Storm season and a dog people already assume is "tough"
Rocco turns into a completely different animal the second thunder starts, shaking, trying to wedge himself behind the toilet, the whole thing. Nobody expects that reaction from an Am Staff because of the reputation, but noise phobia doesn't care what breed you are. Anyone else deal with the disconnect between how people assume your dog will react versus what actually happens in a storm?
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This breaks my heart a little, poor Rocco. People really do project so much onto a dog based on looks alone. Sounds like he's got a good owner paying attention to what he actually needs though
There's a solid writeup specifically on the breed that pushes back on a lot of the tough-guy assumptions people make: https://allinpets.com/blog/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier-strength-loyalty-and-heart-in-one-bold-companion-8/
Sensible point, storm anxiety is about the individual dog's nervous system, not breed toughness stereotypes. Diablo's a GSD and turns into jelly during storms too, people assume working breeds are unshakeable and that's just not reality. General summer safety piece touches on managing dogs through unpredictable weather: https://allinpets.com/blog/dogs/rules-for-spending-time-with-your-pet-outdoors-in-summer-20/