OT - Freakin' out dog -Advise?

[madisongrrl]

I tried the recording bit - he figured out the difference between a recording and the real thing - probably due to the rain hitting the swamp cooler in real life vs just coming from the speakers.

This could be, but as Nanci pointed out, dogs know a storm is coming before we do because of the change in barometric pressure. So then they behaviorially backchain to the drop in pressure and that is when they start acting anxious. Those recordings are really to be used as part of a desentization and counterconditioning plan, but won't necessarily be effective on their own.

What I would recommend is to buy a barometer so you know when the pressure starts to drop. Bring out some really great treats and start working with your dog. This is a starting point. Depending on how bad the phobia is, some people might need to talk to their vets about using drugs. But drugs need to be used in conjuntion with a behavior modification program (dezentization and counterconditioning) because they alone won't "cure" your dog (but some people are quite content with just using drugs for the dogs entire life....and that is ok too) The DAP, rescue remedy and anxiety wraps all also excellent tools to use in this situation.