Thundershirt Rocks!

It has been a god send for Mia.It totally transforms her within seconds.Cannot be without it for her.She wears it every day.
 
I thought I'd at least try the principle on Bela using an elastic bandage. So when it began to thunder tonight, I had her stand and I carefully applied the bandage in the correct area at the correct snugness.

Did it have an effect? Well, something happened. My DH came into the room and started laughing at us both. Bela rolled her eyes at me and fell limply and pitifully to the floor, then lay there and gave me the stinkeye.

My DH insisted the contraption come off immediately, so I put it away to do battle with strange noises while hubby isn't home.
 
I went to the Thundershirt link Chris provided and read about these shirts. They were selling them at Sheltie Nationals and I meant to look at them but never got to it. We don't have a problem with storms, thankfully, but after reading about them on the website, I ordered one to try for Barkley. He is a big environmental barker...phone, kettle, anything at all in the kitchen. Now even opening a cabinet door sets him off! :eek2:

So I'm going to try this and see what happens. I'll keep you all posted -- I ordered one for $36 free shipping from VKR Pets.com. No color choice though, boo! If it works I'll spring for a custom-made one with his name in gold!!! :yes:
 
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.
 
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.
Click to expand...

I don't blame you for being a skeptic, it does seem crazy that it would work if you don't know the scientific data behind it.

I'd heard a news report a few years ago about 'hug' therapy for autistic children long before Thundershirts came into existence. Thundershirts are based on the same principles.

This is a really interesting article explaining hug therapy/deep pressure therapy. It doesn't specifically talk about dogs, but it does mention how it affects different animals in addition to people.

http://www.grandin.com/inc/squeeze.html
 
So Far, So Good...

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.
 
OntarioSheltie said:
I don't blame you for being a skeptic, it does seem crazy that it would work if you don't know the scientific data behind it.

I'd heard a news report a few years ago about 'hug' therapy for autistic children long before Thundershirts came into existence. Thundershirts are based on the same principles.

This is a really interesting article explaining hug therapy/deep pressure therapy. It doesn't specifically talk about dogs, but it does mention how it affects different animals in addition to people.

http://www.grandin.com/inc/squeeze.html
Click to expand...

Did you ever see the movie Temple Gradin.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10036/1033610-67.stm
I loved this movie. She made a home made cow squeeze to relax her self. She is a very successful Autistic woman.
 
My rescue sheltie Indie is not a fan off thunder so I picked up a thunder vest for her and it calms her down a bit.


Its 4th of july weekend though and Im dog sitting for my sisters two pit bulls and my moms pug and my two shelties.

Im hoping my wife brings the vest when she heads up here in an hour or so because Indie is starting to pace a bit hearing the fireworks.
 
I have a question...my parents are in town with their dog (a 12 year old bichon/shih tzu type mix). He is very scared of thunder and fireworks. He drools and chews on himself :(

Even though he is older, do you think the thundershirt would work? Or is it something you have to start and acclimate them to so that they can feel more comfortable with it?

We are thinking of getting it for him before Monday (the 4th)
 
corbinam said:
I have a question...my parents are in town with their dog (a 12 year old bichon/shih tzu type mix). He is very scared of thunder and fireworks. He drools and chews on himself :(

Even though he is older, do you think the thundershirt would work? Or is it something you have to start and acclimate them to so that they can feel more comfortable with it?

We are thinking of getting it for him before Monday (the 4th)
Click to expand...

I used Mia's TS on my son's witchy chihuahua Lexie,at Christmas time.She had never had one on her before. Within minutes she was a changed dog.
So no acclimation was done on her,nor Mia.

The change in behavior,which I hope for this dog (12yr) will be a positive one. I would offer some high value treat.

As many know,that positive training along with TS works best. I would keep the mood,and atmosphere as quiet & do nothing out of the ordinary. Just be your selfs when the dog has it on.

Sending positive thoughts that it works for you.
 
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