What to do for anxiety

[JennaPenny]

Originally Posted by JennaPenny

Chewie is very anxious. I do a few things; but the one that works the best is lots of praise and stop to do some treats- crumbling the treat gives us that special closeness. I learned to do it during training, but it absolutely works for that, too. She'll calm down while searching my hands for the crumbs. She'll put both paws on my hands and 9 times out of 10 cuddle up on my lap, or jump up for a "hug."

She also has a few receiving blankets and an old stained shirt of mine. I lay those down in the carrier, when she's in it. I WAS doing it at the store if she'd freak out, but I was told to not do that, and I've seen a vast improvement since I've stopped "protecting" her.

I hope things are better and the treats work!

I forgot to say that those shirts and blankets are things I've slept on for a night. My scent.

[lilgidget]

Originally Posted by JennaPenny

Chewie is very anxious. I do a few things; but the one that works the best is lots of praise and stop to do some treats- crumbling the treat gives us that special closeness. I learned to do it during training, but it absolutely works for that, too. She'll calm down while searching my hands for the crumbs. She'll put both paws on my hands and 9 times out of 10 cuddle up on my lap, or jump up for a "hug."

She also has a few receiving blankets and an old stained shirt of mine. I lay those down in the carrier, when she's in it. I WAS doing it at the store if she'd freak out, but I was told to not do that, and I've seen a vast improvement since I've stopped "protecting" her.

I hope things are better and the treats work!

Why did you have to take those things out of the carrier? Why the improvement since you took them out? I took Gidget out in the stroller this morning with her leash attached to her collar. She could still put her front paws on the side of the stroller this morning but no chance of her jumping out. She didn't really appear to be anxious as much as curious about what was outside. At one point she laid down and played with the stuffed animal I had put in for her.

[JennaPenny]

I had to take her out of the carrier. nowadays I carry her on one arm, unless i'm having an attack. She stays on that arm, with her wee little paws curled on my arm. She's in service training, and the only way she was going to get over her anxiety was for me to not encourage her face or cowering in my arms, or in the carrier. The blankets and shirt still are being used, lol. car rides, right now with her bully stick- I had to stop playing. She's on one laying down.

bed time with my shirt and now my big throw blanket for her to snuggle up in.

You want her to associate you with good things; that's why treats are SO important to establish trust.

[lilgidget]

Originally Posted by JennaPenny

I had to take her out of the carrier. nowadays I carry her on one arm, unless i'm having an attack. She stays on that arm, with her wee little paws curled on my arm. She's in service training, and the only way she was going to get over her anxiety was for me to not encourage her face or cowering in my arms, or in the carrier. The blankets and shirt still are being used, lol. car rides, right now with her bully stick- I had to stop playing. She's on one laying down.

bed time with my shirt and now my big throw blanket for her to snuggle up in.

You want her to associate you with good things; that's why treats are SO important to establish trust.

I'm so glad you have your little one to help you through difficult times. My Gidget isn't a service dog but she does provide support for me and I'm sure even more as she gets older and we are together more. My hubby of 55 yrs passed away recently and she's always there at the door when I come home. Right now she's my "companion dog" but she'll also turn out to be my emotional support. This isn't recognized as a service animal but she does perform an important service for me. She follows me everywhere I go in the house. Right now, she's laying at my feet while I'm on the computer. I do give her lots of treats and praise when she does good things. She's a quick learner so I know we'll be fine. I'm looking forward to a long and happy life with my "Gidgy girl".