[Teresa Ford]

I have four Yorkies, the ones I raised from a puppy don't pay too much attention to a storm. Sometimes they will look at me if the house shakes, to see if I am afraid then go back to their nap or whatever. But Gracie was a rescue and she was left out on a deck during a storm. She used to be terrified, panting, screaming, wild eyed with panic and even snapping at me. Now she retreats to my lap, or her crate and waits the storm out. It has taken years of, love, patience and behavior modification. Some dogs are very sensitive to changes in the weather and can sense a coming storm. The best thing you can do is be a good leader. Stay calm. It is ok to create a ritual that makes your dog feel safe. Using a Thunder shirt helps some. For Gracie, I tour the house and close (check) doors and window, close the drapes, light candles and turn off the TV, computer etc. I wrap her in her baby blanket and tuck her next to me while I read a book. Sometimes if it is a very loud storm, she retreats to her crate with her pink baby and blanket.