Plato is Afraid of Thunder/Lightening
We adopted Plato in mid-January so this is his first thunderstorm season with us. Earlier this week, he was restless during the night and I woke up wondering if he might have to go out (he also has a very sensitive stomach and GI tract so that's a real possibility). I felt his paws on the side of the bed and figured he must really need something. There was a flash of lightening and Plato jumped into our bed! He never climbs on the furniture so this was something big. Plato was panting, but not shaking like a leaf like our wonderful dog Bailey, so it wasn't such a huge thing. I learned from long experience with Bailey that if he couldn't see the lightning he would calm down. Hearing the thunder wasn't a problem for Bailey after he was completely deaf, but the lightning would send him into a panic.
Bailey did well when we'd turn on a light in a comfortable spot so he could calm down and sleep. I tried the same thing with Plato in his favorite spot which we call Plato's Place. I took Plato downstairs to his spot and got him settled into bed with the bright light on. I didn't do a lot of comforting and didn't give him any treats because I didn't want to reinforce or reward the fear. I know that treating the situation matter of factly is the best way to modify the behavior. Plato's breathing relaxed and he slept through the night! As far as I can tell, the thunder was quiet or it didn't really bother Plato. I know it probably doesn't fit into the definition of fancy behavior modification but it worked! So, my recommendation is turn the lights on and get some sleep!
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