While summertime’s thunderstorms can instill fear in dogs, they can be trained to manage their reactions and feel calmer through all the noise and bright flashes.

Thunderstorms are a common fear in dogs, causing many to panic and run away, become destructive, or even hurt themselves. Dogs can sense a storm’s approach by the rapidly falling barometric pressure, and so can begin to show signs of anxiety even before the storm can be heard.

Follow these tips to help your dog learn to be relaxed during storms, fireworks or other loud disturbances that may be frightening to him.

1 .Always keep proper identification securely fastened to your dog’s collar in case he gets out. Consider talking to your veterinarian about implanting a universal microchip in your pet for life-long identification. Remember to update your veterinary clinic and animal shelter with your correct contact information.

2. Give your dog a safe place to stay during storms. Inside your home, create a quiet den-like area where your dog can feel secure. A properly introduced crate or kennel can be a calming refuge for him. When a storm is brewing, lead your dog to his special place to help him feel calm and protected.

3. If your dog lives outside, cover his doghouse or dog run with a blanket to shield him from the bursts of lightning. Outside dogs can get lost or even injured if they escape their fenced yards in fear during storms.

4. Dogs can pick up fear or discomfort with storms from their people, so it is important that you develop a calm, matter-of-fact attitude. Let your dog stay close and try to distract him with activities like play or brushing. Do not try to reassure him in a sympathetic voice-this will sound like praise and may increase his nervousness and confusion.

5. Some dogs become destructive when frightened. A crate is always the best way to keep your dog safe and your belongings intact. If you don’t use a crate, remove any items in the room that your dog could destroy or which could hurt him if he chewed them.

6. During a storm, keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Turn on a TV or radio playing soft music at normal volume to distract your dog and help him to relax.

7. Keep your dog away from doors that lead outside. Your dog may be under significant stress, which could result in unnecessary injury to others entering your home or cause him to dart outside and get lost or injured.

8. Your dog may become incontinent due to his extreme fear and the rush of adrenaline he experiences during a storm. Be prepared for this, and don’t react if it occurs.

9. Dogs that continue to panic in thunderstorms may have to be reconditioned by creating an artificial storm with environmental recordings. While reconditioning can be a time-consuming procedure, it can have a high success rate. A qualified Bark Busters dog behavioral therapist can help you teach your dog to be calmer during storms.

10. In the most extreme cases, medication in conjunction with training may be the best solution to help your dog cope with his fear of storms. Consult with your veterinarian about possible treatments.

Your dog’s phobia about thunderstorms won’t get better on its own. Help him learn that “it’s just noise” and is nothing for him to worry about. When he learns to relax and remain calm, you can relax and not worry about your dog during future storms.

The post 10 Tips For Managing Your Dogs Fear of Thunderstorms first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Next to barking, digging is a typical behavior that most dogs will display. The problem with digging is that it can cause serious damage to your properties. If you house your dogs in your apartment, they may burrow through your belongings or furniture. This damages your valuable items and causes a huge mess in your home. The last place you want your dog to be digging is your beautiful garden.

Having the Best Dog Training Guide is Important If You Want A Well Trained Dog.

What are the reasons why dogs dig? Well, the obvious is true: they love it. The second reason is because they are bored and they are trying to find excitement in these deep places. There are a few ways to figure out which category your dog falls into. Bring him out on long walks and get him to exercise. At the end of the day, if he is still digging through your stuff, it means that digging is a habit of his. Dogs that love to dig will continue to indulge in this activity even in your presence.

On the other hand, if your dog prefers playing with you to digging, it means that he needs more excitement and physical stimulation in his life. This is only true if you only bring him out on short and sporadic walks. What are the different ways to stop dog digging?

Use Natural Ingredients to Deter Digging
Consider sprinkling some pepper over the ground areas you want to protect. As the dog begins to dig, the pepper will irritate the eyes and nose. Your dog will then cease its digging. Always try to sprinkle a large amount at first, and then you can decrease the amount with time.

Build A Man-made Sand Box
Sure, you don’t want your dog to burrow through your stuff, but you need to give him a little something to satisfy his love for digging! You can consider building a sand box for him. You can even replicate Mother Nature by adding earth and grass into the sand. Try to bury some of his favorite toys underneath the surface. Praise him when he uncovers the buried treasure. Soon, he will love his sandy playground.

Purchase Some Toys
Dogs engage in digging when they are bored. However, it is not possible for you to entertain him 24/7. To prevent him from getting bored, you should consider buying him some toys. When shopping for toys, be sure to find one that is made of durable rubber material. Dogs also have a love for bouncy balls. Showering him with toys will allow him to keep himself entertained in your absence. Rotate the use of the toys so that he doesn’t get bored with any one toy.

Tire Him Out
If you need to be away for a few hours, you will need to wear your dog out before leaving him alone in your house. Take him out for a long walk and then engage him in an intensive obedience-training session. An exhausted dog will be too tired to think about digging. If you want your dog to stop digging, you must know how to stimulate his body and mind.
These are effective tips on how to stop dog digging. Punishing a dog when it begins to dig may prove to be counterproductive.

The post How to Stop Dogs Digging Instantly – 100% Effective Dog Training Tips That Work first appeared on Puppy Blog.