06/16/2025
4th of July is just a few weeks away! Is your dog confident and unfazed by fireworks? A few things you can do to desensitize them to any loud noises…
• PLAY with them while you play fireworks on a streaming device/YouTube, but before doing so, work on engaging them in play without the distraction first. You can, and should start doing this *now*.
• Teach them door manners so they don’t go bolting out the door when you let them out to potty. This goes for everyday life. I’ve unfortunately, witnessed other people’s dogs run out the door because they are terrified of fireworks and get hit by cars, cleared fences of their own yard and take off, never to be seen again. That’s a reality, not trying to scare anyone. This IS preventable.
• If your dog isn’t quite ready to handle the fireworks by the 4th THIS year, crate them in a dark room and use a white noise machine to drown out the sound. Leash them, even if your yard is fenced in when your take them out to potty. Don’t coddle them and try to soothe them when they’re clearly stressed and anxious, you’re only reinforcing the stress and anxiety.
You can start now and have a whole year to work on things listed above to be better prepared for next year!