Your Turn #1 - Storm Anxiety - You, Redirecting, Distracting, Sheltering

Many humans see humanity in their dogs. Frequently, I am asked, "Your dogs are your children, right?" and those who ask want me to respond with "Yes" and want me to approve of and agree with their thinking and action, but I don't. My dogs are not my children. My dogs are my family members, equally - and often more - important as any human, but they are my dogs, and dogs often have different needs than humans.

Take storm anxiety for example. While children usually benefit from being snuggled when afraid (I was TERRIFIED of thunder and lightning as a child), a Penn State University study found that having a sympathetic owner who stroked the pet and said, 'It's ok,' "...did not lower the stress reaction of dogs that become anxious or fearful during noisy thunderstorms." Even those dogs that appear to want to crawl inside your skin for comfort show a 207% spike in the production of cortisol, a hormone produced during stress (humans also produce cortisol under stress). The levels of cortisol were measured from the dogs' saliva. Animal behaviorists point out that the stroking, and reassurance through 'It's ok,' is actually reinforcing and encouraging the anxious behavior. With storm anxiety, when you treat your dog like a human, you aren't helping, and you can actually harm.

So what do you do? Well, you don't get mad. Increasing the stress of the situation is not helpful. Your dog is scared. He is not misbehaving or maliciously trying to irritate you, but I understand the pacing, whining, trying to curl up on your head can be irritating. To me, this is a perfect example of when it is supremely important to not just tell your dog what NOT to do, but what To Do Instead. So many times, humans yell, "NO!" to a dog without giving her any guidance toward what behavior you do want. Even your human family members appreciate a To Do List of what makes you happy. A scared dog who only has your tone and body language to go by can't figure out that what you want is a dog who isn't afraid of storms, and you're asking for too much with that anyway. I hope you would be as appalled as I am if you knew how many people drop off their "children" or "family members" at high-kill shelters because they can't stand their behavior during storms and fireworks. It's appalling. So, ok, remember you are your dogs' greatest influence. Getting mad doesn't reduce the stress, but being calm, redirecting, distracting, and sheltering can.

Being Calm

Remain as neutral as you can while interacting with your dog. A high-pitched voice is not helpful. Instead of racing through the house to close all the windows in anticipation of rain, calmly close the windows. If your concerned or beginning-to-pace dog follows you, give her some highly valued treats (redirecting, distracting) like hot dogs or whatever you know she really likes. An overly anxious dog will not accept food so if she is willing to eat, you've started the process at a good time. If she won't eat, stop trying after 2-3 attempts (responding to her cues appropriately builds trust), and try to start earlier if you can before the next storm.

Some of these activities could be considered Behavior Modification, but I will cover that more specifically in the next post. And I know you can't always be home when storms begin, but if you are, you can "catch" the anxiety at the start.

Redirecting and Distracting

If you can, determine what part of the storm causes your dog to react. Is it barometric pressure change? Is it the first rumble of thunder? Is it wind? If you can determine what begins the anxiety, try to distract your dog at this time. If a breeze is beginning, play fetch or go for a walk or play Hide and Seek in the house if these are activities your dog normally enjoys. This is redirecting your dog's focus and helping him let go of at least some of the perceived danger. It is also helping him associate positive experiences with a storm.

More Distraction

Turning the TV on and increasing the volume may cover up some of the noises of a storm. Closing blinds and curtains can prevent your dog from seeing lightning flashes at night. Playing soothing music - there are CDs specifically for dogs called Through a Dog's Ear - can both calm and cover noise. Some people even sing to their dogs. If it works - excellent!

Sheltering

Help your dog find a safe haven. Some dogs are comforted by a crate. Animal behaviorists recommend keeping it open as closing the crate door can create a feeling of entrapment. A bathroom with no windows can be a cozy space, or a bathroom with a tub and shower curtain or a shower with a door - not closed - can be soothing. A bathtub was one of Satchel's cozy spaces at my in-laws'! A closet is another option. Your clothes can be comforting as they smell like you and may dampen outdoor sounds. Yes, they may get some slobber on them.

If you can calmly, and not irritatedly, sit near your dog and read aloud or watch TV, that can help, but remember to fight your urge to smother him. Imagine being afraid of heights and having to walk across a bridge and someone wants to comfort you by hanging on you or sporadically gripping your shoulders to ask you if you're ok. Wouldn't you want to shout out, "Stop touching me!!!!" Your dog would like you to know that is what he is saying.

Please don't give up if you don't see improvement right away. Storms are big events that are unpredictable. Any of these suggestions you use with your dog can help create a better association between him and storms.

Sources:

Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB)

Susan Sharpe, Owner of Animals Plus, LLC and developer of The Anxiety Wrap

"Science Daily," June 2006

Woof, Satchel, Luna and Koko (Four of my dogs who have taught me something every storm season)