Canine crisis

[Iota]

You have my sympathy.
We have had fireworks EVERY night for the last 2 weeks.She spends her time in our laps and has to be accompanied to the top of the garden at night...very cold

Iota

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ccscott49]

what a lovely dog! Boat trained aswell!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ColinW]

I don't think you can "cure" an older dog of this problem. You have to get them used to loud noises and unusual experiences at a VERY early age. From six or seven weeks, walk them along roads with very heavy traffic. Take them into town centres and onto trains and busses. Pop paper bags while they are eating their dinner and generally be a noisy nuisance to them. Pretty soon nothing bothers them. The downside is when the dog is dragging you out for a walk in a thunderstorm, scares the life out of me!



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Iota]

I used to take our Golden for walks and sit her near a bird scarer, me with ear defenders on and her wondering what all the fuss was about. 7 years ago today...Wife stationary waiting to turn right on the way to Southampton Airport to pick me up, dog in back of estate. A nice friendly chap in a golf hit her claimed 40 but his engine came off their mounts, the golf was under 18 months old.!!!!! Dog has been terrified of any loud noise since unless she is on the boat. If anyone has any ideas to overcome her fear they would be very gratefully received. We have tried all kinds of approaches. Tonight loud classical music will be played around the house.

Iota

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[plombier]

You could always try this <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.maylin.net/Fireworks.html>http://www.maylin.net/Fireworks.html</A> played on the computer so he may get used to the bangs.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[pragmatist]

Sadly I don't think there's a great deal you can do at short notice but I don't believe you have to have a dog at 6 weeks to make them OK with fireworks.

Our last boxer just loved fireworks and we have "trained" (moot word with boxers!) all ours to like loud noises. Games with balloons are a good one - when they get the balloon and burst it it proves success and is v noisy.

The real firework freak boxer actually went to bonfire parties and really enjoyed them - noisy rockets were her favourite (not sure everyone liked her barking). Current boxer hasn't got same sense of humour but tolerates firework displays and eventually does the canine equivalent of "well that's all a bit boring - can I go inside to get warm now ?"

Making noise fun is also important on the boat - we have had outbreaks of fear when the sails flap in a stiff breeze which I think is harder to cure than fireworks because it means you're all busy putting the main up or something similar and don't have much time to make it fun.

On a more practical note, and I know it's difficult if a dog is really traumatised, if you can distract a frightened dog with a game or something which takes their attention it can help.

Hope all those with scared doggies get through it all.

<hr width=100% size=1>a pragmatist is an optimist with a boat in the UK - but serious about not being in the UK !

 

[Colin_S]

He's about 6 or so. The kids would know but they're out with SWMBO at a firework party. I'm doggie sitting. Got 2 TV's on loud and dog's in his favourite corner hiding.
Another thing that scares him is diesel engines. When I take him for walks he doesn't bat an eyelid at cars unless one with a diesel engine comes past. If it's a biggun like a bus he tries to jump into the nearest front garden.

Had a look at ShipsWoofy's pic. Had the brightness turned down on the monitor and I thought it was something very different to a bit of copper pipe..........

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Ships_Cat]

<<<I thought it was something very different to a bit of copper pipe.......... >>>

My first reaction was likewise /forums/images/icons/smile.gif.

Good luck for any training for next year.

John



<hr width=100% size=1>I am the cat but I am only 6.

 

[milltech]

I regret that I think when you've got one, you've got one. We had a dachshund that was terrified and she would just try and dig a hole in your sweater and climb inside you, no amount of comfort did any good. The current two couldn't give a sh1t about it but I think it's just the luck of the draw.

Also, I thing you have a duty to stay with them, (sorry to say).

I thinkif some dead little seaside village with a hotel and a camp site announced themselves as being a firework free zone there would be a wholesale migration of campers, caravans and weekenders to them for a week in November. It could seriously extend their season. Yarmouth IOW please note, no charge for the idea.

<hr width=100% size=1>John
http://www.on-line-marine.com

 

[penfold]

our labrador is similarly bonkers, but weirdly doesn't mind the noise if he's outdoors. How that works I don't know.

Cheers,
David

<hr width=100% size=1>I? I am Kaptain Kaos, and this is my faithful companion, Kato. Say hello Kato! Been a cop long?