29/10/2020
With Firework night fast approaching we thought we would share a few ways you can help you dog coping with this season. One you can desensitize them by using a sounds app which has the sound of fireworks on. Food or favorite toy as play reward, be ready to to put aside time for this 10-15 mins will be good, you can be in another room if you prefer, our dogs often hear them from outside. Choose a word it can be pop pop or something you will always use to refer to firework sounds. The sounds should be very low at first increasing over several days as you dog adjusts and no longer seems to notice the sound. Have handy tasty treats, maybe use it as part of their food allowance, or if your dog likes toys one special one they can associate with fun. Start the sounds and immediately start to play either hiding food or toy, or throwing getting your dog excited, look out for raised ears or a look of interest in the sound, say silly pop pop, send your dog to find food or toy your playing with, remain focused on your dog, this is fun so be fun. You must finish the session by stopping the sound removing the treats or toy and carry on as normal, once your dog understands hearing the firework can be fun and rewarding. You can also try Skullcap and Valerian calming herbs available from to order online from Dorwest Poundbury Dorset
