How do i stop my Dog from being scared of fireworks?

Question

My dog is terrified of the bangs from fireworks is there anyway to overcome this?

Answer 1

No easy way. There is a question of gradual exposure to the noises over the build up to the fireworks. There is a cd you can get and play so the dog gets used to it over time. You should not make a fuss of the dog while they are goingoff, it's better to ignore him as making a fuss reinforces the dogs negative behaviour of trembling etc. A vet can give you pills for the dog, but I don;t like to do that it makes them too drowsy. There are supposed herbal remedies you could try. I don't know if tghey work though. Good Luck. I hate this time of year.

Answer 2

What is with all these people telling you it is normal and there is no way to overcome it? That is not true at all.
Yes, it is normal to a degree for some dogs to fear loud noises if they are not properly conditioned to handle them, BUT a dog can overcome that fear with proper handling.
For one, a person's first instinct is to comfort a scared dog. This has the opposite effect. Comforting a dog when it is scared just tells the dog that he has good reason to be afraid. The better thing to do is to totally ignore the dog.
Think of it this way. If you are sitting at home and hear some loud noises outside and all the sudden everyone rushes to come and comfort you, you are going to assume there is reason to fear. Now if everyone acts like they don't even notice the noise, you are going to feel that because they aren't afraid, you shouldn't be either. The same goes for dogs.
Secondly, if the dog is freaking out, simply calmly put the dog in a kennel where he cannot harm himself or cause any damage and continue to ignore him. Eventually he will pick up on your calmness and settle down.
The other thing you can do, is use a training session to distract your dog. Go through obedience commands and reward good behavior with treats. This teaches the dog that not only are fireworks not scary, but fireworks means treats!
Now, your dog is not going to get this overnight, but with time he will start to get better. A dog's behavior is a huge reflection on the human, so if your dog is freaking out, that's a good indication that you might actually be getting anxious as well. Try to stay calm and do what I have suggested and it will get better.

Answer 3

The Championpets Firework Party CD will help you desensitise your pets to fireworks noises. This CD was featured on the Frank Skinner Show on 3rd November.
It comes with full instructions, and if you have the patience to work through the programme slowly then you can help most pets to be less frightened of loud and scary noises.
You start by playing the CD very quietly, and you must NEVER frighten your pet with it. With time, you will be able to play the CD at a high level and your pet will not even notice it. On firework night you can play the CD to mask any outside noises. You can even condition your pet to associate treats or a game with the loud noises.
The CD has been produced to a high standard, with specially recorded firework sounds.

The desensitisation programme must be started well in advance of the firework season, and usually takes a number of weeks to complete. You can start the programme at any time of the year, and then have a few top-up sessions when fireworks are expected.

Buy online at http://www.championpetsonline.com/

Answer 4

Don't over do yourself. If you stay calm she will too. Praise her highly when there are loud noises. Everytime there is a loud noise even a small one, just give her the greatest treat or a plain cooked piece of chicken or cheese or something that you know she will stay motivated with! Do not seclude her away from anyone. She will feel safe with you. If you must go away from fireworks where you can barely hear them and every time one goes off and she doesnt over react pause. But this way it will take time and learn. Keep her happy. Make is a HAPPY HAPPY time when she hears them because then she will think every time I hear a loud noise I get a great treat!

Answer 5

Completely ignore the fireworks. Do the same as you should do when the dog when he barks at the door. Thank him for telling you and answer it, they should stop. If your dog barks when a firework goes off, stroke him and tell him thanks, if he hides let him. If he wants to sit on your lap, let him and just stroke him. Distract him, play ball or something. But otherwise ignore them and they'll realise if you're not scared the fireworks are not a threat. After doing this my dog is absolutely fine, even when out on walks at night. Hope I helped!

Answer 6

Noise phobias are common esp in outside dogs. I test all my dogs and fosters and work with them if they are phobic. My dogs go to the gun range and are fine with loud noises incl. fireworks and thunderstorms. When I get a noise phobic dog I start with a small metal dog dish and put several pieces of dog food or treats in it, then I drop it about 2 inches from the floor in the kitchen. the new dog scoots off, my dogs come running knowing bang=food. Soon the new dog gets brave and scarfs down the food too then I sloooowly raise the height of the dish. Then I start with a large dog dish and repeat the sequence.Then I more to clapping 2 pans together and throwing food with a hooray..excited yelling. I maintain my dogs by taking my GSD sized food pan and knocking it off the counter every so often plus visiting the gun range. There are several things one can do to help a dog during the 4th, Rescue Remedy, lots of exercise, a DAP plug in sold in petstores or online by K V Vet and give the dog a longer lasting very yummy chewie b4 the banging begins and never ever tell the dog it is alright. If you "comfort" the dog he hears praise for being scared which makes it better to him to be more scared, get more pets, be more scared etc.

Answer 7

you take your dog for a walk before it gets dark, then when it gets dark shut all windows and doors, draw the curtains and put the television or radio on to drown out the loud bangs, if you are not going out sit with your dog for comfort but don't make a fuss if it gets scared as this can reinforce your dogs fears, just gently stroke your dog in a normal way, you can get a herbal product from your vet to try and calm your dog this may help, but with mine reassurance and acting normal worked and now they are not bothered by fireworks, hope this helps you and hope your dog is not to scared this fireworks night good luck.

Answer 8

You can't stop him being scared but you can make it easier for him by not letting him out when there are fireworks on and keep your curtains closed and tv or radio on to distract them from the noise outside

Answer 9

You could try Bach Flower Remedies.My sister in law gives them to her dogs when in transit for dog shows.Or, ask your vet for some medication for a few days that will make your dog sleepy.My dog hates fireworks too, but I just talk to her and reassure her she's safe.

Answer 10

You can't. All dogs are terrified of sudden loud noises. Our dog always comes running to us and cuddles when she's scared by fireworks or firecrackers. I just pet her and talk to her in soothing tones. I dont make any fuss, just let her know there's nothing to be afraid of.