Has anybody tried Bachs Rescue remedy on their dog??

sassychick

Ive heard its good to calm an excitable assertive dog???Just wondered if anybody has tried it and what was the outcome...thanks in advance;)

lorebringer

We use it on 2 of our lot when there are fireworks, bangers etc. (so, Halloween and sometimes New Years) - it works wonderfully on one and not so good on another. For the one it has an affect on, it calms him right down and he just chills out with a few barks every so often but on the other, because he gets himself into an awful state and because he is a very high strung dog anyway, it has very little (if any) impact on. It doesn't matter how early or how much we top him up, he still is very anxious.

There are other things available, specifically designed for anxious dogs. "Anxiety Drops" (think that's what they are called, they come in different colours for different situations) work for some people, but they did nothing for either of my mad dogs and gave then diarrhoea so I really wouldn't recommend them. Quite a few dogs need to be sedated at Halloween, to stop them getting themselves into such a state that they could harm themselves, perhaps this is an option for you (don't know what the situation is that you need the drops so it may not)?

sassychick

Hi lorebringer...i was thinking of trying them as my dog is hyper when she sees other dogs not all just some and im wondering would it calm her abit..she can get so over excited she can start a fight with another dog..ive bought her a muzzle but was curious after a friend old me about rescue remedy..do u ink it would work in this situation

Tucking Fypo

If you have the cash spare, I can totally recommend these

http://www.doggiesolutions.co.uk/d-a-p-dog-appeasing-pheromone-497-0.html

The rescue remedy is good, and there are specific animals ones done by Bach too.

lorebringer

Sounds like a socialisation problem to me - she may be getting over excited and expressing it as aggression (other ways dogs can express this are barking, jumping, lunging, pulling etc.). I have heard that giving them 30 minutes before a walk is a good way to calm to dog generally but if you are having a socialisation problem you may need to look into classes or a trainer.

DAP is excellent for problems within the house and is apparently good for getting a dog to calm in the car so it may be worth a try on walks. I have never used it in this way so cannot say whether it works or not.

Tucking Fypo

lorebringer wrote: »

DAP is excellent for problems within the house and is apparently good for getting a dog to calm in the car so it may be worth a try on walks. I have never used it in this way so cannot say whether it works or not.

Collars are brilliant outside and in the car etc. I had the diffuser, some collars and the spray. Unfortunately we were burgled last September and my little box with all my doggy stuff was lifted too.:(

sassychick

lorebringer wrote: »

Sounds like a socialisation problem to me - she may be getting over excited and expressing it as aggression (other ways dogs can express this are barking, jumping, lunging, pulling etc.). I have heard that giving them 30 minutes before a walk is a good way to calm to dog generally but if you are having a socialisation problem you may need to look into classes or a trainer.

DAP is excellent for problems within the house and is apparently good for getting a dog to calm in the car so it may be worth a try on walks. I have never used it in this way so cannot say whether it works or not.

Do u really think it could be that she is not ssocialised...i rescued her a year ago so dont know her backround she is good with alot of dogs just wants to play..but sum dogs she just stands besides them sniffs them and then goes into agressive mode...she is the most loving dog ever and every one who sees her says she is really good unil she sees a doggie she cant dominate!!!I really was thinken his mite calm her abit...she is 3...is it too late to bring her to classes do you think??

sassychick

Thanks tucking fypo...she is grand at home and in the car..just tought bach rescue remedy mite calm her around other dogs...

lorebringer

sassychick wrote: »

Do u really think it could be that she is not ssocialised...i rescued her a year ago so dont know her backround she is good with alot of dogs just wants to play..but sum dogs she just stands besides them sniffs them and then goes into agressive mode...she is the most loving dog ever and every one who sees her says she is really good unil she sees a doggie she cant dominate!!!I really was thinken his mite calm her abit...she is 3...is it too late to bring her to classes do you think??

This kind of "selective" aggression is VERY common in rescue dogs and is a socialisation problem. I'm not saying you dog is not socialised but with this aspect she will need help. It can be dealt with and often times it is simply a case of nervous/anxious aggression and with lots or positive reinforcement you can change her behaviour. Dogs are never too old to learn new things but because she has been doing this for so long it may take a while for her to stop. It is never too late to bring a dog to classes, but be sure you talk to the class trainer about you problems to make sure the class is right for you (and your dog) and see what they suggest. You could also go the private trainer route, which may also work but can be pricey (but if it works, it's worth it!)

Graces7

lorebringer wrote: »

This kind of "selective" aggression is VERY common in rescue dogs and is a socialisation problem. I'm not saying you dog is not socialised but with this aspect she will need help. It can be dealt with and often times it is simply a case of nervous/anxious aggression and with lots or positive reinforcement you can change her behaviour. Dogs are never too old to learn new things but because she has been doing this for so long it may take a while for her to stop. It is never too late to bring a dog to classes, but be sure you talk to the class trainer about you problems to make sure the class is right for you (and your dog) and see what they suggest. You could also go the private trainer route, which may also work but can be pricey (but if it works, it's worth it!)

Wise words..

Rescue dogs are a hard task so often.

Our collie almost died of thunder/gunfire terror. And rescue remedy etc was useless.

But there is always hope. We are in a new place and when there was some shooting a while ago as we were walking the fields. collie took off back to the house and hid under the table. Instead of trying to get inside me. It shows she now feels safe there. Totally new behaviour which always gives hope; she is around ten years. Partly this is because we got some valium for her for storms etc so her fear is no longer being reinforced...

And with rescues, discipline issues/behavioural problems because of the abuse they have suffered are on a very narrow line indeed.

Collie will bark for no reason... Lack of any training as a pup. And we find ways now; the latest is the whistle. So much easier than shouting. and more effective. Instant response

And she is so utterly affectionate.