Your Lab & Fireworks Night..A Few Helpful Tips

bradleysmum

Hi,

As fireworks night is approaching, (and indeed the whole fireworks 'week') i've been thinking about how our labs will react to all the noise, especially if they're young pup's and haven't heard fireworks yet. Perhaps some of the experienced lab owners on the site could tell us some helpful tips on how to go about making sure our labs don't get scared by all the loud bangs..we would be very grateful - thanks.

P.S How do your lab's get on with fireworks night?

Have found a few tips in the meantime, everyone elses welcome of course. Wink

- The safest and kindest thing by far, is to leave your dog safely inside the house with a television or radio playing to drown out the noise.

- Close all windows and curtains.

- Exercise your dog during the day. & never walk your dog while fireworks are being let off.

- Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.

- NEVER shout at your dog if he is frightened as it will only make him more stressed. Ignore him if he paces or whines, if you reassure him he starts to think there is something wrong. Praise your dog when he is calm.

- Preparing a 'den' for your dog so it can feel comfortable, perhaps under a bed with some of your old clothes where it can hide when the fireworks start.

- Trying not to leave your dog alone during such potentially upsetting events.

Labdad · Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 12:54 pm Post subject:

If you have a younger pup, try playing sound effects records/CDs/DVDs starting at a low level and over time,increase the volume. Trains, planes, gun fire, trucks and tools sounds. Could also take your Lab to hunt trials and shooting clubs to watch. First from a very long distance then gradually closer. This is called desensitisation. Check with your vet for more information.

Found some links. Some contain a nugget others are a motherlode, all are worth at least a look. Some lead to sites with information on other topics:

http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathNES/environment/animalsandpests/Dogs/DogsandFireworks.htm

http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/index.php?id=2056

http://beardie.net/hobo/advice/fireworks.htm

http://www.overthegardengate.net/forums/treplies.asp?message=9155&all=True

http://www.ispca.ie/ behaviour/fireworks.html

http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/output/2003/11/04/story5318039t0.shtm

http://www .paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_HolidayFireworks.html

http://w ww.giveusahome.co.uk/articles/firework.htm

HTH

Have a safe Holiday

Lab Dad

ladyj · Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 5:57 pm Post subject: re: your lab and fireworks

i have two 7 year old bitches both luckily totally oblivious to fireworks infact the only reaction i get particularly from my black lab is indignation at being woken up! it must be difficult if you do have a dog who is frightened i think all you can do is keep everything very calm and try to keep the dog quiet and give lots of love and reassurance

kanesdad · Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2004 6:46 pm Post subject:

[quote:21c4848e72]P.S How do your lab's get on with fireworks night?
[/quote:21c4848e72]

This will be Kane's first fireworks night but I don't think he is going to cope too well with the noise.

Alfie our previous lab never seemed bothered by noise & took everything in his element & Kane who has not been brought up any different seems to be a bit more wary of noise. WE don't shield hm from it but he seems very jumpy when a big truck goes by, a train or someone goes past the gate & he can't see them!

I think we will be making sure he has done all his business nice & early, keep the windows closed (Probably will be any way with the UK weather) & watch a film & act normally (as normal as possible Shocked

)

I think some labs are more nervous about noise than others. Saying all that he may surprise me, he does nearly everyday Cool

bradleysmum · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 9:55 am Post subject:

Sounds like a good plan of action you have ready there Kanesdad, i hope it all goes well with little Kane for you.

The problem these days is that fireworks night, doesn't tend to be fireworks 'night' does it, people start having fireworks a week before up until a week after, which makes us all jumpy! Just when we think fireworks night is over, bang- a few days down the line during Corrie, of they start again! lol.

I'm hoping we will be ok with Bradley, when he was very young we were up in the Pyrenees, and they had a firework display not far from where out motorhome was parked, it went on for ages, and Brad didn't seem bothered by it at all, which is good.

Anyway, hope you all have a cosy night in,
Bye for now

Bradleysmum occasion9

loz · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 11:39 am Post subject:

Hi, I too am a bit worried about fireworks night but I'll follow that advice as it's extremely helpful so thanks! Smile

I've been told that Labradors do tend to cope better with the exposions of bonfire night as they are used as gun dogs but I've yet to experience this time of year with Troy yet so I hope he manages! Smile

bradleysmum · Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 11:28 am Post subject:

Hi Loz,

I'm glad you found the information useful, let us know how you get on with Troy. Wink

Regards

Julie

NicolaL · Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 9:04 pm Post subject: Fireworks

We got Smudge yesterday and when I was just bringing him in last night a firework went off in the garden behind us, lighting up the sky and making a huge bang - but it didn't bother him! Probably un-nerved me more! lol!

There were quite a few fireworks around this area last night and they didn't seem to bother him at all. We followed the advice in our puppy book and just ignored them so hopefully that helped - though again, he just didn't seem bothered at all!

Our family dog, a gorgeous Mongrel called Ben, was absolutely terrified of fireworks. He would run around barking and also went upstairs and wet one of the beds once. He also used to shake which was upsetting for all concerned. As we only had him from 2 years old, and he had an unknown history, we can't account for this deep-seated fear that he had.

Sending best wishes to all dog owners at this difficult time,
Nicola.

bradleysmum · Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 7:32 pm Post subject:

Thx Nicola,

Am glad Smudge is doing ok with the fireworks, must be a relief for you after Ben being so upset by them.

We've been invited to a fireworks party on wednesday, but after hearing so many fireworks recently all over the place...i might be inclined to say no thanks Embarassed

bye for now

kayc · Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 12:50 am Post subject:

Can I just say that Labradors by their very nature should be bombproof. They are a gundog breed and can be trained quite easily. The noise of fireworks are way down the decibel scale to the sound of several shotguns just feet away from Labradors in the field. Unfortunately I am very new to this site,so not sure of people reactions to this, but will say that when a lot of new ownersdo get a new labrador puppy, they tend to tiptoe around it and make everything very peaceful and quiet, just because it is a baby. Honestly though, you are doing it no favours. All my labs will sit and watch fireworks and never flinch at a sound, my 8 week old puppy was taken outside to listen to the noise, curled up in my arms for protection and comfort, she stiffened when hearing the noise but reassurance and cuddles and soothing words she relaxed in my arms and was mesmerised by the sky being lit up. The bangs went un-noticed.
Kay