Tips For Thunderstorms

A thunderstorm can be a nightmare for dogs that fear loud noises. Thunderstorms can strike with very little warning, at any time of day, and last for hours. The shock from a sudden clap of thunder can be devastating. So how can your fearful dog overcome his anxiety when the weather turns against you?

Here are some tips from Cesar Millan, Dog Whisperer:

Know the Signs – Fear can progress quickly to phobia, and once the problem has escalated, it may become significantly more difficult to rehabilitate. Some symptoms of general fear may include:

Uncontrollable urination
Moderate-to-severe shaking and shivering
Drooling
Submissive posture (head down, ears lowered, tail tucked)
Pacing back and forth
Whining
Attempts to hide

Don’t feel sorry! – When a small child is fearful, a soothing voice can reassure them that nothing in a loud sound can hurt them and that it will all be over soon. For a dog, a soothing voice is a reinforcement of his current behavior. By coddling your dog when it is frightened, you are saying that you approve of and encourage this fearful behavior. Instead, remain calm and assertive, and ignore the behavior as best you can.

Exercise! – The most crucial part of the fulfillment formula is also both the most versatile and the most often overlooked! Exercise drains your dog’s energy and leaves him relaxed. As the pack leader, you should already have a rigorous walking routine established, but if you know that thunderstorms are common during certain approaching seasons, start upping the ante! A thoroughly engaging workout can leave even the most terrified dog too sleepy to concern himself with loud noises. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s exercise routine.

Make positive associations! – Thunder isn’t inherently dangerous, but your dog doesn’t know that. You can help him learn by associating the sound of thunder with positive experiences. Find a recording of thunder, and play it back for your dog in the background while engaging him in some enjoyable activity, like a game, receiving treats, or the walk. Begin at a low volume, and gradually increase it as you work. Be patient! This technique may take time and dedication to be successful.

Try ear-plugs! – While you are working with your dog to create positive associations, it may help to soften the effects of loud thunderstorms by using canine-safe earplugs to cut the decibel level. Consult your veterinarian for tips and brand recommendations before purchasing and using earplugs.

Susan"s Tips for Preventing Dog Bites: For Children and Adults

Susan Sharpe, inventor of Anxiety Wrap, offers these tips for children and adults to prevent dog bites:

Unfortunately, children are the victims of most serious dog bites. It is very important that adults understand what to do and not to do when they are with dogs and pass this along to the children in their lives.

Never run up to a dog, even one you know.

Never scream or run around a dog, even your own.

Don’t sneak up on a dog, especially when he is sleeping or eating.

Children should never go up to any dog without an adult.

Don’t stare into the eyes of a dog, and let him sniff your hand before you pet him.

Pet the dog under his chin, on his chest or on his back, not his head.

Stand still if a dog approaches you. Stop, put your bike down, and stand still if you are riding. Don’t try to run or ride away!

If a dog is growling or showing his teeth, don’t go up to him even if he is with his owner.

Don’t try to pet a dog through a fence, even if he is your friend.

Leave mother dogs with their puppies alone. She might try and protect them from you.

Wrestling, chase, and tug games are not good games for kids to play with dogs.

Hitting and teasing dogs, pulling their ears, tails and feet are very dangerous.

Let an adult know if there is a loose dog running around.

If a dog threatens you, don’t look into his eyes, scream or run. Instead, hold a jacket or book bag in front of you and slowly back away.

If a dog does attack you, roll up like a ball and put your hands behind your neck.

Dogs perceive situations as safe or dangerous: if they feel a situation is dangerous they will defend themselves, often with a bite. Help the children understand so that their experiences with dogs will be all positive!

Tip of the week: Avoid bending over dogs, especially shy or anxious ones. A person can appear awfully big and intimidating hovering above them. Until then, keep those tails a waggin’
“Copyright 2010 Animals Plus, LLC”

Susan Sharpe’s Tips for Helping your Dog “Weather” Hurricane Sandy

1. Breathe.

Dogs first pick up on our body language, state of mind, and the energy in the room. When things are chaotic and you’re feeling stressed, so are they. While you can’t control the weather conditions or the fact that you may be staying at a different location, you can allow yourself and your pets a few moments of calm. Even if you’re sitting on a cot in a temporary housing shelter, sit quietly with your family and pets for just a few minutes. Breathe deeply. You’ll notice your pets (and children) will respond similarly and relax. Just giving them (and yourself) a few moments of calm will help lower the stress levels.

2. Secure.
ID your pets. Be sure your pets have ID on their collars and that it’s readable. Oils from their coats can erase information more quickly than you think. Double check their collars are securely fastened.

Use crates/carriers. Cats should be in their carriers/crates. If you’re concerned you may need to evacuate the house quickly, put your cat(s) in the carrier before the storm approaches. That way you can easily grab and go if needed. Your dog should feel secure in his/her crate. You may want to move the crate to be in the same room you are during the storm to help your dog be more comfortable. If he/she is showing signs of stress, cover the crate with blankets but allow fresh air to circulate. Provide peanut-butter-stuffed toys or other toys/treats that will occupy him/her.

3. Storm Anxiety.
Wrap Him. Use Anxiety Wrap, Quiet Dog, or any other tool you have that helps relax your dog at the first sign of storm anxiety. As usual, once you apply Anxiety Wrap or Quiet Dog, don’t interact with your dog. Remain calm and neutral otherwise you may risk increasing your dog’s anxiety level. If your dog begins to run anxiously throughout the house, crate him or tether him with a leash to a fixed object where he feels protected to avoid having his adrenaline level rise further. Some dogs are task-oriented and may fare better if leashed and walked through the house practicing commands. Use the house like an obstacle course and give lots of juicy treats as you go. If your dog prefers a dark closet, allow him/her to use it as a safe place as long as he’s not being destructive. You know your dog best and know which approach is best.

Other Tips. If you have electricity: a) gently place cotton ball in each ear to muffle the storm sounds; and b) turn on the TV/radio/van/dryer/washing machine to muffle the storm sounds and provide a familiar one to help comfort them.

If lightning/thundering: dampen Anxiety Wrap to prevent static charges from scaring the dog; close the window curtains and also turn on outside and inside lights to help mask the lightning flashes.

4. Travel Anxiety.
Calm and Contain. Use Anxiety Wrap, Quiet Dog, or any tool you have to help relax your dog. You want to associate any change/new thing to = “I get yummy treats!” in your dog’s mind. You can always cut back on your dog’s daily food ration to make up for the extra treats. If you’re temporarily staying in a different environment, give your dog time to adjust in a quiet spot if possible. If your dog is fearful by nature, now’s not the time to try to socialize him/her. Provide plenty of “safe space” and avoid having people approach him/her.

If you are getting separated from your pets, provide them with blankets/clothing with your scent on it and their favorite toy to help ease the time away.

www.anxietywrap.com • 877-652-1266

Tips to Use When Working with Anxious Dogs

Dogs live in strong social structures and avoid conflict by using body posture and signals. Turid Rugaas, an internationally renowned dog trainer and writer, studied wolf packs and observed the calming signals they use with each other. She wrote an excellent book on dog communication, titled, “On Talking Terms With Dogs.” During any work or interaction with anxious or stressed dogs (such as those in animal shelters), it would be good to incorporate a few of these communication skills:

• Turn your head slightly away from your dog. In dog body language, staring or worse, hard staring, is a threat. 


• Yawn with head turned slightly away. This is a way to communicate you are attempting to calm the situation.


• Lick the side of your lip with head slightly turned. Lip licking can also be interpreted as non-threatening.

All these may sound silly until you realize your dog may do the same thing back to you. Even if she doesn’t, you’re still communicating things are ok, safe, no need to be concerned. Never coddle, try to sooth, or become worried, anxious, or upset yourself. If you are worried, anxious and upset, the dog will read your body language and become more anxious. Coddling or trying to sooth the anxious dog may cause the dog’s adrenaline to increase and work against calming. Next time you observe a group of dogs together – especially if they’re meeting each other for the first time – observe their body language and learn!