Hello!

This will be my puppy's first exposure to fireworks.  She does really well with thunderstorms, but I'm afraid the sharp sounds of fireworks might startle her.  What's the best way to handle this, other than keeping her inside and away from the noise as much as possible?  I read somewhere that pampering them when they get scared just encourages barking and jumping at the noise.

For those of you with dogs that panic (or used to panic) at the sound of fireworks, how did you handle it?

Thanks!

Stormy, its very simple. Make believe you don't hear them! That's it. NO COMMUNICATION OF ANY KIND. the pup will be fine, especially if he's not reacting to thunder.

  F

"Stormy, it's very simple"

i don't believe it's simple at all . . . i'm desperate to console my dogs when they cower at the sound of thunder or fireworks . . . i think it's very hard not to.

this year for the first time, i'm drugging two of my three dogs. My big 105 pounder, Bones, who is the soul of sweetness itself, knocked over a table two nights ago trying to get under it . . . he also tries to squeeze himself under a piano bench -- the NARROW end! -- i don't know what consolation that could possibly bring him. Two nights ago in bed, he sleeps on the floor beside my bed, i was awakened with him trying to insert his head between my neck and the pillow . . . i gave in and hugged him until laid back down. So last night i gave him one tranquilizer (the suggested dosage was two to three) and his eyes looked weird and he staggered just a little bit. I don't which is worse seeing him beside himself with anxiety or stumbling around the house like amy winehouse!! he was sleeping so soundly at a couple of points i woke him up to make sure he was still alive! i'm really not looking forward to the next few days.

good dog,

her dog doesn't have any known issues with fireworks or thunder. thats why i gave her that advice.

dpfrank . . .

please don't think i was saying you don't know what you're talking about. i was just saying how hard it is not to comfort them when you know that's exactly the wrong thing to do.

G,
I'm not, just understand that it does the dog no good anyway,the difference is Stormy's dog has no issues with the noises, so why start something that can only make things worse in the future. I have had luck with dogs that are generally scared of unexpected noises by putting them in training sessions while the same noises were going off and the dog ignoring them!!

F

It's wonderful that you care enough about your new puppy to make sure that the she feels cared for this 4th of July.  There are several things you can do to help your puppy - and you already know more than you think!

1) Keep your puppy inside, possibly in a confined area where she is used to spending a lot of time (a bedroom for example).  "Puppy proof" the area as dogs frequently engage in destructive behavior when frightened.

2) Leave out two or three favorite chew toys.  Chewing is a natural way for dogs to calm themselves.

3) Ask your vet about using a product called Rescue Remedy.  It's specifically designed to help animals remain calm in highly stressful situations.  It is used most frequently for animals with seperation anxiety, or during holidays like the 4th of July.  You can learn more about it at http://www.rescueremedy.com/pets/ 

4) My family and I have always been in a believer in comforting pets if they seem scared - and none of our dogs (our current dogs are now 6 and 3 respectively) have ever barked or panicked at loud noises. 

Have a wonderful, happy, and safe 4th of July. 

I think , although concerned, everone is assuming Stormy's dog is already frightened by fireworks. The pup is fine. Don't make a big deal of the noise. The dog will be fine.

  F

I agree with Frank 100%......don't make a big deal out of it!!! When the fireworks or even thunder starts, just ignore the noise. If you comfort your pets when they hear or get afraid of these noises, your just "assuring" them they NEED to be comforted. If you leave your pets alone during these loud noises, after a few times, the pets know that nothing is going to happen to them, and will act like the noise isn't even happening. You comfort them everytime there is fireworks or thunder, you will be doing it for the life of your pet, because you would have instilled that fear in your pet for-ever....