Dog refusing to go out for evening walk - fireworks.

[Babyroobs]

Looking for any advice. Our 4 year old working cocker has been absolutely terrified by the fireworks this year. he has been in a terrible state.
The problem we now have is that even though there are now no fireworks going off, he is completely refusing to go for his evening walk. he will look excited to go but once outside he pulls back to the house almost to the point of slipping his collar. no amount of coaxing and reassuring will make him go.
Today we went for a long walk around 4pm and it was getting dark as we walked back and I could see he was getting anxious pulling on the lead to get home.
Is this going to get better ? Anyone have any suggestions of what we can do ?

I'd suggest walking at the same time as the nights close in, so he gradually learns that dark doesn't have to mean fireworks.

And speak to your vet or a trainer about desensitizing him to fireworks over time.

Poor thing
Do you have a garden? Could you play some fun games out there whilst it's getting a little darker so it's learning that dark can equal fun but in a less scary environment?
Then just take it slow. Go as far as they can and then back and then keep at it.

Mines the same. Was fine last year but this year he was alone for a couple of hours and out twatty neighbours had a massive bonfire party, without letting us know.

Have to drag him out when it’s dark now and as soon as he’s peed he turns for home.

there are still fireworks round here this weekend, hence we made sure we took ddog out @ 4 pm.
hopefully they will stop soon

Mine is very sensitive to noise and any bangs when out walking and he literally glues himself to my legs and we have to head home.

I wouldn't force the issue for a bit then maybe try and go out in in the garden to play just as it's getting darker to get him used to it.

I could have written this! I did a few days of trying to force her to walk - not dragging her as such but pulling the lead and the like, but we were both miserable. I’ve now decided I’m not going to force her. We’ll go out every day but getting her used to it is more important than getting her to walk. Mine is fine in the day time but not in the dark. I’m using top level treats and lots of praise, she walks towards a treat if it’s a few steps away. One day I’ll do that, the next I’ll walk her at lunchtime so she still has a decent walk every other day.

Thanks for all the replies. We have persevered and the past couple of days he has gone round the block which is amazing. He still sometimes tries to pull back to the house but we encourage our other dog to walk off first with one of us then he seems to follow.