dog anxiety???

For loud noises, it's almost impossible to eliminate that fear, but you can aid it.

One thing to do - don't ignore him. That will only make his fear worse.

Try to keep your dog in a room near the center of your home, and play some music or turn on the TV to help muffle the noise, make sure your dog is away from any windows, seeing as the flash of lightning and the rumble of thunder are almost always connected.

That's your best bet for this particular case.

My dog is also afraid of thunderstorms, and there really isn't nothing you can do to fix it, unfortunately. Is he an older dog? My dog was about 7-9 years old when she first started getting scared (she's now 12). And when it happens she always wants to go outside, I think the problem is this:

Dogs fill secure attached to people/homes/chew toys..anything that makes up their home. When new people come if, they always have to check them out and make sure their ok. When a strange noise happens they feel insecure, therefore scared and nervous/skiddish.

I think the only thing you can do is sit with your dog, brush him, rub his ears, let him come to bed with you if need be, I can't say it'll ever stop, but it may help cool the anxiety a bit.

My dog had a panic attack during a thunderstorm a few years ago and tore up a rug - right down to the nails and cut her paws open!

One solution you may try is giving him a herbal remedy for anxiety. There's much more known about herbal medicines and pets than even just a few years ago - you can even find a veterinarian that practices natural medicine. While I'm not an expert by any means, I think that herbs with sedative effects like lemon balm, chamomile and guelder rose bark might bring some relief to your anxious dog.

Put a shock collar on your dog or swat it every time they bark during the storm and they will receive negative reinforcement for their undesirable behavior. Unfortunately most NEGATIVE behaviors in canines MUST be treated with NEGATIVE reinforcement. It sucks, but that is the bottom line. If you do not want to do this then you have 2 choices: 1. put up with it 2. hope that your dog gets used to it (not likely).

Crates are an excellent tool for making your dog more comfortable. I have a 2-year-old miniature Dachshund named Flash: I started Flash out in a wire crate but he would poop in it. When I switched to plastic, he became more comfortable in it. Some toys or a stuffed animal to snuggle with will also make him/her feel more comfortable.

Do you react or anticipate her reaction with loud noises (thunder). Stay calm and act like it's nothing. If you comfort her you'll reinforce the fear.