With the Fourth of July right around the corner, pet parents should be preparing for the big event. Fireworks and other explosives can easily frighten dogs and BBQ smells can entice dogs to steal an unsafe snack. Before the big day arrives, be sure to check your dog’s tags are legible and connected securely to your dog’s collar or harness. Also check that your microchip is still in place and that your contact information is up to date and accurate. 
On the day of the Fourth of July, thoroughly exercise, potty, and exhaust your pup long before the sun goes down and the festivities begin. Your goal should be to have a tired and content dog who is easier to soothe when the loud sounds inevitably begin. See our previous blog about “Canine Enrichment” to get ideas to wear out and entertain your dog.
Avoid any opportunities for your dog to spook or get away from you while you are walking them by avoiding the loudest parts of the festivities. Potty and exercise your dog earlier than you normally would. Do not take your dog to a fireworks show. There is a good chance that could go wrong in a number of ways.
As the sun is setting, get your dog into a comfortable location at home that you know is secure. This means windows and doors should be shut and the area should be free of any easy escape routes. Play loud music, or a loud movie to drown out the sounds of the fireworks as best you can. My dogs are familiar with action films and because they contain similar explosion sounds, I play them in my own home during fireworks.
Another option, if your dog is reacting to the fireworks, is to condition that sound with food like you would a clicker. By conditioning the sound the same way you would a clicker, you are teaching your dog that good things happen when firework sounds happen. Soon your dog will be looking to you for a snack each time they hear loud booms instead of barking or panicking. See our previous post “Clicker Training Your Dog” to refresh your memory of the process.
Everyone at “I Said Sit!” School for Dogs wishes you a festive and safe Independence Day! We hope to hear that these tips helped and if any major behavioral concerns arise, we can always help out via training. Please do not hesitate to reach out for support.
