Fire-fighting Fireworks

Bark Busters ask all dog owners to take great care of their pets around Bonfire Night and Halloween. Traditionally a time of celebration and fun, it can be quite a different story for our pets. Many dogs are literally sent in to a frenzy of terror when fireworks explode and if not properly supervised may put themselves or others in danger.

Some dogs will race off at the sight or sound of fireworks and may be in danger of being run over, others may lose control of their bodily functions, start to bark, howl or even show aggression. Halloween can also be scary for a dog when excited strangers arrive on the doorstep in masks and unusual costumes.

Dogs in the U.K. would no doubt welcome the same measures as are in place in Australia, where the sale and possession of fireworks is banned except to those with a pyrotechnician’s licence. Clearly to strictly regulate the sale and use of fireworks is a long-term solution, but there are things owners can do to make Bonfire Night less scary for our four-legged-friends.

Bark Busters suggest 

• Dogs should be given a small, dark space so they can run and hide when the ‘fun’ starts; letting your dog hide in a cupboard or under the bed if they choose is fine.
• Consider investing in a crate to be placed in a safe, quiet corner and insulating it with rubber-backed carpet to dull the loud bangs.
• It may help to cover your dog in a blanket if he is terrified
• Owners should get their dog into the habit of using a crate or being covered in a blanket well before bonfire night.
• Keep your dog away from the front door when children call wearing face masks and costumes, a dog’s behaviour when he sees a person in a mask can be unpredictable
• Remember to keep sweets and chocolates away from your dog

Dogs that react fearfully to fireworks will almost certainly be over-reacting in other areas and a lot can be done with sensible training to help them to settle down.

Bark Busters, the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United Kingdom in 1999. Since inception, over 400,000 dogs have been trained worldwide. With more than 230 offices in eight countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioural therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment, and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers a lifetime guarantee. Therapists will provide future sessions free of charge if problem behaviours recur, or if any new problems develop. For more information, call 0808 100 4071 or visit www.barkbusters.co.uk, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioural Quiz to rate their dogs’ behaviour.