Dogs and Firework Celebrations are NOT a great combination, however, there are ways we can help to lessen the trauma experienced by our dogs.
Why Do Fireworks Scare Dogs?
- They are LOUD and a dog’s sense of hearing is acute!
- They are unpredictable so they trigger a dog’s flight instinct to get away from danger.
- They come with massive amounts of light that is way different than anything seen in our dog’s day to day life.
Below is a short film I’ve put together covering “3 Strategies for Detonating Your Dog’s Fireworks Fear”. This video was co-produced by my friend, Rodney Habib. The accompanying PDF handout is in our free Facebook Group. Everyone is welcome to join and download a copy.
Watch the video below for strategies to help your dog. By being prepared you can avoid anguish, injury and unnecessary destruction. Prepare early. Start today, it’s better to be prepared than to be disappointed.
3 Strategies for Detonating Your Dog’s Fireworks Fear
It is important to note, these 20 approaches included in this short video may not bring overnight success, but be patient, work on helping your dog year-round whether it be Fireworks or Thunderstorms that trigger his fear response. The goal is to make your dog as comfortable as possible, but be strategic, don’t overwhelm your dog with too many at once, allow your dog’s responses to guide your best decisions. Finally for those dogs who are really panicky, consult your veterinarian for the appropriate pharmaceutical intervention.
Thank you for viewing this video, and also for sharing it with your family, friends and colleagues.
Today I’m grateful to everyone who is helping dogs during Fireworks.
Love the ideas BUT My dog knows thunder is on its way long before I know and once he react will not eat a thing or play so I suppose my only option is the crate and soothing
Thanks for the information and some ideas. My Kelpie doesn’t like thunderstorms and now associates the noise of heavy rain with thunder. The first storm she encountered when I first got her had a massive thunderclap very near us which shook the house! In last nights storm she lay on my lap and seemed to relax. If the storm is at night she wants to get on top of me. Obviously she needs the close association with me for security. The various ideas using treats could be another break through for her. Again, thanks.
How would you aproach this with two dogs with different levels of fear? Im thinkin of having someone popping baloons in one room. And me beign in a different room with both dogs rewarding each time a baloon pops
Hi Michelle Edwards ,
The goal is to make your dog as comfortable as possible, but be strategic, don’t overwhelm your dog with too many at once, allow your dog’s responses to guide your best decisions. Finally for those dogs who are really panicky, consult your veterinarian for the appropriate pharmaceutical intervention.
Thanks.
I taught my BC Jett how to go find a toy and play with it. So when he heard thunder or fireworks he dug in his toy box and came running to Me for some play time. It worked wonders for his fears. After awhile as he got
Older ( passed away age 14 1/2 yrs ) he learned to ignore the threat of noise. Now I’m working on my 18 month BC Moss.
Thanks for all the great tips.
Great ideas, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the great tips!! Also good to practice all year long with a fireworks CD or video tape of a fireworks show set on very low volume. By the time the 4th of July comes, your dog may be (cherry) bomb proof! https://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=2831&ParentCat=180
You can also plan a vacation to Canada where they don’t celebrate the 4th of July – right, Susan!! LOL
Lynne, We celebrate the 1st of July – so plan your vacation appropriately.
Thank you Susan, for putting out this great Vlog. I have shared it with my clients as well. You are awesome!
THANK YOU for sharing these training tips !!
I am so grateful to have something that I can try to help ease my dogs’ fears of fireworks.
Nina
Great short video with many different things to do. I’m going to try some of them the coming days. And I will try to stay calm myself…
Your 20 tips video to help your dog during fireworks is phenomenal! I don’t think I have ever seen or read so many great ideas presented together. Thank you so very much! Your generosity of helping others help and train their dogs for a better life and relationship is such a blessing to all of us.
Thank you again,
Jan
Wow! These are amazing ideas and I WILL try them! My dog loves sleeping outside in the summer so every time she hears a “boom” she dives under our front deck! Can’t be having that!
Thank you for the information . When can I sign up for say yes?
Thankyou so much for this up to date info. It puts the common sense back into dog training and how to manage our terrified dogs.
I often felt helpless when my own dog suffering so much fear. And had been misinformed during my education ….that we could reinforce fear.
Your tips will help many ❤❤❤
Thank you for a variety of tips for July 4th, and for Saturday’s when the blowers come out after lawns are mown.
You’re the best! Enjoy a spectacular Fourth of July.