Cumming, Georgia – With the excitement and festivities that happen on and around Independence Day, Bruce Edwards, Master Dog Trainer and owner of Home Dog Training would like to provide helpful tips for the estimated 43 million dog owners in the United States on how to keep their dogs safe and calm during July 4th festivities.
“Independence Day festivities are a lot of fun for people, but the loud noises and bright flashes can be very scary for dogs,” said Edwards. “The explosions, strange voices and visual stimulation can make dogs fearful, anxious, and confused.”
“Many animal shelters state that the July 4th holiday brings record numbers of lost dogs to their organizations,” Edwards continued. “These dogs have been frightened and have become disoriented by fireworks. If we can be aware of these issues and plan ahead, we can make sure that our dogs are as safe and comfortable as possible during the holiday.”
Edwards provides the following important suggestions for dog owners to prepare for Independence Day:
- Leave your dog at home if you are going to a park or city center to watch the fireworks. He will be far safer and more comfortable in a familiar environment.
- Do not leave your dog in the car if you go out. A partially opened window does not supply enough fresh air. Since the window is partially open, it provides the opportunity for your dog to be stolen.
- Make sure you have appropriate and accurate identification securely fastened to your dog’s collar in case he gets away from home. If you haven’t already done so, microchip in your dog, and make sure that your vet clinic and animal shelter have your correct contact information in their database. You may also think about a GPS collar for him.
- Don’t have your dog outside during the fireworks. If it is not possible to bring him in the house, cover his dog house with a blanket to minimize the traumatic flashes and sounds of the fireworks. Your dog’s hearing is far more sensitive than ours. What we think is a whisper is a scream to our dog.
- Make a special den-like area in your home where you can take your dog and allow him to feel safe and secure. This will enhance the ability to make sure he will be calm and properly focused during the fireworks.
- Dogs are many times destructive when they become frightened. If you don’t use a crate, remove any items in the room which your dog could could break or chew.
- Don’t allow your dog near the front and back doors. Your dog may be under significant stress and could easily run out the doors if they are opened; even for just a moment.
- Close the windows and pull the curtains to reduce noise and bright flashes.
- Click on a TV or radio at normal volume to distract your dog from loud noises and help him to relax.
- Have someone be with your dog during the fireworks. That person can have the dog focus on them when the loud noises are going on.
- I great idea would be to hire a dpg sitter to stay with your dog while you are away from home.
“July 4 is a time for fun and festivities,” Edwards said. “By enacting these precautions, you and your dog can have a safe and happy holiday experience.”
For more information, please contact us at Call Bruce and Robin.
Cumming, Georgia – With the excitement and festivities that happen on and around Independence Day, Bruce Edwards, Master Dog Trainer and owner of Home Dog Training would like to provide helpful tips for the estimated 43 million dog owners in the United States on how to keep their dogs safe and calm during July 4th festivities.
“Independence Day festivities are a lot of fun for people, but the loud noises and bright flashes can be very scary for dogs,” said Edwards. “The explosions, strange voices and visual stimulation can make dogs fearful, anxious, and confused.”
“Many animal shelters state that the July 4th holiday brings record numbers of lost dogs to their organizations,” Edwards continued. “These dogs have been frightened and have become disoriented by fireworks. If we can be aware of these issues and plan ahead, we can make sure that our dogs are as safe and comfortable as possible during the holiday.”
Edwards provides the following important suggestions for dog owners to prepare for Independence Day:
- Leave your dog at home if you are going to a park or city center to watch the fireworks. He will be far safer and more comfortable in a familiar environment.
- Do not leave your dog in the car if you go out. A partially opened window does not supply enough fresh air. Since the window is partially open, it provides the opportunity for your dog to be stolen.
- Make sure you have appropriate and accurate identification securely fastened to your dog’s collar in case he gets away from home. If you haven’t already done so, microchip in your dog, and make sure that your vet clinic and animal shelter have your correct contact information in their database. You may also think about a GPS collar for him.
- Don’t have your dog outside during the fireworks. If it is not possible to bring him in the house, cover his dog house with a blanket to minimize the traumatic flashes and sounds of the fireworks. Your dog’s hearing is far more sensitive than ours. What we think is a whisper is a scream to our dog.
- Make a special den-like area in your home where you can take your dog and allow him to feel safe and secure. This will enhance the ability to make sure he will be calm and properly focused during the fireworks.
- Dogs are many times destructive when they become frightened. If you don’t use a crate, remove any items in the room which your dog could could break or chew.
- Don’t allow your dog near the front and back doors. Your dog may be under significant stress and could easily run out the doors if they are opened; even for just a moment.
- Close the windows and pull the curtains to reduce noise and bright flashes.
- Click on a TV or radio at normal volume to distract your dog from loud noises and help him to relax.
- Have someone be with your dog during the fireworks. That person can have the dog focus on them when the loud noises are going on.
- I great idea would be to hire a dpg sitter to stay with your dog while you are away from home.
“July 4 is a time for fun and festivities,” Edwards said. “By enacting these precautions, you and your dog can have a safe and happy holiday experience.”
For more information, please contact us at Call Bruce and Robin.
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