The Thundershirt Calmed My Dog during Fireworks

Thundershirt

I used a Thundershirt for my collie who was terrified of fireworks while we were camping. On the Fourth of July, the campground had fireworks and I always had to sit inside with my dog. He shook, drooled and hid under the table. Nothing I did would calm him down. His dog agility instructor recommended the Thundershirt for him.

I picked one up and it really helped. I also use it when I'm walking him, so he doesn't get upset by other dogs. It grounds him and keeps him feeling secure. The thundershirt was a lifesaver for me and my dog.

If you have a dog that has anxiety from other dogs, thunder or other loud noises, you should really consider a Thundershirt. They come in sizes to fit all breeds of dogs. The shirt even helps with excessive barking.

The Thundershirt really helped my dog with his fear. He stopped trembling and hiding under the table when he heard fireworks. He doesn't need it anymore because we stopped camping.

Sizing: 24" to 32" chest (40 to 70 pounds) My collie is 60 pounds and the large Thundershirt fit him fine.

The Thundershirt has velcro for adjusting its size.

With its patent-pending design, Thundershirt's gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs if they are anxious, fearful or over-excited. Based on surveys completed by over two thousand customers, over 80% of dogs show significant improvement in symptoms when using Thundershirt.

Thundershirts are used for:

Fear of Thunder
Separation Anxiety
Barking Problems
Noise Anxiety
Car Anxiety
Crate Anxiety
Excitability
Leash Pulling

Does Your Dog Bark at Everyone Who Walks By?

If your dog barks or lunges at everyone who walks by the house or while you are walking, then these tips might help. Using a few training techniques to refocus your dog can help stop barking, nipping and lunging at other dogs and people.

Redirect Behavior

If you are walking your dog and he starts staring at another dog or person, (which is supposedly, very rude behavior for a dog. My dog does it all the time.) put him in a sit position and stand directly in front of him so he can't see the dog. He'll try to look around your legs but move with his head and don't allow him to look. Keep feeding him treats, one after the other, to keep him focused on you until the other dog or person is out of his view. If your dog is clicker trained, use the clicker when he is focused on you.

I know this is hard to do if you are pressed for time while on the walk but it really does work. When I take my dog for a walk at a nearby park, I can actually get him to sit while other dogs walk by, then we continue on our way.

As far as barking from the window, that's a tough one. I'm still working on that with my dog but my dog behavior instructor says that it takes two  weeks of calm behavior to break a dog's habit. Try putting something on the couch, so your dog can't see out the window for awhile. If he gets excited while on the
floor, distract him with treats and make him sit, basically the same thing as when you're on the walk.

Work Your Dog

Another thing you can do is practice commands when your dog gets overexcited. For instance, when you see him getting anxious while on a walk or in the house, have some treats ready and just have him sit, down, walk backwards, touch your hand, anything to keep him busy, so he knows you're in charge and have things under control.

Your dog might think he has to protect the house and the people he is walking with when you're outside. He has to learn that the situation is okay and you can take care of things. Hopes this helps.

Mat Work Calms Down Reactive Dogs

Does your dog react to people entering the house, dogs walking down the street, or children playing outside?  Consider training your excited dog to calm down by going to his mat.  Read these mat training tips and see how quickly your dog will calm down when you need him to.