The Happy Hound                  

Let's face it, if you've got a dog with storm phobia and you live in Nashville, Tennesse:  You've got a problem!

Here are few things to remember:

1.  Make sure your dog is really safe.  Don't leave your dog unattended in the yard, ever.  A car backfire is enough to spook at storm-phobic dog into a panicked escape.

2.  Don't react to your dog's fear by comforting or holding your dog.  What you're really doing is reinforcing fearful behavior. 

   2. (a) If you are present, prevent your dog from choosing to hide on his own by either putting him in a crate (if he's comfortable there) or tethering him near you...but not close enough to touch you.

  2. (b) If you are present, find something to do that completely absorbs your attention so that you are not watching your dog quivering with fear.  You are there, but you are not a party to the panic. (Well, somebody has to look like they know what's going on!)

3.  Make sure your dog is on food and treats without beet pulp and with no more than 32% protein.

4. Use a Thunder Shirt and Calming Formula together--both are available from Dizzy's Dog Wash.

Beagie had severe thunder storm phobia six years ago.   Now, she asks to go out to pee and poop in all sorts of bad weather and will even sit outside and share a chicken sandwhich with me on the Fourth of July (the bane of most storm-phobic dogs...a holiday devoted to human-made thunder)!

If you have a dog with storm phobia, I am more than happy to meet with you and work out a plan to get you and your dog on the road to enjoying stormy nights!