05/11/2026
If your dog is finding spots to hide from fireworks, dark corners, under desks, in a crate ...
If you haven't already, go and get a pillow, a blanket and a warm drink, and sit with them. Get comfy.
Not across the room, not elsewhere because a TV show is on.
Co-regulation and role modelling: Make sure you're feeling comfy and safe yourself. You can only give what you've got, and I know lots of people will be feeling into the anxiety from their dog. That's ok, but try not to get drawn into it.
I saw a post today from a wonderful lady who leaves work early to drive out to the middle of nowhere with her dogs, a picnic and a hot flask, to wait out the night. Fantastic idea.
The bit that hit me, was the word "inconvenience".
This was a big inconvenience. I'm not sure if that's true, or she said it because she thought she may get judged by people who would never make the effort.
I get it, it disrupts routines, maybe we miss a show, the floor isn't as comfy as the sofa, we'd rather be cooking and eating a family meal.
Our dogs ARE family. When they struggle we should be dropping the mundane, the routines, the extra comfort and making the time to physically and emotionally support them.
You can't reinforce fear. You absolutely can help them feel safer and more supported.
Years before I understood how effective co-regulation and role modelling are, I accidentally got this part right, and it's why when it was finally explained to me years later, I recognised my happy accident and know this is the best option for working with dogs.
My incidental event: when Kenna was 5 months old, we went camping for a long weekend and most of it involved thunderstorms. Big, close ones with torrential rain. I skipped the outings, and sat under a gazebo wearing a cloak, with a 5 month old Kenna wrapped up on my lap. I love thunderstorms, I felt safe, I enjoyed being there.
Kenna learnt that thunderstorms and loud noises like those, the air pressure changes - are safe, and this transferred to fireworks.
Tonight I'd left the door open, and she went.out and stood sniffing the air while fireworks went off nearby.
Odin: he's not quite as comfortable, but if we're ok, he' feeds off of us and he's ok.
It is much easier when this is a young dog who's not scared yet.
It's super hard when it's a dog that's terrified. I had one, a dog when I was a teenager who would p*e on the carpet, cower behind the armchair in the corner and we ended up medicating her each year.
I wanted to go and sit behind the chair with her, I was told not too - to leave her alone.
This is how many people respond to their dogs: they're in their chosen place, leave them to it....
Please sit with them. Take the time. Don't see them as an inconvenience. Make the time. It does make a difference.
Of course some dogs struggle so much they may avoid you. Find a distance they're ok with and sit there. It's not a rejection, it's not about you.
If you need help.in how to support a traumatised dog, how to meet them where they're at, recognise but not join their trauma. Please get in touch and start building that level of trusted relationship.where dogs can learn to accept support when they're struggling.
This applies to all worries & anxieties, not just fireworks.
It's ok to seek support in this, I genuinely know how hard it is, and how triggering it can be fur us to watch our dogs having a hard time.
Be kind to yourself ๐
