Apparently, just within the last few weeks, Riley has become scared of thunder. She never was before. I think it was because we had a big storm a few weeks ago with super loud thunder that actually woke me up in the night and scared me too. She probably sensed my fear and fed off of it. Anyway, so now she gets a little scared when she hears loud thunder (not so much regular thunder) and hides under my parents’ computer desk. She’s a goof, what can I say…
Trying to coax her out…I don’t pet her when she’s in her “fearful state” because I don’t want to reinforce her fear.
Riley got to sleep in Grandma and Grandpa’s room Monday night with Grandma and Chloe because Aunt Baddy, my dad (Riley’s Grandpa), and I took an overnight road trip to Charlottesville and visited Monticello, Michie Tavern, and Carter Mountain Orchard (we literally drove up a mountain [my 100,000+ mi. car made it!!] and picked our own peaches…it was so cool), and of course went and did a bit of shopping at a mall there (didn’t buy anything though). Yesterday, we stopped in Richmond on the way home and went to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and saw a Faberge’ exhibit, did more shopping (of course) and had lunch at the mall before we came home. We had a fun time and I’ll post some pictures soon.
Adventures of a Cattle Dog 
Woof! Woof! can totally relate. Its been HOT n as a result lots of heavy thunderstorms. I usually hide in my crate, under the bed, under a table … basically I squeeze myself in a small dark corner. Mom says my "fears" are getting better. She used a balm that helped … will probably do a blog post this weekend so check it out. For sure Riley is happy to see you. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
Woof! Woof! can totally relate. Its been HOT n as a result lots of heavy thunderstorms. I usually hide in my crate, under the bed, under a table … basically I squeeze myself in a small dark corner. Mom says my "fears" are getting better. She used a balm that helped … will probably do a blog post this weekend so check it out. For sure Riley is happy to see you. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
Fred and Hay arent scared at all , havent ever been but im afraid they might get scared one day im just waiting for it happen and then its going to suck! She looks so cute under the desk!!! Ive read alot about melatonin – natural supplement to give your dog during storms. Im going to be using it for Fred with his seizures along with the phenobarbitol. But thought you might want to look into because alot of people use it for dog anxiety and its el cheapo at wally world.
Fred and Hay arent scared at all , havent ever been but im afraid they might get scared one day im just waiting for it happen and then its going to suck! She looks so cute under the desk!!! Ive read alot about melatonin – natural supplement to give your dog during storms. Im going to be using it for Fred with his seizures along with the phenobarbitol. But thought you might want to look into because alot of people use it for dog anxiety and its el cheapo at wally world.
Awwwww, such a sweet girl. Darby is afraid of thunder (and various other loud noises) too. Here's to fewer loud storms in her future 🙂
Awwwww, such a sweet girl. Darby is afraid of thunder (and various other loud noises) too. Here's to fewer loud storms in her future 🙂
Oh Riley! We're sorry you get scared during thunderstorms; but you sure look cute under the desk!-Gizmo, Bart and Ruby
Oh Riley! We're sorry you get scared during thunderstorms; but you sure look cute under the desk!-Gizmo, Bart and Ruby
Awww….poor Riley! Thunder can be so scary sometimes!
Awww….poor Riley! Thunder can be so scary sometimes!
Awww, I'm still afraid of thunder too, especially the loud booms! I even still hide under my blankets at night. Jada isn't afraid of thunder, she can sleep right through it 🙂 A friend of mine has a german pinscher and she uses a thundershirt for her which is supposed to help with anxieties/fears in dogs. I don't know exactly how they work but here is the website if you want to check them out: http://www.thundershirt.com/ Hopefully you won't get anymore loud storms for the rest of the summer!
Awww, I'm still afraid of thunder too, especially the loud booms! I even still hide under my blankets at night. Jada isn't afraid of thunder, she can sleep right through it 🙂 A friend of mine has a german pinscher and she uses a thundershirt for her which is supposed to help with anxieties/fears in dogs. I don't know exactly how they work but here is the website if you want to check them out: http://www.thundershirt.com/ Hopefully you won't get anymore loud storms for the rest of the summer!
I wondered where you've been!!! Glad you had some fun! Are you making peach pie?Stumpy became scared of thunder and lightning while driving through Kansas last year. She's not basket-case scare, but goes into hiding until it's over.Happy, Waggin' Tails, FUREVER! Stumpy and me
I wondered where you've been!!! Glad you had some fun! Are you making peach pie?Stumpy became scared of thunder and lightning while driving through Kansas last year. She's not basket-case scare, but goes into hiding until it's over.Happy, Waggin' Tails, FUREVER! Stumpy and me
What a nice trip!!!My pack mate, Rusty, is scared of drizzle rain…..he's even scared of dark clouds and no rain! Silly Rusty!
What a nice trip!!!My pack mate, Rusty, is scared of drizzle rain…..he's even scared of dark clouds and no rain! Silly Rusty!
Sounds like a fun roadtrip:)Ciara started to show signs of thunderstorm fear. KB suggested we give her a treat with each boom. It seems to have worked.Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
Sounds like a fun roadtrip:)Ciara started to show signs of thunderstorm fear. KB suggested we give her a treat with each boom. It seems to have worked.Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
Oh Riley, don't be scared!!! Your pal, PIp
Oh Riley, don't be scared!!! Your pal, PIp
Aww poor thing. My oldest dachshunds also hates thunder…Don't worry about petting reinforcing the fear…does someone giving you a hug increase your anxiety during fearful times or reduce it? I will hold her during the storm,and over time she's gotten calmer through them.
Aww poor thing. My oldest dachshunds also hates thunder…Don't worry about petting reinforcing the fear…does someone giving you a hug increase your anxiety during fearful times or reduce it? I will hold her during the storm,and over time she's gotten calmer through them.
It's okay, Riley. I'm afraid of sneezes and the big chandelier. We all have our demons..Wyatt
It's okay, Riley. I'm afraid of sneezes and the big chandelier. We all have our demons..Wyatt
Awwww, poor Riley. It's awful to be afraid of something, isn't it? I think "The OP Pack" has the best idea. Also, maybe training or playing games or something might take her mind off of the thunder…?~B~
Awwww, poor Riley. It's awful to be afraid of something, isn't it? I think "The OP Pack" has the best idea. Also, maybe training or playing games or something might take her mind off of the thunder…?~B~
Oh dear being scared is not nice 😦
Oh dear being scared is not nice 😦
Aw Riley, I do the same thing but to a greater degree in thunderstorms especially the house shakers! Mom gives me an herbal relaxer (Composure) when she knows ones coming that is likely to last more than a few minutes. She also has a prescription anti-anxiety pill (generic Xanax) that I'm given for the all day big ones. They take the edge off so I don't pant and shake myself into the doggy nut house :)Waggin at ya,Roo
Aw Riley, I do the same thing but to a greater degree in thunderstorms especially the house shakers! Mom gives me an herbal relaxer (Composure) when she knows ones coming that is likely to last more than a few minutes. She also has a prescription anti-anxiety pill (generic Xanax) that I'm given for the all day big ones. They take the edge off so I don't pant and shake myself into the doggy nut house :)Waggin at ya,Roo
Aw, poor Riley. Bella's fear of thunder has gotten worse too. I'm still waiting for my Thundershirt to arrive… maybe something like that would work for Riley?
Aw, poor Riley. Bella's fear of thunder has gotten worse too. I'm still waiting for my Thundershirt to arrive… maybe something like that would work for Riley?