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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2013 11:55:03 GMT -5
Hi all, I need some help.
Recently, The Duchess has become afraid of things that she never was before. It started on Victoria Day weekend. I took her out for a walk at around 9 pm on the Saturday and about halfway through our walk we heard fireworks going off. She statued (something she hasn't done in forever) and refused to continue the walk. Like I said, we were about halfway through the walk and she insisted on going back the way we had come. Since then, she will not walk past that very spot - we will only get to that spot and then she will stop and statue until I say "Do you want to go home?" and then she'll turn around the way we came and we walk back home.
She also seems to be afraid to go outside when it's dark out. Just the other evening she had wanted to go out one last time before bed. I opened the front door just as someone a few streets away was revving up their motorcycle. She looked at me with panic in her eyes and refused to go out. I was trying to coax her the rest of the way out but she wasn't moving. When I said, "Okay, do you want to go back in?" she turned around and walked back into the house. She's not having accidents in the house and seems to be capable of holding it in until the morning but I can't think that she's comfortable.
She was never bothered by thunderstorms last year. This year she has become terrified of them! Last week during a storm she shook and quivered so much it actually startled me! I could just see the fear in her eyes.
I'm thinking of getting her a thunder shirt. If your hound has a thunder shirt - is it helpful? Would wearing it help her with her nighttime anxiety over going outside?
I'm worried about my little girl :-( Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!!
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Post by campgreyhound on Jul 17, 2013 12:09:30 GMT -5
Clearly she was traumatized by the fireworks, it's too bad that happened. Boy I wish they would ban the darn things, but you will have to start to try desensitization therapy with her. It takes time but it's effective.
You basically find the level of noise she's comfortable with, and then treat her for as long as she's relaxed. Then up the level of noise slightly, always keeping in her comfort range, and always rewarding when she stays relaxed. If she gets nervous back it down a level. Keep going until she can handle the loud stuff.
I've found that a thunderstorm screen saver is very helpful, as you can vary the volume, this worked well for Bailey's therapy and he is now fairly comfy even in big storms or with loud noises. It will take time, several weeks or months, to get her there.
You can easily test to see if a thundershirt would help by wrapping her in a tea towel, just around her tuck up area. You can tape it on, and see if there's any change at all. You can also try using a t shirt:
The homeopathic remedy aconite may also help, the Australian Bush Flower Essence "Emergency Essence" is also good.
Scritches to the lovely Sally.
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daylight
Hound Nut
what's so funny Light?....Joker!
Posts: 1,275
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Post by daylight on Jul 17, 2013 14:50:32 GMT -5
I read your thread with interest, and do sympathize with how concerned you are about your girl. Light has been acting much the same way as your Sally - although being our 1st year with her, I cannot say it has been a sudden onset. The effects of this year's Victoria Day and July 1st have, however, lingered up to this week. She has refused to go out in the evening (even before dusk) and I, too, was worried about her 'holding on' until the following morning (which she can do), and also was feeling very helpless in seeing this stress/fear. I came to the solution of offering her an early evening "car ride"(Joker tags along of course) which ends up being 5-10 minutes to a familiar and nearby park or trail. To some, I may be shooting myself in the foot by making a 'needed' (escape?)-routine,... not sure about that. But I must say that she is very happy to go and romps and runs to the door in anticipation of the car. I plan to reduce the distance and wean her off this by shortening the drives (eventually to the end of the street? ), but I am so happy to see her happy that as busy as this temporary schedule makes it, I don't mind. I am hoping to re-establish that the neighborhood is a safe place in case this is an underlying association. (??) As for thunderstorms, Light can be stressed but not to the same level as with fireworks. Have not considered the thundershirt but have heard that for some it does work. Absolute best of luck in resolving and/or easing Sally's reactions. I know it can be ever so hard to see them so upset. I, too, will also read on in anticipation of other suggestions from seasoned greyhound parents to glean some tips. Thanks. ------- (Just read the above post from Campgreyhound...great long-term advice!....thanks from me too!)
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Post by newtothis1 on Jul 17, 2013 17:15:02 GMT -5
Scully is also terrified of fireworks. If he is in the house, I turn up the volume on the tv to try and block it out a bit. He can still hear them but no longer tries to climb in my pocket. He just lays on his bed and pants and vibrates slightly, It started the same way, we were outside to pee and there was a huge bang (I to wish they could be banned).
I try not to make to much fuss when he starts as that makes him worse. I also try to take him out before they start setting them off and then again after the worst have stopped. I do go with him and stand right beside him and keep talking to him and touching him all the time he is outside. I stay between him and the door. It seems to be working because he will now stay out there with me even if he hears a bang he looks at me but does not race to the door to go in.
This all started last year so he has done well for one year. Thunderstorms also get the volume on the tv turned up and unless it gets crazy he just shakes a bit but he does not move from his bed.
I think I would try going for the same walk and when you get to the spot of no return take out a special treat, (and I means special) and try and coax past the spot. You may have to do it a few days but once they have passed the spot once, it should get easier each time. This will not solve your problem like the de sensitizing mentioned in another post but it might help you get round the block. The de sensitizing is the best way to go.
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daylight
Hound Nut
what's so funny Light?....Joker!
Posts: 1,275
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Post by daylight on Jul 17, 2013 21:20:11 GMT -5
Not to get on bandwagon or such, but just had to chime in again to agree with the suggestions to ban fireworks. On a similar note, I recently wrote to our local newspaper (R.Hill) with letter discussing consideration of our canine population with regard to this activity. By at least restricting fireworks to a reasonable window of time, individuals and families with pets could predict, and therefore make some suitable amends (ie. mask sounds, go elsewhere, etc.). In our area the fireworks had continued on and off at unpredictable times for 4+ days. I am sure the neighborhood became a "war zone" for Light and many other dogs,cats, and wildlife. etc.) The letter was printed only to be followed by many rounds of firecrackers on the next weekend and occassionally random evenings since! So frustrating....
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2013 11:19:42 GMT -5
Thanks to everyone for the great advice! I really appreciate everyone's input!
I was able to get her out last night. I used a Timbit to lure her out and rewarded her with it once she did her business. She is highly food motivated (don't get me started on the food she steals!)so I'm going to try walking her and rewarding her with a treat once we get past that dreaded spot on our walk. And thanks Karen, I will be trying a t-shirt on her to see if a thundershirt is worth the money ($42.99 at Pet Valu).
I live in London near the Fanshawe College hooligans so fireworks go off randomly all year long. Idiots.
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