Our guide to firework training for dogs
Doggy Day Care at the Willows
As we move into autumn, it’s that time of year when dog owners grow increasingly anxious about the season’s loud noises. Firework training for dogs should include gradual desensitisation techniques. Not only will this make them less distressed, but you’ll be happier too!
Sudden loud noises like fireworks can frighten dogs. Some will become timid and nervous, while others may become stressed, barking or chewing excessively. Taking the right approach to noise desensitisation will help your furry companion to become more able to deal with loud outside noises. They will also become more confident and less reactive.
Preparing your dog for fireworks desensitisation
The Dogs Trust recommends that gradual exposure to loud noises for puppies aged between 3 and 16 weeks helps with desensitisation. They provide guidance and a series of recordings to help desensitise your furry companion. See their Sound Therapy page…
Another method you can try is to record the noise of local fireworks on your phone and play this audio to your dog over a few months. Ideally, aim for 6 months before Bonfire Night if you have a very nervous dog. To make your dog feel more comfortable with loud noise like fireworks, this process needs to be gradual and taken in small steps.
As well as playing recordings to help desensitise your dog, it’s also recommended to combine with counterconditioning methods. This is where you balance a trigger that causes anxiety by creating a positive emotion using praise or a treat. You can try these methods yourself or we can recommend a couple of trusted dog trainers.
Use counterconditioning for firework training
While desensitising your dog to certain sounds, start using counterconditioning techniques. The main aim is to build a positive connection to specific noises that might cause them to feel stressed.
Below are a few steps you can take using counterconditioning and desensitisation:
- Prepare the environment – find one of your dog’s favourite toys or a foodie treat.
- Calm them before training starts – if they are excited, make them sit for a few minutes so they can calm down.
- Play the fireworks recording at a low volume – ideally, try to hide the fact that you are playing the noise, for example, use a remote control.
- Give your dog the toy or treat – turn off the sound as soon as your dog stops playing or eating. This will begin to forge a positive association with the noise.
- Repeat the process over a few days, weeks and months – get your dog used to the noise and positive association. This will slowly desensitise your dog to trigger noises.
Other ways to build your dog’s confidence
When it comes to new experiences, socialisation can also help to desensitise your dog, so they are more confident and less reactive. Socialisation is a very important part of a dog’s development, as it gets them used to different dogs and experiences.
At Doggy Daycare at the Willows, we can offer your dog an enriching environment and a range of activities to help them socialise with our day care dogs. Our fully trained Doggy Daycare Assistants will help your dog to build their confidence and improve their wellbeing.
Find out more about our doggy day care services – get in touch for a chat with our friendly team.
Thank you for reading our latest blog, Our guide to firework training for dogs.
Sources
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/professionals/vet-clinics/desensitisation
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/understanding-your-dog/sound-therapy-for-pets
https://www.medivetgroup.com/pet-care/pet-advice/desensitising-your-pet-to-fireworks/
https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-advice/desensitising-your-dog-loud-noises