By Jackie Murphy G. Dip AAB / A. Dip AAB (Canine) / MISAP (Beh) / MEST (QTLS)
October can be an enjoyable time of year for us, but for some dogs it brings a number of challenges. Darker evenings, trick-or-treaters at the door, unusual costumes, excited children outside and, of course, the beginning of the firework season can all make this a difficult time.
As a dog trainer and behaviour practitioner working with dogs and their owners across Kent, I regularly see dogs who struggle with unexpected noises, visitors, changes in routine and unfamiliar situations.
The good news is that there are things you can do to help your dog feel safer and more secure — and it is much better to start preparing before Halloween and Bonfire Night arrive.
Why are dogs scared of fireworks?
Dogs have extremely sensitive hearing, and fireworks can be particularly difficult because the sounds are loud, unpredictable and can come from different directions.
A dog cannot understand why there is suddenly a loud bang outside or know when the next one is going to happen.
Some dogs may simply become a little unsettled, while others can show significant signs of fear or anxiety.
These can include:
- Pacing or being unable to settle
- Panting or trembling
- Barking at noises outside
- Trying to hide
- Following their owner constantly
- Refusing to go outside
- Trying to escape
- Toileting indoors
- Refusing food or treats
- Becoming unusually restless or withdrawn
It is important not to assume that a dog who isn’t shaking or hiding isn’t worried. Anxiety can present itself in many different ways.
What should I do if my dog is frightened by fireworks?
One of the most important things is to give your dog somewhere they feel safe.
This might be their bed, an open crate if they already enjoy using one, a quiet room, or simply an area of the house where they naturally choose to settle.
Close the curtains or blinds before it gets dark to reduce flashes from outside and consider having the television, radio or other familiar background sound playing.
Allow your dog to choose where they want to be. If they want to be near you, that is fine. Calm reassurance will not “reward” fear.
Try to remain relaxed and behave as normally as possible yourself.
If your dog wants to hide, allow them to do so rather than repeatedly encouraging them to come out.
Should I walk my dog when fireworks are expected?
Where possible, plan your main walk earlier in the day and make sure your dog has had the opportunity to toilet before fireworks are likely to start.
During firework season, I recommend being particularly careful with doors, gates and gardens. Even a dog who would not normally try to escape can panic following an unexpected bang.
When walking, make sure your dog’s collar or harness is secure and that their identification details and microchip information are up to date.
If fireworks start while you are outside and your dog becomes frightened, don’t force them to continue with the walk. Create some distance from the noise and, if appropriate, calmly return home.
How can I prepare my dog for Halloween?
Fireworks aren’t the only challenge at this time of year.
Halloween can mean repeated knocks at the door, the doorbell ringing, children approaching the house and people wearing hats, masks or costumes that your dog may never have encountered before.
If your dog already becomes excited, anxious or reactive when somebody comes to the door, Halloween evening is probably not the best time to practise meeting lots of visitors!
Instead, consider managing the situation.
You could settle your dog in another room before trick-or-treaters begin arriving, use a stairgate or other suitable barrier, close curtains or blinds and provide your dog with something appropriate to occupy them.
If your dog is worried by people at the door, they do not need to meet everyone who visits your home.
Management is an important part of dog training and behaviour work. Preventing your dog from repeatedly practising barking, rushing at the door or becoming increasingly distressed can make a considerable difference.
Should I comfort my dog if they are scared?
Yes. If your dog seeks reassurance from you, you can calmly reassure them.
You are not going to make your dog more frightened simply by offering comfort.
However, every dog is different. Some dogs want to be close to their owner, while others prefer to find a quiet place and be left alone.
Watch your dog’s body language and allow them some choice.
Can I use treats when fireworks are going off?
If your dog is comfortable enough to eat, food can be useful.
For example, a dog who hears a distant noise but remains relatively relaxed may be able to engage in a simple food-searching or “find it” game.
However, if your dog is extremely frightened and unable to eat, don’t keep offering food or asking them to perform training exercises.
At that point, your priority should be helping them feel safe and reducing their exposure to the situation as much as possible.
Can you train a dog not to be scared of fireworks?
Dogs can often be helped to become more comfortable around noises, but this needs to be approached carefully and at a pace that is appropriate for the individual dog.
Gradual desensitisation and counterconditioning can be useful for dogs who are worried by fireworks and other everyday sounds. The important word, however, is gradual. Simply exposing a frightened dog to loud firework sounds in the hope that they will “get used to it” could increase their fear rather than reduce it.
As part of my work with noise-sensitive dogs, I have devised a specialised MP3 sound programme containing carefully selected sounds that can be used as part of a structured desensitisation programme. The sounds are introduced initially at a very low level, where the dog remains completely comfortable, and are gradually increased over time according to the individual dog’s response.
The aim is not to frighten the dog or test how much noise they can tolerate. Instead, we want the dog to hear the sound at a level they can comfortably cope with and gradually build a more positive or neutral association with it.
This type of training should ideally begin well before firework season, rather than waiting until fireworks are already going off outside. It can also be useful throughout the year for dogs who are sensitive to a variety of everyday noises.
For dogs with significant noise sensitivity or anxiety, I would also recommend speaking to your veterinary surgeon. Pain and other medical factors can sometimes influence a dog’s response to noise, and your vet can advise whether additional support may be appropriate.
Don’t wait until Bonfire Night
If you already know that your dog struggles with fireworks, loud noises, visitors or the doorbell, don’t wait until 5th November to start thinking about it.
Preparation and management can make the weeks ahead much easier for both you and your dog.
And remember, the aim isn’t to force your dog to “get used to it”. It is to help them feel safe, reduce their anxiety and gradually build their confidence.
Does your dog struggle with fireworks, noises or visitors?
If your dog is anxious, reactive or struggling to cope with everyday situations, professional support can help you understand why the behaviour is happening as well as what you can do about it.
At Specialist Dog Training, I provide one-to-one dog training and behaviour programmes for owners across Kent, with training tailored to the individual dog and their family.
Whether your dog is struggling with anxiety, barking, reactivity, visitors, walking or general behaviour, the starting point is understanding the dog in front of us — rather than simply trying to stop the behaviour.
Looking for dog training or behaviour support in Kent? Get in touch with Specialist Dog Training to discuss how I can help you and your dog.