As springtime thunderstorms welcome the hot days of summer and the celebrations of Independence, you may wonder how your new little pup will do with all the loud noises. It may not surprise you that the Fourth of July has the highest record for reports of runaway pets, so it begs the question: Can you prepare your pup to overcome the stress and anxiety this cacophony of sounds brings? The answer is yes, it’s time to say goodbye to the firework fears! Below are some great ways our recommended puppy trainer, Kimberly, suggests giving a try.
How do I Help My Dog’s Firework Fears?
Maybe your puppy has already shown anxiety during a thunderstorm, or they haven’t been put to the test yet. A great way to avoid any significant, frantic behavior is to try softly playing the sounds of a thunderstorm or fireworks display as background noise. The volume should be loud enough for your dog to notice, but not so loud that you see signs of stress such as panting, pacing, or trying to hide. Then try pairing it with crate training and encouraging your puppy to nap while listening to the big booms and crackles of sound. This will help train them to associate this often-frightening event more positively.
As your puppy acclimates to the recording, try playing it when they are active with you or relaxing in your lap. When they are calm, reward their behavior. As they continue to improve, increase the volume. This training can be accomplished with various triggering sounds and a dog of any age. Although proper socialization ideally occurs between 3 and 16 weeks of a dog’s life, for best results.
How do I Clam Down an Anxious Dog?
One of the reasons we encourage crate training for your little pup is because dogs are natural den dwellers- seeking out safety in a small space they are familiar with to get away from it all. This knowledge is one of the most powerful training tools you can use. If you have already put this cave-like comfort into practice, the next step is to move their crate into a quiet space away from windows so they can’t hear or see what makes them fearful.
Additionally, many dogs have destroyed windows to escape when they are in an anxiety-induced panic. By preparing a spot in the basement, large closet, or bathroom, you’re allowing them to follow their natural inclination to seek safety, reducing the chance of becoming frantic. If you don’t have a crate, make a little bed with their favorite toys and a bone to chew on. Practice using this space beforehand, so they know where to go when they feel the need to get away- this could even be helpful during summer BBQs and hangouts when they can become overstimulated.
If they still show signs of distress while in their ‘den’ during a thunderstorm, try playing soothing music or just white noise to mask the sounds causing them anxiety. A thundershirt can also be a great tool to help an overwhelmed puppy. If you choose to stay with your dog to help calm them, it’s important to remain calm and use a comforting, even tone when speaking. Any high-pitched, fast-paced “It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay” will only confirm that there is something to be afraid of.
How to Prepare Your Pup for Loud Sounds
If there hasn’t been time to implement the training tactics above before the celebrations begin, our puppy trainer Kimberly recommends taking a long walk with your pup a couple of hours before the sun sets. This will help to expend a good amount of their energy. Make sure they are on leash and their collar or harness is well in place in case any early fireworks are set off nearby and they startle. Again, you need to set the tone and remain calm yourself. Your puppy will surely pick up any nervous energy you have and react to it.
Unless you have a good plan to control and comfort your dog should they become distressed, we highly discourage taking them to any fireworks shows or keeping them outside for the night. If it has been a full day of parades, picnics, and the like, your little furry friend is probably ready for a quiet place to snuggle up and find security. However, that would be very short-lived if left in their outdoor doghouse. So, it’s best to leave them in the safety of the den you’ve prepared in your home if you decide to go out. Better to have a dog distressed in safety than run away in a panic!
Lastly, should the worst occur, ensuring the information on your pet’s collar is current is important. Our Woodlot puppies are microchipped, but still require registration. So, it is essential to register them as soon as possible once they are in your care!
If you’re hunting for your newest pack member, look at our available puppies and contact Gladys. She will be happy to walk you through our adoption process. Need help finding the perfect match for your family, or have questions about training? We’d love to connect you with our local puppy trainer, Kimberly.
