Dogs vs Fireworks/Storms - Page 3

I tend to agree with Niesia, as I've owned sound sensitive dogs as well. They do not get better but can learn to manage their fears somewhat. They tend to be afraid of a wide variety of noises. Dawulf, if she's truly never shown any sensitivity to sound before, then give her some time, DON'T let anyone baby her and try to keep the other dog away as others have mentioned. She will recover if it's in her to do so.

Gustav, 

No one is saying Dawulf's dog is a crapbag,
we are just presenting opinions based on many
years of training with a variety of dogs, breeds, 
bloodlines etc. Shit happens. If Dawulf removes
any stimulus (frisbee) etc and places her dog into
more and more new situations, she will likely start
to see more of this sensitivity. Every dog on this
earth has 'some' kind of issue. It's really not the
end of the world. She will only be able to really
help the dog if she is honest with herself about
where the issue is coming from, and not blaming
the other dog etc.

And yes, dogs exposed to war are just ever so
slightly different than simple fireworks 

Gustav,
 
Not necessarily so different as you say.
 
Do you know a dog who hearing a thunderstorm will get excited and say "Dad, dad, let's go outside! - It's so much fun! Let's run around in a heavy rain while the thunders are making a light spectacle and the air is filled with electricity!" ?

Mine, will go outside in those conditions with me quite happily, but they will give me a 'dirty look' if I send them out there alone to do their business... But, my dogs are house dogs and not rugged outdoor kennel beasts.

My black GSD would do that, he'd wanted to attack the thunder and lightening. He'd almost break the slider trying to get out, bolt to the end of the field and bark like mad. 

I think my current one is showing a distinct predilection to sensing coming storms, and to want to get in the house, the tiny guest bathroom seems to be a favorite choice. Loud noises don't seem to bother him, like the backfire of a motorcycle; we shoot off fireworks, he tolerates them and he's certainly not like that crazy black shepherd!  I mean, don't you think something had to be a little off with a dog that wanted to attack the thunder, too?

You all seem to have missed this part of my previous post...

"...she comes with me to work every night, to which we encounter huge semi's, trashtrucks, even helicopters from time to time that shake the building/parking lot we are on/in... those totally DO NOT effect her. I should also mention the occaisional gunshot and god only knows what else that she just shrugs off. Oh, and she was also with me in the car accident that totaled both the van we were driving and the car that hit us."

If she is genetically sound sensitive or whatever, why do none of these sounds effect her, hmm?

Just last night we were sitting in a parking lot, when a semi-truck came jake-breaking (I think thats what its called...?) illegally down the road not 20 feet from us. That is not quiet. That is loud as crap... and she slept right through it.

The ONLY sound-sensitivity she ever shows is to the fireworks and t-storms. I have to wonder if part of the firework thing is the smoke/fire smell outside also.

Majorie - thank you, I've wondered if those work or not. For Yapper, at least.... I will look into those too.

Dawulf,

I don't think I missed your point as I don't think you have any 'genetic' sound sensitiveness issue with your dog. I also think that Yapper may have influence over her.
 
If you ever try those natural herbal remedies, please remember to keep us updated how it worked out for you. It would be beneficial for others with same issue.

Aak, sorry Niesa, I meant to thank you for your post above as well. And I will let you all know, definantly.

Dawulf, I read your first post two or three times to make sure i got it right....it appeared to me you were seeking help on incidents that you described that I have seen many many times in years past. You wrote a pretty clear post. Now you seem to be clear about what is the issue and where it comes from, and things aren't what I perceived myself reading.  I'm glad you got a handle on things that quickly.....Best of luck with your girl.

I am new to this website but this post is very active in my mind right now with July 4th right around the corner.  Tomorrow I am picking up my new GSD puppy and I am super excited, but I am worried about the fireworks that are inevitable just the next night she's home.  I'm considering turning up the music up very loud ( or TV) to muffle some of the noise, and try to act normal ( other than acting deaf).   I have 2 other dogs ( wheaten terriers).  One is oblivous to the noise of thunderstorms/fireworks, the other, 5 year old female is a nervous wreck.  One firework boom, or thunder clap will leave her shaking uncontrollably  and drooling for an hour or more.   The Thundershirt did NOTHING for her.  Tomorrow she has her annual vet visit and I'm hoping she'll have a good suggestion for me.  
So I have new puppy to worry about, and Bailey whom I will probably have to separate from her so she doesn't mirror her.
Kerri