November Blog
🎆 November Blog: Helping Your Dog Stay Calm During Fireworks
👋 Welcome back to the monthly Train & Lead blog! Each month, we share simple, practical tips to help you build a better relationship with your dog — focusing on training through engagement, understanding, and trust. Let’s dive into this month’s topic!
🎇 Why Fireworks Can Be Scary for Dogs
Bonfire Night can be a real challenge for our four-legged friends. The loud bangs, flashes, and unfamiliar smells can trigger anxiety and confusion. Dogs don’t understand what’s happening — they just know something feels wrong. Even confident dogs can find fireworks stressful.
🧠 Step 1: Prepare Early
Start building calm associations a few weeks before fireworks season. Play gentle fireworks sounds at a low volume while your dog relaxes, eats, or plays. Gradually increase the volume over time, but only if your dog stays relaxed. This helps them learn that bangs don’t mean danger.
🏡 Step 2: Create a Safe Space
Set up a comfortable den or quiet corner in your home where your dog can retreat. Use blankets, their bed, and maybe a piece of your clothing for comfort. Keep curtains closed and the TV or radio on to soften the sound of fireworks outside.
🍖 Step 3: Reward Calm Behaviour
If your dog chooses to settle or relax while fireworks go off, quietly reward them. Don’t make a fuss or over-comfort, just calmly reinforce that being relaxed is good. Use high-value treats — chicken, sausage, or cheese work great.
🚶 Step 4: Walk Early, Stay Safe
Plan your walks before it gets dark. Fireworks often start around dusk, so head out early to avoid sudden bangs. Make sure your dog’s collar, harness, and lead are secure — fear can make even the best-trained dogs bolt.
💬 Step 5: Stay Calm Yourself
Dogs take their cues from us. If you’re tense, they’ll feel it. Stay calm, move naturally, and avoid overreacting to bangs. The more normal you act, the safer your dog feels.
💡 Bonus Tip: Try Scentwork or Engagement Games Indoors
Mental exercise can help your dog focus and relax. Try short scentwork sessions or simple engagement games during firework nights. Searching for food or toys uses their brain and keeps them busy in a positive way.
✅ Final thought:
🎯 Remember, fireworks season doesn’t last forever — but how you handle it can make a lasting difference for your dog. Patience, calmness, and positive reinforcement go a long way. With patience and planning, your dog can enjoy the season with less fear and more confidence.
Next month we’ll be talking about scent work - You’ll see how just ten minutes of sniffing and searching can work your dogs brain harder than any long walk. See you next month for more tips from Train & Lead!
Until then — stay consistent, stay calm, and keep training through connection.
— Sean 🐶
