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Rate Your Dog's Fear of Thunder

6/22/2019

 
Dog kisses trainer under an umbrella
​Rate Your Dog’s Fear of Thunder..........

Is your dog’s fear of thunderstorms affecting his or her life? Is it affecting yours? Are you worried only for your dog when storm warnings flash across your phone? If thunderstorms are affecting your dog negatively, learn how to prevent and stop fear of thunderstorms with these simple tips from the experts at Appalachian Dog Training, LLC.
 
Be honest and rate your dog’s fear of thunder:
                  A- doesn’t notice a storm
                  B- mildly agitated but goes about eating, sleeping, playing
                  C- significantly affected by pacing, panting, drooling, vocalization, hiding
                  D- fear of many noises such as fireworks, gunfire, tools, construction
 
Dogs in the A and B category can be helped with PREVENTIVE training methods. If your dog is in this category, you will have the greatest impact on him or her now. Waiting, or ignoring the early signs of fear of thunder will not make it stop, decrease or go away. Acting with behavioral tips and training can halt and reverse the early signs of fear of thunder.
 
PREVENTING Fear of Thunder
  • Engage in play with your dog before and during storms
  • Counter-intuitive to our nurturing human instincts, do not coddle or soothe your puppy or dog when they react to a loud bang or any loud noise
  • Instead, cheerfully encourage them to keep walking and engage them with play or excitement.
  • Distract your dog from the thunder, focus him or her on walking, sit, down, come, or games such as tug, chase, retrieve, or chewing a tasty bone
  • If your dog wants to go in his crate, keep the door open, but encourage him or her to come out and play with you on the living room rug as you enjoy a night in with your fur baby
  • Show your puppy or dog how fun thunderstorms are! Do not be worried or jumpy yourself, your dog is watching you and does copy your behavior!
  • Walk your dog in the rain. YES! Potty trips even in the rain. NEVER in electrical (lightening) storms or in high winds of course. Safety first!
  • Run a fan on high, turn the TV up, play louder music (jazz or classical), or run a sound machine to decrease the noise level of the thunder.
 
TREATING Fear of Thunder
Dogs rated in the C and D categories benefit from behavioral treatments. Progress is possible at any age, do not despair.

Treatment may include pharmaceuticals in cases where the dog is self-harming or in cases of extreme anxiety. You must work closely with your veterinarian for this type of treatment, as behavioral protocols (training) must be adhered to and adjustment of type and dose of RX medication must be closely monitored by you and your veterinarian.

Medication is not a requirement, and you may find significant affects from homeopathic treatments such as Rescue Remedy, DAP Dog Appeasing Pheromones, and the anti-anxiety wrap known as the Thundershirt.
  • Implement the “preventive” tips and techniques listed above
  • Contact your veterinarian and request a behavioral evaluation
  • Comply with your veterinarian’s RX guidelines and training tips!
  • Follow up with your veterinarian to adjust RX medications and report progress, changes, and improvements.
  • Contact Appalachian Dog Training, LLC to learn how training positively impacts and decreases behavior problems, including fear of thunder and other noises!
Treatment is crucial not just for thunderstorms, but for the high likelihood that the fear of thunder will generalize to fear of many (or all) loud noises. This is a health problem. When a dog is fearful he or she is stressed, and we know that stress causes disease over time. We want your dog to be happy, healthy and living life to the fullest with you!


Dog sits under umbrella with trainer
Yellow lab. puppy with mud on face and. paws

Asheville, Dog City!

6/13/2019

 
Trainer Katie Weibel sits with Labrador at Hooker Falls NC
   ​ 
          Asheville, Dog City!

Asheville, North Carolina should be known as “Dog City”! This beautiful mountain town is a hot spot for dog friendly parks, stores, dining, bars and activities.

We may be a bit smaller than top-rated dog friendly cities San Francisco or Denver, but what Asheville lacks in size (its not the size of the dog, right?!) it makes up in character.

Whether you are searching for the ultimate pet-friendly destination or outdoor adventure, Asheville in the place your pet is wanted! Maybe it’s the fresh mountain air, the melting pot of artists, crafters or genuine southern flair, but it’s the place you will feel included with your dog.

Most all parks are dog friendly, but of course they require a leash to keep both you and your dog safe. Asheville does have bears and snakes, oh my! With a little reciprocation of that southern love, you and your dog, too, shall enjoy the bounty of nature in Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, and its some 250+ waterfalls.

After your hike, bike, walk, swim, or wade head south down Route 26 to Brevard for an old-school lunch on Main at Mayberry’s. Brevard is home of the white squirrel, see if your dog is confused, too! Downtown Hendersonville is also just below Asheville and has much to offer, from outdoor dining to many pet-friendly shops and boutiques. Either town is sure to delight your senses and welcome your dog.

Calling it a night? Head back up Route 26 back to Asheville, and see why they call them the Blue Ridge Mountains! Try to keep your eyes on the road, it is hard with this natural beauty.

Take a long breath and enjoy the last of the evening sunset in beautiful downtown Asheville with a band at the pub, or a street performing musician at the corner café. Expect to be interrupted, everyone will want to meet and greet your four-legged friend!

​When it’s time to retire, you will find yourself cuddling up in the most pet friendly cities in the nation; Asheville, Dog City!

​From Airbnb’s to luxury log cabins, you are sure to find a home away from home, but be forewarned, many will fall in love with Asheville, Dog City!

yellow lab tells a secret to another yellow lab in Brevard NC

    Author

    Katie Weibel, Master Dog Trainer. Providing training for companion, service and working dogs, sharing knowledge and expertise. 

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Address (by appointment):
9485 Boylston Hwy
​Mills river NC 28759

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  • Home
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