Hi! Would you have a suggestion for a friend of mine who has a male Samoyed - 5 yrs. old who gets extremely nervous before & during storms. He insists on being on top her - all 65 lbs. of him. Her vet suggested Valium but he reacted very adversely to that. Her vet says he just has no solution. Thank you, - Marilyn Elliott

Many dogs have fearful reactions to loud noises, particularly thunder and guns/fireworks. If he has this reaction to any other noises that you can produce (banging pots and pans, or simulated thunder with sheet metal), you can desensitize him gradually by rewarding and training lessons: keeping him calm as your helper makes the noise at a distance (maybe 100 yards, maybe more). To start, when he can ignore them and obey commands, give him much praise. Next time do it a little closer. If he freaks, back up and start again with him relaxed. You teach him that it's alright to be among loud noises - if you say "ok" or "relax". Getting over phobias takes a lot of time and work. Be slow and considerate.

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