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How to Calm Your Dog During Fireworks and Loud Noises: A Guide for Dog Parents

How to Calm Your Dog During Fireworks and Loud Noises: A Guide for Dog Parents

When a dog hears a loud bang, like a firecracker, it can be a truly frightening experience. Many dogs react by shivering, drooling, pacing, or trying to find a place to hide. Naturally, when we see our dogs in distress, we want to help. However, our usual attempts to calm them down, like petting or using homeopathic drops, may not always be effective.

In this article, we’ll explore why dogs are scared of loud noises, and I’ll share a step-by-step guide to help your dog stay calm during such incidents, using techniques rooted in dog psychology and a holistic approach.

Why Are Dogs Afraid of Loud Sounds?

Even humans get startled by sudden loud noises, but we can quickly rationalize what happened, assess the situation, and calm ourselves down. Dogs, however, are wired differently. They cannot rationalize the way we do, so their minds can get stuck in a state of fear when they hear a loud sound. The suddenness and intensity of noises like fireworks or thunderstorms can make them feel anxious and unsafe.

Why Standard Approaches Don’t Always Work

Many dog parents turn to remedies like homeopathic drops to calm their dogs. While these might seem effective at first, they often contain high levels of alcohol, essentially making the dog feel numb. Over time, however, the brain gets used to these external stimulants, and they become less effective. That’s why it’s essential to look for a more sustainable solution that helps your dog cope naturally.

How to Help Your Dog Stay Calm During Loud Noises

  1. Prepare Your Dog in Advance: Desensitization

    • Desensitizing your dog to loud noises is a long-term strategy that can make a significant difference. This involves gently exposing your dog to the sound of fireworks or thunderstorms at a low volume and stopping as soon as your dog shows signs of fear.
    • Important Tip: When your dog reacts, do not give any eye contact, touch, or speak to them. By avoiding these actions, you are not reinforcing their fear. Dogs are sensitive to our energy, and they pick up on cues from us. If we act calm and composed, they’ll eventually learn that there’s nothing to be afraid of.
    • Gradually increase the volume over days or weeks, depending on your dog’s progress. The key is to be patient and not rush the process.

  2. Practice No Touch, No Talk, No Eye Contact

    • During these desensitization sessions, it is crucial to practice “No Touch, No Talk, No Eye Contact.” This technique helps your dog understand that loud sounds are not a threat because their ‘pack’ (you) is not reacting.
    • Over time, your dog will pick up on this behavior and begin to remain calm during loud noises.

  3. Build a Strong Connection: Calmness and Confidence

    • Once your dog is used to the sound, start the second phase of training: walking with your dog at home while playing the loud sound.
    • Leash your dog and walk around your house calmly for 5-10 minutes. Do this daily, gradually increasing the volume and duration.
    • Begin each session calmly, and offer treats only at the beginning to set a positive tone. Avoid giving treats when the dog shows nervousness, as this could reinforce the fear.

  4. On the Day: Keep Calm and Confident

    • During Diwali or any event with loud noises, leash your dog, keep them close to you, and stay calm and confident.
    • Your calmness will communicate to your dog that there is nothing to fear. Dogs feed off our energy; if you are anxious, they will be too.

  5. Supplementation

    Supplements like CBD oil can be helpful. It promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety without making the dog feel numb. Always consult your vet before trying new supplements.

  6. Consider Boarding Options

    Recommended

    If you anticipate being too busy during the festival season, or if your dog has severe anxiety, consider finding a boarding house away from the city. Make sure it’s a place where your dog feels comfortable and is cared for by professionals who understand how to keep dogs calm during such events.

Training Program: Desensitizing Your Dog to Loud Noises

Step-by-Step Training

This training program will help you prepare your dog to handle loud sounds, such as firecrackers, thunder, or other sudden noises, by using a desensitization technique.

Positive Reinforcement

Use positive reinforcement and build a calm, confident connection between you and your dog. It is essential to remain patient and consistent throughout the training process.

  1. Choose a Calm Environment:

    • Pick a quiet space where your dog feels safe and relaxed. This is where you’ll conduct all your training sessions.

  2. Play the Sound:

    • Use a recording of the sound that typically triggers your dog’s fear (e.g., firecracker sounds, thunder).
    • Play it at a very low volume, barely audible, for about 5-10 minutes.
    • Watch your dog’s reaction closely. If they show any signs of fear (shivering, whining, pacing), stop the sound immediately.

  3. Practice “No Touch, No Talk, No Eye Contact”:

    • During the sound exposure, act as if everything is normal.
    • Do not comfort, touch, or talk to your dog. This may seem hard, but it’s essential for the dog to understand that there’s no danger.

  4. Increase the Volume Slowly:

    • As your dog gets used to the sound at a low volume, increase the volume slightly.
    • If your dog shows signs of discomfort, decrease the volume and give them a break before trying again.

  5. Add Distractions:

    • Start adding small distractions (e.g., playing with a toy, chewing on a treat) to help your dog associate the sound with positive activities.
    • Ensure these distractions are only available when the sound is playing.

  6. Leash Training at Home:

    • Leash your dog and start walking around your house.
    • Play the sound at a low volume, gradually increasing it as your dog remains calm.
    • Keep your movements calm and steady. Walk with confidence, and avoid sudden stops or gestures.

  7. Introduce Unpredictability:

    • Change the timing and location of your training sessions to prepare your dog for unpredictable situations.
    • Play the sounds at different times of the day, in different areas of your house, and even outside if safe to do so.

  8. Use a Leash During Real Events:

    • During actual events (like Diwali or a thunderstorm), leash your dog and keep them close to you.
    • Stay calm and confident. If your dog sees you’re not worried, they are more likely to stay calm too.

Additional Tips:

  • Exercise Regularly: A dog that gets enough physical and mental exercise is generally less anxious. Take your dog for daily walks and engage them in fun, stimulating activities.
  • Use Calming Supplements: Consider natural supplements like CBD oil to help with anxiety, especially during festive periods when loud noises are expected.
  • Find a Safe Boarding House: If you’re unable to be with your dog during the event, consider a boarding house located away from the city, where your dog will not be exposed to loud sounds.

Happy Diwali to you and your dog!