GUN SHY LAB DIGGING IN CARPETS

Question
My seven year old lab is digging in the carpets to the point of replacing them. Gun shot, thunder, any loud noise sets him off in to the shakes. When we are home, he shakes, we ignore him and it finally goes away. He used to go to bathtub or my closet as refuge, but now afraid of tile floor. Goes to where carpet pieces come together and starts to dig. They are terribly shredded now. Need advice to desensitize dog to these noises while we are at work.

Answer
honestly, I think you would be best off consulting with your vet, or a veterinary behaviorist and discuss anti-anxiety medications. Storm and noise phobia is a very difficult problem to deal with, especially if you are not around to help him. Here's a pretty good article on the subject http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2174&aid=2545