July 2008

Greetings,

More pets are lost on the 4th of July than any other day. I encourage you to take your dog's safety seriously. Keep a keen eye on your dog during the commotion, and make sure your dog is wearing proper identification. It is natural for dogs to be afraid of loud noises. The sounds trigger their nervous system, and they can become nervous, afraid, unsure, or shy. Running away from the noise is a survival mechanism.

The best way to prevent this is to condition your dog to be comfortable with the sound of fireworks at least 3 to 4 months in advance. It's a simple process, but it takes time. Whether or not you have prepared in advance, it is a good idea to take your dog on a very long walk before the celebration. If you normally take your dog out for thirty minutes, go for two hours instead. You want your dog to be completely exhausted; this way his brain will be so tired that he won't even hear the fireworks! During the festivities, keep your dog on a leash to give you more control. For more tips on how to help your dog cope with the stress of fireworks, click here.

Remember, maintain calm and assertive energy. Don't feel sorry or frustrated. Don't blame the fireworks or the people setting them off. These negative emotions will just feed your dog's anxiety; it won't help the situation. If you learn that your dog is afraid of fireworks this 4th of July, start working now to condition him for next year. Don't wait until the last minute to do something about it, and next year the 4th of July will be a walk in the park!

Stay calm and assertive,

Cesar Millan