Why is your dog afraid of storms?

I am just curious because the only one afraid in my house is Wiley, my puppy mill rescue so I always thought it was because of the conditions that she may have lived in (such as a metal shed or no protection from storms). Is it personality? Years ago I had an irish Setter rescue and she was afraid of storms but probably because she had been shot at. I'm sure there are plenty of dogs that are afraid but would like to hear if you have any idea why.

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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on May 5, 2012 at 9:21am

Maybe since both the females were scared that others where they lived were scared too. The males weren't as scared of storms but do cower to loud voices:(

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on May 5, 2012 at 8:15am

I read once (don't know where) that about 20% of cats and dogs were overly sensitive to thunderstorms. My corgi Buffy was a naturally fearful dog in spite of having a great up bringing (just my opinion we got her as a puppy) and was afraid of storms. Sparty became a little fearful after being around her. She has been gone 5 years now and he is just beginning to act less fearful when we have a storm. Izzy just likes to follow me around during a storm so I don't know if you would call that true fear. However, I don't think the truly frightened dog can just be explained by a rough start in life. Maybe some are just more sensitive to the changes in pressure as well as the noise. Dogs showing extreme fear will hurt themselves trying to find a way to escape the storm.

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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on May 5, 2012 at 9:02am

Bev, Mariah the other puppy mill survivor actually ran away...I had put her in the garage 1st with the door cracked as I knew storms were coming. She got out and was gone in HORRIBLE storms for 2 days...luckily her tags saved her she was found 2 miles away in a field totally exhausted but fine!

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Permalink Reply by Roger/Laurie on May 5, 2012 at 3:37pm

My boys would sleep through a hurricane.........but if a leaf drops in the yard all hell breaks loose.

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Permalink Reply by Snickmom on May 5, 2012 at 6:32pm

We don't really get storms here, but Jack Spaniels, our hunting dog, gets nervous when it is windy and will hide under the desk by someone's feet. A funny thing happened yesterday; the power went out for no apparent reason. In the sudden silence, both Jack and Snickers moved under the desk, LOL. Nothing phases Dolly, our rescue, except an angry voice or gesture.

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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Throneberry on May 5, 2012 at 8:25pm

My chihuahua howls during the storm an Sammie just sleeps like she does everything else. :)

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Permalink Reply by CorgiAmok on May 5, 2012 at 9:38pm

I have wondered about this too. My malamute, who was a rescue never batted an eye during storms. My female Corgi, Kennedy...is terrified, but my male, Keillor could care less. Both are rescues. I have thought about a Thunder Shirt, but they seem to get mixed reviews.