Not all dogs react to fireworks, indicating it is not painfull. Their response is fear, which although paifull for a pet owner to witness, is only brought about once or twice a year. I get scared of many things, including barking dogs when i'm least expecting a large dog, and am annoyed by dogs barking on a daily basis, but it is a neccessary evil for this relationship between man and dog. So, pet-owners, just relax a bit, you get more up-tight than the actual animal.
2007-10-31 01:25:33 · 7 answers · asked by dragonTaimer 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
you could even say that the pet owners fears or sympathy for the dog fear even increases the dogs own fears
2007-10-31 01:29:22 · answer #1 · answered by Eric J 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
My dog was not afraid of fireworks or any other loud sounds until one evening while I was walking her someone set off a low firework which exploded above our heads. Since then my dog is frightened of fireworks and thunder (which definitely occurs more than once or twice a year!) I also owned a dog who was trapped in the kitchen during a tornado. He had a lifelong fear of storms.
To say they are not "well conditioned" dogs doesn't make sense. As humans, we understand there is little to fear in sudden loud noises, to a dog is something they have no capacity to understand, fear is a natural reaction. In fact, I was afraid of storms for many years after the tornado even though I have the capacity to understand the chances of another one hitting my house are slim.
After consulting a veterinarian and reading articles about this fear in dogs, I have learned not to coddle her or try to talk her down or attempt to distract her with treats, it will only encourage the fearful behavior. The best thing has been to let her deal with it her way, she chooses to hide under the bed where she feels safe. It is working, her fear is diminishing.
2007-10-31 08:53:41 · answer #2 · answered by A C 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Of all the dog owners complaints, this one tops the list s'far for me!! I haven't read a complaint about fireworks being cruel yet, but i certainatly don't doubt it!! None of my pets have ever been scared of thunderstorms or fireworks. If these things are close to my home, i'm always in my yard watching the show, my dogs are always sitting beside me and they obviously get a good experience from the sound and light show because they are never scared due to my high spirits about the spectical. Dogs learn how to react to these things from thier leaders (pack leader). If a person is commited enough, a dog could learn that a firework show is a reason to celebrate! Your dog is naturally afraid of loud noises, spend some time with him ignoring it by doing other stuff.....
R.E. katal..ha If your pet is hurting itself then it's most likely it has had a bad experience with the loud noises its afraid of. Either that, or its constantly being picked up and cuddled when its scared. Either way, your dog has learnt, at some stage that being scared will give him a reward, even just eye contact is enough to promote his behaviour. Throw him a ball or something else he loves during the nxt noisy night.
A.C. Its any wonder your dog is scared of loud storms when you showed him you were!! He's not improving, you just don't notice his fear so much, cos he's always under the bed!! Get your dog outside with these sounds and play ball, feed him, or something.
2007-10-31 08:58:34 · answer #3 · answered by jukette 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I have seen dogs panic to the point of doing themselves harm. I also participated in the hunt for a top agility dog who bolted in panic during a thunderstorm (she was missing for several days before being found). Preventing these things IS a valid concern. That being said its not correct that all dogs are "gunshy"- my guys reaction to fireworks is: Was that the doorbell? NO? zzzzzz..... so I was not so thrilled by the do-gooder who pinned my ears back for having a clearly unafraid pup at a revolutionary war reenactment...
2007-10-31 08:54:00 · answer #4 · answered by ragapple 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What a very thoughtful post on the behalf of dogs! I have never had a dog scared of loud noises, but I live on ARMY training posts, and they hear artillery explosions all the live long day and sometimes night. So, tony is right that a well conditioned dog won't mind it, but for some loud explosions daily just are not an option.
2007-10-31 08:31:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Dogs bark during thunderstorms or fireworks because they "can't" cope. Unfortunately, this is their owners fault
ONLY. Well conditioned dog simply will not care.
Puppylove : "loud explosions" are only an example. My point is that when the dog is well balanced, he looks upon his leader for guidance and knows that there is no real problem.
Dog "in charge" will deal with the situation on his own...and will fail miserably.
Late entry : honeys, get bent and have another bowl of your Cheerios.
2007-10-31 08:31:10 · answer #6 · answered by Tony II 2 · 3⤊ 6⤋
"so pet owners, just relax a bit"
I beg your pardon, but if you've ever owned a dog who panic's to the point of hurting herself you'd understand why pet owners stress out about storms and fireworks.
2007-10-31 08:59:11 · answer #7 · answered by katalah 3 · 5⤊ 3⤋