 |
Hey, Katie K-9!KatieK9@readthecitizen.comwww.KTK9.com 651-429-5433 |
Hey, Katie K-9!
My dog "Flyer" is a 4-year-old Aussie mix. As he is getting older, his fear of thunderstorms is getting worse. Thank goodness, we have not had many storms this year. What can I do to help him be not so nervous? I do not want to use drugs. Thank you.
Elaine
Hey, Elaine and Flyer!
Most people think it is the sound of the thunderstorms that the dogs are scared of. It is not the sound. When a thunderstorm is approaching, static builds up in the air. Some dogs are more sensitive to this. They get little shocks, like when someone walks across the carpet, then touches you, and you get a shock. After a couple of storms, the dogs make the connection between the sound of the storm coming and the static that will follow. The closer the storm gets, the more the dog becomes unglued as the static builds. That is why most dogs try to seek a water source, like going into a bathtub, getting between the back of the toilet and wall, or into the laundry room. The water source grounds them and the static goes away. Some people have luck with rubbing a "Bounce" sheet over their dog to help with static build-up. There is a cloak that takes away static, called "Storm Defender," like something out of a science fiction movie.
You can go to www.stormdefender.com and check it out.
The bottom line? Do not coddle Flyer when he starts freaking out, by saying "there, there it's all right." As you are petting him, he does not understand what you are saying. All he knows is that when he acts good you pet him; as you are petting him to reassure him you are basically telling him he is reacting correctly to the storm. Now, he has two things to think about: the static and you petting him.
The best is to try rubbing the "Bounce" sheet over Flyer if you know a storm is on its way and maybe again when it finally arrives. Put Flyer's pillow in the bathroom or laundry room and let him ride out the storm in there. You can also try "Rescue Remedy," an oil that is inserted on the inside of the flap of his ear. DO NOT put it IN the ear! It helps some dogs calm down. People can use it, too. You can get this at most health food stores.
I hope this helps!
Katie K-9!
Hey, Katie K-9!
How do I stop my dog from begging at the table?
A Sucker For Big Brown Eyes, Karla
Hey, Karla
DO NOT share your food as you are eating. If you want to share what you are having for dinner, wait until you are done, clean up the kitchen and then put the food into HIS bowl at his dinner time. Feeding "people food" does not create a beggar, but feeding them as you are eating does. Do not feed the dog before you eat. Many owners think this will keep them from begging at the table. Leaders of the pack eat first - that is you. Then the next in order eat. Teach him to do a "down/stay" across the room while you are eating or put him in the kennel or outside. Your dog is teaching you to give into that "look." Be a good leader . don't.
Chow!
Katie K-9!
Katie K-9Katie announces a NEW day and time for the Katie K-9 radio show! She is now on every Sunday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. on FM107.1 Send in your dog questions to "Hey, Katie K-9!" by mailing them to The Citizen, P. O. Box 393, Hugo, MN 55038 or e-mailing them to Katie at KatieK-9@ ReadTheCitizen.com. PLEASE