Firework Desensitization

Fireworks have a bad reputation for bringing out the worst in dogs. Out of fear, they literally run for their life, and many shelters are overwhelmed with lost dogs after the 4th of July or New Year's Eve.

For this reason, it is absolutely imperative that we socialize puppies to fireworks in their first 12 weeks of life. In fact, we make it a point to desensitize puppies to any noise that may trigger fear in the future - fireworks, thunderstorms, doorbells, etc.

If there is a live firework display or thunderstorm, we immediately take them outdoors with us. We cuddle them and let them know they are safe and loved, even whilst the sky is exploding. In our arms, we find that the pups have a calm and collected demeaner. Then, we give them a chance to experience the sounds alone with us a short distance away from them. They quickly respond with confidence, some even with indifference.

If we are unable to have a "live show," then we expose the pups to artificial sounds. While they they sleep, we play these sounds for them in their puppy room, and while they're awake and playing, we will periodically put them on as well. The goal is to let them know that these sounds are a normal part of the world they live in, so there is no need to have a negative or fearful reaction.