Many dogs struggle with anxiety during fireworks season. This doesn’t mean that we should we just accept it. There are lots of things we can do to help dogs who are anxious of fireworks, and other loud noises. This is something I have worked through with one of my own dogs, Max. He became scared of fireworks after the loss of his companion dog. However, working through a gradual desensitisation programme meant that he learned to cope. It was a relief for both of us I’m sure! So if your dog is scared of fireworks, know that it can be so much better!

In the longer run we want to reduce the amount of anxiety your dog feels when there are fireworks in the first place. We do this by a process of what’s called “desensitisation and counterconditioning”. This simply means that we find a way to expose each individual dog to a noise that they are fearful of. But it is done in such a way that they don’t feel worried. Usually this means at a very low volume on a speaker. We start to pair this with something the dog loves in order to change their emotional response to the noise. Over time we can move towards gradually more realistic sounds.

It is really important that you take this at your dog’s pace and tailor the programme to your own dog’s needs. If you have a dog who is scared of fireworks, remember that the fear is not something they can control. Be patient!

Some dogs may also need short acting medication to help get them through fireworks nights. Or other more immediate exposure to noise they don’t like, just like people who take something to help them when they get on a flight, for example. Some dogs who are more generally noise sensitive may need more ongoing support. Discuss strategies with your vet to help your dog to cope better and set them up for more success with unavoidable noises and with their longer term training as needed.

Dog’s Trust have some free guides on treating noise sensitivity with free downloads on their website. If you try this alone, make sure you carry out the training systematically and learn what to look for in your dog which indicates whether they are getting better. Carrying out the training incorrectly can result in a dog who becomes more sensitive, not less!

Sensitive dogs require special care during training to get it right for them. Every dog is different, and support from an appropriately qualified behaviourist can help you to feel you’re getting it right and doing the absolute best you can for them.

I am a Clinical Animal Behaviourist based in the Worcestershire area and working successfully using online training procedures anywhere in the world. All you need is your dog, and a device with an internet connection! Get in touch to see how I can help https://weteachpets.com/contact-me/