[pyrnet] thunder fear

["Susan Irving" <sirving@rogers.com>]

Stacy had written about this a few weeks ago and I've only just found what I
had read on this, so I am sending it on.

Susan

Dogs that continue to panic when a storm approaches and dogs that develop
such apprehension as adults may have to be reconditioned. Some behaviorists
recommend creating an artificial storm with environmental tapes or stereo
recordings. The reconditioning procedure is time-consuming but has a high
success rate.

  a.. Begin by finding the dog a safe place on a rug or a bed that he thinks
of as his own. Then play with the dog in the vicinity of the rug, teach him
to down-stay on the rug, and feed him treats there. Use a particularly
appealing treat, not simply a dog biscuit.
  b.. When the dog is comfortable on the rug, turn on the recording very
softly, so you can barely hear it. Give him a bit of treat every few seconds
unless he is showing signs of anxiety. The reward should be for a lack of
fear; giving the treat when he is panting, drooling, or otherwise escalating
nervousness rewards the fear itself. After a few minutes, increase the
volume of the recorded storm. If the dog becomes fearful, lower the volume
for another five minutes, then raise it again, ever so slightly. The idea is
to create a storm that rumbles in, rages for a few minutes, then travels on.
  c.. When the dog is relaxed on his rug during a half-hour "storm," play
the recordings under different circumstances--when the dog is eating, when
you are working about the house in other rooms, etc. Then, when the dog is
relaxed under these circumstances, set the stereo on a timer and leave the
house for a short time. Remember to set the volume low at first.
Thunderstorms are a constant presence in most area's summers, leaving little
time to desensitize a dog in between episodes. If a storm happens between
sessions, do what you can to calm the dog without adding to his panic. If he
needs a dark room, let him have it. If he wants to lean against your leg,
let him do so. If he follows you from room to room, accept his presence
without overreacting. If you have successfully been using mild
tranquilizers, continue treatment until reconditioning is complete.

I found this at www.canismajor.com/dog/thunder.html