Arch Stanton;3386712 said:
Nice site. Pepper looks like a lovely dog.
Any tips for a 9 year old Dalmation rescue? Roly's always been scared of Thunder and Fireworks. We've tried everything. Other than that he's a bundle of fun.
I have the same problem with Pepper.
Here's what I'd suggest (but keep in mind, it's really a tough one to condition out of them)
You can start off with non prescription stuff.
Check out the "anxiety wrap" You can pick it up at amazon.
You can add "DAP" Dog Appeasing Pheremones as well.
Benadryl might do the trick. 1 mg per 1lb...so if your dog is 50lbs, 50mgs (I'd start with a smaller dose, just to see the reaction)
Also, I add rescue remedy to her water.
In order to drown out the thunder, you might want to crank up the washing machine and dryer....also, a white noise machine could help.
Finally, there's drugs...Acepromazine, Chlomicalm, and Valium.
I've managed to counter condition my pooch with many things, resource guarding, reactive to strangers, reactive to dogs, pulling on leash, etc etc. Thunder and noise phobia is a tough one because it's strikes them at a very primal level.
Don't listen to the crap about "Don't be kind to the dog because you're reinforcing it" IT's way to primal for that.
Let the dog find its comfort zone, bathroom, basement, close space...use the white noise machine there...also a few bones (if the dog isn't way too distracted) And ride it out.
If you've got any questions, lemme know.