Expert: Jannie Balliett - 3/25/2010

Question
My male boxer is 6 years old and has a great disposition and love attention.  He gets so nervous and beside himself when it storms.  Rain, lighting and wind just blow him away.  We even hold him (of course he weighs 95 lbs) and try to settle him down but he just shakes and pants.

Answer
One of my Boxers is exactly like that even though she has not suffered any traumas due to rain and storms.

There is not much you can do except put him on a treadmill to walk during the rain and storming, for 10-15 minutes, then let him off and give him a treat. Soon, he will associate the sounds of the rain and storming to the fun of a treadmill and treats, instead of fear and anxiety.

Walking on a treadmill focuses his attention on walking, and even though the sounds of rain and storms are in the background, his concentration will be focused on walking. Then comes the treats.

If you don't own a treadmill, check in to buying a used one. It doesn't have to be computerized or fancy- just the average model is fine.