Think people shouldn’t have dogs

[Prawnsandwhich]

Just been to a local firework display. We have 2 dogs which aren’t bothered by them at all so we’re fine being left at home alone. We live in quiet a rural area also with quite elderly people so no chance of anyone letting them off near us anyway. At the local display I heard a dog crying looked to the right and a couple had brought their children and their dog to the display! The dog was clearly very distressed trying to pull away, yelping whenever one off. After about 5 minutes of them muttering to each other one of the couple left with the dog. I can’t believe some people would be so irresponsible and bring a dog to such a big display. Do people just not think?

Completely agree. Its stupid, and such people should not have dogs.

Mine isn't afraid as in shivering wreck. She will jump up and bark madly and her little heart beats ten to the dozen. I reckon she is scared but thinks if she barks they will go away. The most un cuddliest dog ever, she only cuddles on her terms and it's extremely rare then, but the past few days she's been quite happy to be heod.

If it was a new dog then I'd err on the side of caution not be stupid and take them outright, I'd use common sense. Sounds like they were more annoyed at having to leave than concerned about the dog, what nice owners they seem

I don't pretend to know much about training but it'd make sense if you were to do it, to do it at home where you are in control and the dog in a safe environment.

Also I'm sorry but I disagree with the whole argument of well they can't be left alone. Then surely you missed out, or hire a dogsitter or whatever. Yes ok little Timmy might be upset at missing out one year. Weigh child's disappointment against dog potentially being terrified and not knowing what's happening. It isn't fair is it, it's cruel. Fair enough if in that family the dog isn't a big priority. But if you aren't prepared to make some changes or plan in advance, why have them in the first place?

My dog is a (failed) gundog, and isnt bothered by bangs. I still wouldnt take her to a fireworks display, partly because she is a bloody DOG and doesnt care about fireworks, and partly because i dont want to scare her!

Dogs do not belong at firework displays, ever ever ever. Fuck them for doing that.

I think it is stupid and unnecessary to take a dog to a fireworl display - why on earth would youpets are a responsibility and sometimes that means you might not be able to attend something because you have to look after your dog.
My current dog is frightened of bangs, my last dog wasn't so bothered - but I'd never have taken her to a firework display - it is noise, bright flashing lights, lots of people and a risk than they may do stupid things (or be young and not understand it is not OK to wave sparklers around).

Some people may say their dog doesn;t mind firewroks - but do you honestly think your dog is happier at a firework display or at home ? I seriously doubt any dog actually 'enjoys' a firework display - some may be able to tolerate them to some extent, but given a choice I'd guess curled up in their basket at home would be favoured.
And if they don't like being left alone, then you stay with them - that's called looking after your dog.

So yes if you aren't prepared to put your desire to go to a firework display above your dog's wellbeing, them IMO you shouldn't have a dog.

You hear so many horror stories of dogs getting spooked by fireworks, slipping their lead and running off this time of year. Just leave them at home where it's safe.

Yup, my childhood dog ran away from me in the park when some idiot was letting off fireworks in the middle of the bloody day. I’m very glad he had tags on, unusual 30 years ago!

I took my dog to a display when she was young. We sat far away and she got cuddles and treats the whole time, now we have a dog that's not afraid of fireworks.

They weren't wrong for taking the dog. But leaving the dog sitting there freaking out was cruel.

You are meant to expose a young dog to as much as possible to make everything 'normal'. We took our young dog to a display a few years ago and she was absolutely fine. And yes, she would have been happier out with us than at home. Any sign of distress would have meant we would get in the car and go straight home. We now (fortunately, I know not all dogs can cope) have a dog that doesn't flinch with the noise.

Obviously if a dog is unhappy then it would be cruel to be there...(fireworks are boring anyway)...but it's easy to judge when you are not in that situation.

I have to agree with the last few posters. I have a 'bomb proof' dog because she's been exposed to everything since she was ten weeks old.

She comes to work with me in central London and since that age she's been going on buses, tubes and trains. She's used to crowds and masses of traffic and she doesn't jump when cars beep or backfire. She's scared of no normal London noise and it's bloody loud here!

Fireworks go off ALL the time in London - I'm always out with her

And she's much happier out with us anywhere than having to be left at home (which we very rarely do)

Personally I think people shouldn’t be allowed to have fireworks. Problem solved.

Either they are extremely dim and it didn't cross their minds that the dog would probably distressed or they knew but didn't care.

I have a dog whose terrified of fireworks. Last night he sat on my head when a Catherine wheel went off outside. I’m actually considering taking him somewhere he can see a display - there’s a hill near us where we could see one in the distance- to see if him seeing the lights from the noise helps him process what they are and manage better. I think it’s good to do so in a managed calm way. They gave the dog a chance to settle and then took him home. Maybe they were doing what they thought was best.

I've had a few dogs, and only one was afraid of fireworks.

Not all dogs are the same.

As it happened some ‘genius’ set off fireworks while we were out before dark and while he wasn’t a fan he does seem calmer about not being able to see the multitude going off now.