The prices shown for the different sizes are added on to the price for the smallest size.
Anxiety Wraps for dogs & cats. Holistically reducing/ending fear, shyness &
thunderstorm phobias & other behavior problems
TM and Patent Pending
A wonderful tool that helps animals to cope & overcome their past and present issues.
It aids an animal's ability to focus & remain calm and compliments the use of gentle training methods.
If you have a preference for color (white or black), please state that in the comments field of your order.
The Anxiety Wrap uses the technique called "Maintained Pressure" (described below) to aid in calming your animal
thereby allowing him or her to redirect their focus. When used with gentle training methods, the Anxiety Wrap works
with the animal's entire mind, body and spirit.
The Anxiety Wrap is made of a breathable and non-restrictive fabric. That said, anything added to an animal or human when it is hot will increase temperature, from slightly to a lot depending on what is added. The Anxiety Wrap can be used as a cooling agent by wetting it in cold water prior to being put on the pet.
The Anxiety Wrap's creator is Susan Sharpe, who has over 20 years experience working with animals.
After successfully leaving the owner/management world she went full time into working with animals.
Susan's experience is complemented by her continuing education of staying current on the latest
alternative training techniques and their related issues. She stays current by enrolling in specific
courses, workshops, clinics and seminars that will enable her to work with animals as a whole being,
while addressing the training and/or behavior issues that concern their caretakers.
A couple of these specific courses have been Purdue University's "DOGS"
Course Principles and Techniques of Behavior Modification. Susan is also Indiana's only
certified Tellington Touch Practitioner. These combined with successfully attending and completing
other various workshops, clinics and seminars continue to ensure that Susan remains updated and current when it
comes to our animal companions. Susan is also a member in good standing with the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers)
and of course she possesses a genuine love and respect for animals.
A brief explanation of how it works. The Anxiety Wrap is a wrap that applies slight pressure or
maintained pressure across a wide area of the body, stimulating the body's receptors to aid in the transmission
of different sensations to different parts of the brain. When the animal receives this new information,
it's awareness & focus can change, resulting in the animal "letting go" of the
old sensation and modifying its behavior.
Perhaps it may best be understood by using the example of Temple Grandin's "Hug Box"
(Temple is autistic) to calm over-stimulated nerves. While the principle behind her
Hug Box is to apply deep pressure, and the Anxiety Wrap applies lighter pressure, the result
appears to be much the same -- overstimulated nerves become calm. An animal that previously paced,
panted and hid during thunderstorms, now can get through the storms in a much calmer state when wearing
the Anxiety Wrap. We've even had clients report back to us that their dogs now sleeps peacefully
through storms. Also Candace B. Pert, Ph.D wrote in her book Molecules of Emotion that
"the body and mind are not separate and one can not be treated without the other."
Her research showed that "the body can and must be healed through the mind,
and the mind can and must be healed through the body."
It is on these principles we came to development the Anxiety Wrap. We've seen much success
with its use and look forward to its future.
Measure Your Dog
Measure your dog by using a cloth measuring tape, (not a metal ruler).
You may use a string and place that against a metal ruler or yard stick to determine size.
Use the Measurement Guide to determine where to place the tape.
If a measurement falls between two sizes, you should determine what size to order based
on how loose or tight your measurement is, a comfortable snug fit is preferred,
but not tight.
- Dog needs to be standing when measured.
- Measure the circumference of the fullest part of the dog’s ribcage.
- Pull tape measure slightly snug.
- Do NOT round off the measurement.
For your cats, you'll need to call in additional measurements after you have placed your order.
We will supply you with the number to call when we receive your order.
|
Ordering Size |
Heart Girth
|
Price |
|
Using your dog's measurements, select the size that best fits |
Fullest part of rib cage behind front legs |
|
| Toy |
13-14" |
$64.00 |
| Toy Plus |
over 14-16" |
$64.00 |
| Mini |
over 16-19" |
$64.00 |
| Mini Plus |
over 19-20" |
$64.00 |
| XX-Small |
over 20-22" |
$64.00 |
| X-Small |
over 22-24" |
$69.00 |
| Small |
25-27" |
$69.00 |
| Medium |
28-30" |
$69.00 |
| Large |
31-33" |
$74.00 |
| X-Large |
34-36" |
$74.00 |
| 2X-Large |
37-39" |
$74.00 |
How do I know if the Anxiety Wrap is right for my dog or cat ?
If your dog or cat suffers from thunderstorm fears, an issue where the Anxiety Wrap works alone. Other behavior problems
may need to be in conjunction with gentle training methods such as, hyperactivity, sensitivity to touch,
needless barking, travel issues, destructive digging, grooming issues, training issues, fear-based aggression,
or needing help in human and/or animal socialization.
How long will it take before I notice a difference with my dog?
Often times the response is within a few minutes, animals, like people, are individuals.
So while one dog may respond immediately to wearing the Anxiety Wrap,
it may take another dog a few to several times of wearing the wrap before you notice a change.
My dog runs into the closet and hides every time a thunderstorm comes by. I feel badly for him -
he pants and shakes uncontrollably. What if I'm not home to put the Anxiety Wrap on my pet when a storm is predicted ?
The Anxiety Wrap works very well to help end or lessen thunderstorm fear. At the first sign of your dog or
cat telling you a storm is approaching put their Anxiety Wrap on and if possible stroke his ears.
Stroking the ears can aid in helping to calm and relax them. Once your dog's storm related symptoms
reduce you may choose (as others have) to use the Anxiety Wrap when a storm is predicted and
you're not going to be home. Simply put the Anxiety Wrap on the animal before leaving.
Many dogs now sleep peacefully through thunderstorms and only need to wear The Anxiety Wrap occasionally
to reinforce this new-found sense of calmness. NOTE: The Anxiety Wrap will need to be worn periodically
with no storm present to prevent the Wrap from being a associated with a storm. I.e. leash = walk or click = treat.
Can it help my cat? He's always been very shy and runs and hides whenever anyone comes over.
Yes, it may help your cat feel more secure and gain confidence. Please call us to get the right size for your cat.
And since cats are generally more sensitive to things on their body than dogs, you may notice your cat will not want
to move at first. Or he/she will walk in a slow, awkward fashion. This is common. Give your cat some time wearing
the Anxiety Wrap, and talk soothingly to it. You may find it beneficial to feed treats while first introducing
the Anxiety Wrap to you cat. After a few wearings you should notice your cat becoming more and more comfortable.
My dog barks constantly - it's like she's announcing everything in the world! Will this help her?
Yes, dogs who tend to bark/vocalize a lot will often become quiet or decrease their barking while wearing
The Anxiety Wrap giving you the opportunity to reward this new quiet behavior with praise and tasty treats.
My dog jumps up on everyone! He just turned a year old and is a 70 lb dog so he's too big to be doing this.
What can I do?
Yes, some dogs will stop jumping immediately but be sure to praise and treat the new behavior.
We also suggest using The Anxiety Wrap in conjunction with your training exercises.
A qualified dog trainer who uses gentle positive reinforcement training methods can help you teach your dog
what to do instead of jumping up. The Anxiety Wrap will help your dog calm down and improve his
focus when he's learning new behaviors.
My dog is destructively
chewing and digging.
Calming the dog allows him to redirect his focus. Doing so often ends the
destructive chewing or digging. The new desired behavior should always be rewarded!
Tasty treats, praise and interesting things to do will go a long way to reinforce his new behavior.
Can I take my dog jogging with this on?
Yes! On a hot day or if your dog is likely to become too warm due to the exercise,
be sure to wet the wrap before you start, and keep it damp it if it dries out during your run.
Keeping it damp will help keep your dog cool.
Can I train or work my dog while he's wearing the Anxiety Wrap ?
Yes, the Anxiety Wrap coupled with gentle training methods often speeds up the
learning process because the dog remains calm allowing him to focus on the behavior
your teaching. Always remember, if it's too hot or if your dog is involved
in an activity that might cause him to overheat, wet the wrap before you start,
and keep it damp if it dries out during your dog's activity. Keeping it damp will
help keep your dog remain cool and comfortable.
Will my dog get used to The Anxiety Wrap and will it lose its effect?
We have not experienced the Anxiety Wrap losing its effectiveness when used properly.
One important thing to note is to let your dog/cat wear The Anxiety Wrap periodically
during its daily routine. If you only use The Anxiety Wrap when a storm approaches,
or when you're about to do your training exercises, the dog will associate The Wrap
with this specific event. By allowing the animal to wear it occasionally you won't
lock the dog into a pre-set behavior.
How long should my dog or cat wear the Anxiety Wrap ?
This depends on the behavior you're wanting to modify. Some animals start out wearing the
Anxiety Wrap for a few minutes while others wear it for hours. Again it depends on your animal
and the behavior your dealing with. Rewarding your animal with praise and
tasty treats will aid in speeding up the process of modifying the behavior.
We offer support by emailing us at sus@anxietywrap.com
What doesn't the Anxiety Wrap do ?
Often a dog will become so calm you may think he doesn't need that walk or play time,
he does! An Anxiety Wrap will NOT replace the need for proper exercise. It is not a "quick fix"
for every behavior problem. It doesn't replace veterinary care.
Will my dog or cat like to wear the Anxiety Wrap?
>Most willingly step into it while others may turn and appear not to want it on. We do not know exactly
why this is, but suggest that treats are used to create a positive association between
the Anxiety Wrap and a tasty treat. Even if you pet doesn't appear to want to wear the Anxiety Wrap
the effects appear to be the same, it helps calm the pet.
The Technique of Maintained Pressure
The Anxiety Wrap puts in an unchanging, quieting stimulus that causes the receptors to adapt and modify their thresholds
in a cumulative manner."
Dr. Shereen D. Farber
Based on an interview and demonstration by Shereen D. Farber, Ph.D, OTR, FAOTA, and author of Neurorehabilitation
A Multisensory Approach. WB Saunders Co. Philadelphia, 1982
Dr. Farber is a neurobiologist, comparative anatomist and occupational therapist.
She has a practice with people (Ortho-Neuro-Rehabilitation Services) and works in consultation with
a team of veterinarians treating horses and dogs (Canine Equine) Rehabilitation Services in Indianapolis,
Indiana.
She tells us that The Anxiety Wrap uses maintained pressure, which is a technique that has been used
in humans for many years. To understand how it works in mammals, one needs to know that we all
have various types of sensory receptors in our skin, muscles, and organs and throughout our bodies.
The purpose of the various sensory receptors is to report the status of the world, both external and internal
(from the muscles, joints, connective tissue, organs, etc) to the brain. The brain then sends down messages
to activate the body's systems with the idea of taking the body to make the appropriate response according to its feedback.
There is a constant feedback system to the brain and correction system from the brain to the body. Touch input
appears to enhance awareness or consciousness so every effort is made to normalize touch responses.
Many factors can influence how easily the sensory receptors fire sending their messages to the brain.
Besides brain or Central Nervous System (CNS), there is also an Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
whose purpose is to maintain all the body's vital functions. It has two divisions,
the sympathetic nervous system (the energy production and expenditure system) and the parasympathetic nervous system
(the energy restoration system). If an animal is highly stressed, the autonomic nervous system's (ANS),
the sympathetic division sends neural messages to the receptors to lower the amount of sensation required to
activate the receptors. This action allows the animal to flee or fight when needed. Unfortunately many
animals have had trauma to the CNS or the nerves and associated structures that communicate with the brain
and body (the peripheral nervous system). Animals can also sustain stress, illnesses, pain, all of which
lower the threshold of sensation needed to fire the sensory receptors. Consider trying to cut the nails of
a dog who has been abused, is in chronic pain, or who is a product of sustained stress. Even holding that
dog's paw produces an aversive response in the dog. In theory, maintained pressure, as supplied by the hands
of the handler or therapist, acts to calm the sensory receptors and raise the amount of sensation needed
to fire those receptors to reporting to the brain. Remember that a chronically stressed dog also
perceives potential injury when there may be none. Hence his "guard is up" so to speak.
As we apply the therapeutic band or our hands, both acting as therapeutic agents to calm the animal,
we slowly sink into the tissue and quiet the active firing of those receptors resulting in a calmer dog.
The advantage of using the therapeutic bands is that the dog may struggle at first; expending energy all the while,
input is being provided to his nervous system that is even, rhythmic and repetitive, producing a
calming of mind and body. The animal quickly settles into a more pliable state and his guard is
lowered.
Because of injury, some animals are not aware of the injured body part.
They may not bear weight on that part or use it effectively. Maintained pressure appears
to assist with awareness and use of such extremities demonstrating body part disregard.
When pressure is continuously applied, there is a decline in the sensitivity at the receptors;
however, the adaptation may vary with the intensity of the stimulus and the area of the body being stimulated.
Some areas are far more sensitive than others. The feet and area around the mouth are more sensitive areas with
lots of receptors per unit space.
References:Sinclair D: Cutaneous Sensation. London, Oxford University Press, 1967. Lassen NA et al:
Brain function and blood flow. Scientific American 239:62-71, 1978. Geldard FA: The Human Senses, 2nd ed. New York,
John Wiley and Sons, 1972.
A few of the many uses of the Anxiety Wrap
Thunderstorm phobia, relaxation, post surgery, fearful & shy dogs, aggression, hyperactivity,
training, needless barking, comfort before crossing over
Debi
The 1999 Service Dog Trainer Of The Year
www.clickertales.com
- Feet Clipping, using Anxiety Wrap to reduce stress, help dog to relax and mellow out. This is my sensitive dog, who is extremely stressed during nail clipping. With the Anxiety Wrap on, he remains quiet and secure and allows me to get the job done.
- Cleaning Ears, something my sensitive dog Dandy, pictured here, really detests. With the Anxiety wrap, he doesn't shut down, but allows me to work.
- Post orthopedic surgery---Anxiety Wrap helped pup remain quiet, when he only wanted to run and jump.
- Teaching relaxation and gentle restraint, using the Anxiety Wrap to help effervescent adolescent pup mellow out.
Dr. Jon, Chiropractor
Ft. Wayne, Indiana
Thousands of animals suffer from behavior problems. Susan has created a unique approach to the management and treatment of a wide variety of behavior problems. The Anxiety Wrap not only calmed our 60 pound puppy down within an hour of wearing it, but it also made each training session much easier.
Kathleen
Texas
Although originally purchased for Maggie's thunderstorm fear I've found some side benefits. I put Maggie in the anxiety wrap last night and took her to agility. She didn't bellow in her crate! (no, she doesn't bark, she bellows, ask anyone whose heard it!) It happened again today. My husband had her over stimulated and she wouldn't stop bellowing. We put her Wrap on, and she settled right down. I have been bragging on it. I honestly can't believe how much easier she's become since using the Anxiety Wrap.
Ginny, RN
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Nurse Investigator, NC Dept of Health & Human Services
I wanted to share with you the success story of the Anxiety Wrap in the life of our chocolate lab puppy. Emma was a typical exuberant, frolicking, 10 week youngster. During one of her fun times with my 7 year old minpin, Doodlebug, Emma received 2 non-displaced fractures to her right tibia. The vet ordered complete cage rest with supervised outings for elimination purposes only. Emma was restless and whimpered constantly. A friend had an Anxiety Wrap mailed overnight. The Anxiety Wrap immediately brought comfort to Emma. Each morning when I dressed Emma, she cooperated with the procedure. It seemed that Emma understood the Anxiety Wrap was going to help make her feel better. Once applied, Emma would rest quietly and chew on a toy while in the cage.
The Anxiety Wrap made Emma's mishap manageable - for both Emma and myself. Thank you for creating such a wonderful comfort measure.
Mary
Michigan
Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, B.S.
Loyola Univ. M.S. Ed., Educations Administration and Supervision
What a great invention! I have used your anxiety wrap in my work as a dog trainer and in dealing with reactive dogs and cats and thunderstorm anxiety. The most noticeable case was that of an older, arthritic Malamute named Blaize. One session of Tellington Touch and the Anxiety Wrap and Blaize completely stopped reacting to storms. She also has been able to ride in the car without pacing. You've given this 13 year old girl a new lease on life.
Mary Ann
Chicago, IL
Sr. Administrative Assistant
The Children's Memorial Hospital - Chicago, IL
Michael CGC, and ACH Basia CD,MX,HIC,TDI
An Agility Champion, on the first Illinois State Team to win the AKC National Agility State Team Championships in Atlanta, GA. We will be competing at our first flyball tournament in March at Madison, WI on the Rainbow Runners Flyball Team!
Basia is a 9 year old Shetland Sheepdog who loves the outdoors and is also an agility champion who was on the first Illinois State Team to win the AKC National Agility State Team Championships in Atlanta, GA. Basia has been exposed to all sorts of loud noises during competition, but is terrified of thunderstorms and lightning. Whenever there are storms, Basia paces frantically throughout the house and pants heavily until the storm subsides. I had gone to a seminar with my other dog (Michael, a 14-month old Miniature Australian Shepherd) to learn relaxation techniques because Michael likes to lunge and bark at other dogs. Susan was my instructor who demonstrated touching techniques and fitted him with the Anxiety Wrap. The Anxiety Wrap worked to help him calm down while we walked through groups of dogs so I purchased one to try at home. One weekend there was a huge thunderstorm and Basia (the sheltie) began pacing and panting, so I put the Anxiety Wrap on her and slowly massaged her ears thoroughly. In a matter of minutes, Basia calmed down, stopped pacing and even laid down very relaxed. I was very surprised and wanted to let you know your Anxiety Wrap worked wonders on her indeed! I've been using the Anxiety Wrap every time there is a storm approaching and she loves it (and so do I since I can now sleep soundly without Basia pacing all over the bed). Thank you for a great invention!
Julie & Maggie
Greenwood, Indiana
Maggie, our normally playful and exuberant Husky mix, developed a severe fear of thunderstorms. For reasons we don't understand, the anxiety generalized to the point where she was even afraid to come upstairs to our bedroom at night. Despite the fact that the bedroom had always been a very happy place for her, she suddenly began hiding in the laundry room at the first signs of "lights out" each night, so fearful that we didn't have the heart to even try to make her come out. I saw a recommendation for the Anxiety Wrap on an AOL message board. The concept reminded me of the "hug boxes" used with autistic children, and made a lot of sense to me. So I ordered the Wrap and wrote to Susan asking for advice on how to use it in this peculiar, "blanket" situation. This resulted in a lengthy telephone conversation wherein she took a great deal of time setting out a course of training techniques and calming touches specific to our needs. The results have been nothing short of amazing! Using the Wrap, following Susan's advice, and coordinating the "re-conditioning" process through Susan's continued e-mail support got us through the initial crisis and have given me my old Maggie back! In fact, we got caught by rain while riding the bike on a recent Sunday afternoon (we use the Springer 3-5 miles every day) and though we were outdoors and surrounded by thunder, she didn't even falter. And she's back to beating me upstairs every night!
Jeanne, M.L.S.
Ft. Wayne, Indiana
Katie is a 3 year old Black Lab who developed a fear for thunderstorms. Restless, she would pant and pace continuously throughout the storm showing a tremendous amount of stress. I spoke with Susan, ordered an Anxiety Wrap, used it as directed and watched as Katie began to calm down. I couldn’t believe the difference. Katie wore her Anxiety Wrap during the next 3 storms and since than she completely calms down within a few minutes of having her Anxiety Wrap put on. It took only 3 times and Katie now sleeps through thunderstorms, unless I forget to put her Wrap on and then she lets me know she still needs it.
Veronica
I was devastated when to learn my 15 yr. old cat, Angel, had developed skin cancer on her nose. Close to the end of her life, I met Susan. She took Angel to her home for a week of Tellington Touches, acupressure, massage and love. When I went to pick her up at the end of the week, I saw she was wearing a white dress-like object. Knowing my Angel, I could not imagine how Susan had managed to put it on her. Angel was so relaxed and seemed perfectly content. Her mischievous little eyes had a twinkle I had not seen for quite some time. The "dress" she was wearing was called an Anxiety Wrap. Susan explained to me that it calmed her down. I was amazed. It really did make Angel calm and relaxed, despite the cancer on her nose. She didn't mind wearing it, and didn't even mind when I put it on her myself. We knew it certainly could not cure the cancer, but it made her last few weeks with us easier for all of us. She wore her Anxiety Wrap like a princess. She was calm and serene and never stopped giving us all own special "look".
Gretchen, M.F.A
Found as a stray we'd worked with Lady for 2.5 months, but she was still pacing, panting & attacking our other 3 dogs. I took her to the humane society & learned she would be too "undesirable" for adoption with all her issues. The shelter staff gave me Susan's number, in desperation I called and met with her. It was hot and the first thing Susan did was wet an Anxiety Wrap and put it on Lady and then began using gentle reinforcement with Lady. I watched in awe as Lady responded to commands. She was noticeably relaxed she not only walked on lead with Susan's other dogs around but eventually ran free with them. I left that day with Lady still wearing her Anxiety Wrap and we noticed a definite difference in her whenever she wore the Wrap, she didn't attack our other dogs and didn't pace, pant or constantly follow me around. She likes the Wrap, stands still for it to be put on, and I can actually see her calm down as I secure the Wrap. Recently, I took Lady to a gathering and she ran free with 12 other dogs, 10 of them she'd never met before and 2 she'd met only once. Lady joined in, all dogs running free, showed no aggression, responded well to me and I was thrilled. I feel the Anxiety Wrap has made all the difference in Lady, calming her down so I could work with her and in making her a happier and more secure dog. That sad day in July, when I had given up on her and taken her to the shelter turned into being a transformation for her making it possible for her to trust us and to actually become one of the family. I would absolutely recommend the Anxiety Wrap to anyone with a "problem" dog. If it could transform an aggressive dog like Lady, I feel that it could make a difference in the lives of countless other dogs and their owners.
