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Right now, there is thunder and lightning outside and my dog is freaking out. He is a 2 year old Shih-tzu. I'm trying to calm him down by talking to him and cuddling him but he just keeps shaking and panting and crying. He is shaking so bad it's making this hard to type. Does anyone know of a good way to calm my dog down a bit more? I feel so bad that I can't do anything else for him. =(
First off, I want to say that I'm a Veterinary Technologist and have dealth with animal behaviorists many times.
Secondly, I want to say that I know before I type it that your going to say that my advice sucks, because it doesn't seem like it would help. But, trust me, I've had the education and experience to know that what I say will help you much more than what your doing right now.
What you need to do, next time there is a storm, is STOP CUDDLING AND TRYING TO CALM THE DOG DOWN. Sounds mean, but it really really isn't. When your dog gets upset, and you run to him, cuddle with him and tell him in a soothing voice that everything will be ok, you are basically telling him that he is supposed to act scared of the thunder.
In a dog's mind, if you are "praising him" then he is doing something correct, that means that if he's correctly afraid of the thunder, then it tells him that the thunder is something that he really should be afraid of.
What you need to do is act like nothing is going on. Don't just ignore your dog, but stay calm, don't let yourself become scared, because he will think that your also afraid of the thunder, giving him even more reason to be afraid. Just stay calm and act like you don't hear anything. Act just like you would if he wasn't afraid of something. Don't scold him of course, but act normal. Do not give him extra attention or talk to him soothingly and saying "it's ok, etc. etc."
Next time it thunders out, try this. I doubt you'll get the miracle results of him not being afraid anymore right away, but if you continue with this, he will get over his fear of thunder and will be much better off.
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Thanks. And no, your advice for this question didn't suck. I always liked your advice. Thanks again!
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