Dog Anxiety Remedies

A few weeks ago I posted a plea on facebook for advice re: Andi’s sudden fear of wind. Yes, wind. Any kind of breeze, any noise caused by wind, any creaking caused by the slight sway of branches causes her to completely lose her mind and do insane things including but not limited to: attempting to dig out of the apartment (see: scratched wood floors), chewing the LOCK OFF THE FRONT DOOR (see: no security deposit return), chugging water until she throws up, running around the house panting and shaking, pacing for hours (again, wood floors + dog pacing = no sleep for anyone). Here is the advice I got and tried:

1. The Thundershirt: I ordered this for Andi and my review is so-so. She calms down a little bit for awhile when she has it on and is definitely a little more subdued. When I came home from work on a particularly windy day last week the balcony door had been left open, meaning there was wind in the apartment (Andi’s worst nightmare), and there was no visible damage to the apartment. She always shakes when I leave for work, so I have been trying it out for that but she still shakes. If you’re ordering a Thundershirt for your dog I definitely suggest ordering through their website because they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back, so if it doesn’t work you get a full refund.

2. Lavender Oil or Spray: My friend told me they put lavender oil on their dog’s food, on her fur and on her bed and it has a great calming affect. I even read that vets sometimes diffuse lavender oil in their offices and waiting rooms to calm dogs. It also comes in a spray that you can pretty much use anywhere.

3. EXERCISE: I check weather.com every day to see if there is any possibility of wind. When there is, I take Andi out the night before for an extra long walk or run (usually 2-3 miles) and take her to a field where she can kick it into 5th gear. The goal is to get her so tired that she sleeps through the wind. This doesn’t work 100%, but it definitely helps.

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4. Doggy Day Care: Same idea as a #3, dogs can get so worn out at doggy daycare that they don’t have the energy to be scared. Doggy Daycare isn’t in my budget this year, but definitely keeping it in mind for the future. In DC? Here's what I found for DC doggy day cares

5. Desensitizing: I did some reading on desensitizing dogs to the things that scare them. This article from WebMD has some good tips. This is a tough one to do with wind, I guess I could bring in a huge fan for a day and work on this haha? The video above shows a vacuum cleaner example with tips. PS youtube has tons of dog training resources- I'm going to try this for leash pulling and this for separation anxiety (I know she's a mess. Really it's not her it's me).  

This is Andi at the vet. Look at that mean mug. #dramaqueen

6. Get Checked for Ear Infections: If dogs suddenly become scared of noises that didn’t bother them before, it could be an ear infection or something else that is easily solved by the vet. Definitely worth looking into, plus the vet could have some good ideas for your dog and breed. See the picture above for how much Andi loves going to the vet.

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7. Meds: This is my last resort. If we get into the new house and Andi’s situation doesn’t improve (I’m hoping not being on the 7th floor of an old building will make wind less scary?), we are going to try this out. I have a lot of friends whose dogs take Valium and other anti-anxiety meds so it is indeed a thing.

What do you do for your dog's anxiety? Have you heard of anything that works??

And a bonus: DOG GIFS!

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Dog Anxiety Remedies

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Collars, Halters, Harnesses and Leashes for Strong Dogs + Reactive Dog Training Resources

Let me start this off with a little story, the moment that started my [desperate] search for dog walking resources for dogs like Andi who are so sweet and gentle yet have the strength of Arnold Schwarzzenegger. So picture this:

The sun is finally out after a night of pouring rain. Lindsay and Andi (a beautiful lovely 50-lb pit mix) have been cooped up in the house all night and cannot wait to get outside! It's 8:30 a.m. aka rush hour, and Lindsay and Andi live on an extremely busy street in their city. They walk onto the wet grassy median where all the dogs go to use the restroom. Suddenly Andi sees a squirrel and completely loses her sh*t!! Because there are only TEN MILLION SQUIRRELS LIVING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. Before Lindsay knows it she is essentially water skiing down the median with Andi as her speedboat, pulling her along, Lindsay holding onto the leash for dear life. Finally Lindsay eats it, falling face first into the muddy wet grass. Does this stop Andi? Of course not. Lindsay continues to be dragged. On her face. In front of traffic

This story has not even been dramatized in the slightest. Did I mention I was completely dressed for work? So this was when I decided it was time to do something. I researched training which at $300 for a few weeks of training sessions (where we would have to be around other dogs which are more exciting to Andi than squirrels) Andi and I would both be traumatized and neither of us would have money to eat. So I researched and tried out some different dog walking tools. These are my review of the harnesses, halters and leashes we have tried out- they all have pros and cons but they all HELP, and are ASPCA approved!

The Gentle Leader

• How it works: The Gentle Leader places gentle pressure on the back of the dog's neck which prevents her from tugging at the leash. The nose loop directs the head in the direction you want to go.
• Pros: It really DOES work (I could hold onto Andi's leash with one finger while walking her on this), a lot of times dogs don't need additional walking training, no choking the dog
• Cons: Can rub away at the fur on dog's nose leading to raw exposed skin, takes some time to get used to (for dog and owner), must be fitted exactly right (you've got to watch the DVD that comes with it) which makes it hard to have others walk the dog (aka parents, dog sitters, etc), also I'm really defensive about my dog and HATED when people would say "oh did your pit bite someone so you have to keep a muzzle on it?" This is in no way a muzzle but I hated that we could be stirring up these "nasty pit" thoughts in people's heads.

Front Clip Harnesses

• How it works: Straps go over their back and under their arms so that when they pull their front legs out from under them- kind of like they're trying to swim but there's no water. 
• Pros: The webbing and adjustments make it great for girthy/wide-shouldered dogs (like pits), 6 different sizes ensure great fit, takes no time to get used to (you can use it right away), really effective. You really really have to measure you dog to make sure you get the right size.
• Cons: Can cause rubbing/chaffing for the dogs, and it snaps awkwardly under their arms which makes it easy to accidentally pinch that super sensitive skin down there and virtually impossible to strap on without harm after a few cocktails. This is why I got rid of it...maybe now that I've cut back on drinking I can get back on it because this was my favorite.

Regular Harness

• How it works: Straps around the dog, leash attaches to a ring at the top.
• Pros: Good for dogs with throat or trachea issues, maybe it's good for small dogs?
• Cons: This actually seemed to make pulling worse for Andi. My theory is that it was like a "hug" on her and got her all excited, or it was more fun to pull with a jacket around her.

Sporn Training Halter™ 

• How it works: Similar to the Front Clip Harness, but work as more of a pulley system. Sherpa sleeves cover the cords so they don't cause chaffing under the dogs' arms.
• Pros: The sherpa sleeves reduce chaffing, it really did stop Andi's pulling
• Cons: Looks like the dog is being strapped in for a space flight (the sherpa sleeves are huge), broad shouldered dogs (like Andi) can easily step out of the restraints.

I have been emailing with a trainer who suggested Washington Animal Rescue League , Spot on Dog Training DC, and FREE workshops at Your Dog's Friend. She also forwarded me the ASPCA's Training Guide for Leash Reactive Dogs. Andi and I are definitely going to try the neutral-dog training technique!

What do YOU do for your strong or reactive dog? Training advice? Dog tools?



Linking up today:

Collars, Halters, Harnesses and Leashes for Strong Dogs + Reactive Dog Training Resources

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Dogcessories: The $12 Doggie Car Seat

The Gods of Groupon Goods are hearing Andi's and my prayers with this deal today:

In the last 6 months Andi has developed a kind of car anxiety where as soon as the car goes into drive she shakes profusely and sheds approximately 2-5 lbs of hair (depending on how far the drive is)- I mean in reality it is probably for attention and probably because she has discovered it earns her a seat in my lap if I'm not driving. But she's almost 60 pounds and front seats are just not build for 2. Enter: AKC Car Seat Covers from Groupon Goods. As soon as this hit my inbox I ordered- $12 + $2 shipping and handling- yes please! When I researched these at the onset of Andi's car-anxiety I couldn't find anything under $50.

Just look how happy this dog is in the car, No anxiety anywhere.

Apparently most people get this to keep dog hair off their seats not necessarily as a barrier to the front seat. You say potato and say pota(h)to. Whatever.

I may or may not have strayed over to the "customers like you also liked this" page and purchased this LED leash (hey Christmas is coming!)

Ok ok ok and an LED collar..Andi will be so safe!  And the coolest dog on the block in our new neighborhood! (more on that later)

Dogcessories: The $12 Doggie Car Seat

Wednesday, November 20, 2013