a dog needs on most days, storm or no storm.
5. "Dress Up" your dog. We all enjoy snuggling under the covers on dreary, stormy days. Give your dog a snug-fitting shirt to bring comfort. Make sure that it isn't too tight or too loose. Also, choose a garment that is lightweight and breathable. You can find these in your local pet store or check out a DIY version online.
6. Ask your vet or trainer. They deal with dogs regularly, getting positive and negative feedback from their clients on what works, so they should be able to steer you in the right direction.
Relieving anxiety can take time and it will vary from dog to dog. Some dogs' anxiety will be relieved quickly; a few days or weeks is all it takes. Others may need consistent training for months. Don't get discouraged, though. It will be well worth it for your dog and you. Who doesn't like a calm, confident individual after all?
One may want to consider a Thundershirt for your pet as it can have a calming effect on dogs in stressful situations.
 |
| Thundershirt |
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Quick-Guide:-How-To-Deal-With-Your-Dogs-Thunderstorm-Anxiety&id=9432583
No comments:
Post a Comment