[Hudson]

Hudson's brother Cooper and family are staying with us for 3 weeks waiting to move in to their new home.Really need some advise regarding this as he is extremely anxious, pants,paces, cant settle, nervous of wind, flapping things ect. He has always had these tendencies and is almost 5 now and his owners our friends.... love him dearly, but encourage this behaviour,by saying poor Cooper and fussing over him. My friend's husband does suffer from anxiety, but she also does the wrong thing, which she knows is wrong and fusses over him,in a thunder storm... all the things we read are wrong to do.
Anyway I was home with Asha, Hudson and Cooper today and Cooper just couldnt relax at all, its sad really, he is so stressed. I took them all for a walk, and he was jumpy, flighty and needed a short lead to control him, he is nervous, and wont walk over different surfaces that may make a noise. How can I help this lovely boy, any natural therapies or advise would be much appreciated.He has always come to our place and walked regularly with Asha and Hudson so we are not strangers, but he is a very nervous anxious boy,he is the extreme of Hudson who is very layback and placid.
Thanks in advance
Picture of 3 three of them in a restful moment ( for Cooper)
and one of Cooper

 

[BeauShel]

I wonder if some anti anxiety meds would help him. Or acupuncture would help. He is a gorgeous boy. Have you spoken with his parents on the wrong things to do and changing their behavior. Maybe if you had some written word about it would convince them.

 

[Hudson]

Carol,Thanks for your reply, yes I have spoken to them and also a young girl who worked at the vets, and works with horses has helped him a lot,and given them written instructions but unfortunately its not being reinforced at home,seems to hard for them..... he is a gorgeous boy and its sad to see him, being unable to relax and jump at the slightest things. Maybe my dogs behaviour and calmness will set an example.

 

[mylissyk]

We have a natural supplement called Bach's Rescue Remedy here in the states, it's a floral extract that can calm them down. Do you have that in Australia?

 

[Sliver]

Is anxiety pretty common in goldens? My last dog had severe storm anxiety, it seems there's a lot of people talking about anxiety in goldens. My first golden didn't have any anxiety issues.

 

[Finn's Fan]

Unfortunately, unless his folks are going to follow through with any counter-conditioning you'll do with him, it's a waste. Such a shame that they're thick headed about this to the emotional detriment of their dog. Rescue Remedy may take the edge off, and exposure to more places, surfaces, people may help, but not for long due to his living situation.

 

[Hudson]

Thankyou for your help and comments will check out if the rescue remedy is available in Australia, is it a human remedy or animal natural remedy. Mean while I will have to work on my friends attitude more firmly while I have the opportunity.I feel so sad for Cooper, as Asha and Hudson are so well adjusted and happy it really stands out how bad he is , maybe they will see it while staying with us.

 

[BeauShel]

Here is the website http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm

Hopefully they sell it in Australia