[encunnibriG]

When we were out camping on the 4th of July there was a ton of Fireworks and Lugz went nuts. We were outside the tent first so I took him in the tent and stayed in there with him for awhile but that didn't help and he we still scared. So I put him in his kennel and layed down for awhile...I thought it might be a bad idea b/c I did want him to be afraid of his kennel but after he went in there he fell right to sleep and wasn't scared the rest of the night. I was really suprised. So I guess try and find somewhere in the house she feels safe.

[Speareerfug]

Ok, I just got home, and Mollie would not go out to potty. I had to get the leash and drag this 75lb dog out back to potty. She peed, and then hi-tailed it inside. I couldn't figure out what the deal was, so I just changed clothes, and got on the computer... being the concerned dog owner that I am.

Well, I've figured it out. My idiot neighbors are outside shooting at the air (I guess), and Mollie is, as we speak, hiding between my legs under the computer desk. I swear, if I would let her, she would be sitting in my lap.

Any advice on what I can do? She won't go back out for the rest of the night, but I can't control the neighbors. I swear, I wish you could see her looking up at me, pleading with her eyes for me to make them stop. Apparently they have a new shot gun, and are running through shells like crazy. She is terrified and I can't comfort her. She is right behind me if I take a step. I can't imagine her afternoon here alone with no one to run to.

[Olympicdreams]

Neighbors are neighbors and you can't control them. Do you have a noise ordinance in your town? I know that our neighbors dogs bark all the dang time. I don't call on them because I don't want them making up things and complaining about things that our dogs did not do.

On the other hand, Lugz (50 lbs.) is a really big chicken. You name it and he is probably scared of it.

[Speareerfug]

No noise ordinance, I'm in the country. We have 25 acres, but we are set on the front of it (not my choice, I'd rather be at the back of it, but it was already this way when we bought it). I'm 30 miles from town, so it would probably take the Sheriff's office at least an hour to get here if not longer... Anyway, I'm like you, I wouldn't call the cops on them as I don't want reprocussions. But poor Mollie is trembling. I've got the TV turned up, but she still hears every shot... and they haven't ran out of bullets yet!

[Olympicdreams]

Sorry to hear. I would say don't baby her because then she might think that she has a reason to be a chicken. I usually try to tell Lugz in a neutral tone that "You are okay." and then go about my business and of course he still follows me around the house. If we are on leash, he will try to go in the other direction and it takes a stern "you are okay and we are going this way." But even then he still cowers like the world is going to end.

[fluoxet]

I wish I could help, I understand though. My mother's husky was really bad for gunshots..actually anything that clicked even semi loud! Balloons breaking, kids toys etc. I hope she gets over it, I know mom's dog didn't, he only got worse with age. Nothing like a 100lb dog trying to squeeze his fat ass under the couch! Good luck

[Speareerfug]

Well, Mollie is under the covers every night anyway, but I know tonight will be worse, as the dumb butts are still shooting their gun, and it's 8:30pm here. She is walking around some, following my daughter everywhere.... which also means I won't be on much... gotta do that online homework, aka, check her myspace page.

She's ok with most loud noises, just not gun shots, or fireworks. Matter of fact, the whole gang is inside right now. I always let them come in, I just don't have it in me to make them stay outside when they are already scared to death.

[LfYaRf1S]

Poor Mollie. We have the same problem here and we live in a small subdivision! I only wish we lived on 25 acres. Good luck and I hope they stop soon for Mollie's and yall's sake.

[Heliosprime]

Trusty has a pronounced fear of any sound that resembles a gun shot.

His first July 4th with us last year was quite an event.

Here is what we did:

at that time, we had an extra crate outside, right by the back door.

We put Trusty in there, and my husband and I bbq'd ... the girls were hanging out as well (neither of the two is terribly noise sensitive).

My chair was next to the crate, and with each firecracker noise, he got a treat, as did the girls.

Hubby and and I chatted, while hubby was tending to the grill.

Everything was normal, life was going on as usual, no drama, just some loud noises, and lots of treats.

This year's 4th was a lot easier for him; he still tenses up a bit, but it's no comparison.

I hope you and the 75 lb. chicken get some rest tonight!

[hablyShappY]

awwww poor girl. I'd just make it as positive as you can without babying, Ive had dogs deathly scared of loud noises and the best thing to do is show them there not going to be hurt and make it a fun game, or time for working on that training lol anything really where she can feel safe and be distracted.


Im sure tonight wont be the first night there playing with there gun, so try to stay positive as frustrating as it is (I live in the country too) I hear gun shots, snow mobiles, four wheelers and other loud annoying sounds all the time lol.

[Speareerfug]

I could go for snowmobile noises, that would mean snow!! As for last night, she did ok, I kept telling her it was ok, and shhh, you're alright, while I scratched her behind her ears. They had stopped by bedtime, but she still dives under the covers.... she does that everynight anyway. I like the windows open when it starts cooling down and the wind is blowing, but they stay out there all weekend long shooting, so she gets pretty clingy. They're a mixed bunch family, half don't speak English (uh, Americah), so I leave them alone. I can handle gun shots when it's hunting season, but this is becoming a year round thing with them. I can only wish they will eventually move, but I doubt it.

[spoddersedpn]

I would ignore the dog's behavior. Petting her is only rewarding the behavior. Go about your business. You can re-direct her behavior with a toy. I did this with JC when it thunders out. He does much better now when there are thunderstorms.

[Cemeuncex]

I also live in the country. My neighbors are always shooting. Anytime Leo hears it he tries to hide in the bathroom or goes in his crate. He shivers all over with his tail between his legs. He also doesn't like fireworks or thunderstorms. I tell him its ok and than drag him outside. As soon as he goes he then drags me back in the house. I don't baby him. That's the worst thing to do. Leo's trainer said to try Melatonin to calm him. I tried it on a couple of occassions but I didn't see much of a change. Maybe I'm not giving him the right dosage. I need to ask her about it.

[Speareerfug]

Thanks guys... I took pictures of her trying to get her fat butt underneath the computer desk, I'll post them when I get them downloaded. She sometimes gets un=nerved during a thunderstorm, but only when the thunder is right on top of us and very loud, along with really bad lightning. I usually just let her crawl under the covers, as most of our storms come at night. I'll get her Wubba out next time, she loves that thing.

[spoddersedpn]

Here's a link for Calmplex:

http://www.springtimeinc.com/product/100/2

[Speareerfug]

Thanks Michele, I'm looking at that now.

[Cemeuncex]

Michele, do you know how well Calmplex works? I'd be interested in trying it if it works.

[spoddersedpn]

Michele, do you know how well Calmplex works? I'd be interested in trying it if it works.

Honestly, I have never tried it but it was recommended to me and I forgot by who. I'm sorry.

I usually give my dog Benadryl if I know there's a thunderstorm coming or if he has to go to the vet. It works pretty good.

[Cemeuncex]

Thanks Michele. I was wondering if anyone has heard about the laughing dog CD and if it really works? It's suppose to reduce stress. I think I seen it on DogTown.