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Step 1
Buy a recording of a thunderstorm. You usually purchase these locally at stores that sell books and CDs. If not, they're available online. They're often sold as tapes to help persons with sleep problems relax.
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Step 2
Establish a place where your dog can feel protected such as a blanket, rug, or pad.
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Step 3
Encourage your dog to lie quietly in his designated safe spot. Reward him with a dog cookie when he complies.
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Step 4
Turn on the thunderstorm recording. Keep it at very low volume while your dog relaxes on his pad. Give him a treat every few minutes as a reward for staying on his pad during the recording.
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Step 5
If your dog attempts to leave his safe place due to fear, turn the recording off and coax him gently back to his pad. Reward him with a cookie.
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Step 6
Continue playing the recording until your dog is comfortable remaining on his pad during the entire length of the recording. Continue to give him frequent rewards for calm behavior.
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Step 7
Only reward your dog when he is calm. Never acknowledge him when he's showing signs of anxiety or fear. This will only reinforce his fearful behavior.
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Step 8
Repeat this process every few days. Further challenge your dog by turning up the volume gradually. Continue to reward him for remaining calm during the recording.
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Step 9
Once your dog has acclimated to the recording, try playing it when he's carrying out his routine activities such as eating dinner.
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Step 10
Finally, try playing the recording while you step out of the house for a few minutes. When you return, give your dog a reward if he remained calm and showed no signs of thunderstorm fear.
