As bonfire night approaches, many of us look forward to the spectacular displays of fireworks lighting up the night sky. However, for our dogs, these loud bangs and flashes can be terrifying, triggering anxiety and stress. The good news is, with preparation and positive reinforcement techniques, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and confident during this festive season.
Let’s go through some steps you can do to help your dog with this potentially stressful night.
Start Early
The sooner you start preparing your dog for Bonfire Night, the better. Desensitisation and counter-conditioning can take time, so starting early gives your dog the opportunity to become accustomed to the sounds and sensations associated with fireworks.
Desensitisation
Desensitisation is the gentle exposure of your dog to sounds and experiences which might be unfamiliar to them. To do this, we need to create a controlled environment to introduce fireworks to your dog. Load up an audio track which simulate firework sounds - you can find these on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music etc. Begin at a very low volume and reward calm behaviour. If your dog is unable to remain calm, lower the volume and try again later. Gradually increase the volume over time as long as your dog remains relaxed.
Counter-Conditioning
Counter-conditioning involves changing your dog’s emotional response to a stimulus. In this case, the sound of fireworks. This is particularly applicable to dogs who are already stressed and fearful of fireworks. When your dog hears a firework sound, reward them with a high-quality treat. This helps to create a positive association with the noise as it is a precursor to something yummy.
Create a safe, comfortable space
Provide your dog with a secure, cosy space as a designated ‘safe zone’. They can retreat here during Bonfire Night for refuge. Pick a quiet room in your house, ideally away from windows to minimise noise. Place your dogs bed, blankets and toys to make the environment more comfortable. If your dog is crate trained, you can use this as their safe space - make sure you leave the door open so they can come and go as they please. Encourage relaxation through plug-in pheromones, white noise or anxiety wraps.
Engage their brain
Mental stimulation can help to reduce your dogs anxiety by giving them something to focus on. This can be snuffle mats, puzzle toys, or homemade enrichment activities - I have lots of ideas for this on my Instagram page so do check that out! Shredding and chewing can act as calming activities and a stress-relief for your pup.
Exercise
Take your pup for a long walk before the fireworks commence. Make sure to allow your pup time to relax back at home before the show starts.
This will ensure your dog doesn’t have any pent-up energy and will encourage relaxation and hopefully sleep!
Final Thoughts
Fireworks can be scary and overwhelming for dogs, but with preparation, patience and positive reinforcement, you can help reduce anxiety and make Bonfire Night a significantly less stressful experience.
Every dog is different, so it is important to go at their own pace, remaining relaxed and positive. If your dog has an extreme phobia of fireworks, consider consulting your vet or a dog trainer to help your dog as much as you can.
By using these strategies, you’ll create a calm and supportive environment that makes fireworks more manageable for your furry friend. Happy Bonfire Night - Let’s make it a peaceful one for your dog!
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