firework sounds.

Unfortunately fireworks are not restricted to just November 5th. There are now many other occasions that fireworks are used, New Year & Birthdays to name just a few and seem to continue for a good two weeks either side of bonfire night. Other party related objects such as party poppers and balloons can also cause distress if not introduced properly, It is therefore wise to prepare our dogs well in advance.
Don’t forget our cats and other small animals, Rabbits & Guinea pigs, need to be brought inside a shed or utiliy room, not a garage where the car is kept though, because of the dangers of fumes.

When a human being shows fear we are able to talk to them and put an arm around the shoulders to comfort and reassure, unfortunatley if we were to do this with our dogs we would just make them more afraid.

Preparations prior to bonfire night....

1. Desensatize to the noise. Prepare well before November, purchase a CD with firework sounds on and play it to your dog increasing the volume gradually and treating and playing with your dog when he shows no fear so that he will have a good association with the firework noise.

2. On the night, Make sure your dog is tired and had a good meal. Close the curtains, create a noise, put on the TV, radio or play some music, whatever is normal in your household. This will help to mask the noises outside.

3. Have a place for your dog to hide, maybe a cage with a blanket over or behind a chair/ settee. Wherever your dog chooses to go however odd, leave him be, don’t try to coax him out, just make him comfortable and provide water. If he does come out, then you can give him praise.

4. Give them a special treat, a favourite chew, a Kong toy filled with favourite treats, this should keep him occupied for ages. It is a good idea to get your dog used to having this treat at night well before bonfire night.

5. If your dog needs to relieve him self, go outside with him, if he is not confined to a safe fenced area then put him on a lead.

6. Distraction is good, you can have a play session; make the time a fun one so that your dog associates the bangs with a good time.

7. There are various natural products on the market, such as the DAP diffuser, spray or collars, this releases the natural hormone, pheromone, this is normally produced by lactating females which promotes a sense of well being and reassurance. Also natural remedies such as Skullcap & Valerian and Rescue Remedy. Only to be used in conjuction with a good behavioural programme
These can be purchased at the Vets, on line or at some Health Food Stores, Please consult with your Vet before using these products.

8. Please see your vet for extra help if you feel that your dog is still extremely stressed.

9. The most important thing is that you as Leader, remains calm and shows no reaction to the fireworks, if your dog comes to you for reassurance just try to ignore him/her, do not speak, do not give eye contact, show him/her that you are not worried do not stroke him/her to reassure, as this will just confirm their fear. Just let him/her settle where she/he feels happier.
Once your dog has settled and is calm and relaxed reward well with simple praise or treats.

10. Never take your dog to Firework displays and avoid taking out when fireworks are going off if at all possible. Make sure your dog has an ID tag and is micro chipped, just in case.

 

Unfortunately fireworks are not restricted to just November 5th. There are now many other occasions that fireworks are used, New Year & Birthdays to name just a few and seem to continue for a good two weeks either side of bonfire night. It is therefore wise to prepare our animals well in advance.Unfortunately fireworks are not restricted to just November 5th. There are now many other occasions that fireworks are used, New Year & Birthdays to name just a few and seem to continue for a good two weeks either side of bonfire night. It is therefore wise to prepare our animals well in advance.
Don’t forget our cats and other small animals, Rabbits & Guinea pigs, need to be brought inside a shed or utiliy room, not a garage where the car is kept though, because of the dangers of fumes.
When a human being shows fear we are able to talk to them and put an arm around the shoulders to comfort and reassure, unfortunatley if we were to do this with our dogs we would just make them more afraid.

Preparations prior to bonfire night....

1. Desensatize to the noise. Prepare well before November, purchase a CD with firework sounds on and play it to your dog increasing the volume gradually and treating and playing with your dog when he shows no fear so that he will have a good association with the firework noise.

2. On the night, Make sure your dog is tired and had a good meal. Close the curtains, create a noise, put on the TV, radio or play some music, whatever is normal in your household. This will help to mask the noises outside.

3. Have a place for your dog to hide, maybe a cage with a blanket over or behind a chair/ settee. Wherever your dog chooses to go however odd, leave him be, don’t try to coax him out, just make him comfortable and provide water. If he does come out, then you can give him praise.

4. Give them a special treat, a favourite chew, a Kong toy filled with favourite treats, this should keep him occupied for ages. It is a good idea to get your dog used to having this treat at night well before bonfire night.

5. If your dog needs to relieve him self, go outside with him, if he is not confined to a safe fenced area then put him on a lead.

6. Distraction is good, you can have a play sessiu