What to do about Puppies and Fireworks?

Question

We are getting our Weimaraner pups next week and are a bit apprehensive about how they will react to the plethora of fireworks. Our pups will be 8 weeks old and this is a key time in their life called the 'fear impact subperiod' when things can traumatize them and affect their behavior for the rest of their lives.

See: http://www.weimclubamerica.org/yourweim/development2.html

For those that have had pups during this timeframe, how have you handled this?

Just as an FYI, I have spend about 10 years researching the Weimaraner (also seeing them in action as my brother had three) so I know a great deal about them, their pros and cons. If I wasn't able to dedicate the immense amount of time to them, I wouldn't have gotten them. ~Cheers

Answer 1

Buy dog crates and set them in the inner most room in the house, possibly in a closet with the door slightly open for air. The clothes will muffle the sounds of the fireworks. Also you can give them herbal medications that will mellow out the dogs. You can find this at pet stores.

A real dog trainer can train two or more pups just fine. Find a reputable trainer, not the one claiming to be above.

http://www.tamu.edu/univrel/aggiedaily/news/stories/03/070203-1.html

Answer 2

Are you sure you want to get two pups at the same time? Nearly any professional trainer will tell you never to do that. It is much better to get one puppy, and when he is trained and between 2-3 years old, then to get another pup. Two pups together makes training much more difficult, and slows the bonding between you and the pups, as they will bond to each other.

Re the fireworks, keep the treats flowing during the noise, remain calm, don't show them there is anything to be worried about. Play games w/ them, treat, and just have fun. They will probably then learn to be accepting of the noise.

Answer 3

Start tomorrow if you can!! Buy a CD with sound effects...like thunders, rain and, if it possible....fireworks! (I use that and the JIOVANOTTI song PIOVE (is in the CD: Lorenzo 1994, Jiovanotti is an Italian singer, by the way)

Start playing with the pups...and play the CD not so loud...at first they get a bit scare...BUT...keep playing with them and then give them something they like...a toy or food...pretend that it's only music...then increase the volume...more and more....take them to another room and make someone else to play the rain sound first...then the thunders and so on...BUT don't stop playing with them.

Do it for 2 or 3 days and you'll see!! My dogs are never afraid of anything!!! You'll see...is amazing how they grow without those kind of fears!

Answer 4

There is not a whole lot you can do. Make sure you keep them inside and in a room that is as sound proof as you can get. Even if they don't see the fireworks, they are still going to hear the boomers. Turn a radio or tv on in the room you keep them in to help drown out the sound of the fireworks. If you're able to, make sure you are there to comfort them.

Answer 5

That's a toughie. I suggest keeping the doors & windows closed and the TV or radio turned up, and towels in case it gets really loud and scares the you-know-what out of them. Play with them in a relaxed atmosphere. Be calm. This will teach them how to act during thunderstorms and 4th of July in the future.

Answer 6

dogs generally don't like fireworks. i'd say keep them in a room where it will be the most quiet. maybe have somebody in the room with them to say some soothing words or hold them while the fire works are going on. they might pee if they get scared though and they are alone. my dog pees during thunder storms if we aren't home.

Answer 7

Keep them inside,preferably in a room with a lot of cloth such as drapes, carpet, etc. If need be put blankets up to the windows to soften the sound.
good luck
Hope

Drape blankets over furniture and anything you can cover.

Answer 8

Keep them inside well away from fireworks.