[nagdu] Stress Issues

[Tami Kinney]

Julie,

Well, you certainly know more than I do, since I only read about the
book. /lol/ Reading it is still way down on my list, but I did use some
of the ideas in the synopsis with Daisy dog, as well as a few other
things I've picked up here and there. And with Mitzi, when she was an
excitable young thing learning to be steady and calm in high-stimulus
environments. 

I didn't know about thyroid problems being related to shedding. Makes
sense, though. So I've learned something I can bear in mind for future
reference. /smile/

Tami

On Mon, 2011-09-05 at 19:09 -0500, Julie J. wrote: 
> Lora,
> 
> My thoughts in order that they occurred to me.  My first thought about 
> the shedding was that it might just be normal getting rid of the summer 
> coat in readiness for the winter coat.  This will depend on what breed 
> of dog you have and where you live and the weather there.  My second 
> thought was to see the vet.  Excessive shedding can be from a thyroid 
> problem among other things.  Simple bloodwork can rule out a thyroid 
> issue.  If it is that there is pretty inexpensive medication that can help.
> 
> Then after reading more of the messages on this topic, I would suggest 
> more exercise.  He sounds like a really high energy dog that has 
> leftover energy he doesn't know what to do with.   The shedding may or 
> may not be related to stress and the behaviors, but more exercise 
> certainly won't hurt.
> 
> Exercise ideas:  long walks, a treadmill, interactive toys or playing 
> fetch down a long hall or set of stairs. Also if you have a local dog 
> club agility just for fun might be fun.  Fly ball is also a fun dog 
> sport if you can find a local group that will let you practice with 
> them.  If you know someone with a well behaved dog to set up a play date 
> that may help.  A large fenced in area where he can run is good if he 
> will run and play on his own.   I don't know how you might feel about 
> this one, but some dogs love to chase a flashlight beam in a semi dark 
> room.  I also like to dance with Monty in the winter months when we 
> can't get out as much.  It isn't dancing at all, instead it is actually 
> practice getting into heel position on my left side as I move around the 
> room in random patterns.  I give a treat when he's at my left side.  I 
> toss the treat so he has to get out of heel position to get it, which 
> sets him up for the next opportunity.
> 
> T-touch or massage are also good ways to quietly relax after a long 
> day.  I'm no expert at T-touch despite what Tami says!  I have just read 
> the book a few times and have practiced with my own dogs.  It really 
> does work.
> 
> I can't imagine living with an adult dog with the sorts of behavior 
> issues you are describing.  It's what I'd expect from a puppy.  I feel 
> your pain.  I hope you can get it sorted out.
> 
> Best of luck,
> Julie
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On 9/5/2011 10:08 AM, Lora wrote:
> > Hello List:
> > I know we've probably had this discussion before but I would
> > appreciate it if we could have it again. My dog is loosing a lot of
> > hair and I think it is due to stress since he is on a good diet. I
> > can't trust him off leash since he doesn't listen at all. I have tried
> > letting him play on a flexilead but he won't run around. I play with
> > him tug of war and other games like that but I don't think he's
> > getting enough stress out of his life. Do you have any suggestions?
> > Thank You.
> >
> 
> 
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