When the 4th July comes round every year you need to take special consideration when caring for your Cocker Spaniel.
Fireworks really terrify many dogs. Once frightened by fireworks a dog can develop a lifetime fear response problem. Especially if you have a puppy that hasn't experienced the 4th of July noises you need to ensure they don't become frightened on their first time.
Here are some useful tips to calm the fears of an already fearful dog or a new puppy.
1. The need for you to be calm is perhaps the most crucial tip of all. When an owner is fearful or anxious a dog senses this and reacts with their own fear. You need to be as calm as possible. Don't make an unusual fuss of your dog just exhibit confidence and calm.
2. A tired and relaxed dog is less likely to be anxious. So tire them out with lots of exercise or vigorous play during the day.
3. Before fireworks start shut the windows, close the curtains and keep your dog inside for the night. Have a radio, television or put on some music and play them reasonably loudly. The dog will also be less stressed if you can stay and keep them company.
4. If you have a dog you only keep outside, make sure they are safely confined in the yard and preferably tied up. In case they escape be sure they have identification tags on their collar. Consider confining them in a garage or shed especially if this is their first 4th July experience.
5. Confine your dog to their most familiar rooms in the house. It's best not to let them have the run of the whole house. Let them have something familiar like their bed, a rug or a piece of clothing you have worn. Leave it unwashed so they can smell your scent on it.
6. For added distraction leave them with something they can chew or play with. The longer it will last the better. Your local pet store will have a wide variety of healthy dog chews and toys that hide treats inside.
7. If you can establish this "fireworks night" routine as early as you can before the 4th July. You will find the more familiar your dog becomes with it the less chance they will sense "something is about to happen". Once established you will find it useful to have a routine that will prevent your dog becoming fearful in other situations like a storm.
8. Some dogs will have such extreme fears that you feel are beyond you coping with. In these cases seek some medication from you vet to calm your dog. Another good option that works well is the Homeopathic Rescue Remedy.
One of the most important ways to enable your dog to be calm and confident is when they have no doubts that you are the one in charge. The only way they can have this confidence is through good training. A well trained dog is confident and not nervous or stressed by unusual situations. Instead a well trained dog looks to its owner for cues as to how to behave even when frightened. Good training makes caring for your Cocker Spaniel or any other dog so much easier especially on nights like the 4th July.
Fireworks really terrify many dogs. Once frightened by fireworks a dog can develop a lifetime fear response problem. Especially if you have a puppy that hasn't experienced the 4th of July noises you need to ensure they don't become frightened on their first time.
Here are some useful tips to calm the fears of an already fearful dog or a new puppy.
1. The need for you to be calm is perhaps the most crucial tip of all. When an owner is fearful or anxious a dog senses this and reacts with their own fear. You need to be as calm as possible. Don't make an unusual fuss of your dog just exhibit confidence and calm.
2. A tired and relaxed dog is less likely to be anxious. So tire them out with lots of exercise or vigorous play during the day.
3. Before fireworks start shut the windows, close the curtains and keep your dog inside for the night. Have a radio, television or put on some music and play them reasonably loudly. The dog will also be less stressed if you can stay and keep them company.
4. If you have a dog you only keep outside, make sure they are safely confined in the yard and preferably tied up. In case they escape be sure they have identification tags on their collar. Consider confining them in a garage or shed especially if this is their first 4th July experience.
5. Confine your dog to their most familiar rooms in the house. It's best not to let them have the run of the whole house. Let them have something familiar like their bed, a rug or a piece of clothing you have worn. Leave it unwashed so they can smell your scent on it.
6. For added distraction leave them with something they can chew or play with. The longer it will last the better. Your local pet store will have a wide variety of healthy dog chews and toys that hide treats inside.
7. If you can establish this "fireworks night" routine as early as you can before the 4th July. You will find the more familiar your dog becomes with it the less chance they will sense "something is about to happen". Once established you will find it useful to have a routine that will prevent your dog becoming fearful in other situations like a storm.
8. Some dogs will have such extreme fears that you feel are beyond you coping with. In these cases seek some medication from you vet to calm your dog. Another good option that works well is the Homeopathic Rescue Remedy.
One of the most important ways to enable your dog to be calm and confident is when they have no doubts that you are the one in charge. The only way they can have this confidence is through good training. A well trained dog is confident and not nervous or stressed by unusual situations. Instead a well trained dog looks to its owner for cues as to how to behave even when frightened. Good training makes caring for your Cocker Spaniel or any other dog so much easier especially on nights like the 4th July.
About the Author:
Good dog training stops dog behavior problems and takes away stress and fear from a dog. If you long for a confident easy to manage Cocker Spaniel or any other breed then visit this website for further information on dog care and training.
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