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Storms/fireworks?

Any suggestions on what to do for hounds that are scared of thunderstorms and bigger fireworks?

I've spoken to a few vets about this and they don't know why dogs are afraid of weather. Nobody's ever seen a cat, horse, cow, chicken, goat or any other animal that's afraid of bad weather. Only dog's and nobody knows why or what to do about it.

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Donald Bergeron

I don't know if I've ever seen a dog afraid of thunder, that wasn't also gun shy.

I start shooting guns around my dogs as soon as I get them, even if they're just puppies. I wait until they're eating or otherwise preoccupied and walk maybe 40 yards away and shoot a .22 rifle. If they ignore it, or if their head snaps up but they go right back to what they are doing, just keep doing this a few times a week, eventually getting closer, or moving up to a larger caliber. If they stop what they're doing and run the opposite direction, stop for the day and the next time you do it, do it from further away. Just gradually make the sound of guns a part of their everyday life.

I've never found a way to stop a gun shy dog from being gun shy once it's grown. If your dog stays in the house and has been crate trained, I'd put them in their crate during storms or fireworks, as most dogs feel safe in their crates. If they're outside kennel dogs, they can just ride it out in their dog houses.

I’ve had many dogs through the years and only had one that was deathly afraid of thunder and gunfire...

But his owner which I had given the puppy used to target shoot deer rifles in his back yard...I am thinking that pup was about ruined with all that shooting...

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Training dogs is not so much about quantity, it's more about timing, and the right situations...After that it's up to the dog....A hunting dog is born...

They’re coyote hounds, they’re fine with a 12 gauge or 223 but I guess that’s because they’re running game. The fireworks are just going off too close to my house

Freaking out over loud noises is a phobia. Psychologists have a name for it but I have forgotten what it is. There is not much that you can do about it.

I have owned a few dogs that was afraid of thunder and fireworks. Guaranteed they was not gun shy.

Dogs know the difference between a gun shot and thunder/fireworks.. I've had a few over the years and have one now that hates fire works, but you could shoot a coon out with a 12 gauge and he wouldnt' miss a beat.. LOL..

Just dogs, sometimes they are like us humans, irrational fear of strange things..

Thanks guys. I wasn’t sure if anyone had any tips on it or not.

I have a dog thats 4 and have had her since 8 week old puppy and she aint gun shy . When shes treed and hears a twannytoo go off shes waiting for it to hit the ground in kill mode !! But a large rifle or fireworks drive her crazy she paces the pen barking like an protective attack dog wanting to eat someone. shes done this since she was prob 5 months old. I live close to a retired guy that also target shoots ALOT and its mostly large rifles. something about those big booms she dont like em LOL my other dogs dont make a peep.

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That’s exactly how mine are acting and between several thunderstorms passing through lately and the big fireworks starting to go off it’s been a pain trying to keep them calm.

Believe it or not they make calming treats that really work. There are several kinds. I have one that’s scared of weather but definitely not a gun.

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Don't know if these work but they make Thunder Shirts/Anxiety Vests for millions of pets/house dogs.

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www.ConkeysOutdoors.com
"Boss Lights"

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Don't know if these work but they make Thunder Shirts/Anxiety Vests for millions of pets/house dogs.

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www.ConkeysOutdoors.com
"Boss Lights"

I’ll look into the treats and shirts. Thanks.

Try

Homeopet Anxiety TFLN

it’s made for what you’re after

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OLD TIMER

quote:

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Originally posted by pamjohnson
I have owned a few dogs that was afraid of thunder and fireworks. Guaranteed they was not gun shy.

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quote:

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Originally posted by yotetrapper
I don't know if I've ever seen a dog afraid of thunder, that wasn't also gun shy..

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Fueled by Joy Podcast

That’s how mine are Josh

I have a lab that is gets spooked with fireworks, but you can shoot pheasants over him all day with no problems. Since there are only a few weeks when fireworks are going off Im not too worried about it. None of hounds have ever cared about fireworks

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Dave Miller
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NtCh Miller's Alone Again Hannah

As far as thundershirts go, they do work for dogs that are scared of storms. We have a dog that's terrified of loud noises and simply wearing an old t-shirt helps calm her down during thunderstorms and fireworks. I don't know why and she'll never be able to hunt but she's a good house dog and guards the garden well.

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Gloria