FIREWORKS AND THUNDER
What can you do if your dog is scared of fireworks and thunder?
Some recommendations are:
providing a cosy den ( eg a covered crate or a sheet hung over a table or an open wardrobe )
using white noise to cover eg tv or radio, playing classical music ( CD " Through A Dog's Ears " availble from Victoria Stillwell 's site , is designed to soothe an anxious dog )
placing your worn clothing in it's bed
Adaptil ( pheromone plug in)
an anti anxiety/ cuddler bed
a pawpal ( soft toy with beating heart , heat pad and breathig sounds )
playing with the dog with a high value toy (eg flirt pole, ball, tug toy) ,starting before the thunder or fireworks if possible
massaging your dog. Not brushing (unless your dog LOVES being brushed - most don't because many brushes are painful -sharp metal bristles or combs used in knots will teach your dog that brushing is painful).
BUT - STUDIES HAVE FOUND THE BEST WAY TO TEACH YOUR DOG THAT NOISES ARE GOOD IS- TO FOLLOW ALL NOISES WITH DELICIOUS TREATS.
Noises do not have to be thunder or fireworks . Following as many noises as possible with treats or some other high value reward will teach your dog all noises are the cue that good things will happen . Building a history of positive outcomes after hearing the noise will make the thunder or fireworks just another noise that predicts a treat . Start well before you expect fireworks or thunder - weeks or months if possible -train FOR the situation, not IN it. Your dog will not be interestd in the treat once it is already upset . Teach it well before .
You can use the actual noise - google or record the noise and play it back very softly or with your dog at sufficient distance that it is calm and interested in the treat .Treat the dog after every bang.When your dog is unbothered 10 times in a row, increase the volume or bring the dog closer in very small increments and repeat each stage until dog is comfortable 10 times in a row before you increase it again .
You can provide long lasting enrichment eg food stuffed and possibly frozen kongs , food frozen in muffin tins or milk cartons, lickimats spread with delicious high value food and possibly frozen . (Frozen food takes longer to eat ). Once your dog knows this is really good ,he will be much more interested in it when the noises are happening .
THUNDER
Sometimes your dog is not bothered by the noise but the static electrity in the air . In that case letting your dog drag a chain from it's collar onto the floor, spraying it's feet with antic static laundry spray (don't let it lick it's feet ),keeping it off carpet,wetting it's feet or putting it in a bath or running shower or on a wet floor, can help . In addition each bang is followed by a REALLY delicious treat .
