I had an interview this week with a journalist from the Yorkshire Evening Post who contacted me so I am making sure you all get to see this too.

Whilst it’s probably too late to work on desensitising for this bonfire night, you can do some work now to try and help. But start in January ready for next year.

Long-Term Desensitization: Use the whole year leading up to Bonfire Night to play firework sound recordings very softly during feeding, fun training sessions and playtime, slowly increasing the volume over time. This helps the vast majority of dogs.

Remember it’s not all about the noise – its lights and smells too so some dogs need extra help with scent. Ive met dogs who associate the smell of fireworks with a traumatic event and will sniff an open door and refuse to go in the garden

Its something that doesn’t happen often enough in a dogs life to naturally habituate to it happening

Preparation is 90% of the battle

1.
Make sure your dog gets a good walk and meal well before dusk so they are well-exercised, don’t need to go out to toilet and they settled inside before any fireworks start.

2.
If they do need to go in the garden to relieve themselves keep your dog on a lead during firework hours

3.
Door safety – have an airlock – shut your dog in another room before you open the front door to anyone so your dog doesn’t get spooked and bolt out of the door

4.
Microchips and Collar Tags Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with a tag and microchip details are correct – in case the worst happens and your dog bolts out of your house or garden

5.
Keep Fresh Water Available: Ensure drinking water is easily accessible, as stressed or anxious dogs tend to drink more water

6.
Dogs like predictability and safe spaces. Build a cosy ‘den’ in an inner room away from windows a few days ahead of time with their favourite blankets, toys, and an unwashed piece of your clothing. That way, when the loud noises start, they already know where to go to feel safe.

7.
Calming Supplements and Wraps: try things like as Adaptil, anxiety wraps (Thundershirts), or herbal options like chamomile and valerian to ease stress

Stay Calm & Positive: Dogs pick up on human anxiety, so stay calm and upbeat (even if you have to fake it) to prevent transferring stress to your dog.

COMMON MYTH
Comforting a frightened dog is absolutely fine it shows them they’re safe with you

We can’t ‘reward’ fear, it’s an emotion not a learned behaviour. You cannot reinforce fear by offering comfort. 

If your dog comes to you for reassurance, stroke them gently, talk in a calm tone, and let them sit close to you.

If they prefer to hide let them stay there, don’t drag them out – let them choose what helps.

Finally, some dogs with extreme fear may need to see a vet in advance of Bonfire night to prescribe fast-acting anti-anxiety medications