Why do my dogs behave 10 times better on walks when they have coats on ??

[janmk]

Seriously , they don't wear them often but no pulling etc. it is like a personality transplant . Wondering if it is having the same effect as the supposedly anxiety reducing ' thunder shirt' - does anyone have any experience of this either by the way ???

I achieve the same effect with dog rucksacks - Cesar Millan was right about that one if nothing else.

Same as putting a buster collar on a dog

Usually it shows they are not totally comfortable about the situation.

Wow - I saw them used on tv once - does it really work and even once they are used to them ? What problems did they help with in your case. Our dogs can be quite challenging at times.

We were watching a bit of cesar last night !

Turn off Cesar - unless you want a tramatised very unhappy dog

dog rucksacs damage a dogs back and leg ligaments if used incorrectly, dogs are not designed to carry weight on their backs. Harnesses and pulling is much healthier for a dog

Was flicking through one of those crappy betawear-type catalogues.. they sell 'pressure suits' for dogs (look like wetsuit material) which straps on like a coat would (under tummy and around neck) but it fits them firmly and this gives the dog a 'calming pressure'.

Just realized catalogue is next to me..

Is called a 'Thundershirt'

'It is worn like a lightweight coat, it applies a constant, gentle pressure which has quite a dramatic calming effect on dogs.
Especially ideal for anxious dogs, problem barking, hyperactivity, lead pulling and fear of noise.'

I don't use them to combat any specific problem, it's just very convenient to have the dogs carry some gear on long treks. They are huskies so quite used to carrying and pulling weight. :)

Oh, what a div - clearly didn't read your original message OP! You already know about the Thundershirts!

Havent got one, but if it caused such a dramatic reaction, I would definitely get one. Sounds like it really calms them!

We have greyhounds,they wear coats often, between roughly late September and spring (this time of year, they are in their lightest coats, and may remove them on sunny days). We see absolutely no difference in behaviour when wearing them, except that they look more miserable when their cruel owners force them to walk in the rain, and they are wearing the coat without the collar that gets their neck wet. Then they make it very clear how cheesed off they are.

Our dog has a pronounced spring in her step when she's wearing her coat because she knows how smart she looks.