Page 3 | Worried to leave my dog

Itslikefloggingadeadhorse · 2024-12-31T21:19:19+00:00

Dd has got to the age now where she wants to see the fireworks on NYE We live a 5 minute drive from the beach, where we’d be able to see all the fireworks going off from nearby huge displays. They last around 10 minutes from after midnight. We’d be out of the house 25-30 minutes at most. But I hate the thought of leaving my dog at home alone. Usually when they go off she barks a lot and hides under the bed, she hates it, but at least i’m there to calm her and be with her. I hate the thought of her being scared and we’re not there. Dd is desperate to go, it’s an amazing sight on the cliffs of the beach What would you do?

BIossomtoes · 31/12/2024 22:06

Whatabouthow · 31/12/2024 22:04

This is mostly terrible advice. Yes, you want to desensitise your dog or new puppy to fireworks, but this is not how to do it. Uncontrolled exposure to bangs going off is how they get scared. Also comforting them isn't reinforcing the behaviour, it's allowing them to feel safe. The idea you're showing them it's something to be scared of is very outdated.

If you do want to desensitise them, find a video of fireworks on YouTube. Play it at whisper volume for ten seconds and then feed their meal. Make sure it finishes before they finish eating. They should show no obvious signs of hearing it - if they do, it's too loud. Over a few weeks gradually turn it up each meal time until it's WW3 and the dog doesn't care.

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Great advice. I wish I’d seen that when ours were little.

netflixfan · 31/12/2024 22:07

My funny 2 year old whippet watches the fireworks from the window he's not scared at all! We had a female whippet who was terrified of the fireworks, though She's dead now. However I wouldn't leave him it's just not worth the risk. If dogs are scared they can destroy things.

Original poster

Itslikefloggingadeadhorse · 31/12/2024 22:10

SnoopysHoose · 31/12/2024 22:01

I want to go to be part of it all so badly
of a 10 min firework display?
get a grip

Nice.

We’re abroad, our beach near the house will likely be deserted as it’s winter, but its close enough to the huge displays nearby, they are outstanding
My Dd hasn’t properly seen them. We can stand on the clifftops and look out over the sea
I don’t know, for some reason it means a lot at the moment, but no, I won’t leave her.
I suppose I was seeing if there were any suggestions that may work

OP posts:

Createausername1970 · 31/12/2024 22:11

Whatabouthow · 31/12/2024 22:04

This is mostly terrible advice. Yes, you want to desensitise your dog or new puppy to fireworks, but this is not how to do it. Uncontrolled exposure to bangs going off is how they get scared. Also comforting them isn't reinforcing the behaviour, it's allowing them to feel safe. The idea you're showing them it's something to be scared of is very outdated.

If you do want to desensitise them, find a video of fireworks on YouTube. Play it at whisper volume for ten seconds and then feed their meal. Make sure it finishes before they finish eating. They should show no obvious signs of hearing it - if they do, it's too loud. Over a few weeks gradually turn it up each meal time until it's WW3 and the dog doesn't care.

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As I said, there are other ways, and if what I have said is incorrect - but it's what another family member suggested we did - then I am very happy to be told so. I also used You Tube videos of firework displays on the TV, getting louder and louder.

But the important thing is that new dog owners take this seriously. So if any one else wants to comment then please do. I am happy to have my arse handed to me on a plate if it means even 1 new dog owner decides to do something about it.

AppleBlossomMay · 31/12/2024 22:14

Agree with @BIossomtoes that your advice is great @Whatabouthow . Comforting your dog when he or she is scared and letting the dog gradually become used to loud noises, by using cds etc, is the most up to date advice.

Bollocksmorelike · 31/12/2024 22:14

Createausername1970 · 31/12/2024 21:59

If the dog is scared then definitely don't leave it on its own.

My dog isn't scared, and I still wouldn't leave her.

To any people reading this thread who are planning on getting a puppy - please, please, please desensitise your dog to fireworks.

One thing you can do is take them into the garden if there are any going off locally, or at the very least stand in an open doorway or next to an open window so the dog can see and hear the fireworks and can see you are not bothered. There are many other things you can do.

If your first reaction is to start cuddling it or making it a safe space under the table you are telling your dog that there is something to be bothered about. Some dogs may be scared after all your efforts, but most will probably get to where our dog is. Not keen on the sudden bangs, but not scared and definitely not a quaking mass under the table.

You will do your dog a big favour if you can do this one thing for them and help them from a young age not to be scared of fireworks.

Edited

Please don’t go round giving this awful advice. I am sure you think it is helpful but it goes against the advice of qualified behaviourists and animal welfare charities.
There is really good advice available, let’s focus on sharing that.

Hoppinggreen · 31/12/2024 22:16

Its a shame but having a dog means you sometimes miss out on things

cherish123 · 31/12/2024 22:17

My dog is the same. I don't really see the problem. One of you goes with DD and the other stays with the dog.

Createausername1970 · 31/12/2024 22:17

Bollocksmorelike · 31/12/2024 22:14

Please don’t go round giving this awful advice. I am sure you think it is helpful but it goes against the advice of qualified behaviourists and animal welfare charities.
There is really good advice available, let’s focus on sharing that.

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Share it then.

I have a large plate to fill.

Orangelight23 · 31/12/2024 22:17

Itslikefloggingadeadhorse · 31/12/2024 22:10

Nice.

We’re abroad, our beach near the house will likely be deserted as it’s winter, but its close enough to the huge displays nearby, they are outstanding
My Dd hasn’t properly seen them. We can stand on the clifftops and look out over the sea
I don’t know, for some reason it means a lot at the moment, but no, I won’t leave her.
I suppose I was seeing if there were any suggestions that may work

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Oh OP please ignore. Some people are just plain ridiculous. Whatever you end up doing I hope you all have a wonderful new year and I hope 2025 brings better things for you.

AhBiscuits · 31/12/2024 22:18

Just go and leave your husband with the dog, I'm sure he can handle it.

AppleBlossomMay · 31/12/2024 23:05

By the way:
A very happy New Year to all of you (ddogs included of course ) at home looking after the furry members of your family, hope 2025 is wonderful for you all💛

Alifemadelessordinary · 31/12/2024 23:15

Whatabouthow · 31/12/2024 21:56

No, you can't leave the dog home alone absolutely terrified. Often dogs are better in the car though with the engine and radio on, so can you watch them from the car and take the dog?

Is the car an option OP?

I had to do an emergency run to my MILs on bonfire night this year as she had some dog calming tablets and my oldest dog was terrified for the first time this year.

I was home alone so thought the lesser of two evils would be to take both of them with me in the car.

I couldn't believe it, by the time I'd got to MILs (15 minute drive) DDog was sound asleep in her crate in the boot.

Original poster

Itslikefloggingadeadhorse · 31/12/2024 23:49

@Alifemadelessordinary I think it would make her worse 😬

It’s ok, we’re both in the bedroom, me in bed, her on the sofa, I have the heater on, which is quite noisy, lights off and Dds star music projector thing on.

Dh and Dd just gone.

Going to make solid plans next year, so we can all go

OP posts:

Wolfiefan · 31/12/2024 23:54

Sounds like 2024 has been tough OP. Wishing you a better 2025.

paranoiaofpufflings · 01/01/2025 00:49

@Itslikefloggingadeadhorse It sounds as though you've had a really sh&t time lately. I hope 2025 brings you happier times, good health, fun, peace. Plan some non-firework family adventures together, and arrange a dog-sitter for next NYE.