A THUNDERSHIRT FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

Christmas and New Year is fast approaching, and this is usually a fabulous time for us humans to get together and celebrate with our family and friends.

As festive and fun as the holiday season can be, it can cause many pets to suffer from severe anxiety and stress. Unfamiliar holiday décor and lights, busy holiday parties, fireworks and increases in guests at your home may make your pets feel anxious, bark uncontrollably, chew moldings, dig under fences, or run into traffic tying to escape the unfamiliar activity.

Why put your pet, and your family through this added stress during an already busy time of year when there’s a simple, effective solution available?

With its patent-protected design, the Thundershirt's gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect that has already helped tens of thousands of dogs with anxiety problems. The product is also used and recommended by vets and trainers worldwide. Anxiety experts believe that pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system and may release calming hormones like endorphins or oxytocins.

“We become so busy during the holidays that sometimes we forget about the stress it can cause our pets,” said Phil Blizzard, founder of Thundershirt.

In addition to having a Thundershirt, the following tips may help pets cope with the stresses of this holiday season.

1.    Start practicing! Have a friend ring your doorbell so you can teach your dog how to sit and stay before your big holiday party.
2.    Try to maintain your typical pet feeding and exercise routine, even though your schedule might be really packed. It is very important that your pet is exercised before all your guests arrive.
3.    If you prefer to keep your pet in a quiet room during your party, make sure to have plenty of water, food, treats, toys and activities to keep him occupied and comfortable.
4.    Remind your guests of the rules of your pet, particularly in regards to treats and feeding.
5.    Put the  Thundershirt on at least half an hour before your big party.

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To order a Thundershirt for your dog, please drop an email to:

natasha@thunderdogsmalaysia.com

Please include the following information in your email:

Your Name:
Address:
Phone No:

Dog Breed:
Chest Measurement:
Size Required:

Payment information will be sent to you, and your Thundershirt will be put in the post within 3 working days of receipt of payment.

Please ensure that there will be someone to collect the Thundershirt at the address provided as your Thundershirt will be sent via PosLaju.

WHEN SHOULD I PUT THE THUNDERSHIRT ON MY DOG?

One of the most common questions that we get here at Thunderdogs Malaysia is "When should I put the Thundershirt on my dog?". 

The Thundershirt can generally be put on your dog anytime she shows any form of anxiety:

Ø  Fear of Thunder

Ø  Separation Anxiety

Ø  Barking Problems

Ø  Fireworks & Noise Anxiety

Ø  Car or Travel Anxiety

Ø Disruptive Behaviour

Ø  Crate Anxiety

Ø  Reactivity

Ø  General Fearfulness

Ø  Excitability & Leash Pulling   

For most dogs, the Thundershirt will help reduce, if not eliminate, their anxieties completely from the first use.

It is recommended that the Thundershirt be put on at least 15-30 minutes prior to an event which causes your dog to be anxious. This helps keep your dog calm before the event and prevents your dog from getting into a severely anxious state which causes your dog, and you, a lot of unnecessary stress.

For example, for thunderstorm anxiety, put the Thundershirt on as soon as you see the first signs of a storm approaching - slightly darker skies, a faraway rumble. Do not wait for the storm to begin! However, you should still see significant results even if you put the Thundershirt on after the storm has started.

If you are going out, and do not know whether or not there will be a storm later in the day, leave your dog in the Thundershirt before you go out...

A second example, for separation anxiety, put the Thundershirt on well before you leave the house. This will put your dog in a calmer state of mind before you and to prevent your dog from associating the Thundershirt with you leaving!
 

 
For dogs with severe anxiety issues however, the Thundershirt may have to be used as part of a behaviour modification programme. Please refer to our Training Programme section for additional information.

Additionally, we also recommend that you put the Thundershirt on dogs with severe or multiple anxiety issues 24/7 for at least a week or two. It is also highly recommended that you let your dog sleep in their Thundershirt.

We are of the opinion that the Thundershirt promotes better sleep for your dog which in turn means that they would be calmer during the day. Gradually reduce the amount of time that your dog wears the Thundershirt as she improves.

The Thundershirt can also be used to help comfort dogs that are sick or recovering from an illness or surgery. Thunderdogs Malaysia has used the Thundershirt on some of our rescued dogs that were terribly sick and we are happy to report that they recovered much quicker than anticipated by the vets.

Please do email us or leave a comment on this page if you have any further questions regarding the Thundershirt and how to use it. We hope that this post has been helpful to all of you and your dogs.

THUNDERSHIRT FOR THE MONSOON SEASON

The monsoon season is here with rain and thunderstorms hitting us every day. While most people have to deal with horrific traffic jams, many of us dog owners have a more stressful situation to deal with - our dogs.

Unfortunately, not all dogs keep their cool during the rainy season, and some get into severe anxiety attacks when it storms. Thankfully, there is a now a safe, drug free and easy to use tool to help dogs keep calm during rains and thunderstorms, i.e. by using the Thundershirt.

From the very first usage of a Thundershirt, your dog is likely to see a significant reduction of all symptoms of storm anxiety. Behaviors such as chewing, problem barking, whining, urination, and hiding under the furniture or destroying it disappear in many dogs immediately during the first use of the Thundershirt.

The Thundershirt is there for your dog through storm anxiety, and takes the place of expensive training or anxiety drugs with dangerous side effects. Simply follow our easy directions to put the Thundershirt on your dog and observe the results (...and you can try it for other situations where your dog experiences anxiety, too! The Thundershirt is proven effective for a range of dog fears). 

Please use the following sizing guide to determine the size required for your dog.

Sizes Available: XS, S, M, L & XL
Colour: Heather Grey

SIZE   CHEST SIZE     WEIGHT

XS      13” – 17”            8 – 14 lbs

S        17” – 21”           15 – 25 lbs

M       21” – 25”           26 – 40 lbs

L        25” – 30”           41 – 64 lbs

XL      30” – 36”           65 – 110 lbs





Then place your order by dropping an email to:

natasha@thunderdogsmalaysia.com

Please include the following information in your email:

Your Name:
Address:
Phone No:

Dog Breed:
Chest Measurement:
Size Required:

Price: RM150 (incl. delivery within P. Malaysia)
RM160 (incl. delivery to E. Malaysia)

Payment information will be provided upon receipt of your order.

Your Thundershirt will be shipped to you within 5 working days of receipt of payment via PosLaju. Therefore please ensure that there is someone available to collect the Thundershirt at the address provided.

Note: If you require a size that is not listed above, e.g. XXS or XXL, please drop us an email with your dog's chest measurement and we will obtain the size you require. However, please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of sizes that we do not stock.

QUESTIONS FOR THUNDERDOGS MALAYSIA

Thunderdogs Malaysia had a blast at the Stand Up for Animals comedy evening yesterday. 

We met a lot of people, who had dogs with various anxiety issues, who were quite interested in getting a Thundershirt for their dog(s).  It was really interesting to meet everyone and we hope that we managed to answer all of your questions.

 

One of the most popular questions for the night was "Does the Thundershirt work?".

Well, we definitely believe that the Thundershirt does work and will address most anxiety issues that your dog might face.

We were first introduced to the Thundershirt in 2010 by Sarah Fisher - UK's top dog trainer, and we used it very successfully with Lucky, our most difficult rescued dog to-date.

Lucky had severe anxiety issues particularly fear aggression. This meant that he was incredibly unpredictable and would bite if he felt threatened in any way. He was highly unstable and was absolutely miserable as he was literally scared of everything. We were at our wits end until we used the Thundershirt.

As Lucky's case was incredibly complicated, we had to use the Thundershirt together with TTouch Therapy and clicker training. Here is a short video showing how we incorporated the Thundershirt into Lucky's training with the clicker.



*We wish that we had taken a video of how badly behaved Lucky was prior to the Thundershirt, but at the time we didn't think of it. So in this video, Lucky's temperament had already improved by leaps and bounds in just 2 short weeks of using the Thundershirt. 

For those of you who may have further questions, please do browse through our website and hopefully your questions will be answered. However if you do have specific questions regarding your dog's issues which are not addressed in this website, please feel free to drop us an email and we will answer your questions to the best of our abilities.

Email: natasha@thunderdogsmalaysia.com 

THUNDERDOGS WILL BE AT PJLA ON 4TH OCT 2012

 

Catch Malaysia’s Kings of Comedy as they celebrate their love for the animal kingdom in STAND-UP FOR ANIMALS, a one-night-only fundraiser to benefit our furry friends. Don’t miss this rare get-together of our top humourists Jit Murad, Harith Iskander, Douglas Lim, and Kuah Jenhan… a true powerhouse of comedy if ever there was!

In conjunction with World Animal Day, SPCA Selangor and Jaya One are launching a free sterilisation programme for dog & cat owners. Proceeds from STAND-UP FOR ANIMALS will fund this pilot programme which offers vouchers for non-pedigree pets to be sterilised for free at SPCA’s Klinik Kembiri in Setapak.

For more information , please visit PJ Live Arts >>

For tickets, please visit www.tix.my or call (017) 2-BUY-TIX / (017) 228 9849  

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In conjunction with the event above, Thunderdogs Malaysia has been given a small booth at PJLA to introduce the Thundershirt to dog lovers who may have dogs that experience severe anxiety issues. 

 

We hope that the Thundershirt will be able to help dogs in Malaysia to cope with issues such as thunderstorm anxiety, separation anxiety, travel anxiety etc. 

We will be bringing a small quantity of Thundershirts to the event should any of you wish to purchase one for your dog.  Do come along to support the event organised by SPCA, and at the same time stop by to have a chat with us on how the Thundershirt may help your dog.

 

IS YOUR DOG A BULLY?

The Class Bully

by Joan Morse, CPDT-KA, www.atouchofcalm.com

Does this sound familiar? Your dog is really very sweet. He knows how to walk nicely on a leash (although sometimes he takes you for a walk when he sees another dog/cat/bird/squirrel) and he greets people nicely as well.

But as soon as you arrive at class he turns into a completely different animal. He drags you through the door, he stares at the other dogs and barks and lunges at them whenever he gets close enough to do so.

You have become the class outcast and must sit far away from everyone else to have some peace and quiet, or you spend the entire class stuck behind a barrier. You are embarrassed and frustrated by your dog’s behavior and don’t know what to do.

School yard bully or scaredy-cat?

Chances are that your dog is not a bully, he is afraid. Maybe it is the building; there are too many strange sights and smells to take in at once. Maybe it is the number of other dogs; he can deal with one or two at a time, but 5 or 6 is asking way too much. Or maybe there is this other dog who is sending signals to him that he finds threatening and he is lashing out before the other dog can.  Whatever the reason, your dog is uncomfortable and trying to protect himself.

Management

Many trainers manage this kind of behavior by placing the disruptive dog behind a barrier. And that works very nicely. It brings calm back to the class and everyone can learn their lessons, including the disruptive dog, although, he cannot participate in exercises as a member of the group. But management does not solve your problem with your dog. He has not learned how to deal with a classroom situation calmly and confidently.

Enter the Thundershirt

While this is not the answer for every situation, boosting your dog’s confidence will often go a long way towards being able to safely integrate your dog into a group.

The Thundershirt is a useful, easy to use tool for doing this. The Thundershirt should be put on before the dog leaves the car at class, or better still, before he leaves home. Try to arrive at class early and  wait outside for his classmates to arrive.  Allow him to greet each one before they go inside. If possible have him approach the other dog’s rear first and sniff for a few seconds. Keep the greetings short and reward your dog as you move away from the greeting for being calm and polite. Make it fun. You must stay calm and positive.  He will pick up on your attitude and mirror it.

Once inside, it may take a few classes to really become a part of the group. Don’t be in a hurry to be in the center of activity. Keep his attention more on you than on the other dogs by giving him simple things to do that you can reward.

Remember to bring a favorite chew toy with you so he has something to do during any down time. That way he won’t be so ready to look around and get into trouble. Make sure your toy is quiet (no squeaky toy please) so he doesn’t disrupt the class or unduly attract the attention of the other dogs.

Each successful class will help build your dog’s confidence and make training classes more effective and fun.

Joan Morse CPDT-KA
A Touch of Calm
Behavior and Obedience Training
www.atouchofcalm.com
302-547-1437
Tellington TTouch Practitioner I
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

THUNDERSHIRT FOR TIMID DOGS

Helping a Timid Dog – People Shyness

by Courtenay Watson, AHT & RLATp

Although dogs have been around humans for many generations, not all dogs are comfortable with strangers. As puppies, dogs should be socialized carefully and thoroughly during their impressionable stage. This helps ensure the dog will be as comfortable and well behaved as possible for the rest of her life. Sometimes, though, things don’t quite work out that way. You may get a dog as an adult, after that socialization window has closed. What to do then, if your dog is not sure of new people?

Many dogs are nervous of new people, and they will each react in a different way. Some will simply avoid people. Other dogs may bark in alarm, while still others may cower or hide behind their owners. Often, once the person has passed out a few cookies and bent down low to the ground, the dog is much more willing to approach. But what about when that isn’t enough?

When I encounter a dog who is worried about strangers, I do a few things:

1. Pair strangers with lots of fun and food, often simply showering a handful of treats on the dog whenever a stranger appears. It’s important to do this in a way that does not cause the dog to react.
2. Teach the dog an appropriate greeting behaviour, such as touching a fist with his nose, to give him something deliberate to do with a friendly stranger.
3. Put a Thundershirt on the dog prior to any potential greetings.
4. Do set ups with friends and then with known strangers (known to the owner, not the dog) so the situation can be controlled until the dog has some confidence. Again, this should be done such that the dog does not react nervously to the person.

The Thundershirt really seems to calm the dogs with gentle pressure over the body. The dog is able to think and learn faster and better with the Thundershirt than without, and therefore, owners see results faster, and are happier. I haven’t seen any side effects, and for dogs who don’t mind having it on, it’s almost maintenance free. It is a low risk, high benefit tool, and the Thundershirt has proven a great addition to a stranger-nervous dog’s protocol.

Courtenay Watson, AHT & RLATp
Kamloops BC
http://www.cpetrescue.blogspot.com

HOW TO PUT ON THE THUNDERSHIRT

I believe that there will be some of you who have purchased the Thundershirt who are not sure how to put it on. So here's a video to show you how it should be done.

The neck straps should just fit comfortably, while the body should fit very snugly.

THUNDERSHIRTS TO RELIEVE EPILEPTIC SEIZURES

This afternoon, while I was at my vet's office, a sweet little cocker spaniel came up to me for a cuddle. He looked really old. I thought he must have been at least 12 or more. Anyway, his owner and I started chatting and I discovered that he was only 6 years old but was suffering from epilepsy, which clearly has taken it's toll on this poor dog.

I personally have used the Thundershirt on a couple of my rescued dogs that were critically ill and saw amazing results. I also knew that the Thundershirt has been used by many trainers and holistic practitioners overseas to help in the healing process of dogs that were seriously ill.

Anyway, in this post, I am republishing an article by Mary A Gilbreth (Ph. D) in which she describes how the Thundershirt was used to help reduce the effects of seizures in epileptic dogs.  

Please note that the Thundershirt is not to be used as a replacement for medications prescribed by your vet.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety Associated with Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

by Mary A. Gilbreth, Ph.D.

As the owner/care-giver of a dog who has experienced seizures since 2004, I am very familiar with the medical and emotional challenges presented by this complex condition. While a caregiverʼs primary focus is controlling the frequency of seizures, a second yet equally important focus is reducing the overall stress and anxiety of our epileptic pets. Maintaining overall health is still another important focus since many epileptic animals take high doses of anti-seizure medication(s) on a daily basis and usually do so for the rest of their life.

In addition to the seizures themselves, many epileptic dogs exhibit stress and anxiety behaviors such as general restlessness, periods of pacing, interrupted sleep during the night, a constant search for things to eat, and periods of neediness, staying “extra close” to their care-giver. Unfortunately, and similar to the seizures, these stress behaviors often persist and/or re-appear even after a dog begins a regimen of anti-seizure medication(s).

Given that many epileptic dogs are on high doses of anti-seizure medication and/or already take a combination of two or more drugs, the identification of safe, effective, stand-alone or supplemental care-giving methods that do not require additional medication is highly desired. The following approach to reduce epilepsy- and seizure-related stress and anxiety is drug-free and involves use of a Thundershirt either by itself or with an engaging food toy. This information comes directly from my experience in helping my epileptic Golden, GingerPeach, and has successfully reduced the intensity and duration of her:

1. general restlessness and pacing;
2. inability to sleep through the night;
3. general anxiety (e.g., pawing, a need to be “very close”);
4. restlessness and pacing associated with the post-ictal phase; and
5. mild to moderate seizure activity/symptoms (e.g., twitching of eyes, ears, ” and/or mouth, involuntary jerking of the head and paws, snapping ” of the jaws, staggering and loss of balance).

Procedure

At the first signs of stress behavior, seizure activity, or after a grand mal seizure - place the Thundershirt on your dog (details on Thundershirt packaging) and keep it on him until the stress behavior or symptoms diminish (e.g., 30 minutes to overnight).

Please remember YOUR energy and mood affects your dog. Please do your best to stay calm and relaxed during your dogʼs seizures and stress behaviors. Also, be sure your dog is already accustomed to and enjoys wearing his Thundershirt.

For post-ictal phase, and for mild seizure symptoms or mild stress behavior (e.g., twitching of ears, eyes, minor panting, minor pacing) – simply wrapping your dog in his Thundershirt will often suffice. Within several minutes, your dog should settle and might also take a nap.

For restlessness during the night - have your dog wear his Thundershirt to bed at night (doggie pajamas!). Experiment to see how many nights a week work best for your dog.

For prolonged post-ictal phase, and for moderate to intense seizure symptoms or stress behavior (e.g., loss of balance, stumbling, odd gait, jerking movements of the head, limbs, jaws, crouching, prolonged pacing) – place the Thundershirt on your dog, and help him become engaged with a treat-filled2 food toy. My current choice is Kongʼs Wobbler3, its movements are very engaging, the treats dispense with relative ease, and the “jingling” sounds of the dry treats inside seem to really capture the dogʼs attention.

To see real-time before and after effects of a Thundershirt and a Kong Wobbler on GingerPeachʼs moderate seizure symptoms, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGKjY5ukFMM. (youtube channel “plumwoodposse”, video “Focal Seizure GingerPeach Thundershirt, Kong Wobbler”).

~ Best Wishes to you and your Dog ~

About the Author

Mary A. Gilbreth, PhD, CPDT, is passionate about improving the relationships and communication between humans and their canine companions.  The owner of SMART DOGS Dog Training in Van Buren, Arkansas, Mary specializes in the modification of reactive and fearful behavior but also teaches a range of dog training topics.  Mary is an active member of many organizations including Association of Animal Behavior Professionals, Association of Pet Dog Trainers (State Greeter for Arkansas), Therapy Dogs International, and Dog Scouts of America (Troop Leader).  She currently shares her home with five clicker-trained rescue dogs and one northern diamondback terrapin who patiently awaits his first clicker training lesson.  SMART DOGS offers group classes, private sessions and seminars, and is the first clicker training facility in the Van Buren/Ft Smith AR area.

SMART DOGS Dog Training & Behavior Consultation
www.MYSMARTDOGS.com
www.youtube.com/user/plumwoodposse
wwww.facebook.com/SMARTDOGSDogTraining

For online information about canine epilepsy try www.canine-epilepsy.net, www.canine-epilepsy.com or www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com

NOTE: the present information is not intended to be, nor should it replace, medical advice from a Veterinarian. If your Veterinarian has instructed you to give medication to your dog during any of the situations described above, please continue to do so. Do not modify any of your Veterinarianʼs instructions without his consultation and consent.

* There are many excellent food toys and puzzles on the market and you may need to try a few to find the one that works best for your dog in these situations. Introduce it to your dog when he is not already stressed or anxious.

Dealing With Fireworks Anxiety

We are now half way through the month of Ramadhan, and most of us dog owners have already had to deal with our dogs' fear of fireworks in the evenings. With the Hari Raya celebrations fast approaching, we can be assured that the amount of fireworks that will be set off will only increase, and therefore potentially causing our dogs to experience high levels of stress and anxiety.

We would like to share with you an excerpt from Victoria Stillwell on how to deal with Fireweoks Anxiety.

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Dealing With Fireworks Anxiety
By Victoria Stilwell

A lot of your dog’s misery can be avoided (or at least reduced) if you think ahead and begin the desensitization process with her well ahead of the big day. There are several steps you should take if you think your dog will have a bad reaction to the booms, whistles and pops that are the soundtrack to what the rest of us all consider a fun night.

Working with dogs that have a fear or phobia can be complex because even though some common fears can be successfully worked with, others are deeply ingrained and are therefore highly resistant to change. Recent reports have shown that 93% of dogs with noise phobias involved fear of thunder and other loud noises, including fireworks.Whether fear of fireworks is elicited by a singular traumatic experience or prolonged exposure, the result is often highly distressing for dogs and owners. Without extensive behavioural therapy and management strategies, phobias become deeply ingrained and even harder to change.

Unfortunately even one noisy celebration can turn a dog into a quivering wreck. Some dogs are so badly affected that they have an inability to function during and after a fireworks show. Many fireworks-phobic dogs adopt self-management strategies in order to cope. These strategies include attempting to escape the home, digging into carpets, seeking out dark den-like spaces to hide in, or crawling behind a bathroom sink or toilet. Others will pace back and forth during the episode, unable to focus on owners who are desperately attempting to calm them down. Stress is also manifested through excessive panting, pupil dilation, sweating paws, raised heartbeat, loss of appetite, whimpering, trembling and an inability to settle.

One thing that can sometimes make behavioral modification in fireworks cases a bit easier than with thunderstorms is that thunderstorms are not easy to predict or control. A dog usually knows that a storm is coming long before an owner and becomes increasingly panicked as the storm approaches. Regardless, as with all training techniques, I have learned that treating every dog as an individual is of utmost importance and that modification and management is more likely to succeed if time is spent tailoring the training to each specific dog.

Conditioning a dog to feel differently about the sound of fireworks can be achieved by gradually exposing the dog to audio recordings of fireworks at low volume levels and, if the dog appears relaxed, playing his favorite game or feeding him his favorite food. Allowing the dog to play and relax in the presence of the soft noise for a period of ten minutes, taking a break of five minutes and repeating the exercise ensures that the dog doesn’t become bored with the training. Introducing the audio at a low level again and slowly turning up the volume if the dog continues to be relaxed and able to concentrate on playing the game or eating the food allows the dog to habituate to the noise without a fear response. If the dog shows signs of stress, going back to the previous level and building up the noise level again will take pressure off the dog. The object of noise desensitization is to gradually expose the dog to louder and louder sounds over a period of time, progress being determined by the dog’s reactions. Going too fast might make the dog even more frightened, so taking things slowly will ensure maximum benefit from the process.

Gradually exposing the dog to flashes of light that grow in intensity can be another part of therapy, but one that can be harder to implement. I have found that these therapies are often not as effective as noise desensitization. Some dogs will respond well to all of the above therapies, but will become panicked when the real fireworks start. It is therefore important to tackle this phobia in other ways by using effective management strategies and by masking any audio and visual stimuli that elicit a fear response during an episode.

The most important thing an owner can do for their fireworks-phobic dog is to provide them with a bolt hole – a place where the dog can escape to when the festivities begin. Providing the dog access to this safe place is essential at all times, particularly during an owner’s absence. This might be a closet, bathroom or a basement, the best places usually being the ones that have no windows, but with plenty of artificial light (to mask flashes of fireworks). Music can be played close to the safe haven so that sounds can be masked. It is also essential that if an owner is present, time be spent with the dog in the safe haven or attention given to the dog if it comes to seek comfort from its owner. Far from reinforcing fearful behavior, an owner’s comforting arm and presence can help a phobic dog to cope as long as the owner remains calm at all times.

Some phobic dogs benefit from calming therapies such as T-touch, Thundershirts, and Bach Flower Essences, while others do much better on anti-anxiety medication that can be given just before the fireworks start. It is vital, however, that behavioral therapy and management are always given along with any medications in order to give the dog the best possible chance of rehabilitation.

I’m very excited about some pretty groundbreaking work that I’ve been doing lately on a project to help dogs with phobias like these, and I hope to be able to announce something about that soon. In the meantime, fireworks phobia can be a tough condition to treat, but trying a variety of therapies and techniques can improve a dog’s ability to cope when the big ones come.

RAMADHAN & FIREWORKS

The Muslim fasting month begins tomorrow, and Thunderdogs Malaysia would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Muslim friends "Selamat Berpuasa".

At the same time, we would also like to gently remind everyone to keep their pets safe over the next couple of months. As we all know, we Malaysians love our fireworks and fireworks feature prominently in recent times in almost all celebrations.

Previously, fireworks were only set off during the Hari Raya celebrations. But this year, in some areas, the fireworks have already started even before the start of the fasting month.

Our pets, dogs, cats and other small animals, unfortunately do not appreciate fireworks and some get extremely frightened, confused and disoriented.

Keeping cats and dogs secure

• Make sure your dog or cat always has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and has access to this place at all times. For example this could be under some furniture or in a cupboard.
• During firework seasons, walk dogs during daylight hours and keep cats and dogs indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.
• At nightfall close windows and curtains and put on music to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks.
• If your pet shows any signs of fear try to ignore their behaviour. Leave them alone unless they are likely to harm themselves.
• Never punish or fuss over your pet when it's scared as this will only make things worse in the long run.
• Make sure your cat or dog is always kept in a safe and secure environment and can’t escape if there’s a sudden noise. Have your pet microchip-ed in case they do escape. This can help you identify your pet should someone find him/her.
• Consider getting a Thundershirt to help ease your pet's fears.

Just for dogs – before the firework season starts

Planning ahead can help your dog cope with the firework season.

Before the firework season starts provide your dog with a doggy safe haven, this should be a quiet area so choose one of the quietist rooms in your home. It should be a place where the animal feels it is in control, so don't interfere with it when it's in that area.

Train your dog to associate the area with positive experiences eg. by leaving toys there but not imposing yourself at any time. Use a variety of toys and swap them regularly, putting them away when not in use so that your dog doesn't become bored with them.

With time your dog can learn that this place is safe and enjoyable. So when fireworks happen it may choose to go here because it knows that when it is here, no harm will come to it and so it's more able to cope. It is important that your dog has access to its doggy safe haven at all times even when you’re not at home.

If you have a Thundershirt for your dog, put it on your dog before the fireworks start to help keep your dog calm when the fireworks do start.

Just for dogs – when the fireworks start

• Close any windows and black out the ‘doggy play area’ to remove any extra problems caused by flashing lights.
• Each evening before the fireworks begin, move your dog to the play area and provide toys and other things that they enjoy. Make sure that there are things for you to do too so that your dog isn't left alone.
• Ignore the firework noises yourself. Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in, but don’t force them to play.
• If you know a dog that isn't scared by noises and which gets on well with your dog, then keeping the two together during the evenings may help your dog to realise that there’s no need to be afraid.

Just for cats

• Make sure your cat has somewhere to hide if it wants to. For example this may be under some furniture or in a quiet corner.
• Don’t try and tempt your cat out as this will cause it to become more stressed.

Don’t forget small animals

• If your pets live outside, partly cover cages, pens and aviaries with blankets so that one area is well sound-proofed. Make sure that your pet is still able to look out.
• Provide lots of extra bedding so your pet has something to burrow in.

WIN A THUNDERSHIRT RESULTS

The Win a Thundershirt competition has been won by JJ the Shih Tzu with 426 votes! Congratulations JJ and Lillian Ee. We will be contacting you shortly to arrange for your Thundershirt to be delivered to you!

Name: JJ
Sex: Male
Age: 4 years
Breed: Shih Tzu
Owner: Lillian Ee

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Thunderdogs Malaysia would also like to thank the finalists for their participation and in making the competition a success. Thunderdogs Malaysia will be sending you a RM 10 discount voucher code which can be used when you purchase a Thundershirt from us.

We would also like to thank everyone who voted for your favourite dog! Please do tell your friends about the Thundershirt and how it can help resolve anxiety problems in dogs.

Name: Niji Momiji Boey,
Sex: Male
Age: 1 years +
Breed: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Owner: Stephanie Boey

Dog's name: QQ
Sex: Female
Age : 3 years old
Breed : Crocker spaniel mixed shih tzu
Owner: Grace Koh

Name: Medusa
Sex: Female
Age: 12
Breed: Shih Tzu
Owner: Ginny Khoo

Name: Alfie
Sex: Male
Age: 4 years
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Owner: Lina Ng

HOW TO DEAL WITH SEPARATION ANXIETY

Training Programme for Relieving Separation Anxiety

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Here is an extract from Nicole Wilde's Don't Leave Me! Step-by-Step Help for Your Dog's Separation Anxiety  which provides her suggested training programme for when a Thundershirt alone may not be enough.

Nicole Wilde (CPDT) is the author of nine books, a popular columnist in major magazines including Modern Dog Magazine, and sought after speaker. She also teaches seminars and workshops around the country and internationally. For more information about Nicole and her published works, please visit www.phantompub.com.

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Relieving Separation Anxiety
By Nicole Wilde, CPDT

Separation anxiety can be a very challenging problem emotionally for both dogs and their owners. When owners are absent, some dogs experience mild anxiety which may manifest as barking, whining, pacing, or destruction. Others will begin drooling, trembling, and may even defecate. In extreme cases, dogs can injure themselves by clawing at doorways, trying to jump through windows, or self-mutilating when crated.

In mild to moderate cases, the Thundershirt alone may be enough to calm an anxious canine. Put a Thundershirt on your dog ten to fifteen minutes before you leave, and give him an exciting chew item such as a stuffed Kong. Because you don’t want your dog to associate these things only with your departures, be sure to first put a Thundershirt on your dog at other times, such as when playing, eating a meal, or when enjoying a wonderful chewie in your presence.

What if the Thundershirt alone does not solve your dog’s separation issue? First, in the rare case that the anxiety is extreme as mentioned above, consult with a behaviorist as well as your veterinarian, as your dog may require medication in conjunction with behavior modification.

For mild to moderate separation anxiety, a trainer or behavior specialist can help, but for now, here are a few tips:

1. If your dog is left alone when you go to work during the week, make it a habit to take him for a long walk before you leave. The more pleasantly tired out your dog is, the less likely there is to be anxiety.

2. Leave something with your scent on it, such as a sweatshirt you’ve been wearing or a towel rubbed under your arms, in your dog’s resting area. Your scent will provide comfort. (This is one reason so many dogs get into the laundry when their owners are gone!)

3. Be sure your dog has something to chew on or engage in that will keep him busy for at least thirty to forty-five minutes after you’re gone. Excavating a well-stuffed Kong®, for example, will keep your dog busy and by the time he’s done, he’ll be tired out and will hopefully take a nap.

4. Practice short separations. Leave the house for 10 minutes, then come right back. The next time, go for 15 minutes. Build up the time you’re gone, but also, make it unpredictable. So you might leave for 10 minutes, then 15 minutes, then 5 minutes, then 15 minutes again, slowly building up to longer time spent away.

5. Your emotions affect your dog. Keep your comings and goings friendly but low-key.

A STORM IS COMING?

 

For many of you, your dogs are a source of joy, happiness and comfort. But for some of you, there are times when you are completely at a loss with what to do with your dog during a thunderstorm.

Dogs that are fearful of thunderstorms will usually become agitated and fearful, and some will become very clingy. For some dogs, the fear of thunderstorms is so great, that they start to drool and salivate, pant heavily, and some may even urinate or defecate. Some dogs very well behaved dogs may even become destructive if left to endure the storm on their own.

Dogs that are very fearful during thunderstorms will usually display the signs mentioned above long before the storm arrives. And when they do, most owners have no idea why they are behaving in that manner when there doesn't seem to any sign of a storm. But of course, more often than not, the storm will eventually arrive, maybe even an hour or two later.

So how do dogs know that a storm is on the way? Most people attribute a dog's ability to "predict" storms as "sixth sense". But in reality, it is because dogs are alot more sensitive to a number of things in the environment, such as drops in barometric pressure (the pressure of the atmosphere) than humans.

A drop in pressure usually means that the conditions are suitable for a thunderstorm to develop. Dogs that are fearful of thunderstorms will soon associate this drop in pressure with the arrival of a thunderstorm.

Additionally, the static charge in the atmosphere changes prior to a storm, and our dogs are able to pick up this change well before the storm arrives.

As we all know, dogs have a very sharp sense of hearing and can hear things at frequencies that we humans cannot. The subtle vibrations and low rumbles of thunder that we are unable to feel or hear, can be felt and heard by our dogs.

Of course, it is also said that dogs can smell a storm approaching. Their noses are highly sensitive as they have been estimated to have 125 million (and several times that) sensory cells within their noses compared to humans which have an estimated range of 5-10 million cells .

Because of this, they can detect chemical concentrations in the low parts-per-million range. Lightning ionizes air with the formation of ozone – which has a characteristic metallic smell. Perhaps dogs detect this odor, or some other odor associated with the storm.

For those of you who may have dogs who are fearful of thunderstorms, the Thundershirt could well be your solution to their anxiety.

From the very first usage of a Thundershirt, your dog is likely to see a significant reduction of all symptoms of storm anxiety. Behaviors such as chewing, problem barking, whining, urination, and hiding under the furniture or destroying it disappear in many dogs immediately during the first use of the Thundershirt.

The Thundershirt is there for your dog through storm anxiety, and takes the place of expensive training or anxiety drugs with dangerous side effects. Simply follow our easy directions to put the Thundershirt on your dog and observe the results (...and you can try it for other situations where your dog experiences anxiety, too! The Thundershirt is proven effective for a range of dog fears).

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ORDER YOUR THUNDERSHIRT TODAY

**NOTE: Thundershirt US does not deliver to Malaysia, so place your orders today...
 

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Price: RM150 (including delivery within Peninsular Malaysia)
Sizes Available: XS, S, M, L & XL
Colour: Heather Grey

To order your Thundershirt for your dog, please drop an email to:

natasha@thunderdogsmalaysia.com

Please include the following information in your email:

Your Name:

Address:
Phone No:

Dog Breed:
Chest Measurement:
Size Required:

Payment information will be sent to you, and your Thundershirt will be put in the post within 3 working days of receipt of payment. Please ensure that there will be someone to collect the Thundershirt at the address provided as your Thundershirt will be sent via PosLaju

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Note: The money back guarantee is not applicable in Malaysia

FINALISTS FOR WIN A THUNDERSHIRT COMPETITION

Here are the finalists for the WIN A THUNDERSHIRT competition.

Please visit our Thunderdogs Malaysia Facebook page to vote for your favourite dog.

The dog with the most votes at the end of 15 July will win a Thundershirt worth RM148 from Thunderdogs Malaysia. In the mean time, we would like to wish all finalists the best of luck!

How to vote:

1. Voters must LIKE our Thunderdogs Malaysia Facebook page.
2. Select the picture on our Thunderdogs Malaysia Facebook page and LIKE the picture.
3. If you share the picture, remember to post the voting rules above. LIKEs of the picture on your own Facebook page will not be considered.

Name: Niji Momiji Boey,
Sex: Male
Age: 1 years +
Breed: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Owner: Stephanie Boey

Dog's name: QQ
Sex: Female
Age : 3 years old
Breed : Crocker spaniel mixed shih tzu
Owner: Grace Koh

Name: Alfie
Sex: Male
Age: 4 years
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Owner: Lina Ng

Name: Medusa
Sex: Female
Age: 12
Breed: Shih Tzu
Owner: Ginny Khoo

Name: JJ
Sex: Male
Age: 4 years
Breed: Shih Tzu
Owner: Lillian Ee

WIN A THUNDERSHIRT COMPETITION

Is your dog afraid of thunderstorms? Loud noises? Car rides? Does your dog suffer from separation anxiety? Does your dog bark incessantly? All of these issues points to anxiety in your dog.

The Thundershirt is a proven, safe, effective and drug free solution to your dog's anxiety. Make your dog a Thunderdog - calm & fearless by winning a Thundershirt for your dog today. Competition details as follows:

How to submit your entry:

1. Like our Thunderdogs Malaysia page on Facebook.
2. Submit your competition entry to natasha@thunderdogsmalaysia.com with the following details:
• Email subject: WIN A THUNDERSHIRT
• A high resolution photo of your dog
• Your dog's name, sex, age and breed
• A short 100 word or less description of why your dog needs a Thundershirt AND
• A 2 minute video depicting your dog's anxiety issues (optional)
• Your Name
• Your Address
• Your Phone Number
3. Entries are to be submitted between 6-8 July 2012. Any entries received after the closing date will not be entertained. 
4. Entries that do not comply with the requirements stipulated above will not be considered.
5. The best entries will be selected by Thunderdogs Malaysia and the pictures of these dogs will be published on our Thunderdogs Malaysia Facebook page on 10 July 2012. Thunderdogs Malaysia's decisions are final and non-negotiable.
6. Voting begins on 11 July 2012 and ends on 15 July 2012.
7. The picture with the most votes on our Facebook page will win a Thundershirt.
8. The winning dog will be announced on 16 July 2012. Thunderdogs Malaysia's decisions are final and non-negotiable.
9. The dog in the picture must be yours or a rescued dog in your care and you must have the rights to use the picture. The competition is meant to help dogs with anxiety issues. Thunderdogs Malaysia will not allow any nasty or negative comments on any of the pictures and they will be removed immediately without warning. If nasty comments continues, that person will be banned from Thunderdogs Malaysia's page without notice. 
10. Only dogs residing within Malaysia are eligible for this competition, and only ONE entry is allowed per dog.

How to vote:

1. Voters must LIKE our Thunderdogs Malaysia Facebook page.
2. Select the picture on our Thunderdogs Malaysia Facebook page and LIKE the picture.
3. If you share the picture, remember to post the voting rules above. LIKEs of the picture on your own Facebook page will not be considered.

DOES THE THUNDERSHIRT WORK?

ORDER YOUR THUNDERSHIRT TODAY

**NOTE: Thundershirt US does not deliver to Malaysia, so place your orders today...

Bark! Bark! Bark!

by Jenn Merritt, CPDT, 
www.bluedogk9.com

Dogs bark.  Some are naturally more vocal than others, depending on breed type, personality, and their environment.  Every bark is a communication of some type.  Barks can communicate many things including fear, concern, and boredom.  Sometimes, barking can become compulsive or excessive to an owner’s (or neighbors!) ears.  Although there often is no “quick fix” for excessive barking, learning how to properly and humanely manage your dog’s barking can be a simple process and can keep you and your dog in your neighbor’s good graces.

First…What Not To Do!

Excessive barking can be a real nuisance and owners often try to correct the act of barking WITHOUT addressing the underlying causes. Using an aversive method to reduce barking is a “no win” strategy, particularly if the barking is at all stress related.   Yelling at a dog for barking can actually bring the dog more attention or teach the dog to simply bark when you are not around.

Using so-called “anti-bark” shock or spray collars are never effective in the long term and can actually do more harm than good.  Dogs who are shocked for barking tend to be the same dogs that develop cautiousness or aggressive behaviors towards things that make them bark.   Even the citronella discharge collars are ineffective at resolving barking issues over the long term.  I’ve even heard of dogs barking continuously to discharge the entire citronella pack in short order.  As much as these things seem like a good idea, none of them address what is really causing the dog to bark in the first place.

Now…What To Try First

Sometimes the easiest underlying causes of excessive barking to address are overall stress and/or arousal.  Being bored, lonely, or frustrated for some dogs is torture and excessive barking can be an outlet for them. Applying a Thundershirt^TM pressure wrap can be highly effective with dogs that are stressed or over-aroused.   Thundershirt’s gentle pressure on the dog’s torso calms the dog and brings attention away from the environment.  Also, make sure that you are providing your dog with enough physical and mental activities to keep their bodies and minds healthy.  Long walks, games, running around, and healthy things to chew are essential outlets for every dog’s well being.

Become a Bark Detective

The next step to bark reduction is figuring out why the dog is barking in the first place.  Is your dog barking at you for attention?  Barking at a stranger walking past your home?  Barking at the cat when it enters the room?  Barking because they are in the yard outside all day long?  Once you narrow down why the barking is occurring, we can take steps to reduce it.

Attention Seeking

Many dogs learn that barking gets them attention from their humans, as a way to initiate a game or simple acknowledgement.  The best strategy for eliminating this type of barking is to make sure that your dog learns that barking at you turns attention off.  If your dog barks at you, you look away, don’t say a word, walk out of the room and when they are quiet for even a short period time, then you pay attention to them.  You may need to repeat this many, many times before your dog learns the new rules.

Visual Cues/Alert Barking/Environmental Factors

Many dogs are barking at something or stimulated by their environment to bark.  This is not a situation where we want to completely eliminate the barking, just reduce it.  After all, if someone is standing outside your house, don’t you want to know?   There are several strategies worth trying.  First, teach your dog that every time they bark at something, you acknowledge it and then distract them with another activity.  “Oh yes, I see that man passing the house.  Thank you for letting me know.  Let’s go over here and get your ball.  That was so great that you stopped barking.”   Interrupting the barking at just the right time can help take the dog “off duty”.

Also, it is easy enough to reduce the visual stimulation with a barrier or blinds.  I’ve worked with several dogs that would stand on top of a piece of furniture that was placed next to a window, creating a prime location for over-aroused, barking fits at passersby.  By simply moving the furniture away from the windows, we were able to reduce the behavior.    If your dog is outside barking at people, bring them inside or give them something else to do in the yard.  Being outside with nothing to do can be a recipe for excessive barking.  Changing the environment can make a big difference.

Remember…Time and Patience

Teaching your dog to react differently to situations that stimulate them to bark is a process.  You must be consistent over time and not give up if your dog doesn’t respond immediately.  Be patient and help your dog understand what you do want them to do. If your dog’s barking continues to be a problem, enlist the help of a reward based, professional dog trainer.

Jenn Merritt, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner
APDT Professional Member
Blue Dog Creature Coaching
Efland, NC