Shiloh is Afraid

[celloyogi]

Thanks for all the ideas. I thought about the treats but he doesn't like to eat when he's nervous and he is overweight, so I am really trying to limit those big-time. And he is not toy motivated. After Barb mentioned the calming treats. I thought about trying some essential oils on Shiloh, so I did a little research and I found out lavender could be used to calm them, I had some so I thought why not try it. So while the hubby was cooking, his turn, I tried it. It worked to a point the first night. He wasn't climbing up me or panting nearly as bad. So I think I will keep this up and see what happens, there are also a couple of others I am going to try if this doesn't work. I just have to make sure I use this with care and don't overwhelm his sense of smell. Thanks for all the ideas. The thunder shirt may be a great idea for our border collie - since he hates thunder storms, and fireworks. Do they make them for large dogs, 70 lbs?

Low-cal treats abound! Ice cubes, pieces of fruit (Olive will do anything for a piece of pineapple), pieces of vegetables (green beans are gold), low-fat cheeses and deli meats. Random stuff like Dijon mustard - one of the truly strange things Olive loves. She doesn't drink it but sometimes a bit on a finger is enough to take her mind off whatever she's fixated on.

Thundershirts come in sizes for all dogs. Olive wears one for various events, like going to the training club, to various "field trips" like the pet store, and even in the kitchen when she's afraid. It won't make your dog all of a sudden a model citizen but at least for Olive (and almost every other dog I know) it takes the edge off. Money very well spent.

I've been calling the stove The Sizzler... and am trying to convince Olive that while she hates The Sizzler, she loves all the delicious goodies that come from The Sizzler. I think I might have to take a cue from Sca's dad and "leak" food from The Sizzler for Olive.