Thundershirt Rocks!

Ann said:
Barkley's Thundershirt came today -- amazing, given that I ordered it Saturday morning and got free shipping! I fitted it to Barkley, who looked puzzled but OK with it. A few minutes later I heard the ripping of velcro.....so maybe not so OK with it, LOL.

I persisted and refitted it. It's stayed on and wonder of wonders, when I picked up the phone to make a call, Barkley (who usually runs around and barks as soon as I start dialing) stayed quiet. A few minutes later the phone rang, and after an initial few barks, quiet again! He always barks the *entire* time I'm on a call.

So far, I'm a believer. My question is since his problem isn't storms, but these kind of environmental triggers, do I just leave it on him regularly? I figured I will have to initially. The directions say it's safe and breathable and it doesn't seem to bother him. What do you all think?

PS ~ I also like that it says it has a 45-day complete guarantee if it doesn't work for the dog.
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Since Barkley is sighted & not hearing impaired,and you are having issues with enviormental triggers,I see no reason why he could not wear it all the time,.

It is one thing Mia is never without,she wears hers all day long for the most part.
 
I don't have a thunder shirt but last week during a really bad storm I put an old t-shirt on Zak and it helped alot. Plan to use it on Monday for fireworks. I tell people about them.
 
I would think that with environmental triggers you might want it on part time. That way maybe the pup will get used to it not being scary then not need it... who knows. If possible I am all for eliminating crutches, sometimes they are just necessary though and cannot be done away. Just my general bias
 
With cases when barking happens at phone trigger I would put TS on and train, train, train... reinforce for good behavior. I think it is completely possible to use TS as a training tool which allows pup make better choice. After while history of positive behavior will be so strong that TS will not be needed.
 
Thanks for the tips, SheltieChe and Sheep. I have to say, Barkley was fine with the shirt from the minute I put it on him. So fine, in fact, that now he's able to totally ignore it and we're right back to jumping and barking at everything While he wears it! If I don't see some improvement in the next two weeks, I'll send it back.

It's tough to train when I'm trying to talk on or answer the phone...that's always been the problem. I'll try some treats and see what happens. Stay tuned...
 
if it really irritates you, here is what I would do. Take the "offending" part of the phone and put next to the feeding bowl for couple of days, then carry phone visibly in your hand during favorite activities like fetching, walking etc.
then spend some time holding phone in your hand and reinforcing quiet time in the doggie bed.... then make a call from cell to the house phone hang up after one ring and reinforce quiet behavior...
if you break behavior in smaller parts and reinforce each of them you will build enough of positive behavior to get behavior that you want
I had similar problem with sprays bottles and that is what suggestions were on my recallers course.
 
MavRyder said:
After reading all your posts I am starting to consider one. Had an other storm last night. Maverick is not too bad but Ryder is crazy!!! Barking, crying, panting, and throwing him self at the window. There is no reasoning with him.
I have to admit I am a skeptic.
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But if it works -- and trust me, every one of my friends who followed my lead and got one swears it's a miracle -- just think how much better Ryder will feel. :yes:
 
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