How do I treat my dog's storm phobia? Whether your pup is howling at the window or hiding underneath the bed, it's important to help them overcome their fear of storms at a young age. Rather than turning a blind eye to their behavior, the friendly staff at All Creatures Inn, a pet kennel in Nicholasville, KY, recommends setting aside the time to prepare your pooch for the lightning and thunder before summer arrives.

Thanks to the experienced technicians at the local pet kennel, here are a few tips for helping your dog through summer storms:

• Create A Safe Space: If your dog goes crazy every time lightning strikes, it's best to set aside a room in your house for them to retreat to. By doing so, you'll prevent them from damaging your property while also giving your family a rest from their bad behavior.

• Positive Reinforcement: While putting your pooch in the extra bedroom may work for temporary relief, you're going to need to show them how to behave appropriately during a storm. Start by giving them some kind of positive reinforcement for acting good, such as a treat or a pat on the head. Over time, they'll learn that remaining in a sitting position and not getting worked up will get them treats — thus encouraging them to display good behavior during storms.

• Desensitization: So, you've set aside a safe space for when a storm starts, and you've also started working with your dog to teach them how to behave properly. Next, go ahead and buy a summer storms CD and play it repeatedly, regardless of the weather outside. Eventually, they'll learn that storms are just a natural part of their routine.

For more tips from the pet kennel at All Creatures Inn, call (859) 233-9000. You can also visit their website for more information.