.......is forecast for this evening into the small hours. We have always adopted a no fuss stance with our dog Sky and she has never got frightened or upset and we have never had to go to her in the night. I have been hoping that the first thunder and lightning for Red would be during the day so I could just carry on as normal and show her there is nothing to worry about. I know if she is asleep and wakes and cries, I am going to struggle with what to do if we are in bed. She sleeps in her crate in the kitchen. My DH will say I must ignore her as by reacting will show her it is something to worry about. What do other people do?
You cannot reinforce fear (http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/th...ou-cant-reinforce-fear-dogs-and-thunderstorms), so if she is afraid, go to her and try to calm her.
Our pups are played thunder sounds from birth (and many other sounds too) so I continue the practice. None of my pups have reacted to thunder, day or night.
I've never had a problem with storms, fireworks etc. and would advise just a calm, soothing attitude to give reassurance if Red should show any distress. Fear is an emotion, not a behaviour, so can not be reinforced. All dogs are different, in just the same way as us humans, so what works for one who is disturbed by thunder doesn't work for another. Fingers crossed that the promised thunderstorms miss you - we're due one anytime soon and then again this evening.
Thank you everyone. I have just played the two thunder sounds (albeit on a low volume) @Boogie - Red is asleep next to me - she hasn't moved. I have just looked at the forecast again and it has changed so you may well be right @Jojo83. What a good idea @Boogie to play different sounds from birth - what else do they hear? Guide dogs certainly have a good structure to their upbringing - I like it .
When we went to visit Rory as a pup his breeder used play CDs of different noises. It was hilarious one day it was all things like helicopters planes trains and cars. Next time it was storms winds etc. She's starts off very quiet and gets it louder as they get bigger and its really worked.
Dogs Trust has a series on de-sensitising against noises if you're interested @Atemas , and it's free https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/dog-behaviour-health/sound-therapy-for-pets
About a year ago I started playing firework noises to Bailey from the dogs trust website - being in Northampton (UK) we have a town show around this time of year and there are always loads of fireworks. Bailey never seemed bothered by them, and now if he hears a firework go off, he looks up and then looks as us as if to say "really....at this time of day/night". If he could roll his eyes I really think he would . If we get the expected thunder storms tonight I fully expect him up on our bed snuggled up to me with his head on my pillow "sharing" it with me - although this is a daily occurrence it is not usually until almost morning (or as its called now in our house - mummy get up time) if he gets startled he will just climb up for a snuggle.
Everything you can imagine - trains, planes, trucks, helicopters, people shouting, thunder, animals - you name it. Once they get to the breeding centre (they spend a week there with their litter while they are assessed) they play the sounds randomly during the day and night on speakers. The brood bitch holders are given CDs to play - also randomly. .
I found thus website and am glued to it whenever bad weather is forecast. Interesting to watch the storms move past. https://www.lightningmaps.org
Belle used to get into a bit of a whine-flap if there was lightening or firework flashes at night. She'd pace and whine and was inconsolable. She was fine with the noise.
Harley doesn't like fireworks unless she can see them. If she can see them she's fine, otherwise she barks like mad. Thunderstorms - she will bark once or twice then snuggle up closer to me and go back to sleep. Hopefully Red will be ok if you do get a thunderstorm tonight
We had a fair bit of thunder and lightening last night but not directly overhead and no rain. The lightening was very bright. Not a peep from Red fortunately .
