The Light At The End Of The Tunnel For Fearful Dogs

If you are the owner of a fearful dog it can be very trying. Feeling like your dog will always be afraid of everything from you to its own shadow can be extremely frustrating for you and your dog alike. But there is hope for your dog to live a good life.

Even the most abused of dogs are able to learn to trust and get over their fears. If the problem with your dog is previous abuse then this learned behavior can be overcome. Time and patience are the biggest cures for this kind of fear. Giving your dog love and acceptance while they are at their weakest will be remembered later on in their life.

Sometimes dogs are afraid for seemingly no reason. You have never abused your dog, your dog has been with you for life, and you aren't sure what is setting your dog off. Even in this situation there is hope for them to live a fear free life. There are products on the market similar to Prozac that work to calm your dog.

VetriScience Laboratories Composure, Calming Support for Dogs

Speaking to your vet about doggie Prozac can be a step towards allowing your canine pal a happy life. Your vet will be able to tell you about options for both medicine and behavioral based changes that may aid your dog. In addition your vet will be able to test your dog to see if they are in chronic pain or have something else wrong with them that is not visible to the naked eye.

If your dog is disturbed by loud noises such as thunder or fireworks there are also products on the market to help. Items such as the thundershirt are designed to make the dog feel comforted and safe while allowing it independence. Keeping your dog calmer in these situations sets a prescient that big noises are not actually that scary. This can give your dog the confidence it needs to thrive in their home environment.

Thunder Shirt

If the cause of fear is location based there are several things you can do. Moving can be very hard on animals and dogs are no exception. Providing them with something that smells like you and they are able to recognize can make any transition easier and stop behavioral problems before they start.

Finally if your dog simple seems skittish acclimating them to their fears can go a long way. Soft and gentle voices with slow movements and lots of praise will allow your dog to build up a level of trust in you. Establishing a routine that your dog can follow is also a good way to keep them from being skittish. All of these methods allow them to have some control of the situation allowing them to come out of their shell and be the loving pooch you know they are.

The work that goes into calming a terrified dog can seem like a lot, but the love that they give in return is well worth it. You don't need to worry about your dog living in fear forever. Working towards the goal of a happy and healthy dog can be rewarding for both you and your four-legged best friend.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Light-At-The-End-Of-The-Tunnel-For-Fearful-Dogs&id=8841644

Quick Guide: How To Deal With Your Dog's Thunderstorm Anxiety

Flashing lights. Booming cracks. Thunderstorms terrorizing your furry loved one?

Dogs have that fight-or-flight instinct like we do. They hear a loud, scary sound and some may react without a thought. Sadly, they don't always make the right decision. Instead of hiding away temporarily like a cat, dogs try to escape and get as far away from the scariness. That doesn't bode well for them or you!

You can help your dog in these stressful times, though!

1. Reward calm behavior. If you aren't giving your dog praise or treats for being calm, now is the time. You shouldn't wait until a storm comes. Teach your dog, in advance, that calm, relaxed behavior is appreciated and rewarded!

2. Create a safe haven. Where does your dog go when a storm approaches? Turn that location into a safe place by providing a cozy bed and a special treat. Ensure that your dog can easily come and go. They shouldn't feel trapped, so I don't recommend relying on a crate.

3. Desensitize. Play CDs (or other media) of thunderstorms to desensitize your dog from the sound. Keep the volume relatively low as you don't want to scare your pet. This won't stop their sensitivity to the static electricity or barometric pressure changes, but it can provide some relief and help the other trainings take root.

4. Engage with your dog. It is now time to pull out that dog tricks book and reinforce any others that your dog already knows. Ask your dog to perform a task and give him a treat when he does it. Distraction and mental, physical exercise is just what a dog needs on most days, storm or no storm.

5. "Dress Up" your dog. We all enjoy snuggling under the covers on dreary, stormy days. Give your dog a snug-fitting shirt to bring comfort. Make sure that it isn't too tight or too loose. Also, choose a garment that is lightweight and breathable. You can find these in your local pet store or check out a DIY version online.

6. Ask your vet or trainer. They deal with dogs regularly, getting positive and negative feedback from their clients on what works, so they should be able to steer you in the right direction.

Relieving anxiety can take time and it will vary from dog to dog. Some dogs' anxiety will be relieved quickly; a few days or weeks is all it takes. Others may need consistent training for months. Don't get discouraged, though. It will be well worth it for your dog and you. Who doesn't like a calm, confident individual after all?

One may want to consider a Thundershirt for your pet as it can have a calming effect on dogs in stressful situations.

Thundershirt

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Quick-Guide:-How-To-Deal-With-Your-Dogs-Thunderstorm-Anxiety&id=9432583

Fox2 News - The Thundershirt Works for Dog Thunderstorm Anxiety

This Jacket by Thundershirt has good reviews. It seems to be a great help to avoid anxiety when your dog becomes nervous or barks incessantly.