Going to let the experts check me out on this plan. I've decided to work with Molly on fireworks since this is the first dog I've had where fireworks are legal. There's going to be a lot of them around here this year since last year it was so dry the county was one huge tinderbox. Definitely not the case this year. We had 12 inches of rain not long ago.

By doing this myself I figure I can control how I introduce them instead of waiting for the neighbors to set off everything they have and hope for the best. I wanted to post last night but had trouble logging on to the forum so I've already started with some mild fireworks that don't make a lot of noise.

For the most part Molly is amazingly steady. We had a thunderstorm today with a small EF0 tornado that tore the roof off a barn. Half the roof ended up in the yard and Molly didn't flinch. She also went out with me after the storm and sat quietly while the fire department and everybody was working out by the road.

Here's the plan. I started last night with a few roman candles. Mostly fire balls and no loud pops. I had Molly tethered with a long line and lit the fireworks and then stood on the line after putting her into a "sit". The first time she jumped up and started backing away. I just held her in place by standing on the line and called her back into a sit then treated her for the sit. The next one she stood up but didn't back up so I treated her for that. The third one I set off she remained in the "sit" through the whole thing so I went crazy on the praise and treats.

Tomorrow, if we don't have another tornado (moderate risk for severe weather tomorrow), I'm going to try her out on some whistling rockets that make a screaming noise and pops. Same plan as before have her sit and light the fuse then stand on the lead and reward for the sit through the fireworks. On the following night I'm going to set off some mortar shells with loud bangs and sky flowers.

I really like the idea of you introducing her to this in a planned, controlled way.

If this were me and my dog, who is not exactly a man of steel, I'd probably do the very same thing but have my dog inside when I blew off the loud stuff for the first time. It'll still be loud and still be surprising, just a little less so than if she's outside. Plus, if she's inside then she'll only be dealing with the noise, and not the light show that goes along with it.

I'm no expert but that's what I'd do.

The only problem with keeping he inside is that I can't get back inside in time to give her a treat. Also it might be worse with her alone in the house because she looks to me a lot for how she reacts to things. The other day I had the air compressor running on the sidewalk when I let her out. She ran up to it then ran back to me. When I walked past it she decided it was harmless and ignores it now except when I blow some air on her. She thinks that's funny for some reason. She will run around the yard tucking her butt then come back for another blast of air. I always end up with nutty dogs.

this is pretty much how I got my dog used to loud noises, and fireworks. The only difference was there was someone else setting off the fireworks while I held the leash. I was able to tell the person when to set off the next one, though (my brother).
It seemed to work pretty well, she doesn't even move now for loud noises, just keeps looking at me for her reward
I'd keep going, and just watch the dog closely to make sure you arent overloading it. Any time the dog seems a bit too stressed, take a break and job around the block, then come back to it.

 Quote: Matt Wyrick

The only problem with keeping he inside is that I can't get back inside in time to give her a treat. Also it might be worse with her alone in the house because she looks to me a lot for how she reacts to things.

Matt, I will totally agree with you on this point.
Tucker was NEVER afraid of fireworks. Then one weekend I was out of the house on and evening that the neighbours decided to set off ALOT of firworks. When I came home that evening He was hiding under a small bedside table (not an easy feat for an 80lb dog) panting excessively. Without me there for guidance and some assurance (by that I mean being able to see that I was clam so there was nothing for him to worry about) he was a mess.
I didn't know what went until until the neighbours decided to do the same thing the next night. As soon as he heard the first POP he went right for the bedroom and under the table.
I was surprised how quickly he had escalated into fearing the sound when before they didn't bother him at all.
It has taken us a few time's outside with a lead FAR away from fireworks and gradual re-introducing him to them but he's still not perfect around them. I have now asked the neighbours if they could let me know when they are going to be setting off fireworks ahead of time if they can so i can make appropriate arrangements.

Wendy

I agree with not leaving her inside alone...oh no. Not a good idea and my apologies if I left that impression. For some reason I thought someone else was there so you could be inside with her while they were outside blowing off fireworks.

It sounds like Molly is a pretty steady girl, what with air compressors, thunderstorms, and roofs landing in the yard. That's half the battle right there.

She could give my dog a few lessons :wink:

I have been really blessed. All of the neighbors in the surrounding area seem unable to contain their enthusiasm for the independance of this great nation, and have been letting off fireworks in increasing amounts for the past week or so.

We usually take the pup out for her last potty break around 10pm, and we'll stay out there for about 15-20 minutes to let her burn off any lingering energy.

So far, despite some loud fireworks that have made ME jump, she seems either mildly interested (looking up into the sky at the display), or completely oblivious.

 Quote: Sarah Morris

I agree with not leaving her inside alone...oh no. Not a good idea and my apologies if I left that impression. For some reason I thought someone else was there so you could be inside with her while they were outside blowing off fireworks.

It sounds like Molly is a pretty steady girl, what with air compressors, thunderstorms, and roofs landing in the yard. That's half the battle right there.

She could give my dog a few lessons :wink:

Actually it was a good idea to separate the noise and flash. I just set off some in daylight. Molly was excited when I took the fireworks out of the bag. I guess she knew she was going outside. Her favorite activity is going outside to play. I put on the remote collar, picked up the treat bag, longline and fireworks and she was running back and forth from me to the door.

Today she sat through the fireworks without a problem. I set off the screaming rockets and a few mortar shells and all she did was watch. She also had her first bath. She loves to play in the hose so I let her do that and petted her with some shampoo then let her run through the hose until it was rinsed with lots of treats throughout the process. When she matures we will work on more sedate stand still baths. For now I just want to make it fun and I had to get some medicated shampoo on her for flea allergy. I'm using Advantage but one flea bite sets off the dermatitis. She's got all the hair on the back of her legs pulled out.

After the fireworks and bath we watched the nightly thunderstorm come in and played with the Frisbee. Haven't taught her to jump yet she just runs after it and catches it when it's near the ground. Getting really good at that though. She should sleep like a rock tonight.

I don't know if she's that steady or just that she's so submissive she takes all her cues from me on what to be afraid of or not. I've never had such a submissive dog before. Last dog I raised was a very headstrong, independent and dominant GSD. I actually selected her for protection but that plan got vetoed by my parents. They didn't like the idea of an attack trained dog when my mom ran a baby sitting service.

Well, other than doing a trial of grenades, cannon fire, and bombs...sounds like she's good to go. Good job, Matt!

I give baths several times a week for allergies and any reluctance to stand lathered up for 10 minutes is overcome with hotdogs. My dog would happily spend his day in the bathtub for a hotdog.

Seems fireworks are not an issue. Let off everything I had (gonna get more for the 4th) mortars, rockets, fountains and firecrackers off leash and with some neighbors enthusiastically joining in half a mile away. She seems to enjoy fireworks now. She even ran to the fence when the neighbors set off theirs to have a look. Next year we'll go to a big public fireworks display with lots of people and other dogs. She even got exposed to a couple bicycles and a neighbor's 10 y/o child. She behaved like a perfect little lady.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and support.