Lavender

Talking to somebody today about Densil's anxiety regarding cars when out on walks - he is improving but I am still giving him treats every time we see a car. I have bought a dogmatic collar and made sure it is well tight behind the ears (1 or 2 fingers) and this seems to calm him down a bit although he will still pull if he sees something interesting like a cat. The person I spoke to recommended lavender as a calming agent and just wondered if anybody else had ever used it. He recommended getting some lavender and making a bag, but I was thinking of getting the oil. I could have used this when the fireworks were going off (they finally stopped last night after over a week).

I was told that the essential oil is what works best. A tiny drop rubbed on his chest, another on his forehead & another couple of drops on his bedding.

I'm not sure that it'll work with cars though - it's generally used for indoors - bad sleep patterns, anxiety from noises etc.

Don't tighten the collar too much as it will add to the anxiety because it'll be uncomfortable.

Lavender is a very good calming agent. We have used it on Rockys bedding in the past to aid with a peaceful nights sleep.

Try getting him to just sit when you see a car but dont give the treat straight away, he may associate his reaction to the car with getting a treat and will therefore continue with this reaction. Hope that makes sense.

Thanks - he isn't reacting with the cars any more, just the odd time when he will give a bit of a jump after it has gone by. I am saying "car" then giving the treat when he looks at me and as the car is going by. This is what I was told to do by the rescue centre.

With regards the dogmatic - it's the bit behind the ears that is adjustable and the trainer told me to keep it tight so you can slip 1 or 2 fingers under it - the pressure at the back of the ears calms them down.