Scared of storms

[keyslammer]

Thought I would ask all of you what we should do about Jersey. She is absolutely scared to death of storms (which we get our fair share of here in Texas) and now her fright has carried over into Lucy, her daughter. They will shake and tremble like they are having seizures and will NOT go 2 feet from us. My husband said that Jersey was probably scared at one time of some fireworks or something. Jersey is a previously mistreated, malnourished, mutt. She is about 2-years-old, and a mixture of Airedale, and maybe some Australian Shepherd. She's precious, but just SO insecure. In my other post I was telling you all about her behavior with chewing things up when my husband and I spend time together. Got some good answers from that thread and all are appreciated. Maybe someone can help us with this problem now.

 

[Maxy24]

you have to get a recording of the sound of thunder. Get the most realistic one possible and play it at a low volume, where she does not freak out. Give her treats for being good around the sound. Turn the volume up. If she freaks out turn the volume lower until you find a volume where she is calm and give her treats. Over time you will be able to have the volume blasting at the real loudness of thunder and if she does not freak out give her treats and praise. Keep in mind some dogs will not be fooled by the recording and will not freak out at all. If that is the case i'm not sure what to do. Also it is very important that during a storm if she freaks out to COMPLETLY ignore her, no petting and saying "it's OK", and if she does not freak out to give her treats and praise. During a storm you may want to put on the tv or some music to dull the sound of the storm. Hope i helped and good luck!