Expert: Jannie Balliett - 8/19/2009

Question
I have a quick question, We have 3 boxers, 2 are 20 months old and one is 5 months old. We have known for awhile now that one of the older boxers don't care for the thunder and lighting, but he doesn't  ok, the other one don't even act like his even notices it's doing anything outside, (you can't hear it in the house unless it's really loud)but last night it thundering and lighting really bad and the little 5 month old tore up her pillow, wet on the couch.
Is there anything I can do to help her with her fear of the thunder?

Thank you for your help

Answer
This is common with any breed of dog, but Boxers seem to be sensitive to thunder and lightening- rain storms...

The only thing you can do to help comfort the pup is to be with her and speak in a calm, comforting voice, telling her it is "okay" (a good positive word to have in your dog vocabulary that is a sign of well-being) and to play with her to distract her (if possible since she is scared) and give her treats; all as you would your own child.

I like to have new toys (a new Nyla bone, a new Kong toy, supervised rawhide bones) in my backup toy arsenal. When times like these present themselves, get a new toy out. This gets their interest because it is new.

Just think of her as a young child afraid of the rain, thunder & lightening, and you will gradually get her through it and sooner or later, she will become accustomed to them.

Good luck :)