Some DOs and DON’Ts …
If you have a dog that gets very anxious around fireworks, it’s quite natural and almost instinctual for many us to try and soothe any nervous behaviour we see, often by talking quietly to a dog in a comforting way and petting him or her too, saying things like, “it will be okay, Sammy…don’t worry” over and over again. Some people will sit for ages with an anxious dog and stroke, kiss and talk to their dog soothingly, trying desperately to offer some comfort to a mind that is obviously terrified of this sudden noise they don’t understand. While these people are very well intentioned indeed and only want the best for their dog and for them to be ‘okay’ with the firework sound, this approach is (unfortunately) unlikely to have any positive effect for their dog. The human here is applying human psychology to dogs, an approach where, even though the intention is kind and good, can often nurture the wrong state of mind and not improve the situation the next time the dog hears the sound. The dog’s interpretation is likely to be ‘you are sitting here, stroking me, talking quietly to me…and you’re on the floor too – you never do that …you’re obviously very frightened too! Everyone’s frightened – no one is in control’ …
So, what should you do? It may seem a cold strategy but you should do your best to ‘play everything down’. Try to pay little attention to a dog in this state of mind and behave naturally, so your dog ‘gets from you’ … from your behaviour … that there is nothing to be concerned about. Don’t make a fuss of an anxious dog – making contact or placing your hand on your dog as you watch TV for example is completely fine) but try not to look at him for any sustained period. Remember, your goal is to signal that nothing bad is happening and you have no concerns at all. This can be tough, very, but you will help more in the long term with this ‘ignoring’ or passive strategy than if you try to soothe with words or by petting constantly and repeatedly. Be positive, turn the volume on the radio and the TV on/up and try to just get on with things. The message here is that if you’re relaxed and in control, your dog will be less anxious as a result. Over time his anxiety should decrease. Using a crate and covering it with a heavy blanket is a good way of providing your dog with a safe haven or den when he feels anxious – I prefer to leave a crate door open so a dog can go in and out whenever he likes. Just the knowledge that he has free access to a very secure/dark place in the home will in itself reduce any anxiety levels. If he settles down in his crate of his own accord, by all means check on him every now and again, but say very little and leave him alone for a time after that. Appear confident and you will give him confidence.
If you have a dog that gets really anxious when he hears fireworks or loud noises, alternative strategies such as using a Thunder Shirt, DAPs or using a Rescue Remedy might be appropriate and should be explored alongside the advice of an experienced behaviourist or trainer. If you are very concerned about your dog and his serious ‘over-reaction’ to fireworks you should also consider speaking with your vet to explore any medication that might be appropriate on those dates when you know fireworks are likely.
