Hello, I'v got a 3 year old Australian Keplie, he's such a great dog, and has tons of drive.

He's got an issue with fireworks, the loud noises and bright colors scare him, when we are around them, he will either run back to my house, or try to hide himself like under my legs.

Any ideas how I can get him to ok with them?

He's terrified, he'll even start to quiver he's so scared.

any ideas?

p.s. I have yet to fire a gun, or blanks around him, I'm guessing I would get the same results as the fireworks.

thanks

Hi,

I have a similar problem with one of my older dogs. He's a nervy dog in general, but fireworks cause him to aboslutely lose his mind. The last time there were fireworks, we weren't anticipating them and weren't home - he emptied all our laundry baskets, peed on our clothes, and defecated in the bath tub 4 times. He now stays in his crate when we leave, whether or not we're expecting fireworks.

For him, the best thing we can do if we're home is distract him - a kong with peanut butter, training sessions, anything to get his mind on something else. In the event that we cannot be home and we are expecting fireworks, we give him Valerian root. I've had mixed results - ranging from no change to a relaxed but alert dog.

I've been practicing a similar routine with my ridgeback pup. There's a park near railroad tracks that are used frequently throughout the day, so when the train goes by, I distract Jenga with a game; a running game, a toy-chasing game - all on leash of course. With my older boy, we'd add some command practice too - as that's always been a confidence-booster for him.

I'm sure more members will offer additional advice.

Good luck!

Have you tried one of the herbal "be calm" stuff for dogs?? (not medication)

I am not sure your dog will ever get over that type of fear, but you can help him through it.

The only other thing is that if you know there are going to be things that scare him, you may be tensing up without even knowing it and that travels right down the lead and the dog will follow suit. If he gets nervous, do not "baby talk" to him at all. Take him away from the scary stuff far enough so that he relaxes a bit and do some obedience work, try and engage him in play or whatever.
You can gradually help a dog get over their fears by not forcing them to face it, but rather start from afar and move closer and closer.
You may be able to get something done in a day, a week or a year. The key is not to force the dog.

I once heard of a method that involved playing tapes of the "scary" sounds at an extremely low volume for a few minutes a day. Background noise, nothing the dog will react to. Then as time goes by and depending on how ready you think your dog is, take the volume up just one notch. Check for reaction. After another few days, up another notch, etc. You're supposed to be playing with the dog while the sounds are playing in the background.

I'm sorry Ted, I don't have specifics nor have I ever tried it so I don't know if it is something that would work for your dog. But it basically is a desensitizing method. I also don't know how loud you would actually play it as time progresses. In the house is not like outside, where the sound doesn't bounce off 4 walls so I wouldn't imagine you would ever take it to a very high volume. Just enough so the dog is familiar with the sound and has actual pleasurable experiences with it (such as the playing with a toy with you, or treats doing obedience).

Might be worth a shot. They sell CDs with various sounds on them...somewhere.

 Quote: sandy moore

I once heard of a method that involved playing tapes of the "scary" sounds at an extremely low volume for a few minutes a day. Background noise, nothing the dog will react to. Then as time goes by and depending on how ready you think your dog is, take the volume up just one notch. Check for reaction. After another few days, up another notch, etc. You're supposed to be playing with the dog while the sounds are playing in the background. ....

http://www.backfence.com/news/showPost.cfm?mycomm=BE&bid=3256

Oh yeah, I forgot about that. A friend of mine did that to de-sensitize her dogs to gunfire.

She went through a firearms class and the instructor told her how to do it and where to purchase the tapes.
I will email her and ask her where she got them......

 Quote: Carol Boche

Oh yeah, I forgot about that. A friend of mine did that to de-sensitize her dogs to gunfire.

She went through a firearms class and the instructor told her how to do it and where to purchase the tapes.
I will email her and ask her where she got them......

http://www.starfire-rapport.com/noiseshy.htm

Okay Connie.....your new nickname is Quick Draw McGraw...

But you still could use the herbal stuff to help if needed, right??

thank you so muhc,
I boggles my mind because a 18 wheels truck can speed 6 inches from his face, and he will not even move.

Thunder is no problem with him either.

I'll read the websites and do what I can.

thanks again! Best forum on the net

ted

 Quote: tedefthymiadis

I boggles my mind because a 18 wheels truck can speed 6 inches from his face, and he will not even move.

Okay Ted,

You had to know we would ask.....why is he allowed near speeding vehicles like that???? Or was it just a statement to give us an example??