Firework Advice
Create a refuge:
- Somewhere where your dog feels comfortable during fireworks
- ALLOW ACCESS TO THE REFUGE 24 HOURS A DAY
- Usually involves being ‘hidden’
- Either where your dog tends to go to each time or create a new place for them
- If creating a new place encourage your dog to spend time there a few times a day from at least 2 weeks before fireworks are due to start
- Needs to be in a place where outside noises are quiet – for example consider:
- As few windows as possible, preferably double glazed
- Corners are quieter
- Behind/under heavy furniture
- Provide heavy blankets for your dog to burrow under
- If your dog usually likes to get behind a piece of furniture make sure it is accessible, for example pull it further forward
- Leave an item of clothing in the refuge, preferably unwashed so it has your scent
- Provide food, water, chews etc in the refuge
Use DAP:
- Synthetic pheromone of the pheromone secreted by nursing bitches
- Helps to calm dogs
- Diffuser – use in room your dog will spend most of their time in and in refuge area (if not the same place)
- Spray – use on blankets in the refuge (spray onto blanket 20mins before place in refuge, can respray new blanket every 2 hours and exchange for old one)
On the day:
- AM: walk your dog – plenty of exercise
- AN HOUR BEFORE DISPLAY DUE TO START: take your dog outside on lead (in case they are startled); Close windows and pull curtains before it gets dark; Prepare refuge with food, water, chews, toys, clothing etc (see above); Put on music – quietly, preferably music with a fairly strong beat
While fireworks occurring:
- Try to remain happy and relaxed
- Ignore bangs and whistles
- NEVER get cross with your dog when they’re frightened – ignore them
- Give attention if your dog is relaxed (not reassurance) – Eg. play game or practise training (with rewards)
- If your dog is very frightened take them to the refuge (if they’re not already there) and stay with them quietly
After display finished:
- Take outside on lead
- Praise if does anything while outside, if doesn’t because your dog is still too scared provide newspaper overnight for dog to use if necessary