Fireworks are a magical moment… except for our four-legged friends. More sensitive to sounds, dogs can easily panic. But a simple trick allows you to get them used to it without risk.
To celebrate the transition to the new year on the evening of December 31, but also for the national holiday of July 14, for the Assumption on August 15, or even sometimes to celebrate a major sporting event… Fireworks have become legion. Impressive for young and old alike, we never tire of these light (and sound) shows which put glitter in our eyes at all ages. But, with our pets, it’s a different story.
Yes, dogs have hearing four times more developed than humans. They are able to hear sounds that we cannot, which means that very loud sounds are also much more intense to their ears. A fireworks display can therefore be a very painful, even terrifying moment for our four-legged friends: a real sensory attack that puts them in all sorts of states. Result: they run and hide under the table, under the armchair or under the bed, have their ears down and look scared. But there is a trick to gradually get them used to not panicking anymore.
Charles Steward, a dog trainer known as Bulldog Bob on social media, explained his technique in a video posted to Facebook. He recommends broadcasting YouTube videos of fireworks several weeks or months before so that dogs get used to them: first at low volume, then gradually louder and louder. “I thought I’d use my two dogs as an example to illustrate ways to overcome anxiety and fear of fireworks. You should start doing this several months before. Gradually build their confidence so that if they are outside peeing when fireworks go off, it doesn’t terrify them.” confides the British trainer.
The expert filmed his two bulldogs sleeping peacefully while fireworks were broadcast at very high volume and they seemed rather relaxed. He also claims that his method can be effective on young children, who are also subject to this fear: next to him, a baby barely a few months old is also watching the YouTube video on the sofa, without blinking.
