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 Do you own an "espresso dog"? It's a term vets use to describe overly nervous or easily provoked animal. If your beloved pooch acts like its got more caffeine than Starbucks, there is a simple, drug-free way to soothe his nerves.
Made of sheer fabric, the Gentle Leader Calming Cap ($19.99) is a hood that fits over your dog's head. The hood reduces visual stimuli which lowers your dog's nervous or aggressive reaction without totally impairing its vision. Your dog won't bump into things although it might take him a while to adjust.
According to Trish King, director of animal behavior and training at the Marin Humane Society and product inventor, the hood is proven effective in treating dogs exhibiting the following behaviors:
- Hyper-excitement or sickness on car trips
- Barking explosively in the car or when looking out the house
- Fearful and nervous during medical check ups or grooming
- Separation anxiety
- Lack of confidence
- Nervousness during dog-dog and dog-people interactions
Animal behaviorists say the Calming Cap also works for more serious behavior problems such as dogs in the same family that are constantly fighting or aggression during introductions between a newly acquired dog and cat.
The Gentle Leader Calming Cap has also been used on cats with equal success although the tend to snag quite easily with felines. The Gentle Leader Calming Cap will not be effective on all dogs and some situation may require professional support.
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