Dogs have heightened senses, so summer storms with thunder and lightning can be scary for dogs, especially those that are sensitive to loud noises. They may start panting and drooling, barking, peeing on the floor, or even becoming destructive while trying to run away and hide. You can manage your dog’s fear of loud noises with clicker training.
It is totally natural for your dog to seek your reassurance during a thunderstorm when he starts panicking. But surprisingly, what seems “natural” can be the wrong thing to do. Cuddling and comforting your dog reinforces the dog’s fear by confirming that the loud noise is something to be afraid of. A better approach is to remain calm, speak to him gently, and lead him to his special place where he can relax and feel safe.
If you have previously used the clicker for obedience training, then your dog can be clicker trained to go to a special, safe place to relax – a special rug, a mat, or some other area. You want him to go to this safe place when he’s scared so he can calm down.
A little advance planning is needed. During quiet times before storms, use the clicker training method to train your dog to identify the special spot as a relaxing, safe place. Start by conditioning the area: put one of his favorite treats there, and when the dog approaches the area and bends down to eat, click and praise him. Continue this for a few minutes every day for several days.
Your dog will likely start sitting or lying down when he goes to the area and is rewarded with treats. If not, clicker train him to sit or lie down here. Every time he goes to the area and sits or lies down, click and treat. Continue this clicker training for a few weeks so he will be totally conditioned and able to respond correctly to your command even in a noisy thunderstorm.
By using a calm voice and training your dog to be relaxed in his special, safe place, you teach him that a thunderstorm is no big deal and he’ll be just fine.
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