Dogs and Fireworks

Discussion in 'Labrador Health' started by pippa@labforumHQ, Nov 4, 2011.

  1. pippa@labforumHQ

    pippa@labforumHQ Administrator

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    It's that time of year again. A few ideas for keeping dogs happy on firework night
     
  2. Sammie@labforumHQ

    Sammie@labforumHQ Administrator Staff Member

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    Re: Dogs and Fireworks

    How have people's dogs got on this year? Mine doesn't seem to notice the fireworks at all, but I've been to a few clients' houses where beautiful labs have been cowering in the kitchen :(
     
  3. bbrown

    bbrown Moderator Forum Supporter

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    Re: Dogs and Fireworks

    Riley spent fireworks week (it gets longer every year it seems) with a 3 year old lab who doesn't turn a hair and he seemed fine. A house with very think walls probably also helped :)
     
  4. pippa@labforumHQ

    pippa@labforumHQ Administrator

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    Re: Dogs and Fireworks

    I have had great success this year. My four year old lab has always been extremely frightened of fireworks to the point where I had given up on any hope of her ever being a working gundog.

    However, this year I decided to give some 'desensitisation' training a go. My objective was largely to see if I could get her comfortable with shots. But as a side effect, for the first time this year, she was absolutely fine with the fireworks on bonfire night. :)
     
  5. caroleb

    caroleb Registered Users

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    Re: Dogs and Fireworks

    I knew Barney was OK but it was Rusty's first time and he didn't turn a hair. The only time that they (and their two friends a Clumber & A flat coat) reacted on Saturday was when a neighbours display let something off that sounded like someone banging on the window. They all stood up and waited wagging for the visitor to arrive!
    What a relief and it bodes well for Rusty's gun dog training :D
     
  6. Sammie@labforumHQ

    Sammie@labforumHQ Administrator Staff Member

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    Re: Dogs and Fireworks

    Sounds like people got on pretty well this year! I'm sure having an older calm dog around helps the young ones :eek:)
     
  7. caroleb

    caroleb Registered Users

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    Re: Dogs and Fireworks

    It also seemed to be lot less this year - I think partly because the 5th was the Saturday so it was less spread out and there is less money to burn around but I may be speaking too soon we'll see what this weekend brings but at least I don't have to worry about nerves with my two. I agree Sam - having calm dogs about are a big help I'm sure many dogs get worried because their humans are worrying they'll be worried! :eek:
     
  8. Rocketman

    Rocketman Lab Technician Forum Supporter

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    Re: Dogs and Fireworks

    Rocket was fine as ever. To be honest i think she's probably too stupid to notice... :D
     
  9. Sammie@labforumHQ

    Sammie@labforumHQ Administrator Staff Member

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    Re: Dogs and Fireworks

    Poor Rocket!

    Carole I bet you're right about dogs picking up on owners anxieties.

    We had less fireworks here this year - even on the Saturday it was fairly quiet. It's a bit strange, really.
     
  10. pippa@labforumHQ

    pippa@labforumHQ Administrator

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    Re: Dogs and Fireworks

    I think there is just less available money around for spending on fireworks. They cost a small fortune!
     
  11. Sammie@labforumHQ

    Sammie@labforumHQ Administrator Staff Member

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    Re: Dogs and Fireworks

    We ended up paying for a display we didn't even go to! :eek:(

    My daughter's school just add the charge to the nursery fees!

    I expect it was fairly noisy on their road!
     

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