The thundershirt is a very good product, however I found for my dog an Ace bandage wrapped around the rib cage behind the front legs works so much better. The Ace bandage was a tighter fit which is what you want. Also, it is difficult not to hold or comfort them when they are having anxiety from thunder. It is best to be near them but not to touch or comfort. We read 3 books and hired a specialist for our dog. Their suggestions reduced the anxiety level tremendously. We had to learn when we comfort a dog while they are exhibiting bad behavior, we encourage that behavior. That was the hardest thing for me to learn because I thought my dog is distressed, I need to comfort him. Now I do an activity that I can sit or stay in the same place for 30 minutes or so. My dog will eventually calm down, sit or lie close by. Within 20 minutes, he is calm. It does not work the first time, you have to stay with it. About 3-5 times and he learned I would be there but not comfort him. The Ace bandage and not encouraging bad behavior cured our little dog. It is a difficult thing to deal with. I wish you luck. |