Dogs and Fireworks
Fireworks are a common source of fear for many dogs. Canada Day – and the huge, very loud fireworks displays that are part of the celebration – is only a few days away. Are you ready to help your dog deal with it? Here are a few tips that might help you prepare for the onslaught of light and sound.
1. Take your dog out for a nice long walk in a calm, quiet area at least an hour before the fireworks are due to begin. Let him sniff to his heart’s content; sniffing is a wonderful way to mentally stimulate your dog and drain out any excess energy they may be holding.
2. Dogs need a safe space to retreat to when they’re stressed. Make sure you have a calm, quiet area for her where she won’t be bothered by anyone. This is especially important if you have children.
3. Try engaging your dog in play about 10-15 minutes before the fireworks are due to begin – and keep it going for as long as you can once they start. Not only can this help distract your dog, it can help them learn that certain loud, scary sounds means good things. Play is one of the most effective and rewarding ways to teach a dog and build the dog-owner relationship.
If you have a dog that’s afraid of fireworks, how do you help them cope? Share your experiences in the comments.
Have a great day, and remember to stay calm and lead on.
4 Comments on “Dogs and Fireworks”
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Happy Dawgs Obedience Training 
Unfortunately you cannot control what other people do with fireworks. That is the worst part. I was out walking our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo in the morning long before you would expect any fireworks. He is terrified of fireworks. Someone shot off an illegal rocket. It has a very large explosion, and it was therefore illegal, but I forget the name. It misfired and landed close to us making an enormous explosion that was very uncomfortable even to me. It took a while to comfort Rollo and get him to settle down. Getting parents to teach kids respect for neighbors and their dogs would really help. Other than that, keeping them inside, hold them, and there is a vest you can buy and put on.
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Awww…. Poor Rollo! People can be so rude and inconsiderate, right? You’re right, though, that we can’t control what others do, we can only control our own actions. Do you find that the vest helps calm your dog?
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I have never really found a way to help my nervous girl cope with fireworks (my boy pays no attention to them at all!!), so we usually take them away for a couple of days to somewhere quiet where she can escape the upheaval. It’s not an ideal solution, but at least it makes life easier for her.
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There is nothing wrong with removing her from the situation. It’s wonderful that you’re able to do that for her. ♥
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