Training your Pyr

I used to love the 4th of July.  In addition to a national holiday, as a teacher it was a celebration of summer and restoration.  Family, friends, fireworks.  Sure, I had friends who said their dogs were scared of the sounds and didn't bring them to the picnics, but until Grace, I didn't really understand.  My older dog is completely unfazed by sounds.  Grace is literally terrified of fireworks.  While many dogs hide and seek comfort, she panics and goes into a frenzy of barking and panting.  She is inconsolable and I feel utterly helpless.  She is not alone...more dogs get lost from home on the 4th than on any other day of the year and potentially wind up at a shelter or worse.  So, plan ahead and help make sure everyone has a safe, fun holiday.

1.  Take dogs out to potty before bed earlier than usual, and on a leash to avoid any chance of panic and escape.

2.  Leave your pet at home.  They don't need to be part of the celebration if it is going to be frightening.

3.  Give them access to a safe space-a basement, bathroom, covered crate, or bedroom away from windows.

4.  Leave them with a high value reward like a bone, bulky stick, or frozen kong to help distract and calm.

5.  Play calming music, or even a louder action movie to help drown out the sounds.

6.  Try calming aids like a thundershirt or calming supplements.

7.  If you are home, remember that it is okay to console your dog when they are scared.  Helping them feel safe is not reinforcing their rear or anxiety based behavior.

8.  If you know your dog is very scared and can't settle with these supports, consider talking to your vet about medication to help.

9.  Consider a 4th of July camping trip to a park where fireworks are not allowed.

10.  If you have a puppy and don't know how they will respond, remember that first exposures are really important.  Set them up for success and calm so you aren't faced with a lifetime of fear.

Grace and Denali

Wishing everyone a peaceful celebration.  You can find Grace and I at a mountain retreat for a few days away from all the city sounds, enjoying a quieter, more reflective celebration of friendship, family, summer and national pride.

Natalie Wolf

Certified Dog Trainer

GPRS Adopter and Volunteer