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What can I do for my Staffordshire Terrier that has chewed her way out of her dog run, required four adults to hold her down and broken loose from her collar and cable because of fireworks around the Fourth of July?
GGGoold
Dear GGGoold:
Fear of loud noises including fireworks, thunder and cars that backfire can cause dogs to seriously injure themselves or to pannick and run away. Dogs hear five times greater than we do and super loud noises can be terrifying. It is not a funny matter.
There are some things you can do to minimize your dog's reaction, including pre-conditioning. Get an audio tape of loud firecrackers and other noises. Bring your dog inside where there are fewer distractions and play the audio tape for a few minutes. Start the first day by playing the sound effects of fireworks including firecrackers so they are barely audible. Each day for as long as ten days or more, gradually increase the volume slightly, then increase it a little more the next day, and so on. During each session, be calm and reassuring while the noises play. Stroke your dog and say "Good girl." If a dog is frightened by thunder, the same technique should be used.
When the volume finally reaches loud, your dog should be able to tolerate the noise if you are there and reassuring. Don't prolong the audio play too long. It won't be necessary.
In addition to pre-conditioning, contact your vet about doggy ear plugs. They can help on July Fourth. And it is a very good idea to bring your dog inside on noisy holidays where sounds like firecrackers are diminished and where you can be with your dog and reassure her.
Uncle Matty
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