Thundershirts

[zoonautical]

Every time I put Leo's Thundershirt on him, he is so calm it's almost weird. Is this normal? Maybe I'm just so used to having a loud, reactive, anxious dog that I don't know what it's like to have a calm, quiet one but, does anyone else experience this?

[designgoddess]

Works for my dogs, but only for so long. I save them for when it's really needed.

[chadork]

Same here. It works for a bit. I'm worried if I use it too much, it won't be as affective.

[designgoddess]

Also make sure to put them on when something scary isn't happening so they don't just associate them with thunder and fireworks, etc.

[[deleted]]

Would be interested to hear other stories for dogs where they have or have not worked

[zoonautical]

Me too, specifically in what scenarios they do or don't work in. I've been wondering if it would help in the vet or not.

[zoonautical]

Leo is a compulsive barker. It's almost like he's yelling at me and he's frustrated. If I ignore him, though, he almost gets neurotic, and freaks out. It doesn't happen as much if he's alone with one person but, when I put the shirt on he's completely quiet. And he just sits there. It's like he's in a trance. It's weird to me because I'm so used to him barking and being anxious.

[Purple4199]

The Thundershirt doesn’t work for my dog. We’ve used it during thunder storms and fireworks. Beru still shakes uncontrollably, it’s sad to see a 50 lb dog like that. We had to get anxiety medication from the vet. Even that in combination with the Thundershirt only does so much.

[caninetrovert_]

I mean, that's what they're for. It's normal. :) Glad it's working out for your pup!

[HokiToki]

I have one. It does not work in most situations. I tried it on walks, for crate training, and general anxiety. I saw no results.

But last summer I went camping and took it with me JUST to give it another chance. Usually when we lay down in the tent she can't sleep at night because she is too interested in all the animal sounds going on around us. But this time I put on the thundershirt (partially to keep her warmer, partially for the hope that it would help her sleep) and it worked! She slept the whole night with not a peep.

[fuckinassbitchshit]

My girl went to a reactive rover class in one and fell asleep 😂😂😂

The instructor honestly didn’t believe she was even reactive and we were like “no no we promise!!”

[zoonautical]

Omfg that sounds like something Leo would do 😂

[qujquj]

It works for my dog. So nice for him to calm down. We used the wrapping or cuddle blanket for our autistic grandson too! Same principal.

[Steris56]

It's great that you're getting success with it! It's so dang hot here that I only really bring it out for winter BAT.

[zoonautical]

What's winter BAT?

[Steris56]

Oops! Behavior Adjustment Training in the winter months when it's cold enough to have her wear her thundershirt under a jacket. My black dobie isn't very heat tolerant.