How do you calm a dog's fear of wind?

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   angel4967posted 11 years ago

   How do you calm a dog's fear of wind?
   
   We have a Thundershirt that helps some, but if the wind is bad enough it only helps a little.  We also have herbal pills and sleeping pills that I hate to give her but sometimes her fear is just out of control.  I'm open to suggestions.

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2. 89

   Minnetonka Twinposted 11 years ago

   I have to ask you what a thundershirt is as I have never heard of it. One of my dog's dislikes the wind too and I wish I knew what would help. I plan to follow this question and see what people say. Sorry I couldn't help :-(

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   1. 62

      angel4967posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      http://www.thundershirt.com/    Here's a link to the Thundershirt.  It helps my girl some, but when the wind gets really bad I am forced to drug her up and I hate doing that.  That glassy eyed look she gets just makes me want to cry.

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3. 64

   Brandon E Newmanposted 11 years ago

   Xanax...... The drug works on dogs too. The generic name is alprazolam. ask your vet for an RX.

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4. 93

   agilitymachposted 11 years ago

   I wish I had time to answer more completely, but this will be quick.  Google "Classical Conditioning."  You can, using Classical Conditioning, get your dog to view wind as a good thing.  Basically, using your dog's favorite reward (super, duper high-end treats, play, toy, whatever), you reward every time the wind blows hard.  Over time, the dog learns that wind = treat or reward.  And, if your dog is too nervous to take a treat, there are things to do...but again,,,I don't have time to write it out.  I suppose I should do a hub on this.
   
   Short answer - Google Classical Conditioning, dog and thunderstorm.  BTW, the thunder shirts do help some dogs, but not all.  I'm glad it helps your some.

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      angel4967posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I guess I'm just not sure how to do this when the wind is constant & strong.  She won't take treats when it's this bad.  I try to put her in a room with a lot of white noise but sometimes she still hears it.  I'd love to see a hub on this!

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5. 60

   Lea^posted 11 years ago

   Angel,
   Here is a Hub that I have written on the subject of fear in animals.
   Consistent use of the steps outlined eventually help (hopefully sooner than you expect). I cannot say enough how important it is not to give up. Be consistent, and your baby will feel better (and so will you .
   
   http://lea.hubpages.com/hub/Instilling-fear-in-animals

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