Pup was asleep on floor I new it was comming on radar so was paying attention. First visible lighting followed by the thunder hes head snapped up ears back low growl. I followed with a stern no and a couple of its ok its ok. Bull stared at the old dog whom had not moved still asleep or looking like it decided ok no big deal and went back to sleep himself. Does anyone have a problem with thunder or fireworks? The female golden I had was fine with a shotgun no big deal, but would wig over thunder and fireworks.

Nope, not here, but we don't have many thunder storms.

But be careful how you use "it's okay" with dogs....people understand the words, but dogs react to the tone of voice, and if the dog is worried about something or scared, and you tell them "it's okay" you end up reenforcing to the dog that the negative behavior is really okay, when, in fact, it isn't.

Instead, distract the dog from what worrying/scarrying it, but talking to them in a really upbeat tone of voice, and start a game of fetch or something with them to get their mind off what is bothering and refocusing on something fun. If you do this with the thunder over time, they will forget about it because they will associate it with fun things you do at that time. This holds true to anything when the dog gets scared or worried.

Just my two cents worth again.............

Kathy

quote:

but talking to them in a

This should have read " BY talking to them......." sorry, sometimes my fingers don't translate what the brain is thinking

Also, make sure to keep praising them in an upbeat tone of voice to insure they know this is fun.

Kathy