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TREATMENT OF FIREWORK FEARS IN DOGS

How is this problem treated?

It has been found that the best approach to this problem is to treat the dog by systematic desensitisation and counter-conditioning.  Information sheets are available explaining these techniques.

When is the best time to start  treatment?

This should be done at a time of year when fireworks are not likely to be used so that you have control over the situation.

How do I start this systematic desensitisation and counter-conditioning programme?

The dog is trained to sit and relax on command with gentle re-assuring tones.  A good walk or exercise first will make relaxation easier.  When this has become established the training can be tested in the face of some distraction.  Remember to always reward the dog when the task is successfully accomplished.  Soothing praise is the best reward.  Once sitting and relaxation has been achieved the training should be tested in the face of some distraction.

How do I organise the distraction?

Once you have your dog sitting and obviously relaxed and this has been repeated several times, try simple distractions such as having another member of the family approach or even another pet if available.  Once you are confident that your dog will remain sitting then desensitisation may begin.

How do I organise desensitisation?

Either a variety of recordings of the noise or a cap gun can be used, either of which must have been shown previously to have resulted in the fear responseIt is important to start off with a noise at a volume that does not elicit any distress. The starting sound sometimes may be barely audible.  In most cases it is easier to use pre-recorded CDs, which are specifically produced for use in desensitisation and counterconditioning programmes than to produce one off recordings within the home but there are situations where tailor made recordings are necessary to achieve maximum effect.  Pre-recorded discs are available from www.soundsscary.com

Before introducing the noise stimulus you should put your dog on the relax command and then employ another member of the family or assistant to praise and reassure it for staying calm.  If the correct response is not achieved, the behaviour should be ignored and then go back several steps until you are sure that your assistant is able to achieve a sit and relax which is the first part of the programme.

Initiate the stimulus at the lowest volume possible.  If there is a reaction the behaviour should be ignored until your pet is settled after which it can again be given a treat  Then, once settled, try again to distract the dog at the same time with a much lower volume of the stimulus.

For how long do I repeat this part of the programme?

It is important that you do not overdo it.   After every few bangs give a special treat, play with the dog or initiate some particularly pleasurable activity.  Make this the end of your first session.  It is important you always end a session on a high note with a good response, even if that means turning the volume right down again.

When do I restart training?

This depends very much on the individual dog.  It can be as short a time as an hour or as long as the next day.  It is important, however, not to leave too long a gap between training sessions.

What happens in the new session?

The new session is started with the same level of noise but this is soon increased slightly, bearing in mind that it is important not to go beyond the point when your dog may notice the sound and react.  If this happens it is important to go back several steps and start with the noise at a much lower volume.

Keep repeating the process, increasing the volume only slightly each time.

What should I expect?

It is important not to expect too much, too soon.   As a general rule you should not try to do more than three or four sessions in a block.

How long will this training programme take?

You have to accept from the outset that the programme will take days if not weeks or even months but eventually your dog should remain relaxed at full intensity noises.  Once you have reached this point it is important to reinforce the good response on an occasional basis.

How often do I have to do this revision programme?

Initially it has to be quite frequently but with time this can be less often.  Reinforcements should be done shortly before the festive season.   Do not expect your dog to remember everything until the next big party!

What should I do if I don’t appear to be making any progress?

If you seem to be having any problems, consult us for further advice or help.  Sometimes sound sensitivity may be associated with both medical and more general psychological problems.

What happens if I haven’t managed to get my dog trained in time?

This is not an uncommon problem and we have prepared a fact sheet for just such a situation.