Using anxiety wraps..

[kristynron]

I have two foster boys that are very fearful. They are very anxious all of the time and have what I consider fear triggered aggression. Not to humans but to other animals (cats and other dogs) After discussing their problems with a behaviorist/trainer he suggested that I take a plain wide ace bandage and put a wrap on the dogs and leave it on for several days. The dog's names are Oscar and Turbo. I've fashioned a band across the rib cage and criss crossed it around their chest and fastened it with diaper pins. I can't believe the difference in these dogs! Both boys have been wearing these wraps for two days and it has changed their behavior so drastically that I'm reluctant to take them off. I'll leave them on for another day or two then take them off and see if they revert to their old behaviors of circling in the crate and whining. If so I'll get them their own t-shirts and have them wear them all of the time. This has been a revelation to me. I am very impressed!

I tried it and hallelujah it seems to be working! You can read in another thread about my Shanti and her sound aversion. I decided to do the wrap and oh my gosh she is like a different dog. We put it on her early today and will take it off for bed and put it back on in the morning. I would say that it made at least an 80% improvement in her behavior. One thing that she goes nuts over is the vacuum cleaner. All I have to do is open the closet and she goes bonkers. The whole time the door is open she is freaking out even if I'm not getting the vacuum. Tonight we tested it. Hubby opened the door and she just stood there. When he brought the vacuum out she made a very small noise and then jumped up on the sofa and got as close to me as she could but no freaking out. I could tell she was nervous but she didn't start the growling and running in circles. She stayed fairly calm. It was like a miracle. I'm now wondering if wearing a sweater or something would do the same thing for her. I'm not sure what that "thing" is but I'm hoping and praying this isn't just a fluke and it lasts. I'll keep you all posted.

 

[Justicemom]

I tried it and hallelujah it seems to be working! You can read in another thread about my Shanti and her sound aversion. I decided to do the wrap and oh my gosh she is like a different dog. We put it on her early today and will take it off for bed and put it back on in the morning. I would say that it made at least an 80% improvement in her behavior. One thing that she goes nuts over is the vacuum cleaner. All I have to do is open the closet and she goes bonkers. The whole time the door is open she is freaking out even if I'm not getting the vacuum. Tonight we tested it. Hubby opened the door and she just stood there. When he brought the vacuum out she made a very small noise and then jumped up on the sofa and got as close to me as she could but no freaking out. I could tell she was nervous but she didn't start the growling and running in circles. She stayed fairly calm. It was like a miracle. I'm now wondering if wearing a sweater or something would do the same thing for her. I'm not sure what that "thing" is but I'm hoping and praying this isn't just a fluke and it lasts. I'll keep you all posted.

That's great. I would have never thought to use a wrap for this. Now when she is calm and displaying the behavior you want. Reinforce them with praise or treats. That way you can make the associated quiet stronger.

 

[Phebe*DD]

I was looking through a recent issue of Bark magazine yesterday and saw an ad that reminded me of this thread. It was for ThunderShirt. You can see it at ThunderShirt.com.

 

[take4roll10]

I should really try this on my mom's maltese. The little dog goes crazy when strangers come over the house. She just stands there and barks like a mad dog.

 

[BarbV]

I tried it and hallelujah it seems to be working! You can read in another thread about my Shanti and her sound aversion. I decided to do the wrap and oh my gosh she is like a different dog. We put it on her early today and will take it off for bed and put it back on in the morning. I would say that it made at least an 80% improvement in her behavior. One thing that she goes nuts over is the vacuum cleaner. All I have to do is open the closet and she goes bonkers. The whole time the door is open she is freaking out even if I'm not getting the vacuum. Tonight we tested it. Hubby opened the door and she just stood there. When he brought the vacuum out she made a very small noise and then jumped up on the sofa and got as close to me as she could but no freaking out. I could tell she was nervous but she didn't start the growling and running in circles. She stayed fairly calm. It was like a miracle. I'm now wondering if wearing a sweater or something would do the same thing for her. I'm not sure what that "thing" is but I'm hoping and praying this isn't just a fluke and it lasts. I'll keep you all posted.

What did you to exactly? I have visions of a tensor bandage wrapped around the dog. Indy tends to pant non-stop as if he is constantly stressed, but no reason to be.

 

[SheltieChe]

when Che comes from his walk all covered in ice I find it best just to wrap him in a towel and sit with him for few minuts until it all melts... needles to say he immediately falls asleep after being wrapped up... same principle... it works...