Loud bangs and flashing lights can be really worrying and upsetting for both puppies and adult dogs. It is therefore not surprising that unfortunately, many dogs have a phobia of fireworks. Even confident dogs can be turned to quivering wrecks at the first hint of a firework going off.
Luckily, there are lots of ways that we can prevent firework phobias in puppies and reduce anxiety around them in already phobic dogs.
Starting as early as possible with the training is really important, don’t leave it until the week before! Little and often is key, so leaving yourself with no time to work on the training is setting you and your dog up to fail.
What do I need?
Ensure that your dog has a safe space to retreat to when they are anxious. If your dog is happy in a crate, this is perfect. Cover it with blankets and fill with thick bedding so that they can cocoon themselves inside when they panic and we can ‘put the blinkers on’ them – ignorance is bliss! Remember not to shut them in, the door stays open so that we don’t create further feelings of panic.
If your dog is worried by a crate, no problem! A really comfy, thick bed that they can sink into has the same effect. Place it in an enclosed corner or under a table so that they are still tucked away and feel sheltered.
Make sure that you start your safe space training well ahead of fireworks season. Months ideally, to give your dog enough time to build strong positive associations. If the crate is introduced too closely and they hear fireworks when they are inside there is a chance that they will associate their crate with being scared.
Next we are going to train your dog to love their safe space.
Start by throwing treats into the bed so that they are rewarded when they choose to put their paws into it. You will find they want to spend longer and longer in there in anticipation of rewards, keep them coming!
Next give them a frozen Kong or Lickmat in their safe space to ensure they spend a long time in there. This helps to build positive associations with the space which causes their body and mind to calm down when they are in there. This is why this is so beneficial for fireworks season! If your dog knows a 'down' it can be useful to ask them to lie in their crate whilst regularly rewarding with treats to encourage relaxation in there.
What can I do when fireworks are expected?
Walk your dog well before it gets dark so the chances of them being outside when they go off is very small. Don't let them out to the toilet anywhere near the time when fireworks usually go off - if they hear a bang in your garden they may be too scared to go outside again for several weeks
Don’t leave your dog unattended in the garden as many dogs each year go missing when they bolt during fireworks
Try the Taiko drums soundtrack on YouTube along with another layer of sounds such as classical music, keep the curtains shut and have lots of frozen enrichment in the freezer ready to give out throughout the evening, ideally before they hear their first bang
If your dog has a panic response to fireworks you should speak to your vet about medication to reduce their fear
Don’t make a big deal when you hear fireworks, in fact don’t acknowledge them at all. If your dog panics don’t use OTT reassurance, however, make sure that you do comfort them! You cannot reinforce fear through reassurance, in fact as with us, a cuddle at an anxious time can really make you feel better. So calm strokes and telling them that everything is going to be fine, is fine!
You don’t have to just have to accept that your phobic dog is beyond help, there is lots that can be done, you just need to set the time apart, early enough, to work on it!
It is possible to change how your dog feels about the sound of fireworks and to stop them from panicking. Get in touch to find out how I can help you to do this!
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