so this will be the first bonfire night that we have got Zeus and I’m just wondering if there is a good way to keep him calm. He doesn’t seem unduly bothered by noise in general but fireworks can obviously be very loud and unexpected. How do you guys deal with it?
You can get Zeus used to the sounds by playing firework videos (plenty on Youtube). Keep the volume low to start with and gradually increase. You may need to play through speakers to get a more realistic sound. Pair the sounds with food. So play firework sounds and feed. When real fireworks start, if your dog is scared. let him go to a safe hidey place if he wants to (crate, bed etc) or cuddle up to you if he'd rather. But again pair the noise with a treat. Even if he barks, still give the treat - you're not rewarding the barking (as it is involuntary/ instinctual not a chosen behaviour). You are aiming to create the feeling that firework noise is good because it means food is coming - so you are changing your dog's emotional response.
There are many new puppy owners on here and I would highly recommend you all to follow Joy's advice and take time to desensitize them to the noise over the next two weeks (you tube videos are perfect). Also be aware of your own reaction to them. Don't be getting worried and stressed about how the pup will react. Be relaxed and happy and use the "ooo that was a big one, wasn't it" approach.
Joy's given some good advice here, getting the dog used to gradually increasing volumes works really well. You can find more tips on helping dogs to stay calm during fireworks here too: https://www.thelabradorsite.com/dogs-and-fireworks/
last year we had played the firework sounds to Kyko & he didn't seem too bothered, & also for weeks before kids had been setting them off here & there & he wasn't unduly worried. But on the night there was loads & he was very concerned by the whistling ones with the bang at the end. Due to being a puppy he obviously needed out for wees while they were going off, we just acted like it was no big deal, made sure he was on lead even in the garden & every time 1 went off gave him a tasty treat, wasn't long before he would hear one then look to us for his treat. Not looking forward to this year though as he is really bothered by loud noises. The better thing is he can hold his bladder now so if I get him out before they start he should last till they are finished. In the house I'll just do the same as last year, and obviously give him cuddles if he needs them. Mind you he has slept through a couple of very loud thunder storms so hopefully won't bother him too much
I bought a fireworks dvd off ebay. I started it low and have been playing it higher each day. Today he was out back when three fire works went off and he seemed to ignore them.
I bought a fireworks dvd off ebay. I started it low and have been playing it higher each day. Today he was out back when three fire works went off and he seemed to ignore them.
We live on the edge of a big town and there have already been several fireworks going off and displays are a regular thing at the end of speedway nights so Hero does not seem bothered. We also have the ambulance station across the road and the helipad so he's used to unexpected loud noises on a daily basis and ignores them. It's really great advice to work on desensitization with pup as Joy days
So we got through the first big firewOrk night round here. Big whistly one just as Hero decided he wanted outside to pee but didn't take much notice. Played with a plastic bottle back in house. Made more noise than fireworks. Wore him out too. May it continue to be fun for him
