As hard as it may sound, when your dog is showing signs of fear, you want to avoid comforting him. This only reinforces your dog's fear. Instead, try to distract him by asking him to perform simple tricks or commands, and always reward him for good behavior.

OTHER ALTERNATIVES
• If your dog has been crate trained, your dog may react better to storms if he's inside of his crate. If he doesn't have a crate, create a safe place for him to go to when a storm approaches. Bear in mind that your dog's safe place must be one that he considers safe; you can find it by observing where your dog hides when he is afraid. Encourage your dog to go to that place as thunderstorms approach. You can also feed your dog there or play with him in his safe place so that he begins to associate good things with storms.

• Don't leave your dog outside during thunder storms. If your dog is very fearful, he may attempt to escape and risk injury in the process.
• Try to associate storms with your dog's favorite toy, game or a special treat. Your dog may just get absorbed enough in this other activity and quickly forget about the storm.

• Soften the storm's sounds by turning on an air conditioner, television, or radio, and close your window blinds. This will block the outside view while creating a safe atmosphere at home for your dog to feel secure and relaxed.

Your attitude can greatly help your dog overcome his fear. Dogs are very sensitive to the mood of people so they can be just as influenced by the storm as they are to your reaction to it. While a storm is in progress, take a very relaxed approach, ignoring it and carrying on with your normal household routine. By acting this way, you will encourage your dog to follow your example.

ORIGINAL TEXT:
Dog Fancy

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