Fear of thunder/storms

[Michael Romanos]

Does your Corgi fear thunder/storms?

Here are some possible 'cures.'

Bring your Corgi indoors and turn on radio/television/fan/air conditioning to provide "white noise' as a counter to the 'black noise' outside.

Provide a comfortable hiding place or safe place.

Counter-condition and de-sensitisation: replacate the noise of thunder/storm by tape exposing your relaxed Corgi to low volume and increasing the volume gradually. take care not to cause your Corgi to become fearful.

Try your Corgi on anti-anxiety medication.

[MattC]

Thanks Michael,
These are good tips. Nick isn't too bad with Thunderstorms but this week The United States of America will be celebrating its independence from The British Empire and with the festivities comes Nick's nemesis. Firecrackers! Unfortunately we live right next to one of the areas where they launch the fireworks. So needless to say this is not Nick's favorite day of the year!.

[Louwants]

I'm lucky. Both Chloe and Duncan don't go crazy over thunderstorms or firecrackers. They just run to you and become velcro dogs. They don't shiver or howl or anything, they just don't leave you side, which can be very interesting when you're trying to walk somewhere.

When Duncan was little, and the first big clap of thunder he heard, he ran to my husband and got behind his legs he had stretch out. My husband was going to pick him up and baby him, but I told him not to, just let him hide where he was, but not to say anything. I was afraid babying him would enforce the fear of the storm and make it worse; so that each time there was a storm, he would expect to be babied. I just wanted Duncan to know he could run to either of us and be close if it made him feel better and feel safe.

[Michael Romanos]

Here are some ideas regarding dampening down the effects of fireworks noise and displays of sparks and lights, from your Corgi:

Consider taking your Corgi to the fireworks. Or stay at home with your Corgi during the fireworks. Or keep your Corgi confined to a comfortable location.

Don't try too hard to reassure your Corgi during a fearful event with petting, soothing words or extra attention as this can exacerbate the problem by reinforcing your Corgi's fearful response.

Many Corgis are very sensitive to their owners moods which may influence their reaction to the noise - best to act happy and upbeat.

I use to take two of my Corgis to firework displays. We would be right in the thick of the diplays among hundreds and thousands of people with my Corgis the only dogs at the events. They showed no concern and we delighted to be where they were. But I wouldn't try this with Taylor as he is too far gone down the slippery slope.

[Michael Romanos]

A single clap of thunder was heard by Taylor a couple of hours ago and he came running to me to sit down with his body touching my legs. I treated the whole thing in an upbeat manner, didn't make any sympathetic fuss of him and he relaxed and didn't shake though he stayed put for a while. It's a learning curve for us both.

[MyPemCharlie]

Charlie is very cool with thunderstorms and fireworks. It has been somewhat coincidental that he has been sitting with me in the recliner when either have occurred in the year I've had him.

He may startle at the very first "boom" or "crack" and look at me to see if I'm concerned. I just happily say "Good Look at Me!" and pat him on the head as is our custom for him to get a positive reward for making eye contact. He'll go right back to napping or chewing on a toy, and be uneffected by the rest of the storm or fireworks. I guess I'm lucky.

Tonight when I expect at least one neighbor to be illegally shooting fireworks in the culdesac (as usual), we'll see how Desta the Cairn reacts. I may not be so lucky with her.

[Chip's Mom]

Hope Desta does well with the fireworks and such. Taffy is my little scaredy cat. The boys don't even flinch and just go about their business or bark at the noise as if to say hush but not Taf. She doesn't like it at all.

[thestig]

You can also try comfort zone. Works for my other dog. She is afraid of thunderstorms.

Comfort Zone® for Cats and Dogs

[pat_m]

Byron isn't that bothered by thunder but Fergie is. She stays close when there is thunder or fireworks in the area.

However, a good cloud to ground hit within a 1/2 mile will scare the bejesus out of anyone - including yours truely