Fireworks and loud bangs, your pup can get used to them.

Fireworks noises, start training your dog on time.

The festive month of December is almost upon us. Unfortunately, many dogs do not find December a celebration at all. They experience the December month as a big anxious stress month with the fireworks that pop and smell strange well before 31 December every year. Many dogs experience the fireworks as very threatening and they often show anxious behaviour and may even try to run away from the situation. Once dogs become fearful because of fireworks, it can be very difficult to unlearn this fearful behaviour. It can even spill over into fear of anything that makes a lot of noise so even a thunderstorm can become the trigger.

Train your dog on fireworks noises all year round

Since quite a few dogs react more or less to fireworks, there are several ways to train them better to deal with this fear. Of course, the moment 1 January starts and the mega fireworks erupt, many dogs will have a hard time. The younger the dog, the easier you can teach it something. Everyone takes advantage of that to teach them to listen. Unfortunately, we forget, to get them used to fireworks at that time too. Why do we forget? We don't actually think about fireworks ourselves during the year and how the dog will react to them. Still, the first few months are best for getting the dog used to them easier than having to teach them the fear later in life.

How do you teach a puppy or young adult dog to get used to loud noises?

Actually, the start is very simple, you are playing with your dog at home and then very softly put on a music with fireworks sounds on. The idea is to turn this on so loudly (softly) that the dog pays no attention to it and keeps playing nicely. If the dog starts looking around right away, the fireworks sounds will be too loud. If there is no reaction, turn them up a bit louder every day. If the dog reacts, turn it down a few times and let the dog get used to it. Make sure that you keep the dog positively occupied while practising without fixating on the sound. If you have an older dog who is already starting to get a little anxious, you could see if the same method works. So first turn on the sound softly while you are playing with the dog. If the dog reacts to the sound of the bangs every time, while the sound is almost not audibly on. Then it is advisable to contact your vet, as medication may be needed to get the dog used to it. When learning older dogs, it is often the case that they need a bit longer to get used to the sounds. Therefore, don't turn up the volume too quickly and take your time. If you find it difficult yourself because you also react to fireworks sounds, you can often turn to behavioural therapists. Your vet can often advise on a good course nearby.

-This is an automated translation-