Getting your dog ready for fireworks season

The bright flashes and loud bangs of fireworks might be exciting for humans, but can be really scary for dogs. This is because it’s difficult for them to understand that they aren’t in danger when they hear/see them, and their senses are much better than ours – so they experience fireworks much more intensely than we do!

Signs of fear in dogs

• Trembling and shaking
• Panting
• Barking
• Pacing
• Cowering and hiding behind furniture
• Being clingy
• Trying to run away
• Destructive behaviour e.g. chewing furniture
• Toileting in the house
• Refusing to eat
• Small changes in their normal behaviour – some dogs don’t show such obvious signs

Getting your dog used to firework noises

The best way to keep your dog calm on fireworks night is to teach them that firework noises aren’t frightening (this is called ‘desensitisation’), then to convince them they are a good thing (this is called ‘counterconditioning’). You’ll need to start before fireworks season, and you can also use these same steps to help puppies get used to firework noises during their socialisation period (4-12 weeks old).

Here’s our step-by-step guide:

1. Play firework sounds through a speaker at home, at a very low volume.
2. Act normally, but watch your dog for any reaction which might indicate stress or anxiety such as:
   • Looking at the speaker
   • Twitching their ears
   • Licking their lips
   • Running away
   • Yawning repeatedly
   • Barking

If they react at all, stop the session and start again the next day at a lower volume.

3. If they seem comfortable, keep playing the sounds for a few minutes before turning them off.
4. Repeat at the current volume a number of times over a few days, and if they seem completely comfortable, increase the volume slightly, and start again from step one – take this slowly, don’t rush to turn the volume up.
5. Once they are completely happy with very loud firework noises and don’t react at all (desensitisation), you can start convincing them that the noises are a good thing (counterconditioning). Don’t move on to the next step until you are completely sure that your dog isn’t reacting to firework sounds at all.
6. Turn on the firework sounds and give them a treat straight away.
7. As soon as they finish the treat, turn the sounds off.
8. Eventually, your dog will start to associate the noises with a treat and might even start to enjoy the noises or get excited!

Remember…

• Take the training very slowly – you’ll need to be very patient and consistent. Never rush your dog, and take them back a step if they seem worried at any point.
• Look carefully for those subtle signs of anxiety listed above – their fear may not always be obvious.
• If you need support, speak to your vet who may refer you to an accredited pet behaviourist.

 (Article source: PDSA)