Bicycle Camper Overnight test in a mother of a thunder storm
Bicyclecamper said
08:49 PM Oct 25, 2020
Decided to test the new camper last night for waterproofness and a few other things to test out. Milo was with me, as have built it with space factored in for him to be able to sleep with me. Had some rain, no leaks, after doing some reading. Went to sleep around 11ish. About 2am, Milo starts walking all over me, I couldn't understand it, he was panting hard and shaking all over. He had picked up on distant thunder, and as he is scared of thunder. I put the nightlite on and sat up, cradling him. It took about 10 minutes for the main storm to come in, and boy was it a doozy. The loudest thunder, I have ever heard, and tons and tons of rain. No leaks, but not only was Milo freaking out and seriously scared, so was I, moreso, about being struck by lightning, and some of the strikes were mighty close. It was loud extremely loud. It took over 2 hours after the storm for him to feel better. He did try to get out during the worst of it. I was so glad we were not in the tent No it did not leak. All the compartments outside also stayed dry, including the electronics. Was worth the effort and the expense. A few more things to do, and will be ready for a long distance adventure in Autumn
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 25th of October 2020 08:51:08 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 25th of October 2020 08:51:35 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 25th of October 2020 09:15:50 PM
Mike Harding said
08:30 AM Oct 26, 2020
Well done on the construction.
Poor old chap, some dogs are not at all bothered by storms and others, like yours, terrified. I believe you can obtain sedative drugs for dogs with severe responses but it's probably better he just becomes use to them and learns they won't hurt him, if possible.
In general phobia treatment is to gradually expose the individual to more of the phobia a little at a time perhaps consider taking Milo to a gun club for exposure to loud noises but start slow.
hufnpuf said
08:35 AM Oct 26, 2020
They also sell these things called "thunder shirts". I've no idea whether they work or not, my dogs aren't bothered by storms, luckily for me.
Pretty good test conditions to give a thorough assessment of watertightness!
Bicyclecamper said
12:06 PM Oct 26, 2020
Yes we got 2 inches of rain in the storm that lasted 30 minutes. I spent a lot of extra money on sealing it up tight to be effective against heavy rain. We were only in the back yard, just in case it failed. I don't think Milo will ever get over the thunder. especially as a pup in his very early weeks, was alone in a pet shop for 4 weeks, including weekends overnite, and he was only 4 weeks old when he first stayed there. We had some pretty bad storms during his time there. As soon as I found out how long he had been there, And I did see him a bit during that time at the shop, I paid for him and brought him straight home. He has clung to me ever since.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Monday 26th of October 2020 12:07:49 PM
kesa32 said
03:46 PM Nov 19, 2020
Poor milo , 4weeks old is too young to be taken away from rest , luckily you were kind enough to save him from being there longer
Decided to test the new camper last night for waterproofness and a few other things to test out. Milo was with me, as have built it with space factored in for him to be able to sleep with me. Had some rain, no leaks, after doing some reading. Went to sleep around 11ish. About 2am, Milo starts walking all over me, I couldn't understand it, he was panting hard and shaking all over. He had picked up on distant thunder, and as he is scared of thunder. I put the nightlite on and sat up, cradling him. It took about 10 minutes for the main storm to come in, and boy was it a doozy. The loudest thunder, I have ever heard, and tons and tons of rain. No leaks, but not only was Milo freaking out and seriously scared, so was I, moreso, about being struck by lightning, and some of the strikes were mighty close. It was loud extremely loud. It took over 2 hours after the storm for him to feel better. He did try to get out during the worst of it. I was so glad we were not in the tent No it did not leak. All the compartments outside also stayed dry, including the electronics. Was worth the effort and the expense. A few more things to do, and will be ready for a long distance adventure in Autumn
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 25th of October 2020 08:51:08 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 25th of October 2020 08:51:35 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 25th of October 2020 09:15:50 PM
Well done on the construction.
Poor old chap, some dogs are not at all bothered by storms and others, like yours, terrified. I believe you can obtain sedative drugs for dogs with severe responses but it's probably better he just becomes use to them and learns they won't hurt him, if possible.
In general phobia treatment is to gradually expose the individual to more of the phobia a little at a time perhaps consider taking Milo to a gun club for exposure to loud noises but start slow.
Pretty good test conditions to give a thorough assessment of watertightness!
Yes we got 2 inches of rain in the storm that lasted 30 minutes. I spent a lot of extra money on sealing it up tight to be effective against heavy rain. We were only in the back yard, just in case it failed. I don't think Milo will ever get over the thunder. especially as a pup in his very early weeks, was alone in a pet shop for 4 weeks, including weekends overnite, and he was only 4 weeks old when he first stayed there. We had some pretty bad storms during his time there. As soon as I found out how long he had been there, And I did see him a bit during that time at the shop, I paid for him and brought him straight home. He has clung to me ever since.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Monday 26th of October 2020 12:07:49 PM