Treatment plan for sensitive canine with thunderstorm fear

Goal: Reduce fear of loud noises and thunderstorms using gradual exposure with bilateral stimulation (BLS), monitoring the dog's senses to determine when they are under threshold and "stressed enough" to be able to reduce the fear.

Important notes:

Never force exposure, we always work below fear threshold. The dog should always be free to move and the human must walk along with.

BLS can be done anywhere as long as it is on either side of the dog's spinal column and should be gentle but quick, not overstimulating, and done in 30 sec bursts

We may combine with classical conditioning (pair scary things with rewards) as long as the awards aren't too exciting and overstimulating for the dog.

Phase 1: Establish several Places of Well Being (calm/safe places) around the dogs home using slow BLS, calm voices, perhaps music and soft sounds. To further support dog, create a safe den (covered crate, white noise) and discuss calming meds with their veterinarian.

Phase 2: Fear of Loud Noises. This fear may be addressed at the same time, if the therapist isn't going in person to visit the dog regularly. Otherwise, therapist is the "stranger"

Desensitization Steps:

1. Play sounds at low volume in another room or in the same room, depending on dog's threshold of distress, while dog eats, plays, or relaxes, (but not in place of well being) play noise at barely audible level + BLS in 30 sec intervals.

2. Gradually increase volume and decrease distance if appropriate, only doing either if dog remains relaxed.

3. Begin to pair with positive experiences if appropriate and dog doesn't become overwhelmingly excited.

- Example: Play "thunderstorm sounds" softly while giving a stuffed Kong and providing slow BLS.

4. Real-Life exposure. When a real noise occurs (e.g., a door slam), immediately engage in play/treats + BLS in 30 sec bursts until dog is no longer anxious.

Phase 3: Fear of Thunderstorms (Strongest Fear) using storm recordings, loud noises, rain approaching, then real storms.

Desensitization Steps:

1. Play storm sounds at low volume while providing BLS and high-value rewards, if the dog doesn't become overwhelmingly excited.

2. Increase volume gradually, only if the dog remains calm.

3. When rain is approaching, provide BLS and possibly alternating treats left/right, utilize safety cocoon (not place of well-being) play calming music or white noise.

4.During real storms, provide BLS and possibly alternating treats left/right. Continue to utilize the safety cocoon (not place of well-being) play calming music or white noise, calming meds.