Fireworks often cause our furry friends stress and fear, especially during celebrations like the 4th of July. Here, we’ll share 6 immediate tips and a long-term approach to help manage your dog’s anxiety during fireworks and thunderstorms.

Solutions for Dog Firework Anxiety: Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning

Utilizing marker recognition can transform a negative experience into a positive one. In our Board and Train Canine Immersion program, we teach dogs a robust marker system. You can create your own at home by staying consistent. Choose a word, such as “Good,” to signal that your dog’s behavior is appreciated and that a reward, like a tasty treat, or a game of tug, or fetch is coming. The more engagement you get from your pup, the better!

We employ a combination of desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques.

Desensitization involves repeatedly exposing your dog to a stimulus to minimize their strong emotional response. In our weekly group classes, held at various parks in the Denver area, we use this method for dogs that are reactive or overstimulated around other dogs and people. By continuing to work, walk, or play around others without direct interaction, dogs become less excited and more desensitized over time. A dog that starts off over-excited tends to calm down by the end of a class as they are exposed to the stimulus in a controlled manner.

Counter-conditioning changes a negative emotional response into a positive one by pairing something your dog enjoys, such as food or play, with the negative stimulus. Over time, this repeated association can shift their emotional state from negative to positive.

Applying these techniques to fireworks, you should start small and work your way up. Expose your dog to softer versions of loud noises such as a YouTube video of fireworks, gradually increasing the volume. If your dog is especially sensitive, use a second person to create the sounds at a distance while you focus on feeding or playing with your dog, ensuring the sound is barely noticeable. Conduct three 5-minute sessions a day to help desensitize your dog to the noise which can help keep dogs calm during fireworks.

Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog, these methods can set your dog up for success and help them conquer their fear of fireworks.

6 Approaches That Can Provide Faster or Temporary Relief to Firework Sensitivity

1. Exercise your dog’s mind and body. A tired dog is more likely to sleep through the chaos.
2. Play or train with your dog during a stressful event. Use their favorite toys or treats to distract and engage them. Get creative and be more exciting than the fireworks outside.
   
3. Get away to a remote location. If possible, escape to a quieter area, like the mountains, woods, or a lake, where the noise of fireworks is minimal.
4. Partner with your vet. Your vet can prescribe a light sedative to help calm your dog’s nerves. Test it beforehand to ensure it works well for your dog.
5. Consider a holistic approach. CBD treats and natural dog calming aids specifically made for dogs can help calm them before the fireworks start.
6.  Create a “safe space” for your dog. For crate-trained dogs who view their kennel as a comfortable and secure space, consider placing them in their kennel with soft music playing nearby to help drown out the outdoor noises.

The key takeaway is to prepare early. If you’re inspired to try a new approach, test things in advance to ensure you’re well-prepared for the fireworks display and keep dogs calm during fireworks.