Review of Thundershirt

So this is it. I will say that I saw it make a difference in the dog's temperament. She looks like she feels more calm. Okay this photo is of her outside on a leash and she loves her walks. So she was excited to just walk. But while in the house she is more restful. Less anxious when the delivery trucks drive by. Yes, she knows the the sounds of their engines. However if she hears someone walking up our walk or on the porch, she goes into high alert.

I have to say good things about the Thundershirt. I believe this works much the same way when we swaddle babies when they are distressed. (to swaddle = tr.v. swaddled, swaddling, swaddles: to wrap or bind; to restrain or restrict.) In other words, it's much like a hug. Comfort. When we first put it on her, it was like she was in a trance. Funniest thing we've ever seen out of this dog. So yes it works. Does it take her edge of entirely?? No, but it does make her calmer inside the house. That is what I was seeking. I still have to work more with her training. Not like we haven't done enough but I really would like her to ignore the mailman, and not be on such high alert. Perhaps I need to walk her more. Tire her out more. It's my thought.

Anxiety and Hugs and the Thundershirt

I had to give this some thought. What helps those with anxiety? Well sometimes a hug does wonders. This got me to thinking about some vest/jacket I saw advertized on TV sometime ago. But as time moved on, so did my thoughts. VROOOOOM, in one ear and out the other. I know when babies are feeling out of control, swaddling helps comfort them, brings peace to them.

I have Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and she can stress easily or become excited over life happening. #1 stressor is people coming up to the house or near the property, ie the mailman and other people. #2 stressor is wind. #3 a good thing, but when one of us returns home, she gives us that Wheaten Greetin'. You'll never be truly loved till you've experienced the love of a Wheaten. I think she is more normal than not. :)

When anyone is within feet of passing of stepping onto our property, Maggie is in high alert. I don't mind her as a true warning system but...she is in hyperdrive. She has destroyed my furniture trying to get to the windows/doors. She has knocked over my kids to get in front of them to be between the oncomer and them. Maggie is very protective of the children. She has a hard time watching the boys play rough with each other or with the boys down the street playing with my boys. That is visual torture for her. Part she wants to play too (yes I've seen her join in on tag). The other part, she isn't sure how serious they are with their play...attack or play??

She is NOT an aggressive dog. She is protective while on our property. When on a leash, she is very submissive and obeys our commands and hand signals. When properly introduced, person to dog, she is very loving, playful, or will settle down and go to her quiet spot. Perhaps not too out of the ordinary. We had ONE mailman, who was training another mailman our our route, taunt and tease her and that was enough to make her HATE the mailman. I feel like I should have issue with the USPS. I watched him do it. I went out yelled at him. What on earth are you doing?!?! Instigating a problem I now have to deal with daily. Perhaps that mailman would like to fork out all the money I've spent on specialty classes, training, halter collars, etc. Even our vet saw a difference in the dog. Argghhh.

I have tried the collar method...let's just say this dog's momma could NOT handle that. The tone did NOT work. The shock was too much even on LOW. It actually, after 2 uses on low, was causing a rift between her and me. I took it back. She sees me as her alpha and I do not want her identifying me with fear or pain. She's my girl. Technically she is my Island Girl -- (Irish coated).

So I saw mentioned in my Facebook conversations, the Thundershirt. My dog has a 25" chest and she weighs 35 lbs. So she's on the tail-end (no pun intended) of a Medium size. These vests from what I gather are like being swaddled. I watched all the videos. And pondered it one last time. Hit the buy button. I'll let you know in a week what I think. I placed my order to come via Fed-Ex. I paid the extra. I will say for the personal shopping experience. The website or communication has me a little disappointed. Nothing to confirm my order. Then I went back to website today, (I placed my order yesterday), and it has a Fed-Ex tracking # but no info registers to it's actual tracking yet (perhaps I'm being too quick). My disappointment so far is just the lack of communication between seller and buyer. I'm actually looking very forward to the arrival of our Thundershirt. They say 100% satisfaction guarantee.

BEWARE OF DOG

Tell me please. What do you think when you see a sign that says BEWARE OF DOG?

This kid comes to my door with Maggie sounding like she's going to rip his head off. Not only does he open my door but he also opens my storm door which is usually locked...husband error. I tell him to shut the door or my dog will bite him. I tell him he is trespassing and needs to leave. He steps forward with my storm door open as if he needs to get closer to me. I again tell him to shut the door. He says he wants to sell me something or can I please donate to him. I tell him again to shut the door. He just didn't get it. Mean while I am holding my dog by the collar as she is up on her hind quarters and pulling with a ton of force. She is a medium sized dog not to be reckoned with. She is very protective of this family and household. Its a different story if I'm introducing someone. I had to grab the door and shut it myself to protect him cause Maggie was clearly decided that she was not feeling the love with this guy.

Was he stupid or stupid????