https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 13:41:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-772934 Mon, 12 Nov 2012 22:33:22 +0000 biscuitsmom 772934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great job, VC! It does make a differencve to them ,imo....AG, sounds great! I got B when he was only 3 weeks old (he was being abused) and he has so many of the symptoms of early weaning/abandonment issues that you hear about, so I know whatcha mean..... Im SO glad Kona is doing better! YAY! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-772158 Mon, 12 Nov 2012 05:23:24 +0000 catgirl 772158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kona was actually abandoned with her littermates and we got her through a rescue program - so she has abandonment issues, even though she was quite young when adopted (16 weeks or so). Love all these suggestions and will keep them in mind as we keep going through this heinous project! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-771853 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 20:15:52 +0000 moira 771853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I had one dog that was extremely nervous about thunder and fireworks and was "teaching" the much younger one this behavior. Two panicky dogs is seriously unfun. One summer, I gave them drugs every day that I even had a whiff of a thunderstorm, which are frequent in VA.<br /> It's like it rewired their brains and I never had to do it again in subsequent years. They would still pace and get slightly anxious, but it was not chaos. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-771837 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 19:28:04 +0000 Kari 771837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It may not only be the remodeling - Shadow gets stressed any time she sees us carrying large boxes or bags around because she's SURE it means that someone is leaving, and being a herding dog she really wants to keep the "flock" together.<br /> When I was watching her at my parents' house a few weeks ago, and they were gone on vacation, I brought a bag of laundry downstairs and she got EXTREMELY nervous - she wouldn't let me out of her sight all day! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-770717 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 02:34:32 +0000 velvetychocolate 770717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm laughing at the video Una - I remember seeing it awhile back....too cute!</p> <p>Just for the record (so as to avoid anyone thinking I'm totally weird), I don't normally read to my doggie! That said - I did notice that during times of stress, it seemed to soothe my dog a wee bit. </p> <p>I clued into this when my last doggie was battling cancer and we knew we were going to have to put her down - it was *awful* - but the thing is, she would perk right up, wag, and thump her tail whenever she heard my voice. I'd be talking on the phone, and she seemed to love hearing the sound of my voice, even though she didn't really know what I was talking about. It was then that I took up reading newspaper articles or chapters from a book to her. I think she just liked being "included" and I think perhaps she may have felt reassured by having me talk/read to her. </p> <p>Meanwhile, I do not normally read newspaper articles to my dog! I have done it though, when my dog is stressed, just because I find that talking to the dog and including the dog a bit more when things are going somewhat haywire helps to alleviate their anxiety. As far as I can tell, even though doggie may not understand what we're saying - just that little bit of extra attention and communication will help a whole lot. </p> <p>In times of turmoil (even if it's just moving furniture around), increasing "communication" actually does help calm a stressed doggie. </p> <p>In the meantime, it sounds like Kona is doing much better, and that whatever was going on with her is now calmed down a bit. Also - I agree with what rachylou just posted - a shelter doggie is more easily rattled by moves or even minor changes. That said, in my experience, all doggies (shelter dog or not) hate it when you "re-do" their environment. Perhaps Kona just doesn't like the planned renovations? Maybe she doesn't like the tile you've picked out? (kidding!). </p> <p>Hang in there, and big hugs for Kona. I'm sure that once the renovations are in place, she'll be a happy camper again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-770666 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 00:58:37 +0000 rachylou 770666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Way late to the game, but I was wondering if you got Kona as a puppy or if she was a shelter dog. I was thinking if Kona is a shelter dog, she might know the signs of moving and that she may not be moving too. </p> <p>My dog, Lilypup, was a shelter dog. When I got her, that was her third uprooting in three months I think. The upshot is, she likes having a home and staying in it to make sure it doesn't go anywhere. She's so pleased with herself when we come home, it's hilarious actually. My last move, I took a month to move and one of the reasons was her. Included her in the back and forth, seeing the new place, etc.</p> <p>...Not that you should take a month to clear your room. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-770602 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 23:03:20 +0000 catgirl 770602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, VC! That is very wise advice... I do talk to Kona all the time, leading people to think I'm nuts. Sometimes I do this too:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGeKSiCQkPw" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGeKSiCQkPw</a></p> <p>Because she has the same facial expressions as that dog... so cute!</p> <p>I think the best thing for her is actually romping around with my son, her littermate - they play football in the house and he rolls around with her a lot.</p> <p>I love that you read to your dog! Maybe I'll actually get through our stack of neglected New Yorkers if I do that.! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-769983 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 03:28:49 +0000 velvetychocolate 769983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know I'm late in answering this, but ...in case it helps in the future:</p> <p>Years ago, I used to teach a workshop called "Challenge of Change" for managers at my workplace, and the one of the main points is that whenever there is a huge change going on, you need to increase communication quite a bit. If you don't - then people start imagining all sorts of awful scenarios. Anxiety goes up, rumours start, everyone's on edge, and everyone is thinking the worst. </p> <p>So, while I realize you're talking about your doggie - I still think this idea applies, and by "increase communication" - you might be wise to literally talk and chat to Kona, as well as spending more time petting, cuddling and so on. </p> <p>Don't laugh, but I have literally read the newspaper or part of a chapter from a book to my dog when he's stressed. I up the cuddles, pats and "talking" - even though I realize a dog probably (well, you never know) has no idea what I'm talking about. </p> <p>In my experience, I think it works. It works because you're "increasing communication" at a time of significant change, and you're *also* being very reassuring that despite the goings-on - nobody's leaving, and nothing bad is going to happen. </p> <p>Don't laugh - but I recommend just talking to Kona more than usual...yammering on about whatever, "C'mere and keep me company while I put the coffee on..." and even to the point of reading a newspaper or magazine article to your doggie. In the meantime, you could also increase the pats, cuddles and snuggles. </p> <p>Try to increase communication in any way that you can - even if it seems dumb. I've even gone so far as asking my dog which lipstick colour I should wear...I know that sounds ridiculous, but when "something's going on" that upsets the doggie, it actually helps. They feel included, more connected and reassured that despite the dramatic changes going on, it'll be alright. </p> <p>Yes, I realize that a dog has no clue about lipstick or which colour is which, but the point is you want to include them and increase the overall communication during a time of big change. Moving the furniture around isn't a big deal to us, but it is to them. As stupid as it sounds, my dog loved it when I read a few articles from the New York Times to him in the midst of a major move/life upheaval. He also liked it when I made a show of asking him which flavour of canned doggie food he wanted for dinner that night - as in, "Do you want the lamb and rice or the chicken and rice?" as if he could tell which was which. </p> <p>I think it might just be about reassurance. They think you're totally wrecking the place and that something's gone very, very wrong. Upping the "communication" is a good way of reassuring them that even though everything's gone all haywire, it's still going to be ok. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-769365 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:31:26 +0000 catgirl 769365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know what? She's back to normal. My husband thinks it was actually the smell of something he was cooking that made her crazy - he was frying chicken in some spicy coating and you know how that can be. The vet suggested doggy day care to start, and also more attention and playing and acting normal in the house. </p> <p>I am planning to get a Thundershirt for her anyway, for fireworks which here are done at New Year's and other times in winter (summer it's too bright to see them even at night!).</p> <p>Thanks so much for all the advice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-769237 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:57:15 +0000 biscuitsmom 769237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Im really glad to hear she's familiar with the doggy day care already, sorry, I didnt know that. I hope she's feeling a little better by now Thundershirts are a great idea! I have a friend who does rescue work with dogs and she swears by them....What did your vet say? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-766922 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 05:36:58 +0000 catgirl 766922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>She gets crazy over fireworks. Actually the thundershirt is a good suggestion because the last time we had fireworks I ended up standing over her and squeezing her between my feet to keep her settled, and she actually lay there still as long as I was squeezing her. So perhaps there is something to that theory. I know several of my clients who have kids diagnosed with autism actually say that a tight hug is the most calming thing for those children (the Temple Grandin reference reminded me of it). </p> <p>You guys are the best! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-766915 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 05:25:21 +0000 ElleH 766915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una I have a cat not a dog so I'm no expert but I have heard of the thundershirt &amp; it reminded me of what Temple Grandin created to calm herself down.</p> <p>Is this the first time Kona has acted like this? Have you moved anymore furniture since you found her quaking? Did she start quaking again? Just trying to narrow down the possible cause. I guess if you can take her to the office or doggy day care &amp; see if that is enough you wont have to resort to meds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-766633 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:51:40 +0000 Debora 766633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I don't have a dog so please take what I say with a grain of salt. Have you ever heard of a dog thundershirt? It's supposed to apply gentle, calming pressure and lessen anxiety.<br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thundershirt-Anxiety-Treatment-Large-Heather/dp/B0028QK6EY/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1351552547&#038;sr=1-1-catcorr&#038;keywords=thundershirt&#038;tag=vglnkc6650-20" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Thunders.....nkc6650-20</a></p> <p>I saw it mentioned last week over on the Girls of a Certain age blog. Love this blog, btw! It's author is Kim France, the founder and former editor in chief of Lucky magazine. Here's the link to the post:<br /> <a href="http://www.girlofacertainage.com/2012/10/29/storm-preparation-for-canines/" rel="nofollow">http://www.girlofacertainage.c.....r-canines/</a></p> <p>Good luck with Kona. I hope you are able to find a solution soon for your puppy's anxiety. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-766604 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:25:28 +0000 catgirl 766604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BM, she already goes to doggy day care once a week and loves it, so that's not an issue at all. Otherwise, she is with us at the office during the day, so the noise is not an issue either. I think she's just unsettled by changes. Will talk to the vet and see what to do! Thanks for the ideas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-766584 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:08:27 +0000 biscuitsmom 766584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Im afraid that the change to Doggy Day Care may freak her out more than moving the furniture does...if she had already been there and was familiar w/it, that would be different. But if the changes you've made to her familiar enviroment does a number on her, how would removing her completelyand putting her in a strange place and added stresses (new smells, people and dogs) help? Sorry, but I think you'd be better off spending extra moments and more goodies, like a big bone or adding different toys to her safe, familiar enviroment would be better for her.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-766546 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 23:26:21 +0000 Angie 766546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's extremely unsettling for dogs when you remodel. Remember that they hear 20 times louder than we do. Doggy daycare is a great idea, or perhaps a sedative. See the vet. Hugs to Kona. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-766519 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 22:36:31 +0000 Mann 766519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alaskagirl, I have an anxious puppy, so I've dealt with some issues a little bit. The trainer we had in the puppy class recommended building positive associations with anxiety-inducing things or environments, so that's what we've been doing - doggie treats come out when the dog displays anxiety, and we try to link the treats to the source of those feelings. (Most recently - the dog had to wear the huge cone, so we fed treats on it, had him take a treat when he stuck his muzzle through it, etc) So maybe in your case, if it is the rearrangement of furniture, could you place treats on/around the rearranged furniture pieces? So that it's a game for her to find the treats, and he focuses on that instead of the frightening changes? Also, maybe treat her to something really special if/when there is lots of "frightening" noise related to remodeling so that the negative association turns into a positive one? For example, our puppy also had lots of anxiety and fear when I was playing the piano (I swear I am not that bad!), so we started giving him a raw bone that's his favorite thing ever to chew every time I played. Now he doesn't really care whether I play the piano or not. I hope you guys make it through!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-766516 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 22:34:09 +0000 Louise 766516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My friends greyhound is a bag of nerves with all the fireworks. He's so bad last year she had to sit up with him till the fireworks had stopped before she could go to bed! this year she has tried this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/D-A-P-Appeasing-Pheromone-Spray-60ml/dp/B00076NS1U" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/D-A-P-Ap.....B00076NS1U</a> she says its made the world of difference x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-766374 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:09:40 +0000 Anonymous 766374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh poor thing. I have a friend's whose dog had such a bad case of fireworks anxiety, the vet had to put him under sedation a couple times. She was finally able to calm him down with diluted Valerian Root, which is kind of a natural anti anxiety med.<br /> Here is some info on it:<br /> <a href="http://www.ehow.com/facts_7304511_valerian-root-safe-dogs_.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.ehow.com/facts_7304.....dogs_.html</a><br /> I would check with the vet as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/puppy-anxiety---advice#post-766353 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:58:17 +0000 catgirl 766353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We have started prepping for our kitchen remodel - yesterday I moved a bunch of furniture so we can put stuff in the living room. Well, Kona was all anxious and kept wanting to go outside. We found her huddled in her pen all quaking. I can't tell if it's the rearranging that's freaking her out or something else. She was panting and pacing and just all wrought up. She is such a head case sometimes. I'm thinking she needs to go to doggy day care and wear herself out every day till this is done. She is at work with us every day otherwise. </p> <p>Any thoughts? I don't want to deal with anti-anxiety meds for her if I can help it. </p>