I was able to start training Gracie with thunderstorms. When we would have a storm I would just make sure everyone knew not to react in anyway to thunder no matter how loud it was. She would look at our faces when she would hear loud thunder and we would just continue with whatever we were doing. Doing this assures the pup that this noise is no different than any other noise they hear. If they see nervous actions or reactions by their people then it is going to set them up to become nervous and fearful.
Now, I don't take her to fireworks but people around us do like to put on their own little "shows." We did the same thing with fire crackers and fireworks. Just act like normal. No sounds or reactions to the noise that would cause any fear or nervousness. She used to look at us to see if we were going to react but now that she is 4 years old she doesn't even blink when she hears the stuff.
My kids learned not to fear storms with the same method. They react to our reactions. |