Tips on Keeping Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

If you’re planning to attend a fireworks display this evening and think you’d like to bring your dog with you, you may want to reconsider.

Experts say it might not be fun for your dog. In fact, it could be downright frightening for them.

Every year, countless American dogs panic, hide, or even run away on July 4th, terrified by the loud fireworks and noisy barbecues that their humans enjoy so much.

With people likely setting off fireworks in your neighborhood tonight, Executive Director of the Toccoa Stephens County Animal Shelter, Jeff Roberts, said it’s best to leave your dogs inside.

“It’s better if they can keep the dog inside, either in the house or in a garage are, that way the noise is lessened,” said Roberts. “If you have a dog inside, calmly talk and reassure them so that will help them know that you’re not upset.”

If you’re planning to bring your dog to a community fireworks event, Roberts said to be prepared to watch him carefully.

“If they do that, they need to make sure that they’re holding the dog and reassuring them,” said Roberts. “Make sure their leash and collars are in good shape and the dog wouldn’t be able to flip out of his collar.”

The dog behavioral experts at OneMind Dogs are also sharing some tips to help your dog stay calm today.

First, EXUDE A CALM ATTITUDE.

Dogs automatically associate the emotion surrounding an experience with the event itself, so if you’re alarmed by the fireworks or worried about keeping your dog calm, he will be too.

Second, lead WITH BODY LANGUAGE.

While soothing words can help calm your own nerves, body language is what your dog naturally understands and responds to first.  Communicate to your pooch that it’s okay to hide in a safe place by showing him where to go.

And third, REASSURE WITH SMALL TREAT PORTIONS.

Reward your dog throughout the day using smaller bits of treats.  To keep your dog interested in remaining calm and following your lead, spend time finding which treat works best as an incentive.