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Appeared in:  The Whole Dog Journal December 2002 Issue Volume 5 Number 12
By CJ Puotinen, a regular contributor to WDJ, CJ is also the author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care, Natural Remedies for Dog and Cats, and several books about human health healing, Natural Relief from Aches and Pains.

The Anxiety Wrap ^TM 
When Indiana dog trainer Susan Sharpe discovered correction-free training methods, she studied clicker training, TTouch, behavior modification, acupressure, and massage.  She was already familiar with Temple Grandin's Hug Box and had recently read Molecules Of Emotion, in which Candace Pert, Ph.D., explains that neuropeptides and their receptors are the biochemicals of emotion, carrying information in a vast network that links the material world of molecules with the nonmaterial world of the psychic. "All these things converged for me when I looked for ways to help my German Shepherd, who became aggressive during a serious illness," says Sharpe. " I also wanted to help the dogs I train and those that vacation at my doggie resort."  Sharpe tried T-shirts, then added duct tape to see if a snugger, more secure fit would make a difference.  "The dogs became much more relaxed," she says. "I continued using this method until one day a man thought his dog had been in an accident because of the way he was wrapped." Sharpe decided to design a garment that would work like the duct-taped T-shirt but would look more attractive, "I wanted to engage the dog's hindquarters, too" she says, "which the T-shirt didn't do.  For help she turned to Joyce Walker, a friend who rescues Greyhounds and sews coats for them.  Together, they tested more than 80 prototypes before perfecting the Anxiety Wrap, a sturdy, stretchy vest that hugs the torso like a body stocking.  An adjustable panel under the belly enhances the fit, as do strategically placed draw-strings, and elastic threaded through the vest at the back can be attached to the hind legs or crossed over the tail for a snug fit at the rear.  It comes in black in nine sizes, from toy breeds at $65 to XXL at $75, with wholesale discounts for shops, trainers, dog clubs, shelters, and rescue organizations. Custom fitting is also available as well.  How can wrapping a dog cause lasting behavior changes ? According to Indianapolis neurobiologist Shereen D. Farber, Ph.D., any type of trauma can damage nerve receptors, leading to exaggerated responses to stimuli.  "Applying constantly maintained pressure provides an unchanging, quieting stimulus that causes the receptors to adapt and modify their thresholds in a cumulative manner," she explains. For more than four years, thunder, gunshots, construction equipment, and acorns landing on the roof triggered panic attacks in Caroline Farr's eight-year-old Pharaoh Hound, Kody, who lives with her in Pennsylvania.  Kody was also extremely touch sensitive and did not enjoy petting or massage.  Then the anxiety Wrap arrived. "Kody loved it from the moment it went on" says Farr. "On the fourth of July, just after it arrived, he wore it at a large open house, and everyone noticed his transformation. All the mothers said "swaddling, of course!", referring to the ancient custom of calming unhappy babies by wrapping them closely.  He stayed relaxed during the fireworks, and thunder no longer sends him running."  In Michigan, seven year old Chase, a Golden Retriever, suffered from severe thunder phobia and separation anxiety.  After he injured his mouth demolishing a camper door, Chase's vet prescribed Valium and offered euthanasia as the only option.  As a last resort, owners David and Kay Snell tried the Anxiety Wrap. "Within the first five minutes of wearing it," says Kay, "he laid down, totally relaxed.  He no longer pants and paces during storms or climbs into bed with us." After a month of use, Chase still has separation anxiety during camping trips, but as long as he's wearing the Wrap, he stays calm.  "Once we went on a 20 minutes bike ride and forgot to put it on," she says, "and when we  returned, the screen door was ripped out.  We learned our lesson and will always use his Anxiety Wrap when he's left alone."  Unlike elastic bandages, the Anxiety Wrap can safely stay on dogs that are left unattended.  Lyda Long, MD, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, bought an Anxiety Wrap for her Siberian Husky, Karma, show traumatic experience at a dog show left the six-month-old puppy fearful, shy, and anxious around strangers.  For the next eight months, Dr. Long used desensitization techniques, counter-conditioning, herbal remedies, and other natural treatments with slow and limited success.  "The Anxiety Wrap gave us amazing and almost immediate excellent results," she says, "and Karma continue to improve each time she wears it." Susan Sharpe encourages people to introduce the Anxiety Wrap before anxiety causing conditions are present. "You don't want the dog to associate wearing the Anxiety Wrap with something that causes distress," she explains. "For thunderstorms, put it on when the animal begins to show signs of bad weather approaching, then remove it after the dog no longer show these symptoms.  If a storm has been forecast and you have leave for the day, put the Anxiety Wrap on your dog before you go and take it off when you get back or after the storm has ended.  Some dogs will calm down immediately, while others may go through three or more storms before they respond."  For improved training, she recommends putting the Anxiety Wrap on before class, using lot of positive reinforcement during the class, and removing the Wrap after.  For hyperactivity, reward the dog with treats, calm praise or petting as soon as he or she begins to show signs of calmness.

Appeared in: DOG FANCY December 2002

A calming pressure - If your dog loses it during thunderstorms or has nerves of spaghetti, the Anxiety Wrap might help, Huntington, Ind.-based Animals Plus, LLC says the wrap, made of stretchable, breathable fabric and available in nine sizes, provides just enough pressure to calm an excitable dog. Worn for hours, the wrap soothes frightened dogs and helps distracted dogs focus during training, according to Animals Plus, LLC. Susan Sharpe, a 20-year dog trainer and member of the Association Pet Dog Trainers, created the wrap, which fits like a body stocking and covers the torso. She says it works best as a tool used in conjunction with gentletraining methods and is not a substitute for proper veterinary care for anxiety. Information: 877.652.1266; www.anxietywrap.com 

Pet Age "PICK OF THE LITER"  "Clever, Creative, Healthy" Here are some unique products sure to excite and delight pet owners. Each month, PET AGE handpicks new items that represent innovative ideas, applications, beautiful packaging & creative.

"The Anxiety Wrap" Made with stretchable, breathable fabric.  The Anxiety Wrap fits snugly around pets' body, helping frightened, anxious or shy animals feel secure and relaxed, and excitable animals become focused for more efficient training.  Available in black and white in a variety of sizes for cats and dogs, including custom sizing.

Animals Plus, L.L.C. (Huntington, Ind.).  877.652.1266  (260) 344.1217  sus@anxietywrap.com   www.anxietywrap.com _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Appeared in:  Newsday,  Long Island, New York   Tuesday, March 26, 2002

By Denise Flaim

PETS 
"This Idea Really Makes Sensory"

IT'S A WRAP - literally. Made of stretchable, breathable fabric, the Anxiety Wrap applies gentle pressure across a wide area of the body, stimulating neural activity and, in the process, its creators say, prompting calm behavior. (Though it sounds a little out there, the connection between sensory stimuli and behavioral patterns has long been a staple of such touch therapies as Tellington Touch.) If your critter paces during thunderstorms, barks chronically or exhibits compulsive behavior, it might be worth a try. Visit www.anxietywrap.com or call 877-652-1266. 

Copyright © 2002, Newsday, Inc. 

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Appeared in:  Veterinary Economics, February 2002

"Calming wrap"

Animals Plus presents the Anxiety Wrap, a stretchable, breathable fabric wrap that helps calm frightened, hyperactive, excitable, or anxious animals by covering their bodies like a body stocking. www.anxietywrap.com 

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Appeared in:  Veterinary Technician Vol. 23 no. 1 January 2002

"ANIMAL CALMER"   

Animals Plus (Huntington IN) unveils The Anxiety Wrap TM, a stretchable, breathable fabric designed to help frightened or anxious animals become more relaxed and confident or help hyperactive/excited animals become calm.  The product is worn much like a body stocking, supplying light to moderate pressure on the skin. One practical use of this product is to help animals endure thunderstorms. For more information, call 773.588.5718, or visit www.anxietywrap.com

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Appeared in:  Kankakee The Daily Journal Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001

"PETS calmed by ANXIETY wraps"

By Tracy Ahrens Pet Editor

Most of us know a cat or dog that fears thunderstorms or fireworks.  Others may have a dog that likes to jump up on strangers.  Susan Sharpe of Huntington, Ind. invented an alternative solution to stop these fears and actions -- The Anxiety Wrap, a jacket of lightweight material that is worn around the dog or cat's body.  "It works with the body's receptors, sending feedback to the brain and changing the animal's behavior," said Sharpe who was launching her product at a recent Christmas pet trade show in Rosemont.  The Wrap (which looks like a T-shirt) acts like a "security blanket" or a "hug." Sharpe created the wrap, which comes in black or white and costs between $64.99 and $74.99.  Sizes vary and custom orders will be filled.  Sharpe offers clients 20 years of dog training experience combined with behavioral counseling. Tellington Touch, and Acupressure.  When traditional training failed her beloved Grahamn, she began training dogs in gentle, positive methods that address the animal's mind, body, and spirit.  Today, Sharpe is Indiana's only certified Tellington Touch Practitioner.  Tellington Touch begins with a collection of specific touches designed to work on emotional and health problems. The touches are not massage, acupressure, nor invasive. They are gentle manipulations of body parts.  The second technique is ground work which involves guiding the animal through movement exercises in non-habitual ways.  The techniques are designed to create a calm state of consciousness.  Then through touch, manipulation and guiding the animal through non-habitual activities, they bring feelings, habitual responses and bodily states of awareness.  When creating the wrap, Sharpe tried using a T-shirt and duct tape wrapped around canine clients.  In time, she sampled different fabrics and hired a seamstress to create the Anxiety Wrap.  Over 100 animals wore the wraps and their reactions were recorded.  Debi Davis, trainer of the 1999 Service Dog Of The Year, uses it, Sharpe said.  Davis reported, "I used the wrap on my thunderphobic boy last night, and instead of crawling up my legs on the walk, he walked next to me, with much more confidence, even though it was thundering to beat the band.  Davis also said, "Cleaning ears is something my sensitive dog, Dandy, really detests.  With the Anxiety Wrap, he doesn't shut down, but allows me to work."  Sharpe has found the wrap helpful for: hyperactivity, destructive chewing, barking, fear biting, car sickness, grooming problems, fear of loud noises, sensitivity to touch, getting shy animals more comfortable with humans, ending jumping, leash pulling and aggression.  Animals "get use to wearing it in three to five minutes," Sharpe said.  If you have a pet that fears thunderstorms, "have them wear it when the storm begins.  You should also have them wear it when it isn't storming so they don't associate wearing it only in bad situations. In hot weather, remember that a pet can get hot wearing the wrap.  For dogs, wet the wrap first for a cooling effect.  Remarkably, Sharpe said, pets don't try to shake or pull the wrap off.  Conventional medicine, behaviorists and trainers all have their place, Sharpe stressed.  The Anxiety Wrap was not designed nor intended to replace any of them, but rather to be an alternative or holistic addition to the plan.  Sharpe plans to sell the Anxiety Wrap in retrial stores across the country.  For now it is available mainly by Internet and phone orders.  For more information call toll-free 1.87.652.1266, e-mail Susan at sus@anxietywrap.com , or see their web site at www.anxietywrap.com

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Appeared in:  Pet Age Publication  October - 2001

"The Anxiety Wrap"

Made with stretchable, breathable fabric, the Anxiety Wrap fits snugly around pets' body, helping frightened, anxious or shy animals feel secure and excitable animals become focused for more efficient training.  Available in black and white in a variety of sizes for cats and dogs, including custom sizes. Animals Plus, L.L.C.  Huntington, Ind. 877.652.1266  (260) 344-1217 sus@anxietywrap.com www.anxietywrap.com

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   Appeared in:  Canada's PETS MAGAZINE  March/April 2002 

"Calm Down"

For owners who can't get their dog or cat to sit; Animals Plus, LLC has just the thing.  A fitted body stocking called the Anxiety Wrap hugs your pet, giving it a sense of security.  Made of stretchable and breathable fabric, the Anxiety Wrap helps frightened or anxious animals become more relaxed and confident, improving the pet-owner relationship.  For more information, call (260) 344.1217 or visit www.anxietywrap.com

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Appeared in: PET TIMES ^TM April 2002

"Anxiety Wrap"  By Tracy Ahrens 

Is your dog afraid of thunderstorms; does it get nervous when visiting a veterinarian? Susan Sharpe of Huntington, Ind. has invented a solution to stop those fears. Her creation is the Anxiety Wrap, a jacket of lightweight material that is worn around the dog or cat's body. The wrap "works with the body's receptors, sending feedback to the brain and changing the animal's behavior," said Sharpe. She launched her product at a Christmas pet trade show in Rosemont. Acting like a "security blanket" or a "hug," the wrap looks like a T-shirt, said Sharpe. Cost for the wrap which comes in black or white, costs between $64.99 and $74.99. Sizes vary and custom orders can be filled. Sharpe offers 20 years of dog training experience combined with behavioral counseling, Tellington Touch, and Acupressure, Traditional training failed her beloved dog, Grahamn, so she began training dogs in gentle, positive methods that focus on the animal's mind, body and spirit. Today, she is Indiana's only certified Tellington Touch Practitioner. Tellington Touch begins with a collection of specific touches designed to work on emotional and health problems. The touches are not massage, acupressure, nor invasive. They are gentle manipulations of body parts. The second technique is movement exercises in non-habitual ways. These techniques are designed to create a calm state of consciousness. Then, through touch, manipulation and guiding the animal through non-habitual activities, they bring feelings, habitual responses and bodily state of awareness. While creating the wrap, Sharpe first tried using a simple T-shirt and duct tape wrapped around canine clients. In time, she sampled other fabrics and hired a seamstress to create the Anxiety Wrap. Over 100 animals wore the wraps and their reactions were recorded. Debi Davis, trainer of the 1999 Service Dog Trainer of the Year, uses it, Sharpe said. Davis reported, "I used the wrap on my thunderphobic boy last night, and instead of crawling up my legs on the walk, he walked next to me, with much more confidence, even though it was thundering to beat the band. "Sharpe has found the wrap helpful for hyperactivity, destructive chewing, barking, fear biting, car sickness, grooming problems, fear of loud noises, sensitivity to touch, getting shy animals more comfortable with humans, ending jumping, leash pulling and aggression.  Animals "get used to wearing it in three to five minutes", Sharpe said. If your pet fears thunderstorms, "have them wear it when storms begin. You should also have them wear it when it isn't storming, so they don't associate wearing it only in bad situations. "in hot weather, remember that a pet can get hot wearing the wrap. For dogs, you can wet the wrap first for a cooling effect. Sharpe said that pets, remarkably, do not try to shake or pull the wrap off. Conventional medicine, behaviorists and trainers all have their place, Sharpe said. The Anxiety Wrap was not designed nor intended to replace any of them, but rather to be an alternative or holistic addition to the plan. Sharpe is selling the anxiety Wrap at select retail stores across the country. You can find information by calling 1-877-652-1266; by e-mailing Sharpe at sus@anxietywrap.com ; or visiting their web site at www.anxietywrap.com .

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Appeared in: Irish Times Magazine May 2002

Appeared - July 2002

Home Alone

Mitch Wilder - "The Amazing Pet Guy" with his amazing coworker and friend -
his Sheltie - Buddy.

Calm, Cool, Collected - For an added sense of security, a new product called the "Anxiety Wrap" helps by calming down an over-stimulated nervous system. It manipulates the skin and calms over-stimulated nerves, redirecting your dog to a calmer state of being.

Appeared in: DVM NEWSMAGAZINE November 2002

Animals Plus, LLC
Anxiety Control

Animal Plus, LLC introduces The Anxiety Wrap ^TM(patent pending). Made of a stretchable, breathable fabric that an animal wears, The Anxiety Wrap can help animals under stress become calm whether that stress is demonstrated through fearful, anxious or hyperactive behavior, the company says. It's especially beneficial for helping dogs to cope with, and, in some cases, end their fear of thunderstorms. The Anxiety Wrap applies slight pressure across a wide area of the body, which is believed to help calm over stimulated nerves. It helps to change an animal's awareness and focus, which results in the animal "letting go" of the old sensation and modifying his behavior, the company says. There are numerous ways this product can help improve an animal's quality of life especially when used as a tool along with gentle training methods, the company says.