Dogs have every reason to freak out in a thunderstorm. But how we handle them freaking out will inform them of whether or not this behavior is productive.

No matter what your dog is doing at any given moment, affection or consolation reinforces their current state of mind. So if your dog has a panic attack during a thunderstorm and you comfort them by petting them and saying, "it's okay, baby" and feeling bad, this actually reinforces their panicked state of mind.

Here's my best advice for calming your dog during a thunderstorm: stay calm and assertive.

Your dog will look to you and any other members in the family for how they should react, and if you don't make a big deal, it will help them process the event. If at all possible, walk your dog long before the storm comes so that they don't have as much energy to panic with. If that's not possible, simply encourage them to pick one spot to calm themselves down in. Preferably not on top of your lap, because this also reinforces their panicked energy.

Ignoring their anxiety works to a degree, but if their state of mind escalates into them not being able to control the anxiety, you must physically and audibly calm them. The way I do this is by placing a hand on their shoulder or back as if to massage them, pressing, and saying, "sssshhhhhhhh." Remember, calm and assertive energy.