Quote: susan tuck

The best results I have had have been to not react to the dog reacting. Any reaction is seen as attention & a dog can interpret it as being rewarded for the negative behaviour displayed.

I would agree with you generally on this. However, in regard to t-storms, fireworks, etc., I think the degree of fear or agitation plays a big part in how you react to your dog. Sometimes a calming touch is exactly what is needed.

As I said previously, I believe that dogs that are severely affected by noise are in a totally different mind-set and often cannot react to general commands or redirection.

This is not to say you can't desensitize them to a point where although they may not necessarily be able to totally ignore the noise, they will be able to function. It's how you get to this point that the different options come into play.

JMO.

The T-touch wrap used is an ace bandage in a figure 8 going across the chest, over the back, and around the butt. It's like they are getting a big hug. The ace bandage would be easy to carry on hikes and would stay on during activity.
I have also used the Ttouch obstacle courses and massage to very successfully build the confidence of a fearful horse, it is also recommended for dogs. Basically it helps them learn to think and problem solve.

Wow, that's interesting...and rather cool!

I tried to edit my post but I took too long to compose it so here is my additional stuff:
The T-touch wrap used is an ace bandage in a figure 8 going across the chest, over the back, and around the butt. It's like they are getting a big hug. The ace bandage would be easy to carry on hikes and would stay on during activity.
I have also used the Ttouch obstacle courses and massage to very successfully build the confidence of a fearful horse, it is also recommended for dogs. Basically it helps them learn to think and problem solve.
If you give him a job or directed activity (obstacle course in the house or outside) during the scary event that will cause him to focus on you instead of the storm, as well as working toward desensitizing. The work should be slow and precise. I'll give an example of what I do with a horse: one step left, one step right, one step forward, 3 short steps, 3 long steps, etc, etc, etc, this is very hard work just because they have to concentrate. They usually can't concentrate on the scary stuff because of what I am asking them to do.
Your obstacle course can be as simple as small rocks to step around and little sticks to step over. Just think "micro-manage movement".

Here is some info on T-touch:

http://www.tellingtontouch.com/whyTTouch.shtml

Also, some people are having success with this:

http://www.stormdefender.com/how_it_works.htm

Sorry I delayed responding to all of these VERY helpful suggestions. My computer has been down. I haven't had a thunderstorm since last I wrote, but will try everything!

Thanks.