Pet Guide


eg: UK or Brides UK or Classical Art or Buy Music or Spirituality

Business & Money

Technology

Women

Health

Education

Family

Travel

Cars

Entertainment

About Thunder And Lightning

View:

There are various environmental sounds that cause a dog to become afraid or frightened. It doesn't matter whether the animal is living in a crowded metropolitan city or a spacious rural town; the chance of inclement weather causing physical and/or mental distress is high. A dog's fears of noise and light are big concerns for pet owners, but there are ways to decrease your dog's fear of lightning and thunder.

Dog owners worry that a dog will become frightened during a thunderstorm. This fear results from the appearance and sound of lightning and thunder. Dogs have an instinctual fear of loud noises and flashing light. When two clouds are separated by a lightning bolt, then re-merge, a flash of light and sustained, loud ?rumble? occur. Upon seeing the flash, dogs are alerted, knowing that the sharp ?crack? of thunder will follow and scare them.

When animals become fearful, their immediate reaction is physical. Dogs that fear lightning and/or thunder may react with destructive behavior. Upon hearing thunder in a thunderstorm, a dog may run frantically around the house or yard, or search for a safe place to hide. This behavior is intensified and prolonged when the animal has been left alone during inclement weather. A related, physical reaction to lightning or thunder is the animal's desire to escape. A dog might try to leave their house or yard in the hope of finding an area where there are no frightening sights or sounds. Pet owners need to understand that, when there is lightning or a thunderstorm, their dog might escape from the yard and get lost or run into traffic.

A pet owner's fears can be alleviated when they become proactive with their pets. Helping a dog prepare for lightning or thunder can reduce or eliminate fear and prevent the animal's desire to hide or escape. One technique to help a dog cope with lightning or thunder involves refocusing its attention. When inclement weather is developing, the pet owner should be home with the dog. When the dog begins to exhibit audible or physical signs of anxiety, the owner redirects the dog's attention to a distracting activity. This could include sitting or lying next to the owner, being petted, or playing with a favorite toy. Also, a T.V. or radio may cover the sounds of the storm. Closing drapes or blinds is also a good idea. Timing is important with this intervention; the dog must be distracted and re-engaged immediately just prior to or upon experiencing fear of the lightning or thunder. Also, if the owner's attempts at distraction fail initially, the process should be continued. When the dog successfully becomes engaged in a stress-reducing activity, the owner can provide rewards such as dog treats or verbal and physical praise.

The best way to eliminate a dog's fear or thunder is to accustom the animal to loud noises from an early age. But, it's never too late to use this technique, no matter how old the dog is. The procedure is to expose the dog to some loud noises each day, praising and rewarding the dog when fear is not shown. Start with very soft noises, such as tapping two spoons together or waving aluminum foil. When the dog shows no fear of those actions, try dropping a plastic bottle or tapping on a metal pan. When the dog loses fear of those actions, move on to beating a drum, popping a balloon, or dropping a metal pan onto concrete. This procedure must be continued all through the dog's life to maintain its acceptance of loud noises. Even if the dog seems comfortable with loud noises like these, it is important to make sure it is exposed to thunder and lightning as little as possible and has a safe place to go if a storm occurs while the animal is alone at home.

A method of providing protection for a dog during lightning or thunder is to make a ?safety zone,? inside or outside the house. Dogs like the feeling of physical security when they experience fear. Smaller dogs will hide under a bed; larger dogs will seek out an area under a coffee table or other piece of furniture. Pet owners can easily create a safety zone that resembles a cave, which was the original ?dog house? for four-legged animals. A cave can easily be constructed using a wooden or cardboard box and some blankets. In addition, the pet owner can place some dog toys and a water dish inside the box, which will increase the animal's feelings of security. A manufactured dog house will also work fine, as long as it is not made of metal. Put the dog house in a sheltered area outdoors, if possible.

A concerned, responsible pet owner will secure the home environment, provide security and distractions for his or her dog, and desensitize the animal before inclement weather produces thunder and/or lightning, scaring the animal. These are the best ways to decrease your dog's fear of thunder and lightning.

About Thunder And Lightning

Without warning, the TV blinked, swallowed its flickering image, and I was alone in the dark, power off in the neighborhood. There had been warnings of an approaching storm, but none tore me from the latest ?new release? from Blockbuster. Smiling news teams spoke with fervor? ?thunderstorms? they said, ?would soon march like soldiers across the viewing area. They preached ?caution? and foretold hail stones Tiger Woods could have used. Had I listened, I'd have had ample time to gather candles, batteries and food, but not me, I wasn't worried, plus the flickering lightning and growling rumbles added ambiance to the movie.

So I sat pondering, alone for a moment with my thoughts, then reached out for my trusty flashlight? ?Now where is that thing?? Eyes straining, I groped in the dark, waiting for the next lightning flash to guide me. ?Ahhh, there it is?, WHAT!... dead batteries? *&^%$. There must be some candles somewhere? matches?... *&^%$?

I wasn't prepared for ?the perfect storm?, hammering my windows. Instead I was prepared to veg out in front of the TV. That in itself is no sin, but finding myself at the mercy of Mother Nature and the local power company, was. Why wasn't I ready? Sometimes, even when I know better, I can give anyone a solid run for 1st prize in procrastination.

I'd heard the quote; you probably have too, ?Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.? But the venerable Thomas Jefferson doesn't live in the hectic world of today. Never mind he ran the country, organized the Louisiana Purchase, slashed spending and became an icon of history, what has he accomplished lately?

I'm not alone, there are many who have thoughts rattling through their brain, saying ?it's okay, watch the TV now?, do the dishes later, or any of hundreds other things. Mow the lawn? Let me take a nap first. Do some exercise? Better have a cup of java (read two or three) first. Write an article (that's me)? let me run to the store first. Run to the store?? Gotta catch some zzzzzzs first.

It's a cycle of procrastination that some fend off and others yield to its lure. But when I'm victorious and actually accomplish a project? ahh what a feeling. I don't know for certain, however I believe endorphins are released when we accomplish a goal; it just flat out feels good.

Its spring as I write this; birds are singing, bees buzzing, flowers blooming, its time to get in gear. Spring is the time of new beginnings and with that thought, here are ten steps that have helped me to get off my? (well you know) and get the job done. And remember, I'm writing this for myself, as well as you. ?Hi, I'm June and I'm a procrastinator?. ?Hi June?!

1. Don't be negative. Be positive. Instead of criticizing yourself and affixing mental labels; lazy for instance. Reward yourself for taking baby steps in the RIGHT direction.

2. Prioritize. This is the 21st century, we're all busy and sometimes it can be overwhelming. Put first things first and you'll find you're accomplishing more than you'd have believed.

3. Turn off the TV. Better stated, remove yourself from situations and/or people that encourage you to procrastinate. I'm not saying give up on your procrastinating brother, sister, or friend; just put YOUR life and priorities first.

4. You're part of an elite group. College degree or high school dropout, money to burn or struggling to pay the bills, almost everyone procrastinates at one time or another; it's part of the human psyche. Accept the fact you're part of the species, a species of procrastination and also of GREATNESS. Focus on the latter.

5. Ever trained a dog? If they're doing something wrong, and you plan on discipline, you MUST catch them in the act. Use the same philosophy with yourself; when you feel you're procrastinating, acknowledge the fact. Once you're aware of how your mind is working? take a deep breath and decide to finish a task, be it small or large. Remember to congratulate yourself.

6. Your subconscious is a TREMENDOUS tool. Properly trained it WILL work constantly to lead you toward success. It's a simple process to learn methods to accomplish this and well worth the effort.

7. Are you rich or poor? And I don't mean just money. Think for a moment, what is procrastination costing you? Have you alienated friends, hurt your credit rating, missed apportionments, left assignments un-finished. If so, don't beat yourself up; but do use this as motivation for improvement.

8. I don't want to side step into religion, but there was a reason Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs. Procrastination? Maybe not, but it always helps to partner with someone. Having a responsibility to someone, helps get the job done.

9. Baby Steps. If you're a veteran procrastinator, you won't make a stellar transformation overnight, take small steps. Remember ?the longest journey starts with the first step?.

10. You're a bright, intelligent and happy person. And if you don't feel that way now, you will as you BEGIN. That IS the key... begin. Once you begin ?walking the walk?, you'll find that journey's end will get closer, and self-esteem will grow greater with each passing day.

Related Articles
Author
Most Popular

•	About Anatomy And Physiology, by James R
•	About Anorexia And Bulimia, by Groshan Fabiola
•	About Arts And Crafts, by Anderson
•	About Bed And Breakfast, by Patti Rob
•	About Brothers And Sisters, by Patricia Donaldson

About Author

Both David Beart & June Carr are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

David Beart has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Arthritis Signs and fitness trainer. David Beart is owner of the , a site dedicated to family, relationships,. David Beart's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.

June Carr has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Personal Finance and elliptical. June Carr believes in living life to the fullest. Her philosophy; achieve a balance of wealth, health and success. She practices this concept daily. June's website. June Carr's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.

Brother Andrew Open Doors
Either way you can now call them in a few days and they will know who you are and be willing to talk to you.