Does Anyone Else Have Dogs That React Like This?

[PoppyDog]

Last night we had rain and strong winds which also meant out back gate (although locked) rattled and banged in the wind.

The garage door also made funny noises. Of course it was annoying for OH and I trying to fall asleep with all that noise but Poppy (our CKCS X) totally freaked out.

She sleeps on our bed but she did this jumping up, jumping down thing which usually means she needs to go to the toilet. So I took her out but she literally stuck her head out the door and ran back to our room.

She was so unsettled. Everytime the doors made a noise or the wind howled she would look around trying to figure out what was going on! Eventually I picked her up on the bed and she was shaking.

She settled down next to me but literally slept RIGHT next to me and didn't leave my side. She also tried climbing up on top of me and sleeping ON me. Not sure if that was a protective thing or what.

Right now she is sitting RIGHT next to me on the lounge and watching out the window because the door is banging again.

I don't know how to make her settle down. It's obvious that she is a little distressed by the while wind howling banging doors situation and she doesn't want to leave my side.

Any advice?

[persephone]

Rescue remedy ..and just carry on as normal. A lot of dogs are terrified of storms/wind/noise. Hamlet used not to be- but now he is. he just either goes to his bed ..or curls up on the couch and shivers .... he gets his RR...and a blankie- but that's all I do.

We have another old dog who is always that way.. she just goes to her box(bed) and pretends she's a turtle until things quiet down .

I guess we are lucky that our dogs don't seek us out or get clingy - they just put themselves to bed I couldn't stand the clinginess

Edited October 16, 2010 by persephone

[PoppyDog]

Rescue remedy ..and just carry on as normal. A lot of dogs are terrified of storms/wind/noise. Hamlet used not to be- but now he is. he just either goes to his bed ..or curls up on the couch and shivers .... he gets his RR...and a blankie- but that's all I do.

We have another old dog who is always that way.. she just goes to her box(bed) and pretends she's a turtle until things quiet down .

I guess we are lucky that our dogs don't seek us out or get clingy - they just put themselves to bed I couldn't stand the clinginess

What is Rescue Remedy? Is it the same stuff humans take that you can get from the Chemist? How do you know how much to give? How does it help?

Poppy has been fine and happy in rain, thunder and lightening but the wind howling and the banging really got to her!

I don't mind that she snuggles up to me! She is one of those doggies that just LOVES to be with us and it really suits us. But I can understand why some people might find that really frustrating!

[persephone]

What is Rescue Remedy? Is it the same stuff humans take that you can get from the Chemist?

yep - it is to help with shock/fear etc.

A drop or two on her gums..or 3 drops on a patch of bare skin on her head every 20 mins or so when she is frightened

[sllebasi]

That is exactly what my dog does, but usually as soon as i sit up she relaxes a bit, bit like im awake now and i will protect her so she doesnt need to be on guard as much.

where do you get rescue remedy from what is it, and how much, that has been on my job list for about a month now, to look into it more

[Sandra777]

Try rescue remedy, it won't do any harm and you can give her a couple of drops every hour or so if you like. Doesn't always work, but no harm done.

Whatever you do, do NOT reassure her. If she thinks that the boss is scared enough to need to be talking lovey-dovey baby talk then there really must be something scary to worry about.

If the dogs are freaking out about nothing I am firm but in a neutral way, getting cross just makes them confused and getting all gooey makes them unsure about your ability to 'protect' them

Don't allow her to do anything she wouldn't normally do and if she constantly gets up and down and you know she doesn't need to go out then very firmly tell her to get on her bed and if she tries to get off send her back (her bed can be whatever part of your bed she usually sleeps on). Don't allow her to sleep on top of you either. But when she's settled a nice full body stroke with a firm touch and a 'goood girl' in a quiet calm voice shows that she is doing what you want, always important to praise the good stuff!

Edited October 16, 2010 by Sandra777