Thundershirt - the journey begins.

[portliz]

Well yesterday we were in Superstore and bought Sassy two T-shirts. Lots of stretch to see if the idea of the thundershirt would work at all. WE came home and we tried one on. She agreed to put it on and then we gave an ear rub for comfort. Suggested when putting on the thunder shirt - real one. She wore it for about a half hour - again suggested. She was fine. This morning we put it on again. She came when I called her and gladly put on the shirt. She wore it for about another hour. Later today we took her for a walk and then warmed up the truck!!!

We have decided for the next couple of days we would put the shirt on her and just sit in the truck. Well she went in the truck but immediately her tail was between her legs - anxious. We put the shirt on and she sat down as if ready to roll. We just sat with her. She wondered a little but slowly the tail came out from between her legs. She was very interested in the truck noises. Eventually she laid down and then got up a few times. After about 25 minutes she did her curly up circle and settled right in for a nap. I think we would call this a success.

Next plan - do this for a few days - go sit in the truck with her. Then if she continues to stay calm we will try a very short ride.

I will update as the journey continues.

Liz

[another_newfie]

Please keep us updated. It definitely seems like a paw in the right direction.

[GoinKZ]

WOW this is very, very interesting.

I'm going to do some more reading on the subject.

I hope it all works out for you & DFK

[Jayco Kid]

I am not a pet owner but it sounds like you are doing something good. If we ever get a dog (no cat!!!), hubby says I'll have to go to obedience school (for me). He's used to dogs and I'm not. I will be following your thread with interest as who knows? After I retire in June, maybe we'll look at owning a dog somewhere down the road.

[another_newfie]

I've done some reading on this product and it's something we might try for Zeus. When traveling in the truck he will still ride in his crate, there are many reasons for that. Not the least of which is that if he were to get loose on a road side stop we'd be in for it . However he is an excitable little bugger at the best of times and this might help.

[Origami Camper]

Yes, please let us know if you notice any difference once you go for a real ride. We may try this as well for Karma to ease her anxiousness as well.

[portliz]

Day 2 of the journey.

Sassy comes right away to get her T-shirt on - could be the ear rub she gets - not sure!! We took her for a walk and then brought her in to put her shirt on. DH started supper while I put the shirt on. She wasn't real keen on coming to the truck. Kept looking back at the house but finally jumped in. Her tail was down but not between her legs. She sat for a while looking out the window. I think she is still wondering why we aren't going anywhere. After about 10 minutes she laid down not curled up but settled with head down. She got up a few times to look out but after about 20 minutes she laid down, put her head down and gave the big sigh.

I guess I blew it a little!! I decided to let the truck coast down the drive - she was right up looking around but tail still low but not curled under her butt!!! I shouldn't have pushed it but she settled down again fairly quickly.

I am away for a 4 day business trip so unlikely that the DH will go and sit in the truck with the dog while I'm gone. I think he sometimes wonders what kind of a nut bar he married. He nods and says yes dear a lot!!!!

My brother in law and sister in law are in Florida for a couple of weeks. If this looks promising I might have them look down there for the real thundershirt.

Will keep you posted. Glad to hear that this might be helpful to others.

[High-Tech Redneck]

........Glad to hear it seems to be working,,,,,,,,,If my 14 lb. killer gets a bad case of anxiety,,,,I'll just cut a head and four little leg holes out of one of my tube socks and slide it on him,,, ,,,,,,,,hope she calms down.

[born2camp]

Kinda like a straight jacket for your dog.

[portliz]

The journey continues. Sunday sat in the truck with Sassy. She settled in about 7 minutes - no tail between the legs and laid down.

Today we sat in the truck and she settled in about 5 minutes. Decided to take a little ride. She got up right away when the truck went into gear. I did the Dog Whisperer sss sound and claw nudge on her butt and told her to sit. She did right away. We slowly cruised down the street. She got up once and I repeated the sss thing and told her to sit - she did. I went down another short street and stopped once to get her to sit. She wagged her tail and sat.

No panting and she seemed much calmer. I think this might be working. I will try a little longer ride next time.

I think I just might order the real thundershirt.

Keep you posted.