The Anxiety Wrap Can Help Your Dog End Thunderstorm Fear - Three Easy Tips Can Be Used to Lessen Storm Anxiety

Thunderstorm season is approaching across much of the United States which means months of agony and distress to thousands of dogs that suffer from thunderstorm fear. The makers of The Anxiety Wrap suggest following several training tips in conjunction with using their newly patented product (U.S. Patent No. 6,820,574) to ease or eliminate this fear.

Huntington, IN (PRWEB) February 13, 2005 -- Thunderstorm season is approaching across much of the United States which means months of agony and distress to thousands of dogs that suffer from thunderstorm fear. The makers of The Anxiety Wrap suggest following several training tips in conjunction with using their newly patented product (U.S. Patent No. 6,820,574) to ease or eliminate this fear.

While there isnt a fact available on how many dogs are affected, pet owners and veterinarians know that thunderstorm anxiety is a serious problem. Symptoms can range from pacing and panting, to destruction of houses, serious injury, and even death to the dog itself. This is also disturbing emotionally to the owners as they see their dog in distress and cant ease its suffering. We have many owners call and request an Anxiety Wrap right away so they can get a good nights sleep," reports Susan Sharpe, inventor of The Anxiety Wrap. Many storms occur during the night and when a storm hits, a thunderphobic dog often jumps right into bed and wakes up their person, shivering from fear and showing distress."

Susan has over 20 years experience training dogs and first invented The Anxiety Wrap to help her client dogs remain calm during training or boarding. Launched in 2001, The Anxiety Wrap is made of a stretchable fabric an animal wears. It uses a technique called Maintained Pressure, the same technique used to help calm autistic children. Because it is easy to use, its number one use quickly became to help dogs stay calm during thunderstorms which was mainly previously treated with a prescription drug that was difficult to administer.

While many dogs respond immediately to the calming affect of The Wrap, other dogs may take a few wearings before showing less anxiety. Susan offers three simple tips to help a dog get through thunderstorms while the Maintained Pressure technique takes affect or if a person doesnt have The Anxiety Wrap available:

- Step One: Determine what part of the storm causes your dog to react

- Step Two: See if your dog can find a safe place

- Step Three: Redirect your dogs focus to help him let go of his perceived danger

- Important: Remain as neutral as possible while interacting with your dog

First determine what part of the storm causes your dog to react," explains Susan. One example is a dog that chases and barks at the lightning or thunder through the house. This dog might fair better in a crate with a cover over it to help minimize the lightning while placing a radio or television on near the crate to help with the thunder," says Ms. Sharpe. The next step to take is to see if your dog can find a safe place where he can remain calm through the storm. Sometimes this is the bathroom, sometimes its the closet," explains Susan. She adds, as long as the occupants of the house are okay with the location of the safe place and the dog remains calm without undergoing further trauma, this is an acceptable solution."

If a safe place cant be found, Ms. Sharpe suggests, You might try attaching the leash and walk your dog through the house, asking him to perform certain behaviors or go up and down stairs, etc. By redirecting your dogs focus you may help him let go of his perceived danger. Make your house an obstacle course and give the dog juicy treats for maneuvering through, especially during a stressful situation. Gently engage your dog in whatever his favorite activity is whether its a game of fetch or hide and seek." Dont give up if you dont see improvement right away. Sharpe explains, Any of these exercises you can do is helping to create a better association between your dog and the storm."

The most important thing, Sharpe cautions, is to remain as neutral as possible while interacting with the dog. Often we humans will try to reassure our dogs by talking in an animated way, sitting with, hugging, and petting them," Sharpe explains. Unfortunately, giving them special attention even with the best of intentions can actually reinforce their fearful behavior. To a dog, this out-of-the-normal behavior can justify his anxiety. After all, something must be wrong or his human wouldnt be making such a fuss. Also be sure to never punish the dog for his fearful behavior."

One way to try and prevent thunderstorm fear from ever beginning is to make the most out of that critical first year of puppy hood. Along with extensive socialization, Susan recommends playing ball or other fun activities with the puppy whenever a storm occurs while the puppy is not showing any signs of thunderstorm fear.

The Anxiety Wrap can also help animals under stress become calm whether that stress is demonstrated through fearful, anxious, or hyperactive behavior. Ms. Sharpe is currently working with Cornell University to develop a research study on the products beneficial effects and the Anxiety Wrap was added during Dr. Simpsons lecture at the 2002 AVMA Convention as a novel way to treat thunderstorm fear. It has received positive reviews in major trade magazines such as Whole Dog Journal, Animal Wellness, Fido Friendly, and The Bark. The Anxiety Wrap is available at www.anxietywrap.com and is sold on sitstay.com, puplife.com, kvvetsupply.com, and dogstuff.com as well as stand-alone pet stores across the United States.

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Brief Background -- Susan Sharpe, Owner of Animals Plus, Creator of The Anxiety Wrap

•20 years experience as a dog trainer        

•Baileys Advanced Operant Conditioning & Clicker Training Camp

•1 of 3 certified Tellington Touch Practitioners in Indiana    

•APDT Member (Association of Pet Dog Trainers )

•1 of 700 CPDTs in the world (only nationally recognized certification organization)

•Private and class instructor, Canine Companion Dog Training

•Purdues Principles & Techniques of Behavior Modification" which includes canine development, social structure, prevention of behavior problems, aggression                

•Doggie Resort, a vacation for your dog while youre away

•Military style training including obedience, article search, obstacle, tracking, drug detection, & personal protection