k9kreationz
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I just wanted to shout a big thanks to Ortegah for talking about the calming cap. I finally got Koji one and this weekend was his first agility trial since I got it. Mind you, most people tell me I just need to stop taking the easy way out and train him, but honestly, it makes me feel better and it works wonders.
I have tried the thundershirt and it didn't seem to do much for Koji (although, someone told me I had to have it on him for at least 30 mins prior to exposing him to any place that would make him anxious. So, maybe I was using it wrong.
This weekend, I didn't use it too much. People kept asking me about it and what it does, can he see through it, etc. Trust me, he can see through it, because he looks at me when I have food, and will follow my hand around, even w/o food (cuz he thinks I have food). I felt so bad using it on him. BUT....here was the true test.
I have one of those octagon shaped pens with windows all around the sides. Koji barks and lunges at dogs if they come within 15' feet of it. It's usually the last thing we pack up, which typically isn't an issue, because we put Koji in his crate first (in the car). But we didn't have a crate. So, I put on the calming cap and OMG, dogs were walking within a couple of feet and he just stood there. He saw them, he watched them, but no barking/lunging. At one point, I went to go check my scores and listened for who won the HITs, and hubby was cleaning up......NOT ONE PEEP out of Koji the ENTIRE time. He was lying down (head down, probably sleeping) when I came back, and people were walking by, dogs were playing, etc. WOW!!!!
I need to find out the rules in agility though. Like, can I stuff it into my pocket before the run? I assume I need to take it off before entering the ring, etc.
But otherwise, I am impressed. I wanted to write about it, since no one really knows about it too much. It's great for my agility dog who likes to bark at any dog moving. And where we were, everyone was throwing balls, frisbees, etc. He was going crazy.
So, thanks ortegah. Some people may think it's weird or even cruel, but if it helps him stay calm, then it's good for the both of us....and yes, I'm still working on the training, but until then, why not have a dog who's more relaxed?
I have tried the thundershirt and it didn't seem to do much for Koji (although, someone told me I had to have it on him for at least 30 mins prior to exposing him to any place that would make him anxious. So, maybe I was using it wrong.
This weekend, I didn't use it too much. People kept asking me about it and what it does, can he see through it, etc. Trust me, he can see through it, because he looks at me when I have food, and will follow my hand around, even w/o food (cuz he thinks I have food). I felt so bad using it on him. BUT....here was the true test.
I have one of those octagon shaped pens with windows all around the sides. Koji barks and lunges at dogs if they come within 15' feet of it. It's usually the last thing we pack up, which typically isn't an issue, because we put Koji in his crate first (in the car). But we didn't have a crate. So, I put on the calming cap and OMG, dogs were walking within a couple of feet and he just stood there. He saw them, he watched them, but no barking/lunging. At one point, I went to go check my scores and listened for who won the HITs, and hubby was cleaning up......NOT ONE PEEP out of Koji the ENTIRE time. He was lying down (head down, probably sleeping) when I came back, and people were walking by, dogs were playing, etc. WOW!!!!
I need to find out the rules in agility though. Like, can I stuff it into my pocket before the run? I assume I need to take it off before entering the ring, etc.
But otherwise, I am impressed. I wanted to write about it, since no one really knows about it too much. It's great for my agility dog who likes to bark at any dog moving. And where we were, everyone was throwing balls, frisbees, etc. He was going crazy.
So, thanks ortegah. Some people may think it's weird or even cruel, but if it helps him stay calm, then it's good for the both of us....and yes, I'm still working on the training, but until then, why not have a dog who's more relaxed?