Dog And Pyrotechnics. How To Prepare Your Pet For The New Year - Society

We are looking forward to the New Year - a favorite holiday. Ahead are meetings with friends and family, feasts and fun. But there are those who wait anxiously for these days. These are dog owners whose pets are afraid of pyrotechnics. A dog that panics from a firecracker explosion or from continuous volleys in the distance, when the walk turns into hell - this is not something you wish for anyone

Walking under cannonade

In many dogs, this problem occurs at the age of about a year or a little later - it is associated with the development of certain areas of the brain. Sound phobias are very difficult to treat, it is a long process, it requires a lot of consistency and systematic work. And it must start at least six months before the new year, that is, in the summer.

But the dog will feel bad now, very soon, and he needs to somehow help. Let's figure out what can be done. The most important thing is the competent organization of walks.

First of all, try to go out at a time when they are not yet shooting. Of course, we cannot control the behavior of those around us and the explosions of pyrotechnics around, but nevertheless, each area has its own time, which is the most dangerous in this sense.

Walk away from various companies - there is a high risk that they will launch rockets, throw firecrackers. Unfortunately, there are often cases when pyrotechnic shells fly under the paws of dogs

Try to make the walk long, main in the morning, and shorter in the evening. If possible, then go out in the morning and afternoon, and in the evening, when it's dark, - only "for peeing." Reducing walking time is not the best option, but it is much better than a dog panicking in fear. There are frequent cases when fear was generalized, that is, generalized. And if earlier the dog was afraid only of fireworks shots, then later it refused to walk in the dark at all.

Reliable ammunition

Use only anatomically correct, H-shaped harness for walking. It is difficult to wriggle out of it, and the dog, even if it is in a panic, will not strangle itself with a collar. Otherwise, you run the risk of treating the dog for damage to the trachea, and even the cervical spine. In addition, it is much easier to get out of the collar. And of course the dog must be on a leash.

Required attribute - address tag. This is one of the most important things that most owners neglect. And then the lost dogs run down the street, and the people who picked them up (if there are any) don't know where to look for their owners. A dog with an address tag can be returned to the owner literally within an hour or two, a dog without an address tag can be searched for a long time and not found. Are you willing to risk your pet simply because you didn't take care of such a little thing?

In no case should the address tag be hung on the ammunition to which the leash is attached. If the dog turns out, then the ammunition will remain in your hands along with the address tag. Therefore, a separate collar is needed, the main function of which is to attach an address tag.

Don't use tape measures - no one squeezes their handle tightly, preparing for unexpected jerks every second. Moreover, mitten gloves make it difficult to hold the tape measure tightly enough. One unexpected jerk - and your dog rushes in panic wherever they look, and behind it a roulette rumbling, adding fear. It ends in tears.

Even if your pet is calm about the sounds of pyrotechnics, do not neglect safety precautions. No one can predict how a dog will react to 30 shots in a row, for example.

Reducing stress

If you have a puppy, try not to walk at dangerous times - the unformed nervous system of the baby may not stand it. Sometimes it is better to skip an evening walk - let it go to the diaper at home, than then all your life will be difficult to solve problems of behavior.

If volleys of pyrotechnics caught you on the street, do not try to calm down the fearful dog. No need to say in an affectionate voice: "Why are you afraid, look, it's okay, everything is fine." Your words will not make it easier for a dog, but such words can only reinforce the appropriate behavioral reaction (run somewhere, torn on a leash)

What can be done? Gently press the dog to you with your hand, do not stroke, namely press a little, let him feel your warmth, your calm (very important - really calm) breathing. Your peace of mind is a guarantee that the dog has someone to lean on in a panic. And when both panic and "on the nerves" - the dog has no options to calm down.

In some cases, the reaction to the sounds of pyrotechnics is learned, that is, the owner, unwittingly, consolidated the unwanted reaction. Watch yourself - what happens to you when the volleys start? Are you tense, pulling on the leash, nervous? If any of the above is available, try focusing on your breathing - deep and calm.

Relax your back, chest, arms. Try to track your bodily reactions. After all, as soon as the dog feels your tension (and they feel it instantly), it is immediately transmitted to her. The same applies to the various words and "persuasion" described above.

If the dog does not panic, but already has some concerns about volleys, it can be switched to a toy or performing some active tasks. This will help take her to a safe place and not get a negative experience, that is, fear from the sounds of pyrotechnics.

Silence and predictability

At home, try to provide a very calm environment - less loud noises, a cozy place. Some dogs are afraid of volleys and at home. Then it is necessary to tightly close the windows in the dark, close the curtains so that no flashes of light can be seen.

If it is easier for your pet to experience fear in the bathroom, under the table, in the pantry, give him that opportunity. Equip a comfortable place there, no need to pull out and disturb the animal. But when the dog came out - praise and encourage food

Some dogs are helped by tight clothing on the body - then they feel more confident. There are special dog T-shirts, but you can make yourself from a children's T-shirt or other jersey. The main thing is that the clothes should slightly fit the dog.

A week before the "hot" period, do not start any global changes at home or in the family. We all love to have time to do everything before the holiday that we have not done in a year - and general cleaning, and rearrangements of furniture, and purchases. For the dog, constant changes will be additional stress.

Maximum calmness and predictability is your motto for the entire period. If you have guests at home and you know that this will make the dog nervous, overexcited - perhaps at some times it will be more comfortable for her to sit in a separate room.

Mind play, a supportive environment, and in some cases mild sedatives will help your dog get through a difficult period. Happy holidays to you and your favorites!