Decided to test the new camper last night for waterproofness and a few other things to test out. Milo was with me, as have built it with space factored in for him to be able to sleep with me. Had some rain, no leaks, after doing some reading. Went to sleep around 11ish. About 2am, Milo starts walking all over me, I couldn't understand it, he was panting hard and shaking all over. He had picked up on distant thunder, and as he is scared of thunder. I put the nightlite on and sat up, cradling him. It took about 10 minutes for the main storm to come in, and boy was it a doozy. The loudest thunder, I have ever heard, and tons and tons of rain. No leaks, but not only was Milo freaking out and seriously scared, so was I, moreso, about being struck by lightning, and some of the strikes were mighty close. It was loud extremely loud. It took over 2 hours after the storm for him to feel better. He did try to get out during the worst of it. I was so glad we were not in the tent No it did not leak. All the compartments outside also stayed dry, including the electronics. Was worth the effort and the expense. A few more things to do, and will be ready for a long distance adventure in Autumn
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 25th of October 2020 08:51:08 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 25th of October 2020 08:51:35 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 25th of October 2020 09:15:50 PM
Poor old chap, some dogs are not at all bothered by storms and others, like yours, terrified. I believe you can obtain sedative drugs for dogs with severe responses but it's probably better he just becomes use to them and learns they won't hurt him, if possible.
In general phobia treatment is to gradually expose the individual to more of the phobia a little at a time perhaps consider taking Milo to a gun club for exposure to loud noises but start slow.
__________________
"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"
Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
Yes we got 2 inches of rain in the storm that lasted 30 minutes. I spent a lot of extra money on sealing it up tight to be effective against heavy rain. We were only in the back yard, just in case it failed. I don't think Milo will ever get over the thunder. especially as a pup in his very early weeks, was alone in a pet shop for 4 weeks, including weekends overnite, and he was only 4 weeks old when he first stayed there. We had some pretty bad storms during his time there. As soon as I found out how long he had been there, And I did see him a bit during that time at the shop, I paid for him and brought him straight home. He has clung to me ever since.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Monday 26th of October 2020 12:07:49 PM
