anxious dog!

fwiw, studies have shown that it takes approx 60 days for l-theanine to have a noticable effect on a dog's anxiety problems. So, they have to stay on it for the long term.

I am glad the vet found Xena in good health and prescribed something that is helping her even if it was at inflated prices (they do have a huge overhead and meds are one way they work thru that). Now that you have the composition and dosage, you might be able to find it elsewhere for cheaper.

Talking to a behaviorist sounds good also. Now that Xena is able to be less on edge, she should be able to respond to specific behavior modification training better.

Continued good thoughts for her finding a happy balance in her life with your help.

 I agree with the vet check

I wanted to give a follow-up on Xena.

We worked with a trainer for a few sessions that helped introduce her to other people and we have been going to the dog park and flea market and Xena's anxiety is much better.

She is still an anxious dog and takes awhile to warm up to people, but she will let strangers touch her now and does not bark or growl at them and she is friendly and curious with other dogs now too.

Being more socialized has made a world of difference for her and she is much more brave about new things now.

 I found reading through this thread very interesting.  I wouldn't have had a clue what to advise you, so a good learning thread for me.

Very nice to hear Xena is calmer and learning to be a bit more relaxed with her world.  Good job!  Please give her a cuddle from me.

Wow Logan -- ***how nice*** that you came back and let everyone see the progress you've made.  So often people just disappear into the wind and we never know!!

And I'm tickled Xena has made such progress!!

What wonderful news for you and Xena!  Like Callie said thanks for the update!  It took us almost 2 years of special attention to get our Hot Shot less fearful.  He is still afraid of storms and gun shots (we live in the country) but all other problems have gone away.  Hope you continue to have success with her.

calliecritturs

***how nice*** that you came back and let everyone see the progress you've made.  So often people just disappear into the wind and we never know!!

Isn't that the truth.  I often wonder about people who ask for help and receive advice, etc. but never let us know how things are going.  Nice to hear feedback and updates instead of empty silence. :)