Dakota made it through another year of fire works.

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Well Dakota can put another year of scary fire works behind her.At least this year she didnt pee all over herself.I can see and hear the fire works from my house so we watch them from my front door.Ozzy was never scared of anything.But Dakota hates any loud noises.She gets really scared.This year i tried holding her outside with me so we could watch them together.exposure therapy but it didnt work.I left the front door open and she squirmed out of my arms and ran into the house and hid under a table.I checked for pee and thankfully she didnt pee anywhere or on me.Other than loud noises she isnt scared of anything or anyone and is very outgoing.So it could be a lot worse.I just wanted her to enjoy the fireworks with me this year.Im sure others on here have doodles that are scared of fireworks,ect,ect?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jack is fine with fireworks, but I've had dogs who were terribly frightened by them, to the point of needing tranquilizers for a few days before and after the 4th of July.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Roberta, the link I posted below has some good tips on how to help Bailey with this.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Some good tips on how to help dogs with fears of thunderstorms, fireworks, etc:  http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/fear_thunder_loud_no...

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I agree to hold them tight, sit calmly with them, stay with them, watch TV, give a bone or distraction. Sure, they say no Over reassurance , but by all means, hang out with them and provide comfort and saftey.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The standard advice for most fear issues is not to tell them "It's okay" or comfort them, because you are reinforcing the behavior: "I act scared and I get praise, pets, etc."  I had to learn this with JD when I first got him, too.

But I think that when a dog is truly terrified and comes to you because it makes her feel safer to be near you, that's a different thing. I would just not speak in a cooing baby voice and say things like "It's okay". Try just being matter of fact so she sees that you are in control and nothing bad is going to happen to her.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I disagree with a lot of the advice of no petting. Touch is a magical thing. Touch can be very calming. If YOU are calm I see no reason and no proof the 'ignoring practice'works.
Of all the expert's advice I hate this one the most.
In many situations, with owners who are Drama Queens, yes, this is good advice. But no petting- that's just plan doodle poop.
Dogs look to us for safety and guidance and I think we should be just that. Human touch is much better than under a bed or curled up to a table leg. If they come to you for reassurance- give it to them. Calm, is the key in this situation. Ingnoring is cruel. IMHO

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'll tell you, the " No "It's okay" stuff worked wonders for JD's fear issues. Not ignoring him....I was never told to do that. But making light of it, yes. Speaking in a matter of fact voice, brushing it off as nothing, moving confidently, not coddling them.

Another thing that took me all these years to learn is that laughing at them often helps. Dogs don't object to being laughed at the way humans do, it doesn't hurt their feelings or make them feel foolish. In fact, they will usually wag their tails, because nothing tells a dog that you are feeling very confident and there is nothing to worry about than to hear you laugh. And it's impossible for you to convey worry or tension when you're laughing. So instead of, "It's okay" and a hug, a big laugh, an "aren't you a silly doodle!" and a casual pat is often a better response. For JD and me, at least.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

You know that's what I meant. Most if these articles act like you should walk away and leave them, similar to leaving a scared toddler in their bed to cry themselves to sleep ( also a bag of burning doodle poop). With a child, which these dogs mainly are, you read a bed time story and enjoy a small chat, and calmly make it a peaceful experiance. Most of the dog articles being read by many first experianing this situation are being interpreted to totally ignore. I think the point is lost. No Drama, nothing New approach is best. Petting your dog and hanging out with them is just fine.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

We watched fireworks from our balcony Thursday - the bridge crossing from Canada to the US had its 50 year anniversary. We were far enough away to be barely able the hear them (about 2 kms). Cooper came outside with us and fell asleep.

Last night we went to the river boardwalk to watch the Canada Day fireworks with friends and their kids (3 and 1). They asked where Cooper was. it honestly didnt occur to me to take her, though I usually take her wherever i can. there were lots of other dogs there (all well behaved from what i saw). We hung out for about an hour and a half before the fireworks and i began to wish we had taken Cooper. She would be tired by that time of night (shes usually asleep by 9) so wouldnt have been too excited to be there hopefully.

But once the fireworks started - they were loud. I dont think Cooper would be scared (she can sleep through a huge thunder storm) but it would have been exceptionally loud for her and I wonder if it would hurt her ears.

When we got home, houses nearby were having their own fireworks (not illegal, but you do have to get a free permit from the government after answering some safety questions) and Cooper totally ignored them, but thery were nowhere as loud as the professional ones

We are going to the boardwalk on Wednesday to see the Independence Day fireworks - id love to take Cooper, the group exposure would be great, but I think it would be too loud for her.

I missed her though :(

On a side note - the family in front of us packed up halfway through the fireworks (after waiting an hour and a half) so they wouldnt get stuck in the traffic- i dont get it! why bother going if your not going to stay to watch it

And it really gets to me - why do people have to leave their garbage? grrrrrr

[Janice Hammond]

Sadie could care less about fireworks or thunder and lightening.She will sit and watch the fireworks with us.

 

Happy 4th to all of my American friends.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

When Peri gets really anxious or worried, I put her in her crate. She always calms down in there.  Good luck to you all on this 4th of July.  Luckily my two don't get too upset by those noises.