Will your dog be the Life of your 4th of July Party? Or a Party Pooper? Some dogs are not bothered by "Bams & Booms". If your dog isn't...You, Lucky Dog.
Maybe your dog hides under the bed, in a closet or in the bath tub. Maybe that's OK because they found a way to survive the show. Besides Fireworks only happen a few times a year.....depending where you live.
Some precautionary actions could save you some heartache and lower your dog's stress for the upcoming Holiday Celebration.
If your dog is crate trained. Use it. They will feel safe in their doggy bedroom. Be sure to walk your dog before crating so they can relieve themselves and not feel the pressure of needing to go while they are nervous.
Do not comfort or "baby" your dog if afraid. Dogs take their cue of how to behave from their owners. If you are acting "strange" by offering soothing words and gestures, your dog may interpret your actions as praise for being frightened or as confirmation that fireworks are truly scary. Do act normal and as "matter of fact" as possible. This will help your dog understand there is no reason to be worried.
If you have your dog with you while sitting under the flashing sky, make your dog lay down next to you. Keep a leash attached and be sure your dog is wearing ID tags should you become separated.
If your dog suffers from "Firework Phobia" don't not take them to the annual picnic or subject them to the exploding night sky. Keep them safe at home. Heaven forbid that your dog would be so scared that it runs away from you. Did you know that the busiest day for dog shelters is July 5th. Don't let your pet get lost or even worse hit by a car.
Want to stop the madness?! Recognize your dog's stressed behavior. Signs may include any or all behaviors: Panting, Drooling, Pacing, Hiding, Excessive Grooming. Condition them to loud startling sounds by getting them accustomed by slamming doors or dropping pan lids. Doing this helps them learn to recover quickly or not care at all. But don't think you can fix this is a week. Start now but in the meantime keep your dog safe.
Happy 4th of July no matter how you and your dog celebrate!
Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070
No comments:
Post a Comment