L-Theanine for shyness, reactivity, stress, anxiety, loud noises & overall focus?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Has anyone tried the amino acid l-theanine for shy, reactive dogs or dogs with anxiety?  If so what is your experience?  

My dogs trainer recommended it and it seems like on days she doesn't get it, she seems much more on edge and freaked out.  The level of freaked-outness over irrational things is what I notice is really improved pretty dramatically with its use.  I've tried it myself (the human form of course :-) ) to reduce gitteryness from too much coffee and the difference is noticeable.  This link is just one that I found that had good info, but not the kind I am using on her...
http://www.deerrunanimalhospital.com/sites/site-3302/documents/Virb...

[F, Calla & Luca]

 I did some reading on the topic and related it. By open forum we mean we discuss things and perhaps we stray a bit from the exact question you asked. We also can express our opinions respectfully. But it looks as if no one would have responded that they tried this amino acid and then no doubt you would have accused us of being uncaring if your post received no replies.Often times now I don't respond at all for reasons such as this. I tried to be helpful and we are entitled to share too and give our opinions. If you don't want them, or only want people to agree with you, don't post. 

[Jennifer and Jack]

Julie.....it is always good to think for yourself and make your own decisions ....always..but a well informed decision is always the best....I can't tell you how many times I come on here with what I think is a brilliant idea....(not saying yours isn't) and after talking to people realize I missed some points or missed major things...I totally think for myself..but being able to come to a place where you can bounce different ideas off each other is invaluable.....

I hope you stick around and see how awesome this group is.....my dog is a better, healthier dog because of this place and I am learning...Jack is new....I come of here all the time with the "latest idea" I think I discovered only to have people help me to understand differently.

You of course are in charge of what you do.....maybe you can continue to update us own how things are going with this.....so if someone else has a question they can see this post.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I hope you find something that works for both of you.....that is safe.....I take anxiety medication for sleep and probably need to increase it....anxiety is the pits for both humans and I imagine dogs.......

I take a prescribed medication and it works well for me....I do personally think some natural things work..I am pretty sure I am the only one of the almost ten thousand people on here who see's a benefit in my horrible joint pain when I take apple cider vinegar....I don't care if it is psychological ...I don't care there isn't scientific proof...my joints are in horrible shape, a good percentage of them and I feel better on it and it doesn't interact with my medications or cause any harm so I do it.


That said...when I was a newer ER nurse....one of my first patients that died...actually came in already dead...the man was not on ANY medications..just natural herbs and stuff.....his poor wife was trying to keep him healthy and as it turned out one of them was a potent diuretic and he lost so much potassium his heart stopped and we couldn't get him back....all natural supplements.

The thing that scares me about them is they are not regulated .....in my humble opinion for me...I need to k kw the interactions of the drugs....I am bored silly lately so I will be interested to google it.

I hope you both get peace soon......if not Ativan is amazing:)