I was hoping somebody on this forum has used the Thundershirt for a nervous dog? I've been reading up on them and they've got some mixed reviews I'd only use if for times when I know he's going to be anxious
I was cautious about using one after reading mixed reviews but his anxiety was getting to a such a point where I had to give everything and anything a chance. We tried it on him a few times for short periods of time when he wasn't anxious to let him get used to it. On about the third time we lest it on a bit longer and he just lay still for a while, I was a bit concerned about him shutting down. Maybe he was just relaxed and I was reading too much into it. Then one firework night it felt like the drugs weren't working at all, he was panting and scratching heavily so in desperation I put his vest on him. Anything at this point! Eventually he began to calm down a bit. The drugs, exhaustion, the vest, I'm not sure, but he begun to calm down. We've used it a few times since then along with medication. For us it's not a miracle cure but I believe that it does help take an edge off his anxious moments.
I've never used one, so can't give first-hand advice. But, my concerns are the same as Jes's with Homer; would it cause Willow to shut down? She (along with most dogs) doesn't like being hugged; if she felt like that, she would look calm, but because she would feel trapped. On the other hand, one thing that certainly does calm her when she's having a hard time, is long, firm strokes along the length of her body. If, somehow, the shirt emulated that feeling, then I could see it having some positive effect. I'm more inclined to believe it would have the effect of constriction, though, which is why I've not tried it.
Here is an interesting article from a vet, on the effects of pressure wraps for anxiety in dogs. http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2011/07/pressure-wraps-for-anxiety-in-dogs/
Really interesting article. Thanks Pippa. I've never used one for Harley, but just having her paw and leg bandaged by an old get made her shut down. The vet tried telling me she was just quiet and calm, when I could clearly see this wasn't the case. As soon as I took the bandaging off she was jumping around like a looney!
I don't have a nervous dog, but I have an extremely excitable dog - he can become frantic in some situations (I don't want to be overly dramatic, he is mainly just a super excitable dog having a ball, even though me as his owner can be pulling my hair out in exasperation! ). But I know this: put a harness on him, or a fleece, or drying coat...and he shuts down. He looks (to those who don't know him) relaxed, calm, obedient. I know better though - I know this isn't a good way to go. Take off the thing, and he is back to being a complete, happy, embarrassing hooligan. So, I'd say: they might work, they might not. But don't mistake stillness, less frantic, behaviour as a good thing. It depends on why you are getting that behaviour - because the dog really feels like that, or just looks like that? Best of luck with it.
@Tori_lizzie in the absence of any proper scientific evidence that they work - testimonials on the manufacturers website are not scientific evidence - I would probably say they don't work. Behaviour modification with desentisation is really the only solution and is not a quick fix
As an aside, mine love their drying coats and put their heads through the hole to help me put them on! I am not convinced about thunder shirts, but have no personal experience to support my view.
Thank you for all your help! I really appreciate everybodies experience and views on this I've only seen an anxiety shirt used once in the rescue I used to work at and for that particular dog it helped (he was so nervous that any sudden noise he could bite) I don't want to try tablets or anything like that as inside the home Max is pretty well behaved unless we have guests over, then we use the food find it game or 'watch me' until he's relaxed. There's a few times where I know Max is likely to react outside of the home, by react I mean bark or growl to tell people to back away frankly it doesn't happen often but sometimes it can't be helped. It's mainly in the morning when it's quieter he seems to freak out or at the vet. we're incredibly lucky that we have an amazing vet, we always stick to the same man unless it's an emergency and even then he's been there. Like a magician he takes one look at Max and knows what's up! This vet is hands down amazing with Max, he understands him, always has something yummy for him plus whatever delicious snacks I have BUT he is still nervous, tail tucked under, ears pinned back, licking of lips and yawning. He has improved slightly but it feels awful to watch and wondered if somehow the shirt would help in those situations... Thank you @Jes72 those anxiety moments is just where I need that extra help, I've tried so many different training techniques but if for some reason beyond me he goes just over that threshold he's incredibly difficult to manage. He'll either try race to the hills or stand his ground and refuse to move. Although those times aren't often it's frustrating especially as my dog behaviorist hasn't witnessed him like that Thank you @snowbunny I do agree with the "shutting down" I wouldn't be as worried with Max as he wears coats and doesn't notice them. The stroking method is what i do for other dogs besides Max, they seem to go crazy for it. The other day i had 3 dogs all demanding back massages hahaha Thank you for the article @editor it was an interesting read. Without all your support and advice I'd be lost! All those puppy training articles helped me immensely throughout Max's trying periods! @Naya o that sounds awful I'm so sorry to hear that having her paw bandaged affected her! What a lovely insight to your wonderful world with your dog @JulieT it's very good that you know what your dog should be like. At the end of the day we all know our dogs best and I don't know a labrador owner who doesn't have those crazy moments with their pooch haha Thanks @Jojo83 as I stated above I've tried many different training techniques with Max. He was in training classes up until late last summer. He's seen two behaviourists (still seeing one) but as the lady cannot witness hands on Max "freaking out" it's hard to correct. Again not often. If he's in a pack he's a typical lazy lab sniffing and doing his own thing, might play but a laid back lad. I don't have to worry in dog parks as there's dog around. Even if someone were to miss all the labels and warning signs on him to try and pet him he'll walk away or sniff then come back @Stacia I think our dogs are related my boy also sticks his head in his drying coat for me! He loves loves loves wearing it...but then he's a lab who loves to get wet but doesn't like being wet hahaha Hope I replied to everyone! I feel like I've written an assignment tonight LOL
Welcome to the anxious dog club! H is curled up as calm as warm apple pie next to me but all we need is the bin man lorry to come past down the road! If H does not want to go past somewhere where there was once a noise there is no way of moving him. The photos are not very clear but H is scratching next to my bed then got himself under the bedside table. Definitely less panting with his thunder vest.
That's awful to hear I hope H gains confidence both in and outside the home May I ask how he is around other dogs? Today I took Max to the dog park and he met his friend who's overly confident with people and it rubbed off on him As for the noises within the home I bought a CD which has a variety of noise and gradually over time slowly increased the volume and watches Max for any anxiety. Now apart from him seeing someone outside our house he's good
That's great progress with the CDs. Little steps. Being with a confident fog will definitely help when out and about. Homer is much better when he's at his dog sitters house, there's a lot less noise and having the other dogs around is good for him. He's OK with his usual walks where we come across lots of other dogs, but less so at new places even if there are dogs about.
My heart goes out to you and Homer @Jes72 , just wish there was a magic cure.. @Stacia my dogs are very comfy in their towelling robes, they act completely normal, Casper has even tried to zoomie in his....not a good idea!
