RE: [pyrnet] Fear of thunderstorms

["Barbara Mattson" <bmattson@francomm.com>]

Our dog has always been afraid of thunderstorms.  She retreats to her crate
in the basement--the only time she goes there now that she is grown. I'm
told that it because it is like a den. Interestingly enough, I've been on
walks with her outdoors when storms have struck and she doesn't seem to be
afraid.  Is there any place or structure that would make your dog feel safe
during a storm?  I'm not suggesting that you put a structure in an open
field where it could get hit by lightening, but perhaps some other "shelter
area" might be available near the fields that she could retreat to. I've
heard of people using dogloos for working pyrs but I don't know if it would
solve this particular problem.

Barbara Mattson
Northeast Pyr Rescue Coordinator



-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org [mailto:owner-pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org]On
Behalf Of Bob Heinmiller
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 1:54 PM
To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org
Subject: [pyrnet] Fear of thunderstorms


Our Pyr, Atalanta, who will be five in November, has recently developed a
fear of thunderstorms, of which we have a lot here in the Shernandoah
Vally.  This is very strange, as she grew up here and never showed any fear
of storms at all.     Normally, she lives with her goats in an area of a
few acres fenced in with an electric fence.   No problem.   But now
whenever there is a storm, she finds a way out through/under the fence and
comes up to the house.   This is a problem because once out of the fence,
she could get down to the highway or into a neigbor's pasture.

At first, we tied her up to a tree near the house for a day or so.  She
hates this, because she doesn't like to be tied up or to not be near her
goats.    But, lately we have been tying her to a tree inside the fence for
several hours.   (The lead is long enough to allow her to get to shelter,
water, shade, and food.)    But, then when she is off the line and a storm
comes, she breaks out again.

We cannot afford an escape-proof fence around the property.   We do keep
the electric fence maintained, but a determined Pyr, with a heavy coat, can
usually find a place to squeeze under, with some momentary discomfort.

Our vet has recommended putting her inside a pen inside the fence overnight
each time she gets out, so she does not have to be tied, which Atalanta
finds humiliating.   I will get that set up this weekend.   She (the vet)
also says she has seen older dogs develop such fears, but they grow out of
it.

Anyone else run into this?   Suggestions welcome.
        ..Bob


~~~~~~~~~~
                Robert Heinmiller
Omnet, Inc.
                (21 North Central Avenue)
                Post Office Box 1285
                Staunton, Virginia  24402
                USA

                R.Heinmiller@Omnet.org
                +540.885.5800
                http://www.Omnet.com


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