My poor puppy
- Thread starter Bay_Kat
- Start date
mamatutu
mama to two
Our Cookie who was a rather short squatty dog, who passed last year, used to jump into our jacuzzi tub in the bathroom to hide. We never quite knew how she did that because the surrounding enclosure is about 10" wide; we always called her our scaredy dog. She couldn't get out on her own, and would just sit there until we found her. She was so cute! I wonder if thundershirts really work?
Thundershirt | The Best Dog Anxiety Treatment
Bay_Kat
Tropical
I was looking at those, they are expensive, but as many storms as we get here, it might be a good investment. Just wish I knew if it really worked, haven't heard of anyone trying it.
rabbithead
New Member
I have a friend with beagles that would pace, shake and pant during thunderstorms. She bought a couple dog t-shirts from CVS for $3 each. They were a size too small and fit very snug. Really helped to calm the dogs. Have not tried thundershirts.
Bay_Kat
Tropical
That might be a way to start, see if it helps a little. Thanks!
homedepot20
Well-Known Member
My Yorkie Joee is afraid of Thunderstorms . I bought the Thunder Shirt for $38.00 and is the best device every bought , TRY IT
Bay_Kat
Tropical
Really, 38 bucks? Wow, I'll have to shop around then, the ones I saw were a lot more than that. Thanks for the info.
homedepot20
Well-Known Member
Go ONLINE to Thundershirt.com
Bay_Kat
Tropical
frequentflier
happy to be living
Being in the business that I am, I hear a lot about products people have tried. I would have to say Thundershirts are about 50/50. 50% of people swear by them; the other 50% say their animal had no reaction.
People asked me to carry them but I saw them advertised so many places including in Readers Digest. I also see them as a high return item in the 50% of people that say they don't work.
Bay_Kat
Tropical
Just the person I should talk to. Any other suggestions? I had a shepherd that the vet recommended valium (the dog kind) which made him nasty, I don't want to do that with this one. I guess I could just let her sleep in the shower, it's not hurting anyone and makes her feel better.
mamatutu
mama to two
BayKat, we, also, looked into anxiety meds for Cookie, but it seems it would have been trial and error, so we didn't med her. We just gave her lots of hugs, when she was scared. We rescued her at 3 months old (she lived to 13), and she never did get used to loud noises; thunder, gunfire, etc. Except for loud noises, she was one happy pup. I found when I would rub her paw, she would calm down. Massage therapy? 
I hope you find the resolution to your beautiful pup's anxiety.
I hope you find the resolution to your beautiful pup's anxiety.
Bay_Kat
Tropical
BayKat, we, also, looked into anxiety meds for Cookie, but it seems it would have been trial and error, so we didn't med her. We just gave her lots of hugs, when she was scared. We rescued her at 3 months old (she lived to 13), and she never did get used to loud noises; thunder, gunfire, etc. Except for loud noises, she was one happy pup. I found when I would rub her paw, she would calm down. Massage therapy?
Me too, to me she is still a baby, a year and a half, but I really hate to see her go on like that, usually it doesn't bother her, she barks at fireworks and normally at thunder, but tonight, it was really bad and I don't want her to start being afraid every time there is thunder.
I just took her out for the last time tonight and there were still rumbles, didn't seem to bother her at all, it's just the really big ones that freak her out.
migtig
aka Mrs. Giant
Thundershirts don't work.
What does work is conditioning.
Stop pampering and babying your dog during a storm. Your anxiety is making your dog's anxiety higher. I know it's hard to do when you want to snuggle and make the world a great place for your pup, but the best way to do that is to show that the storm is nothing.
One thing to do is to invest in a cheap nature sounds cd with thunderstorms and play it. It desensitizes your dog. Ignore the sounds and your dog will too.
Project that you are calm and happy and give rewards/treats while your dog is calm and happy.
Don't over baby and give more hugs than usual. Just keep on being calm and encouraging your dog to do the same.
You can also consider playing games and such while the storm is going on - which makes your dog turn storms into play time. My only problem with this is storms at night and your dog wanting to play while you want to sleep.
My dogs watch DogTVduring the day. They do the sounds of nature and sirens and desensitize the dogs to noises that are upsetting. Storms and sirens don't phase the dogs at all anymore.
What does work is conditioning.
Stop pampering and babying your dog during a storm. Your anxiety is making your dog's anxiety higher. I know it's hard to do when you want to snuggle and make the world a great place for your pup, but the best way to do that is to show that the storm is nothing.
One thing to do is to invest in a cheap nature sounds cd with thunderstorms and play it. It desensitizes your dog. Ignore the sounds and your dog will too.
Project that you are calm and happy and give rewards/treats while your dog is calm and happy.
Don't over baby and give more hugs than usual. Just keep on being calm and encouraging your dog to do the same.
You can also consider playing games and such while the storm is going on - which makes your dog turn storms into play time. My only problem with this is storms at night and your dog wanting to play while you want to sleep.
My dogs watch DogTVduring the day. They do the sounds of nature and sirens and desensitize the dogs to noises that are upsetting. Storms and sirens don't phase the dogs at all anymore.
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ICit
Jam out with ur clam out
well said... just what i was going to say
when you hug your dog.. tell it "its ok" during the "issue moment"...you are just instilling the fear deeper.... and reassuring the dog its ok to be like that.
I have been working very hard with my rescue dog on building her confidence in different situations where i have seen she has shown fear or is nervous.
also I have been working with her and redirecting her focus when things happen.
also she will be starting a basic OB class next week... not that she needs basic OB or I have not been able to train her....but for the experience around other dogs and this will teach her focus and confidence building... so then we could move to agility or rally.
in just what i have worked with her on she has learned fast... as we were out on a walk yesterday with E.... and there was another dog.... She didnt react to the dog but E did.... Even with E reacting to the other dog...she stayed nice and calm...
the only issues i saw with her yesterday was when her prey drive was tested with kids running and making noise and the people playing ball.... she wanted to go play ball with them... I gave her a quick correction and she was back down to normal dog...
Bay_Kat
Tropical
I don't do any of those things, nothing I don't normally do. Last night she went into the shower to hide. I didn't baby her, I just let her be, thinking if that's what makes her feel better, she knows best. Like I said, normally storms don't bother her, she barks at the thunder.
ICit
Jam out with ur clam out
then try some CD's like miggy was saying...
My male GSD will bark at any wistle.... try watching a sporting game with him....
...or like a firework sound... OMG
desertrat
0_0
Aww. Mine did that. Hated even the littlest boomers.