What will happen when 4th of July is here?

[Charlie's Angels]

This will be Charlie's first time to witness the 4th of July. What approach should I take when the day comes? Meaning should I keep him in his crate, try to entertain him with something else besides the deafening sounds of the fireworks. Although it is illegal in Illinois to light up fireworks there is always those that do it anyways. By the way if you need to know my pup is 5 mos old. He's a cuttie. Gotta love him. :D

[RottnKid1]

The best thing you can do for your pup is to carry on as usual. Don't be anxious about all the noise or he'll pick up on it. Also, if he shows some concern, don't comfort him -this will only make him think there IS something to be afraid of. If he gets startled, just tell him, "Oh, don't be silly," and distract him with some play. But, even if you have a fenced yard, I'd avoid putting him out alone. If he's okay with thunder storms, then behave as you would if you were having a storm - treat it like no big deal. If he IS afraid of storms, then a bit of a different approach may be necessary, though I still discourage comforting the pup.

[Charlie's Angels]

Thanks for the advice Rottnkid1. Well, when thunderstorms come he does get alittle concerned and starts barking. One time when it was thundering it was during the night and he was in his crate. I let him bark for a good fifteen mintues because I don't want to reinforce him being scared so I left him alone. But once I saw that he wouldn't stop I went over to his crate very calm and with a sure tone of voice told him "Whatcha worried about kid? Don't be scared." And turned away. He stopped barking for the rest of the thunderstorms. :D ;) But like you said, Rottnkid, during the fireworks I'll just go about my business like any other day. :p

[Gryphon]

I agree that you should carry on as usual. We were nervous about the same thing when Gryph was a pup. As it turned out it was all for nothing, he was just fine with it. We even took him with us to the towns firework show and he loved all the attention he got from the dozens of people in the crowd. The noise didn't bother him at all and he actually seemed to like watching the fireworks when the went off in the sky. He was 10 month old.

[delila]

I guess it all comes down to the dog. For example, I have a male who is 18 months old and is scared to death of loud noises. He does not like thunder, or anything else that is loud (vaccum cleaners, cars, etc). So in my opinion he would need some positive reinforcement with fireworks.

Now my two females are not afraid of noise or much else for that matter. I would even consider taking them to see fireworks.

I think it all depends on how the dog reacts to other loud noises :)

[Atti's Mom]

I agree with Rottnkid1..... Do your usual thing and don't make a fuss!!But keep Charlie in if there are fireworks going on. ;)

My Max (~18 months) seems to be nervous of thunder to some degree. He also does not like to go outside when it is raining. I am trying to anticipate this, and when there is a storm starting, I run outside (even though I am afraid of lightening, myself!) and act as if it is the greatest thing in the world: "Ohhhhh! We've got some weather! Big noise! Whoopieeeee!" and dance around. I also try doing somme training exercises inside on a covered porch to focus him on me despite the storm.

Can't quite tell yet, but it is either working or he just thinks I'm nuts.

Perhaps others will tell you if my approach makes any sense at all.

[WorkinDogz]

Originally posted by Charlie's Angels:
<STRONG> But once I saw that he wouldn't stop I went over to his crate very calm and with a sure tone of voice told him "Whatcha worried about kid? Don't be scared." </STRONG>

Again, it's important to not lend creedence to irrational fears. If there wasn't a thunderboomer going on at the time; and the dog was barking "for no reason"....I'll bet you would take more of a "KNOCK OFF THE BARKING!" approach rather than the "don't be worried" one.

If any of you are considering sedating your dogs on the 4th of July (either with an Rx given by the vet or with a 'home remedy') PLEASE crate the dog during this time.

Besides things like sedatives sometimes removing "inhabitions"; the dog will NOT have all of his wits about him and could easily fall down stairs or lose his balance jumping off the bed etc and cause an injury.

If sedation is chosen; put him in a crate, in a quiet, dark room and let him be.

[K9-man]

06/23/2001 8:48 AM CDT

Here’s an idea, Charlie's Angels. Go get a cap gun.

Take Charlie's favorite toy or ball, toss it high and far, shoot off the cap gun and when the toy/ball drops, tell him to “fetch it up”. When he brings it back give him lots of phrase and a treat or two.

This way you’ll be associating the loud popping noises with ‘fun time’. ;)

Who knows, he might get good enough at it that you’ll be able to take him duck hunting. :D

[alexav]

Here in Utah, we have TWO fireworks "holidays". I prepare!

If I have a pup I go buy some really fun new toys. We start playing inside the house as soon as we hear the first "pops". If the pup is having fun and doesn't care about the noise, we gradually move outside all the while having a GREAT TIME! I want that pup to grow up knowing that pops and explosions mean nothing more than the possibility of a great game - Like Schutzhund! :D

Some dogs are already set in thier ways and get terribly stressed. The shelters will be FULL of dogs that stupid people leave home alone so that they can go "enjoy" the pyrotechnics. The poor terrified dogs escape any way they can (even jumping through glass windows) and try to find thier way to somewhere the "war" isn't going on.

I provide a service for my friends and family that will be unable to be home for one reason or another on these dates. The dogs are kept in my indoor training area in the basement. A stereo plays classical music and there are supervised play groups and raw bones to chew while in ex-pens or crates. Usually, none of the dogs even notice the fireworks they are having such a good time.

Good luck with your pup! :)

[ June 23, 2001: Message edited by: alexaV ]

[Charlie's Angels]

Thanks you guys. Great advice!
K-9 Man I'd love to see Charlie Duck Hunting. But unfortunatly, not my prefered sport. :) ;) However, I do play soccer with him and Charlie's a great goalie. :D :p
Alexav, I will try my best in make it "great time" during the fireworks for my boy. :) :p

[Teena]

Okay, but we will be setting of fireworks of our own. How do you guys handle this? Axel was only a small pup last 4th, doubt if he even remembers it.
Our son will probably be doing the setting off & Hubby & I will be watching. Just put dogs on leash & have them sit with you? Noises don't really bother either one. I have taken them both downtown often. They gotten up close & personal with big riggs, heavy machinery, motorcycles, ect.
However, i think the prey drive might kick in with those flying sparkling objects.
Will be tests of sit & Stay. :)
If they get to hyper, i will take them inside & crate them.

[rottmommie]

I guess I am a bit overprotective....It has always been my recommendation not to bring young children and dogs to firework displays..(up close) because it can do eardrum damage....
the kind ya got going off in the neighborhood shouldnt be THAT loud though, my dog acts like he doesnt hear them....he sure hears the drunk folks yelling and partying tho.....
if you know for an absolute fact that your dog is terrified, dont expose him to these. or try kava kava, it is a calming herb, which can be bought in pet stores for calming dogs down, without dangerous side affects. I let my dog be out with us, but if we want to watch the local fireworks, we watch from a distance......the up close stuff is for older kids and adults only....(unless you can get the kids AND the dog to wear earplugs!!)

[rottmommie]

by the way charliesangels, are you coming to ROTTSTOCK???

[Koenig]

Originally posted by K9-man:
<STRONG>06/23/2001 8:48 AM CDT

Here’s an idea, Charlie's Angels. Go get a cap gun.

Take Charlie's favorite toy or ball, toss it high and far, shoot off the cap gun and when the toy/ball drops, tell him to “fetch it up”. When he brings it back give him lots of phrase and a treat or two.

This way you’ll be associating the loud popping noises with ‘fun time’. ;)

Who knows, he might get good enough at it that you’ll be able to take him duck hunting. :D</STRONG>

If you do not want to be seen shooting a cap-gun, plastic bubble rap will work as well.

Besides it is fun to pop that stuff :p

This was a great suggestion (the cap-gun from K9).

Koenig