Well, we have a huge problem on our hands. Straton has a severe phobia of thunderstorms. We have had him scale fences into the neighborhood, bust through windows to escape, and now that we are kenneling him he is actually hurting himself to try to get out. Today he chipped 4 teeth, bent the metal grate in the front of the kennel, tore all the pads on his front paws, tore up his face, and REAR legs (I have no idea how he tore up the rear legs). We are entirely flummoxed as to what to do with him. He is manageable if we are with him during the storms but today he was even with Brigs in the kennel and still freaked out. I have had to wrap his paws but what to do about him chipping his teeth? The only thing we can think of is a different home, preferably one in a place with fewer lightening storms or one in which someone can be with him when there is a storm. We just can't stand having him hurting himself. He has come so far in so many other ways, we have managed the door bolting, he is nearly over the barking at strangers, he almost has a solid recall, and he is spectacular at the dog park with only the lightest irritation at dogs that are obnoxious. He's great with the cat, Brigs, Morgan, in the car, in the house, exemplary house training, and he knows sit, down, stay, git, kennel, a frame, jump, tunnel, wait, quiet, it's OK, and off. Just looking at his paws I can see that his nails aren't torn but are bruised (of all things). Anyone have any solutions for us? We love him to pieces but can not watch him hurt himself anymore. Big sweet, stupid dog. *sigh* We will assist with any transportation, etc. if we can find a better home. He also loves chasing model airplanes, and floppy Frisbees, and would be a spectacular Agility dog. If anyone has any solutions that would allow us to keep him that would be beyond awesome.
