Too old?

[RickyB]

I've got a Corgi who is 1.5 years old. I was wondering whether anyone could help me with tips to stop her barking during a thunderstorm. She's doing it because she is nervous. Is there any way I could help her relax without coddling her too much?

RickyB

[pittiegurl]

She is nervous about the storm...Good ways to calm her are to give her this http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...1&N=2001&Nty=1

And plug this in somewhere in the room near where she is http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...1&N=2001&Nty=1

And just pet her & tell her that it will be okay...

BTW,Where did she come from? Breeder,Rescue,Pound,ect...

[HeartSong]

Welcome to the forum! I'd love to hear more about your dog and see pictures!

You could try desensitizing her to the sound. Get a thunderstorm CD or tape. Then play it at a very low volume and give her treats while she is good or put the player close to her food bowl during meal times. When she gets used to it at that volume you can turn it up a little at a time so she gradually gets used to the increase in volume. When she gets nervous during a storm, try distracting her. Play her favorite games or have her do some commands for treats or something like that. You can also turn on a television or something to help drown out the noise.

[RickyB]

Ohh...now you have asked for it.


Here are some pictures of my Dog, cat AND fish.

http://www.richardbarnard.net/pets/index.html

Her name is Charlotte and we love her to bits. We have taken films of her too, which you can find on Nicky's website. There is a nice one of them both 'playing the bird'. I didn't know dogs could do that?! We don't do it too much because she is a Corgi and we don't like her to jump too much. It's funny though and you only have to say the "B" word (Bird) and she pricks up her ears and runs to where it is. There is also a short film of Charlotte playing the lazer mouse too. So, we have to be careful with the M word (Mouse) too!

Well, let me know what you think. Thanks for the suggestions regarding the thunder. She normally gets scared at night when it is hard to play with her (because we are tired).

Also, here is a website where you can find out what Dog you are. You answer 10 questions about yourself, pressing the yellow button each time (some require you to put down multiple personality traits from a list). I thought it was funny. I'm a Bullmastiff. Click on GAME.

http://www.gone2thedogs.com/

Best,

Ricky

PS Is that stuff safe for kitties too?

[Moo]

I would go with desensitization as well.

Shaking a sheet of aluminium foil simulates a thunder-like noise.

[RickyB]

So I should just do that every now and again at night?

Ricky

[HeartSong]

What great pictures! I love how Nicky and Charlotte have matching coats. They sure look like they have fun playing together. I love the picture "Passed OUT!", she's soo cute in that one and playing in the snow. What was her birthday cake made of? It looks like it was yummy.

[RickyB]

The cake was made of a dog biscuit with a small amount of peanut butter (I think, that or pumpkin) and a few carrots for candles. They are quite the matching pair aren't they? Click on the FILMS part of Nicky's website. You can see them playfighting. Nicky has a way of letting Charlotte know that he has had enough and lets out a little peep. He does it in the film and Charlotte goes over to say sorry. SOOOoo cute.

She had a small op for a tooth and she whined on the sofa. She is 100% now though. She's cute, no?

Ricky

[Dax]

I too like desensitization, expecially since the dog is young. In order for it to be effective you can't wait until nature provides a storm. Do get a tape like Heartsong suggests and play it at least twice a week. Play it in the background for everyday things then turn up the volume for a minute or two.

Do not coddle or try to comfort the dog, as that reinforces that there is something to be scared of. If the dog starts acting scared ignore the behavior - continue normal day stuff. If you've ever watch puppies and grown up dogs, the grownups do the same thing to puppies.

[RickyB]

Dax,

Yes, that's what we have been doing. We don't coddle her ever, as it supports the behavior you suggested.

R