How to desensitize a dog to storms?
Arne Shanahan
2025-07-05 04:16:45
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To desensitize a dog to storms, give them a safe space, and not punish them for any behavior during thunderstorms, including destruction and whining. Dogs like going to a space like their crate or a dark closet during a thunderstorm because it’s familiar and soothing. If they’re in an enclosed space where they are comfortable and familiar, that’s going to be more soothing to them. You can play white noise — or classical music is especially calming to dogs. Talking in a soothing manner, and, if your dog likes it, pet them in long, calming strokes. Chewing and puzzle toys can also help your dog during a thunderstorm. If your dog gets destructive, chewing and licking are self-soothing behaviors, giving them positive outlets for that can be really helpful.
Grace Rutherford
2025-06-27 15:02:54
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While we can't recreate these environmental changes quite like Mother Nature can, you can prepare using sound recordings of thunderstorms and be prepared with high-value treats and providing a safe space for your dog when a storm rolls in. Taking time to pair the sound of thunder and lighting with positive experiences can help your puppy learn that storms are no big deal. Proactive exposure practice for thunderstorms is especially important if you live in an area that experiences frequent thunder. And when there is a storm on the horizon, you can take advantage of the training opportunity.
Flossie Ratke
2025-06-27 14:56:25
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Having a safe place for your dog to retreat to when it’s storming is a great way for them to find comfort. This space could be a kennel, a bed or even a small room and should include comfortable bedding and some of their favorite toys. Calming music can help dogs relax during a storm. Scientific studies have found that classical music, reggae and even soft rock can be calming to dogs, and now, streaming services have music and playlists designed specifically to help calm dogs. Exposing puppies to the sounds of thunderstorms when they are young is a great way to prepare them as they age. Some dogs may benefit from medical or nutraceutical assistance through their veterinarian. These products can help calm and relax dogs when given before a storm passes through. Providing support through physical touch, talking to them calmly or even just your proximity can bring comfort. Above all, be kind and patient with your dog throughout the thunderstorm. By remaining calm and setting a good example, you’ll help him ride out the storm.
Alba Champlin
2025-06-27 14:26:31
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I like to use desensitization and counter conditioning to help dogs get over a fear of thunder. Desensitization is simply exposing a subject (dog in this case) to a stimulus (the sound of thunder) over and over until the subject has disassociated the sound from the fear. This is a wonderful approach, provided you dont make it too intense. In order for desensitization to help a dog get over a fear, it has to be at a low enough intensity that the dog doesn’t feel scared. Instead you need to go slow and gradually increase the volume so the dog is aware of it but isnt fearful. When you find this threshold, all the food helps counter the dog’s negative feelings. After a while the dog starts to build a positive association as the sound is now an indicator that something it likes or enjoys is about to occur. You can’t go over the dog’s threshold (how much it can handle). If you go past that point, you are doing something called “flooding.”
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