Fireworks survival guide

[Spudlet]

An advert for DAP infusers just came onto the TV, so I thought that since it isthat time of year, maybe a thread to swap tips on making it through this time with dogs, floors, walls, furniture and nerves intact might be helpful

I am lucky that Henry is not all that bothered, but as Barney's senses started to fade he became worried by the bangs - sad as he used to sit in the garden and watch them as a young dog. So my tips are:

Curtains closed
Radio / TV on
No attention while the dog is getting upset - only when they are calm

What do people have to add to this?

 

[CorvusCorax]

Condition the dog throughout the year using simulated sounds, don't just wait until fireworks season.

Calm dark bolthole if need be for serious cases, crate, bathroom, stair cupboard.

STAY CALM YOURSELF AND DON'T GET YOURSELF INTO A TIZZY!

 

[Kellys Heroes]

Also lucky in that our dogs aren't bothered by them.

Keep the days routine the same, don't make any changes
K x

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

We have them at random times all year round thanks to chavtastic footballers etc getting married at local country house hotel - needless to say both mine just kip through it all.....

 

[Alec Swan]

Spudlet,

that's just about it, except that to assist the curtains, I'd leave the lights on, it'll cut down on the effects of the flashes.

Alec.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Think you have just about covered it Spudlet. The only thing I would add is to be very careful when taking a dog who is firework phobic out around Nov 5th. Have heard of too many cases where a dog has bolted when let off lead. One neighbour lost their collie from their garden the eve of the millenium, they thought they were safe letting her out around 1 am but some idiot was still letting them off and she escaped from a garden that was thought dog proof, luckily she was found a couple of days later but a very traumatic time.
You can buy desensitising CDs, which are great for training young pups, but I found my old girl knew the difference between the firework noises on the cd and actual ones outside.