Comforting Your American Pit Bull Terrier When Thundering and Lightening

By Nathaniel Rhine

Yesterday evening, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was hit with a very bad thunderstorm, which is considered normal in this part of the world. Fortunately, I was able to reach my home safely without getting caught in the storm. It was fortunate for Soldier, my American Pit Bull Terrier as well, for I was able to comfort him during this dramatic experience for him.

Soldier, is an outside dog, for he is not allowed in the house for religious reasons, which I prefer not to delve into at this moment. Having said that, Soldier has never entered the house, not even one paw has entered the house. Yesterday marked the end of that reign. I had the front door of the house opened unattended for no more than five seconds, when Soldier made a quick dash inside the house! Was I upset with him, even after I have pride myself with training him well, as not to enter the house? No. I understood that he was terrified with all the thundering that was going on. He did what was natural; to run for cover, to run for shelter.

To make a long story short, I had to comfort him and had to ensure him that things are alright and that all the noise from the thunder will not hurt him. What I did was to sit in a chair outside under the veranda, the roofed area around the house, and just petted him. Not a simple pet that lasts for a few seconds, but for the duration of the thundering and lightening, which lasted approximately 35 minutes, give or take a few minutes.

Within the first three to five minutes, I could sense his relief. He wasn’t shaking nor had that scared look on his face. He could sense that I was going to see him through this experience and I did.

It doesn’t require must from a responsible American Pit Bull owner as yourself to sense when your dog needs your support. Just place yourself in your dog’s shoes if you will. I do hope that you know I am using a figure of speech only. I do hope you are not putting shoes on your American Pit Bull Terrier, as though he’s a poodle or some other toy dog.

In other words, have a heart. Think of the time when you were 3 or 4 years old and it was thundering like all get out. Didn’t you appreciate it when one of your parents or a big brother or sister comforted you? Of course you did. Your dog needs and requires that same attention.

As you are well aware, during such terrible storms, there is bound to be tree limbs falling and things being blown around. The last thing one want is for their dog to be harmed in any way by means of fallen tree limbs etc.

So the next time, it is thundering and lightening like nobody’s business, please do think of your American Pit Bull Terrier’s feelings and most importantly, his safety.