Thunderstruck – Travis had a surprise by being woken up from a cooling snooze by hearing thunder for the first time as we experienced some welcome rain after the brief and sudden hot spell.

He was born into a dry winter and, although he has experienced hail a couple of times, thunder is a novelty. Dogs’ hearing range is approximately 67-45,000 Hz whereas humans hearing rage is around 64-23,000 Hz. Dogs not only hear pitches which humans cannot perceive, but they can hear sounds up to a mile distant. This is why they can become agitated by distant thunder or fireworks long before it is apparent what is causing the behaviour.

It was a short-lived rumble with no lightening and Travis merely raised his head, checked in with me and carried on sleeping. It may have been different if it had happened at night, especially if there had been flashes of lightening. We timed our water games in the garden well too – maybe I made it rain!

There are several ways that you can help your dog to cope with frightening noises: it’s best to start early, before you anticipate problems may occur as desensitisation needs to be gradual and takes time.

Thunderstruck – yes, but Travis had a surprise that ended in a good experience. He had a great start with his breeder and is showing all the signs of being pretty bombproof. Meanwhile, it is a relief to contemplate some cooler weather.

Next week: Pool Party – We’re Having A Heat Wave

Meanwhile, why not check out R+Dog Training Puppy Start Right Courses  and the new Puppy Social Walk in Chiswick House grounds for help with understanding your puppy, and the Teenage Tearaways Course for help with canine puberty. You can also get help with more serious problems such as fear of thunder or fireworks.