Whilst I love Autumn, the colours, playing in the crunchy leaves, cold crisp mornings I have to admit I am not a fan of fireworks! I can see the appeal of organised displays, getting all dressed up in your floofy hats and gloves and enjoying a magnificent spectacle but the random fireworks being set off in the neighbourhood for the weeks leading up to and after the 5th of November, I could really do without! Whether you have a new puppy and don't know what their reaction to fireworks will be, an old hound who trembles uncontrollably throughout the whole of November or anything in between, we've put together our top 15 super easy ways to get your dog through Firework Season.

Get prepared prior to November the 5th

• On the run up to bonfire night or New Year’s Eve play some firework noises in your house to acclimatise them to unusual noises in a controlled manner. Use treats to reward your dog for not reacting. If you have an extremely reactive dog acclimatising may do more harm than food, speak to your behaviourist about ideas on how to work with your dog reacting to fireworks before it's upon you

• Check your dogs microchip is up to date & ensure your garden is safe from escape opportunities - the fight / flight instinct in dogs is incredible when they find themselves under great pressure. When there are big displays on in your area, leave your dog's collar & tags on just incase they go manage to get out.

• Check local events to see when displays are happening, if you have neighbours who regularly have fireworks at home ask them when they’re planning to let them off so you have advance warning of potential issues

• If you know your dog reacts badly to fireworks through previous experience consider using plug in infusers like Pet Remedy or trying a thunder jacket - there’s lots to choose from on t’interweb

• Walk before dusk so you minimise the chances of being outside when fireworks are being set off - if you can, make sure your dogs gets an extra long walk so they want to relax in the evening

What to do with your dog when fireworks are being let off

• Try & make sure you are at home when you know fireworks will be happening, it’s obviously impossible to anticipate every eventuality but just being there will help your dog settle and not become distressed

• Draw the curtains and put on some music / the TV. A dog’s incredible hearing will still be able to hear the fireworks but the noise coming from inside your house may be enough to muffle the sound of the fireworks and distract your dog

• Make a den - make sure there’s a cosy spot your dog can go to if they want & don’t force them to do anything they don’t want

• Play some games (hide the treat, make your own treat dispensers from old plastic (washed out thoroughly) bottles that your dog has to push around to get to the treats etc)

• If your dog is up for it why not do some training inside or learn a new trick? Using lots of scrummy treat rewards will distract your dog from what's happening outside

Stressed dogs reacting to Fireworks

• Forgive your dog and do not punish them if they are destructive or have an accident inside, different dogs may react with different behaviours if stressed

• Make sure your dog has access to water, a stressed or anxious dog may pant more & can get very thirsty

• Do not force your dog to anything, if they want to hide then let them, if they want comfort & support that’s fine too - contrary to popular belief it’s absolutely fine to comfort your dog without any adverse effects. Ignoring your dogs fear may make the situation worse

• Ignore the noises and stay calm yourself. Dogs pick up so many cues from humans, let them know there’s nothing to be frightened of

One last thing to remember when dealing with your dog & Fireworks

REMEMBER REMEMBER the 5th of November - If you hear fireworks nearby please make sure you keep an eye out for discarded firework shells & packaging when you’re out walking next, even spent fireworks give out a very strong smell your dog may be interested in

We hope you and your doggles can get through firework season safely, if you'd like to celebrate your dog and show them how much they mean to you please check out our awesome Tail Wagging Pawtrait sessions - there will definitely be no signs of stress or fear only relaxed fun when you book a photoshoot with us!

PS - I have to share this outtake photo of Mash with you all, because it makes me laugh!!

When asking him to settle for a photo I always use very high value treats (it's how I got his eyes to look up by following the treat). the blanket drooped around his head giving him a very interesting hairstyle 😂😂😂