Preparing Your Dog for Firework Season

Introduction

Firework season can be a source of anxiety and fear for many dogs. Loud noises and sudden bangs can be startling and alarming for some dogs.

Start training and preparation now so you can ensure that your dog remains safe and as calm as possible during this period. In this article, we will provide you with a  guide to preparing your dog for fireworks, with tips to help your dog stay comfortable and relaxed.

Dog Training for Fireworks

1. Daylight Walks

One of the essential steps in preparing your dog for fireworks is to schedule their walks during daylight hours. This may not be possible if you work. Don’t feel pressured to walk your dog, if the only time you have available is after dark on bonfire night. Lots of fun, mental stimulation work with you, at home, will suffice and is better than attempting a walk after dark and getting caught out by early evening fireworks.

Regular exercise during the day, if you’re able, can also help your dog expend energy and feel more relaxed later in the evening.

2. Timely Feeding

You might need to consider feeding your dog before it gets dark. If fireworks make your dog anxious, they may become too anxious to eat during the evening. Feed them early if necessary so you know they’ve had their daily nutrition.

3. Create a Safe Haven

It’s crucial to create a comfortable, safe space for your dog, where they can retreat if they become frightened by the fireworks. If you use a crate for your dog, this is where you should use as their safe haven. You might want to consider putting a cover over it. Settle your dog in here before all the noise starts.

If your dog chooses to hide under furniture or the bed, respect their choice and allow them to come out when they feel safe. Don’t be tempted to try to cuddle your dog to offer comfort. The more fuss you make, the worse they will feel. Firm, kind reassurance that all is well.

You might want to try some herbal remedies for helping with anxiety and some pheromone sprays in the home.

4. Secure Your Home

To prevent smaller dogs from escaping, close curtains and windows, and block off dog flaps. This ensures that your dog remains safely inside the house during the fireworks display. Even if your dog never normally tries to escape, remember, if frightened they may try to bolt.

If in any doubt that your dog might try to escape, keep their collar or harness on with a tag attached.

5. Provide Distractions

Turning on the TV or radio can help distract your dog from the outside noises. Playing familiar sounds or music they enjoy can provide comfort and drown out the loud fireworks.

8. Positive Reinforcement

Remember to treat your dog when they are calm. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, can help them associate calm behavior with positive outcomes. Stay happy and cheerful around your dog but avoid forcing them to play if they are anxious.

9. Maintain Routine

Try to maintain your daily routine as much as possible during firework season. Dogs are perceptive animals and can pick up on unusual behavior. Consistency and normalcy can help your dog feel more secure. Dogs like routine. If you’re going to change your routine for the firework season, try to do it earlier, so it is more the ‘norm’ for your dog.

10. Desensitisation

Try doing some work with your dog around firework noise using video clips available online. Gradually exposing them to these sounds in a controlled environment may help to reduce their anxiety and fear of the noise.

Dog Training Preparation

In addition to the above tips, it’s essential to prepare your dog for firework season through proper training and socialisation:

1. Noise Socialisation

Expose your dog to various noises in a controlled and positive manner. This can include recordings of fireworks, thunder, or other loud sounds. Gradually increase the volume over time to help your dog become more comfortable and confident around noise.

2. Confidence Building

Work on building your dog’s overall confidence in all aspects of life. Confidence can help them cope better with stress and anxiety. Dog training exercises that challenge and reward your dog, boost their confidence. We all like to succeed at things and your dog is no different.

3. Safe Space

Ensure that your dog has a designated safe space in your home where they can retreat when they need peace, quiet, or security. This could be a crate, a specific room, or even a cosy corner with their favorite blanket and toys. This should be their space where they know they will be undisturbed.

4. Routine

Try to establish a good routine for your dog, one that you can keep to during the firework season. This doesn’t have to be absolutely rigid. If you don’t already, do some hand feeding with their food, so they are used to working for their food. That way, you can get a good quota of their food in, before the fireworks start, when the time comes.

5. Home Activities

Start now, learning some activities you can do in the home, to keep your dog mentally stimulated. If you can provide stimulation for your dog at home, it takes the stress of having to walk them away. If you can’t get them out in daylight in firework season, you have other ways to keep them occupied.

Start teaching your dog a bit of leg weaving – watch this video here.

Conclusion

Preparing your dog for firework season will help you and your dog. By following these tips and techniques, you will be doing your best to help your dog remain calm and less anxious during this time of year. Remember that every dog is unique, so be patient and adaptive in your approach.

Some dogs are more scared than others. Follow the things above to give your dog every chance of feeling less stressed during this time of year.

If you’d like to join us for dog training classes, which will help build confidence, please get in touch.