Fireworks, Thunder and things that go Bang!
There is a thought that there is a genetic predisposition to sound sensitivity, yet this pup has parents, siblings, 1/2 siblings, etc who show no such worry. Hers was likely a traumatic event, at a key developmental period and while hitting another age of maturing, is at an insecure time right now in general. We can't be with them all the time, even if we wish we could. I am sure it does follow genetics in some cases, but then have also seen sound worry dogs produce pups with no such worry...so that is interesting too! Some dogs as they get older will start to develop sound worry. It doesn't always follow a pattern of "why" but the result is the same-a worried dog that we need to try to figure out how to help feel less anxious.
When a storm is coming, we can feel the barometic pressure change, dogs feel that far before us. The heavy air is filled with increased electrical energy, wind picks up usually and if we see lightning, thunder is not far behind. Some people may see their dogs or cats seek cover in the bathroom. They are literally trying to "ground" themselves from the electricity in the air. Others may crawl under a bed, or similar safe cave. Some may just want to lay near you. If they feel safe there, I would let them be. A dog's hearing is far more acute than ours. If we startle at these noises, imagine how they sound to our dogs (and sheep, horses, wildlife, etc).
One thing that I have found helps is the moment you know "it" is about to happen or it has begun, try giving your pup something natural that will help take the "edge" off. I have recently tried some of the newer hemp chews with chamomile, passion flower, valerian and other soothing herbs, they seem to really help. Melatonin also works quickly and well for many dogs, but not all tolerate it well, can be gotten in the vitamin aisle at your local store. L-theanine is another. There is a liquid calming formula by Richards Organics that also seems to work well. A lot of calming formulas for dogs contain most of the above. Of course these are just my suggestions for what I have tried, check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about a product your pup may ingest. If, you have a severely noise-phobic dog, your Vet may prescribe Sileo or xanax to help your pup.
Another thing that does help many dogs, are thunder shirts. They work like swaddling a baby does, to calm them. They will also cut down on the dog "feeling" electromagnetic charges in the air. I think they work well, and by infusing with lavender oil, helps relax them.
With baby pups I try to be more pro-active to prevent storm/fireworks worry, if I can. Sometimes if a really bad storm is coming or has just begun, I will give each dog (regardless if they show worry or not) an herbal chew and play tug with them as a group, or do sits/downs as group for incredibly tasty treats. (If they will still take food, they are coping. If not, don't force that on them, they are beyond stressed).
If possible I am not going to wait until I see a reaction in a baby dog, that I then have to "fix". I want to build that storms/fireworks equal fun, as soon as possible. I do this with litters as soon as they can hear. So, getting them engaged in a fun activity they already love, is one way to help change their emotional temperature about loud noises. With fireworks that can be hard, as they can go on randomly, vary in noise intensity and sometimes last forever, depending on where you live. So, if getting them engaged is not possible, or they are too stressed to be involved in an activity, either letting them hide in a safe spot or wrapping them in your arms like you are a giant thunder short can help them too. You will not be reinforcing their fear, but instead making them feel safe.
Desensitizing a dog to noise-phobias takes good timing and skill and incremental work. You can accidentally make things worse playing tapes, etc if you are not sure what you are working on in breaking down the behavior. For a successful protocol, it is best to have a good behavioral-based positive trainer show you. For severe cases this may be needed. In general some pacing or show of worry can be handled by trying to redirect their focus to something else, or comforting them.
Good luck with your pup, there are lots of good resources online for this issue. When in doubt I say just hug your pup and make them feel safe, it goes a long way.
