The best thing we can do for our dogs is protect them from unpleasant events. Fireworks displays can be
beautiful for us but can be traumatic for dogs. It’s not just dogs; many animals are scared of fireworks, including wildlife. We can help our dogs by preparing and keeping them safe, and I’m covering strategies that you can put into place right now.
In the episode you'll hear:
- The alternatives to fireworks and how we can start asking for change.
- Why not to take fireworks lightly and act now.
- How exercising on the day there will be fireworks will help your dog.
- Why to be at home with you during fireworks to keep them safe.
- What to do if you have multiple dogs and some are sound sensitive.
- The three strategies of stimulate, soothe and settle to help dogs.
- How to time and play games to help your dog during thunder or fireworks.
- How to use food toys, or meaty bones during noise events.
- About soothing your dog and how settling strategies can help dogs who fear fireworks.
- When to contact your Vet about medication to help your dog.
- That the strategies will help you create a positive conditioned emotional response for your dog.
- About the importance of being proactive in preparing for fireworks.
Resources:
- YouTube Playlist: Exercising Your Dog's Body and Mind: Tips and Games with Susan Garrett
- YouTube Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett
- Podcast Episode 107: Pedicure Please: 3 Steps To Dog Nail Trimming Or Grooming Success At Home!
- *Thundershirt (Calming Wraps)
- iCalmPet (Calming Music)
- Podcast Episode 112: Stressed Dog? How Trigger Stacking Might Be Putting Your Dog Over Threshold
- Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture)
- *D.A.P. (Adaptil)
- Podcast Episode 153: Dog Muzzles: Everything You Need To Know And How To Muzzle Train Dogs
- Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube
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Susan only recommends products she uses herself, and all opinions expressed here are her own. The link above is an affiliate link that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you decide to buy from it. Thank you!
Hi Susan, this podcast was very helpful. You mention using recorded noise of fireworks to work with the dog and create a positive CER. Do you have suggestions on the best way to go about this? Our problem isn’t so much fireworks and thunder, but loud vehicles on the street, and especially GARBAGE TRUCKS. Often I don’t even hear what she is reacting to, and she responds with loud barking when she is in the house. I think when she was little it was probably fear, but now at age 2, I think she is trying to chase them away. Sometimes I have tried playing tug with her when she hears the noise, but usually that means after she has already reacted, since she usually hears it and reacts before I hear the noise. . So I feel like I am rewarding her for barking.
Hey Susan, you recommend separating puppy/new dog and already anxious dog when storms/fireworks are coming. What are your recommendations for where/how to separate, who do you prioritize for training during these occurrences, finally is there a way to work both dogs during a storm/fireworks episode when you are the only trainer in the house? Thank you for your guidance.
Susan help! Drones are the highest level of distraction. She also hates low flying big birds (buzzards, blue heron, and sometimes geese), but drones are worse. I think it is the sound. I think a drone sounds like lures at a fast cat or lure coursing. I do not have a drone and never know when to expect finding one. Food and tug toys have no interest once a drone is around. Thunderstorms, Fireworks and gun fire (we live near a target range) do not distress her much at all. Look forward to your suggestions.