Fear Thunder Getting Hurt Destroying Home

Question
I own a 6 year old germanshepherd.I leave to work and leave her in her crate.But when it thunders,Oh God.She has torn up at least 3 crates,pulls wires up like a u shape,tears up the cushion to shereds,and has hurt herself.Lacerations on top of her snout,from wires pulled out of solder junctions,bend wires like pretzels.This hurts me,because I love my pet.I resolved to put her in the bathroom,were I figured she couldnt get at anything ,or hurt herself.I came home,and found the door frame badly chewed or scratched,the coil at bottom of door,was strait like a fishing lead,and more blood spots.Its like she is fighting for her life,when she sees herself(alone,and enclosed)every time it starts to thunder.She is non agressive,very sweet,and when Im home and if it thunders,the must she will do is walk from one side of the room to the next,and lie down.I pet her,tell her its ok,and nothing ever happens.But as I mentioned. when she is Alone,she goes bunkers.I dont know what I can possibly do.I think she must hear thunders like a bomb explotion.I cannt leave her loose.What can I possibly do?,Please give me your best opinion,and me and her thank you.

Answer
Your 6 year old german shepherd has developed a fear that causes her to fear for her life.  That's why she does so much damage when she is afraid. She wants to do anything and everything to get away from the thing that frightens her.    

This fear will stay with her the rest of her life and get worse over time, unless steps are taken to actively desensitize her.  

Dogs have gotten over this fear but it requires some additional education from the owner (you) and your family.  You will need to all work together.  You may need to seek the help of a professional trainer if you are unable to help your dog on your own.

I do have some help on my website to assist you with the distraction and desensitization process.

I have two articles on "The Fearful Dog" and "How To Overcome the Fear of Thunder and Other Startling Noises" which you will need to read, learn, understand and practice around your dog.  There are many other helpful articles too that I recommend reading.  They are available on my HELP page at http://www.gallantshepherds.com/gsdhelp.htm

Dogs will hurt themselves when in flight drive.  She is fighting for her life. Keeping her safe is the most important thing. When left alone you will need to keep her in a room that is considered safe to HER.  Her fear is very real to her and she considers it life threatening.  Possibly in a room where the thunder isn't so loud.  Like a basement interior Room.  Wherever she feels the safest would be the best place to leave her when you are away.  When she is afraid she needs access to the place she feels the least threatened.  On the alternative a sound proof room would be great but not as practical.  You can also try leaving a radio on when away to drown out the noise from thunder.

I understand your need to comfort your dog when she is afraid.  It is very natural for us humans to do this.  However, dogs live in the present, they live in the NOW.  In dog language petting her while afraid means you approve of her current behavior - her fearful behavior.  Unfortunately, petting your dog while she is afraid only reinforces her fears.  The best thing to do is to allow her to go to a safe place and distract her (not reward her) with obedience commands or play with her.  So that she does not remain so fixated on the storm.

She can overcome her fear but it will take persistence and education on your part.  You'll need to work with her during storms when you are present and keep her in her safe place when you are not.

Please do not hesitate to contact me again if you have further questions.

Sincerely,

Dena Gallant
Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com

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