Does anyone use Bach flower remedies?

And what are your opinions on results on dogs?

I've probably mentioned somewhere before that my dog is very fearful of strangers, noises and sudden movements and has recently become very reactive and wants to chase away undesirable 'objects' by barking and sometimes lunging at people. He used to be very quiet in the house but at the moment he reacts to most noises. So he's not relaxed at home anymore and the behaviourist I'm working with suggested that in order for us to successfully manage his fears by desensitising and counter conditioning we need to get him calmer and she mentioned this drug for heart problems that has a side effect of making dogs relaxed. She's going to speak to my vet about it of course and it is only meant to be a temporary and a very low dose for a couple of months, but I'm still scared if that will cause any long term problems for my pup.
So I went online, did some research in alternatives and bought a few bottles of Bach flower remedies, based on the symptoms in animal section. I already have Rescue remedy which I've used a few times on him, sometimes I think it's working and sometimes I'm not so sure.
So I'd be interested to know if anyone used or uses them on their dogs and did they help? Thanks!

I know people who have used it for ring shyness, and it's worked well. I put it in the dog's water around bonfire night, in conjunction with giving skullcap and valerian tablets, and found the combination to be effective.

I would consider skullcap and valerian too, as both have no side effects. I too would be reluctant to try this new drug, and prefer instead to use herbal methods. I would be wary of any behaviourist who recommends drugging your dog too! Another method is to try TTouch, a kind of massage. My dogs find it very relaxing. My pup Dandy has been very shy, as he missed some early socialisation. I got him in May and he has been very slowly improving, but the last month he has turned a corner and is now gaining confidence. Take your pup to a good class where the trainer understands shy nervous dogs, and it may be hard work and take a long time, but you'll not regret it when your dog starts to improve.

Good luck!

Thank you Loki's mum. I think my dog has missed out on some early socialisation too, I got him when he was 11 weeks and I'm certain he wasn't around many things that he's encountering with me - although I did my best when I got him.
We did go to puppy training classes, I think they made a situation worse as they've used water sprays etc. so we stopped going after a while.
I actually use valerian and scullcap, as well as dap spray and not seen any difference.
I kind of trust the behaviourist as she's only suggested those as a last resort. She's apbc/apdt registered and had a similar problem with her dog so I suppose she has experience first hand of shy/reactive dogs. She gave me a cd with sounds to try and get the dog used to them, but my poor boy was getting agitated at the lowest volume so that's when her suspicions were confirmed that he's unsettled at home too. I will try and use the flower remedies, I really hope they help before we have to use the vet drug. I suppose it's very difficult for me to admit that my poor pup is so stressed and unhappy despite my best efforts to help

Loki's mum,
I googled TTouch and found it great, so thanks for the info!
I've already tried some on Fluffy and he was so relaxed afterwards, at first he was a bit iffy about me touching his bum (yawns, head-turning) as apparently fear is 'stored' in the bum/hind legs, but later he got used to it and licked my face while I was massaging him
So I think I'll try this every day and see how it goes!
Thanks

Glad you found it useful. I went on a course with my dog Loki (now sadly passed) and he was so relaxed he fell asleep and snored loudly through the seminar! I had to practice on other people's dogs because he just kept nodding off!