01/11/2026
🎆 LET'S TALK FIREWORKS... 🎆
This seems to be a particularly hot topic at this time of year, and one that often sparks some pretty heated debates.
But there's something I find incredibly upsetting around fireworks season, and that's the lack of understanding, consideration and empathy shown towards others. Not just animals, but people too who struggle with the noise.
Now, before anyone jumps to conclusions, I'm certainly not against fireworks!
Growing up, I absolutely loved Bonfire Night. We spent evenings with family, enjoying incredible firework displays, food, laughter and making some wonderful memories. I have no issue with people wanting to enjoy those experiences.
But there's one big difference between then and now.
Years ago, Bonfire Night generally meant a night of celebrations. It didn't seem to go on for weeks or even months, with fireworks being set off at all hours of the day and night. And let's not forget how much fireworks themselves have changed. Nowadays, it sometimes feels like the louder the better!
And this is where I believe we need to start having a conversation.
I've spent years working on desensitisation and preparing my own dogs for fireworks. From the moment a new dog comes into my home, I put foundations in place to help them cope with different sounds and experiences.
For years, I never had an issue with fireworks.
Then, a few years ago, on a lovely light summer's evening, I was out walking Wade Wilson when somebody unexpectedly let off a firework.
That one experience changed things for him.
Since then, Wade has developed an incredibly distressing fear of fireworks, and the impact has been heartbreaking to watch.
We've had to dedicate so much time, effort and support to helping him. A dog who was once incredibly confident now spends months of the year struggling with anxiety.
He barks, cries, becomes stressed and finds it incredibly difficult to cope.
And do you know what? Sometimes it leaves me feeling like a complete failure because, despite everything I know, everything I've put in place and all the work we've done, I simply cannot take that fear away from him.
We continue to work with him, support him and do everything we can to make things easier.
But as Wade gets older and begins to experience health issues, including arthritis, we've noticed another increase in his sensitivity.
Pain can have a significant impact on how dogs process and respond to their environment. It can lower their tolerance levels and contribute to increased noise sensitivity.
So this isn't simply a case of an owner not putting the work in, not training their dog or not preparing properly.
Sometimes, despite our very best efforts, things happen that have a lasting impact.
So, what is the point of this post?
It's simple.
If you're someone who enjoys fireworks, that's absolutely fine. Enjoy them, make memories and celebrate.
But please, if you're someone who thinks it's acceptable to mock, ridicule or make fun of owners and people who express concerns about fireworks, take a moment to think.
Many of us have spent years working with our dogs. We've invested time, money, training, professional support and countless hours trying to help them feel safe.
We aren't asking you to stop having fun.
Some of us would absolutely love to be out enjoying Bonfire Night with our families too. Instead, we're staying home, managing the environment, providing reassurance and supporting animals who are genuinely frightened.
And it's not just dogs. Cats, horses, livestock, wildlife and even people with sensory sensitivities, PTSD, anxiety and other difficulties can be significantly affected.
A little consideration can go a long way.
❤️ If you're planning a fireworks display:
Give your neighbours advance notice where possible, particularly if you know they have animals.
Let people know roughly what time fireworks will start and finish.
Try to keep displays to reasonable hours rather than setting fireworks off throughout the night.
Consider quieter fireworks where possible.
Remember that unexpected fireworks can be particularly distressing for animals and people who struggle with sudden loud noises.
We don't all experience the world in the same way, and what might be an enjoyable evening for one person can be an incredibly stressful experience for another.
It's not about taking away people's enjoyment. It's about finding a little more understanding, compassion and consideration for those around us.
And to anyone currently struggling with a noise-sensitive dog, please know you're not alone. You're not a failure, and your dog isn't being difficult on purpose.
Sometimes, the very best thing we can do is simply be there for them.
Amy ❤️ Ultimutt Dog Training
