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clclick to play firework sounds
How to prepare our dogs and pets for the firework season
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 (Make sure that cat flaps are locked) 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, you can use the sounds at the top of this page.
2. On the night and during the firework period, Make sure your dog is tired, a good walk before dark, 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. Never take your dog to Firework displays and avoid taking out when fireworks are going off if at all possible. Make sure your dog is on a lead and has an ID tag and is micro chipped, just in case.
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 with his favourite bed and toys, provide an item of your clothing with your scent on it, and make sure his water is available. If he does come out, then you can give him praise. My dog Cleo usually comes to me for reassurance, I stay calm, but I don't coddle her, a hand on her collar seems to calm her.
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, but don't be suprised if this is refused, stressed dogs usually will not eat.
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 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 Bach 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, there are various products available from your vet, such as Zylkene, Clomicalm.
9. The most important thing is that you as Leader, remains calm and shows no fearful reaction to the fireworks, if your dog comes to you for reassurance show him that you are not worried do not stroke him to reassure, as this will just confirm his fear. Just let him settle where he feels happier. You can give him calming signals, such as blinking, licking your lips and turning your head slightly to one side, Yawning. This is dog language.
Once your dog has settled and is calm and relaxed reward well with simple praise or treats.I find that if I laugh and say things like "Oooh! Awwww! that's a lovely firework" and stay bright and nonchalent then my dogs accept them well.
Here is a short video clip of Cleo, she is sitting by me for reassurance, She looks slightly worried, but because I am showing no fear then she is happy to accept the fireworks. When she turns to look at me I soften my face and blink, this is a calming signal.
Click on the play button at the bottom of the video and wait for a few seconds for it to play.
My training is calm, kind & fun
I abide by the PAACT code of conduct
" All members must agree to use humane positive reinforcement training techniques, to produce informed, caring owners, with the aim of achieving as far as possible, well socialised, well behaved dogs and good citizens on both ends of the leash.PAACT opposes the use of punitive techniques and equipment such as, check, choke, prong, spike collars, electronic collars"Dog training is an investment for the rest of your dogs days and the lives of all dogs you may own in the future.
The best gift you can give your dog is to learn to speak Canine!
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