04.11.2018

Dog Behaviour, Dog Training, Noise Aversion, Fire Works

If you have an anxious dog around Guy Fawkes, my first tip for this stage (so close to the day) would be, first and foremost, check your behaviour around these noisy monsters ;-)
Make sure you are not stressing about the loud noises outside and most certainly not cuddling/coddling your dog, thus actually praising and encouraging the nervous behaviour. As well, look at a Thunderband/Thundershirt- This is a type of material vest for your dog that is resting on pressure points. The idea being also, that a constant gentle ‘hug’ can calm an anxious pets nervous system (a hug is chemically rewarding). On a hot day you can soak the Thundershirt in water and put it on.
Use your dogs crate too, maybe covering with a blanket/sheet- (See previous post for further info.) The crate is a good place for a dog to feel secure (it is den like), Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Dogs Best Friend.