Starting ahead of time, play a cd such as those at www.soundtherapy4pets.co.uk or you can download their discs from iTunes.  Start with the volume really low and increase it gradually – full instructions are contained on each cd, of which there several:

•          Sounds Scary for fireworks, thunder and gunshot
•          Sounds Soothing for the arrival of a new baby
•          Sounds Sociable for desensitising puppies to the sounds of life
•          Sounds Speedy for dogs that are frightened of traffic

During the noisy times, particularly if you live near to where scary noises are prevalent, take your dog for a good long walk in the afternoon and then do about 10-15 minutes training with them before they have their evening meal – this will ensure that they’re both physically and mentally tired by the time the outside noises start.

Turn the television/radio up so that the noises outside are muffled, and act as though nothing different is happening.  If we touch/stroke a dog when they’re frightened or anxious, we actually support their anxiety as well as praising them for feeling that way!

Pet Remedy diffuser and/or spray can also help anxious dogs.  Plug in the diffuser a week or so ahead of an event, and use the spray around your dog’s bed or other area that they tend to frequent when anxious.  You can also spray your hands and/or clothing to help sooth your dog if he should come and sit near you … test a small area of clothing first before spraying it for the first time.  Available from www.petremedy.co.uk

If you buy fireworks yourself, store them outside in a shed and not in the house, as the smell of them may also cause your dog to become anxious.  Also, wash your hands well after touching a firework as your dog will be able to detect the scent and this may set off an episode of anxiety.

Other Natural Remedies

Skullcap & Valerian tablets  -  can be crushed up into food or water  www.viovet.co.uk

Valerian tincture  -  a liquid that can be dropped straight in to dog’s mouth  www.dorwest.com

Rescue Remedy  -  herbal help for humans that can also be used for dogs ... drop in to food or water

Bach Flowers  -  myriad remedies for all kinds of problems and can be used on dogs

Lavender Oil  -  can be used with or without a carrier oil and rubbed on to tummy to aid calm

Tranquility Gold  -  a mixture of herbs and honey etc., “to maintain a healthy and balanced nervous system and a calm outlook” http://www.hyperdrug.co.uk/Hilton-Herbs-Tranquility-Gold-for-dogs/productinfo/TRANQUILG/ available from Hyperdrug in Middleton-in-Teesdale

Signs of Stress in Dogs

Mouth pulled back at sides (grinning)

Licking lips                Sniffing the ground

Back legs shaking with back end lowered

Ears held back          Tongue flicks to nose

Scanning for danger/fleeing from noise

Yawning                    Sweaty feet/dandruff

TRAIN WITH PATIENCE AND KINDNESS AND YOU WILL BE REWARDED MANY TIME OVER

Heather Stevens  MCFBA  -  Behaviour Consultant, Master Trainer, and Advanced Reiki Master 

(Oct 2014)