Is That Dog Soothing Sweater Worth the Money?

[Nikole Fairview]

My little dog can get really upset and barks a lot. I don't really care or think it's a bad thing, but others hate it. My only concern is that now that she's getting older, I don't want her to over excite herself over nothing stuff like people walking upstairs or squirrels and birds outside when we go for walks. I want her to warn me when she hears people outside, but she doesn't just warn, she barks ferociously and growls almost until she can absolutely hear nothing else. If I ask her to stop, she will listen, but just growl until the noise goes away. I think it's funny more than anything. She's such a little tough girl, but I am concerned about whether getting over excited is not going to be good as she gets older.

I saw a commercial for that sweater or jacket thing that hugs the dogs and tightly or it fits tightly and helps them not be excited. Has anyone used this before? Does it work and should I be concerned about her barking and getting excited as she gets older as being unhealthy?

 

[Tazwell]

The thunder shirt and similar products work for a good portion of dogs, experiencing anxiety symptoms. It sounds like your girl is just being a dog, not necessarily anxious. I think training is the solution for your girl, desensitizing her to the noises she hears and the distractions she sees. Perhaps asking for an incompatible behavior such as 'sit', 'watch me', or 'quiet'. Boredom leads to excess barking and over excitement, so make sure you're doing your part to exercise her regularly.

As for it being unhealthy, if she is stressed in any of the situations you described, repeated daily doses of stress can indeed be linked to health problems.

 

[~WelshStump~]

If you want to "test" out the idea of it without spending a whole lot of money at first, you could always try going to the sale rack of any pet store and getting a random doggie tee that fits a bit tight/snug on your dog. This is the one our Mini Dachsie wears during "emotional times" (guns, thunder storms, etc)-

It may work, it may not, but this was a great $2.50 option for us, actually I bought it for him just because I liked it and thought it "fit", it says "I hunt with the big dogs" he lives with my two who are 20 and 50lbs heavier than he is, lol.