Many owners of a shy animal make a gross mistake, perceiving the fear of a dog as a whim. They do not show proper attention to the pet, which is completely in vain. If in such a situation the dog is not helped, then such fear will soon grow into a real phobia, and this is already dangerous for the health of animals, especially in old age. And, of course, the dog in no case can not be physically punished, raise its voice, spank - so you just instill in the animal's mind even greater fear. Now the thunder will become associated with the dog also with bodily suffering.
The dog, as a rule, is afraid of thunderstorms because of the shattering wall of thunder. Such a fear in a dog always has several underlying causes. Often, dogs tell stories that when on New Year's Eve or just during the evening walk their pet so much frightened the sound of a broken firecracker that now he is afraid of any loud sounds. Especially difficult is the fear of the dog, if she had to go through some serious accident that accompanied a loud sound, for example, a car accident.
Degree of fear of the animal
Fear of dogs, depending on strength and manifestation, is divided into three degrees:
Weak degree - when she behaves noticeably little anxiety in the animal's behavior, the dog looks for the eyes where the sound comes from, but it can be controlled, it can respond to the nickname and perform all the commands of the owner.
The average degree - the animal becomes noticeably fussy, it is afraid of thunder so that it can start barking, without hunting it performs commands and does not take treats.
Severe degree - with her the dog completely loses control of itself, it begins to tremble, toss, constantly whining or barking, which seems more like a cry of despair. Some animals in a fit of fear begin to vigorously lick the same place, even to irritation on the skin. Some try to hide, climbing into a secluded place and sitting there until the thunderstorm is over. It also happens that the dog stops controlling urination and defecation. Some dog owners even talk about examples of completely inadequate behavior, for example, when a pet gnaws a hole in the floor, which has never been done before.
The dog needs help in all three cases! The most common mistake of the owners is the behavior, in which they try in a flattering tone to calm the dog, caress it, give a treat with every new thunder. This can not be done, because the fear of the dog only increases. The fact is that the dog will invariably perceive such a fawning as a praise, they say, you are afraid - it's good, well done. She will think that it's normal to be afraid, because at that time you are looked after, patted and treated. Animal will decide what to shake, tighten the tail and plaintively whine is necessary to please the owner. In this case, the dog may even begin to deceive you, portray a violent fright, in order to get extra attention and affection.
How to help a dog cope with fear
If the dog is afraid of a thunderstorm too much, it is often necessary to follow the weather forecast, and before the thunderstorm begins to give her a mild sedative, for example, on natural herbs. If such a remedy does not help, it is better to consult a veterinarian so that he prescribes your pet a more effective drug. However, one drug intervention can not do. We'll have to be patient and slowly, gradually, to accustom the dog to a frightening factor - the sound of thunder.
There are several fairly effective methods to save the dog from fear of a thunderstorm. First, you need to stop calming the animal and reinforcing its fears with delicacy. A dog of thunder is afraid if the owner allows it to do so. He, on the contrary, must behave outwardly absolutely calmly. To the dog really calmed down, you need to try to distract it by playing or practicing important commands. Do not immediately abandon this occupation, as soon as the animal shows an unwillingness to obey. You need to be persistent, but in no case do not snap a dog, do not yell at it - by this you just strengthen the fear of the dog.
Very much helps exercise - running around in a circle next to the owner during a thunderstorm. You can do this even in the apartment, if space allows. The dog will feel that she runs away from danger, but at the same time she will hear thunder. Over time, her fear will gradually subside, she will get used to the sounds. If the dog does not want to go out with you on the street, then you can start running around the room, sometimes it's even more effective, since the situation is less frightening.
Prevention of Thunderstorm
In order to prevent especially great fear, when an animal is afraid of thunder simply panicky, you need to record on the disc rumblings of thunder and give listen to the dog 2-3 times a day for an hour. This exercise is extremely effective. To begin with, the sound should be made quiet to prevent the dog from experiencing fear, but at the same time draw its attention to outgoing sounds. When the pet gets used to the sound of thunder and stops listening to them, you can record more loudly so that it again attracts the dog's attention. At the same time, it is better to ignore dog fear, not calming it and not encouraging it. To listen to such records is necessary for several months every day. During this time, the dog will get used to the sounds of thunderstorms and stop fearing them. She will understand that thunder rumbles from the player and is not dangerous to her, so she will not pay any more attention to them.
If you do this exercise regularly, the pet will get used to the thunderstorm and will understand that it does not carry any threat for him. The main thing - to be patient, not to let the phobia of the pet on its own accord. Soon you will notice that the dog is much less afraid of thunder. Even if absolutely the fear does not go away, the pet will begin to transfer frightening sounds much calmer.