Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Great ideas folks, keep 'em comin'! 

Cirra's "personal assistant"  here.  I suggest rescue remedy for the humans.  The calmer that we are the better the dogs are.  And it is hard to be calm when they are trying to kill themselves by escaping. I watch the radar on the computer.  I have found that I can play games with Cirra right before the storm.  Anything to kept her attention.  Once the storm is over us with lightening and thunder she won't play however the less time she is in that crazy state - the better.  If the storm is in the distance I will try to use distractions and games.  I just squirt the TFLN is her mouth and don't worry about how many drops. 

We can certainly relate to your woes right now.  Our latest combination is  using TFLN with the Pyr sized Anxiety Wrap for Cirra during thunderstorms.  Previously used a snug T shirt with vet wrap to try to provide slight pressure and thought it helped, so we bought the Wrap.  Her reactions are still present but less intense and she recovers MUCH more rapidly.  She had a "hangover effect" from using fast acting Melatonin, so we tried the TFLN, which does work better with the wrap than without.  Of course, Cirra does have a "personal assistant" with her, so we do restrain her from the sliding patio door using an easy walk harness if need be.  Just don't want her pulling that hard on her neck.
Cirra flips the lock on the door and slides the door open, so we have to bar the door.  She used to lift that out but has forgotten that trick for now!  Sooooo.......d on't know if the Anxiety Wrap would be a possibility for you, but it does help Cirra somewhat.

Wilczek Woodworks is another resource...and they have purple!

Cirra is reactive to thunderstorms and we would like to become members of "weather radar watchers anonymous" however we still are tracking the weather radar on the computer when storms are expected.  The goal is to keep Cirra's anxiety down as much as possible.  She tries to get out of our sliding glass door which she can open even when it is locked.  Of course each dog is different and we have tried many things.  Being calm yourself is not easy however is helpful.  We have not liked the after effects of melatonin.  We have tried rescue remedy with little effect however is helpful for the humans.  Currently we are using TPLN Anxiety - a homepathic remedy.  It seems to be the most helpful of the all the things we have tried when used before Cirra gets anxious.  She has an herbal "calming collar" which also seems to help sometimes - much to our surprise.  We used to put her in a t-shirt however recently purchased an anxiety wrap which also seems to help.  It really seems to help her recover sooner.  Again the t-shirt or anxiety wrap is most helpful when put on prior to the storm.  Also the dog should wear the wrap sometimes when there is not a storm so they won't associate the two.  We will put a no pull harnass on Cirra if the storm is bad and we feel as though she needs to be on a leash - that way she is not pulling on her neck.  It can be helpful to cover the windows to reduce the flashes. Sometimes I will turn on the clothes dryer for background noise.  We try not be comfort her and keep things as "normal" as possible however we need to keep her safe.  The Big Bang by Claudeen McAuliffe is short booklet with some helpful hints.  We seem to be managing better this year than last.  We are on the coast of Maine and generally don't get a lot of thunderstorms however last year it seemed as though we had one every other day.  Any other helpful hints?

It will take us two long days to get there.  Cirra will be receiving her three Versatility Titles from the Great Pyrenees Club of America.  Well, I should say that we will be receiving them.  Awards are given out at the banquet and dogs are not allowed.  Not really fair to Cirra since - one of her "Additional Versatility Activities" was dining.  We are very proud of her!!!  Cirra is entered in Rally Novice and Novice Obedience however they are first thing in the morning our first day there.  She is not a morning dog!!!  And will be thrilled that these activties will be during her morning brunch time. 

Awesome eyes you two!!! Congratulation s!  It was so fun to see all the dog's eyes and what fantastic participation!!!1

Congratulation s to you and Binky!!! Wonderful news!!!