Leave Dogs at Home When Attending Fireworks

You may be planning to attend a fireworks display this evening and might be thinking you’d like to bring your dog with you to enjoy the fun.

But experts say it might not be fun for your dog.

In fact, it could be downright frightening.

Every year, countless american dogs panic, hide, or even run away on july 4, terrified by the loud fireworks and boisterous barbecues that their humans enjoy so much.

For many dogs and dog owners, independence day can be an unhappy event that’s more stressful than it is fun.

With people setting off fireworks in your neighborhood tonight tammi jourdenais, director of the northeast georgia animal shelter in lavonia, says the best thing you can do is keep your dog in the house tonight.

And if those loud noises can be scary for your dog if people are setting off fireworks in your neighborhood, think how much more frightening they would be for your dog at a larger community event.

Jourdenais advises leaving your dog at home tonight if you plan to go see the fireworks.

So how can you relax on independence day and enjoy the peace of mind that fido is also calm and safe?

The dog behavioral experts at onemind dogs are sharing some additional tips will help both you and your dog breathe easy on today.

First, exude a calm attitude.

Dogs automatically associate the emotion surrounding an experience with the event itself, so if you’re alarmed by the fireworks or worried about keeping fido calm, he will be, too.

Second, lead with body language.

While soothing words can help calm your own nerves, body language is what your dog naturally understands and responds to first.  Communicate to your pooch that it’s okay to hide in a safe place by showing him where to go.

And third, reassure with small treat portions.

Reward your dog throughout the day using smaller bits of treats.  To keep your dog interested in remaining calm and following your lead, spend time finding which treat works best as an incentive.