She is a funny Australian Blue Heeler, a breed originally developed for herding livestock, now living the suburban life in a single-family home in Miami. Although there isn't a herd of cattle to keep busy, she occasionally—and unsuccessfully—tries to herd our two cats, and sometimes even us. She is an obsessive barker and whiner, always alert and eager for a job to do. Watching her constant restlessness led us to begin searching for something that could help calm her nerves and make her feel more relaxed.
Robin's Triggers
Robin is highly sensitive to loud noises and sudden sounds. The following situations commonly trigger her anxiety and excessive barking:
- Thunderstorms
- Firecrackers and fireworks
- Car horns
- The sound of tearing aluminum (tin) foil
- Our cats meowing
- Doorbells
- Knocking on the front door
- People walking past the house
- Delivery drivers
- Vacuum cleaner
- Garbage trucks
- Sirens
- Strong winds
- Unfamiliar visitors
- Other dogs barking
- Sudden loud noises inside the house
When exposed to these triggers, Robin often becomes extremely alert, barking and whining until the perceived threat has passed.
Natural Approach
After trying a variety of approaches, we found a few natural products that have helped bring a sense of calm to Robin. They are made with natural ingredients, taste great, and provide gentle support for relaxation during stressful situations. While they don't eliminate every trigger, they have made a noticeable difference in helping her feel more at ease and better able to cope with everyday stress.