Fireworks Fear: A Simple and Effective Way to Get Your Dog To Stop Getting Afraid Of Fireworks

People often worry about their pets' reactions to the approaching firework season. Some dogs don't seem to be bothered by fireworks, but others are terrified of the louder and more intense bangs and flashes that keep getting louder every year. My Labrador was terrified of fireworks and refused to go outside during the entire winter. In the next section, I'll explain how we managed to cure him. This will allow you to train your dog not only to avoid, but sometimes even love, firework season. Noise association is the key to this type of training. You will need a CD with scary sounds and firework sounds. These CDs can be purchased from many online shops, such as e-bay. You can find many CDs on sale. You can search for titles like "Sounds Scary", Fear of Fireworks, or "CLIX Sounds and Sounds". I used the "Sounds Scary CD" and used a DAP diffuser that was plugged into my training room socket. vuurwerkgeluiden hond

This method is not easy, but it does work. First, adjust the volume of the CD to make it barely audible. Dogs are more sensitive to sound so you can still hear it. You can then close the curtains to make the room darker but not too dark. Play with your dog, its favorite toys and the CD on. Be positive and enthusiastic. To reward your pet for being playful and not worrying, you can give it a treat. This should be done for approximately half an hour each session.

Day 2: Turn your CD player on high and continue the play-along process. You can reduce the volume if you feel fearful. Perhaps fill your Kong toy with Kong Paste or soft cheese and then play with it. This will create a positive connection between the firework sounds and being rewarded. This is where I want to take you. You can keep making louder and louder noises until you reach half the acceptable level. The noise level should remain the same, but the DAP should be turned off for the next session. You should not notice any changes in your behaviour. vuurwerktraining hond

Now is the right time to go a little noisier. You might want to increase the noise level to 70% for your next session. Continue to play and reward your pet. After about a week, your training will be complete. You should now have your dog accustomed to the loud sounds on the CD as fun and rewarded.