Barking during rain and storms

Question
Hi,

I have rescued a cocker from a shelter that is appox. 1/12 to 2 years old. He is a sweet dog and not very hyper. However, when it storms or just rains he will run around and bark contantly. I have tried to console him, put him in his crate, distract him without results. The vet gave me some tranqulizers but they take awhile to take effect. I don't want to continue the medicationon a long term basis. I would like to find a way to break him of this phobia in a positive way. Also, he barks at every little thing but it only seems to be toward the late afternoon to nightime. I would appreciate any suggestions that you may have so that we can get some peace!  Thanks!  Judy  

Answer
Hello Judy,

The best way to deal with this is to distract him I'm afraid.  I know you have said you've tried but you will have to persevere.  Try a training session during these times.  Make him focus all his attention on you.  Play with him.  If at any time he starts his undesirable behaviour say "No!" very sternly and make him sit.  If he stops barking, praise him like mad then get back to the training session.  Basically the idea is to make him forget about barking during storms.  Do not under any circumstances pet him or try to calm him by cuddling or sweet talking him.  You will just enforce the behaviour and he will think there is really something to make a fuss about.  This kind of problem is quite tough going to solve and takes a lot of patience.  The main reason being because storms aren't a daily routine and therefore you don't get a lot of practice to train him to stop the bad behaviour.  Hang in there though and if you really feel after a good few storms (and buy this I mean about 7 or 8) that nothing is improving, please write back and I will try to help you further.

Good luck.
Catherine Wallace.