Dorwest MD Jo Boughton-White was joined by VSA certified professional dog trainer Amelia Steele answering your questions on how you can help your dog prepare for Bonfire Night in our October Instagram Live. See below for their answers!
Click here to watch now!
Q. What are the signs of a dog with noise phobias?
A. When you see a change in behaviour, you should investigate and see what is causing this. Noise phobia is not an obvious one – however you can notice things like on bin day which can be noisy, your dog may be acting different with mouth licking, yawning or acting out of the ordinary.
Other things that can trigger a dog in the home are simple things like fire alarms. If this goes off when cooking this might scare your dog and they could then be acting differently for the next few days. This could be a sign of the beginning stages of a noise phobia.
Q. With a month to go – what can we do to help dogs with noise phobias?
A. Noise desensitisation is the best first step. Start with quiet fireworks sounds in the background for 5 minutes at a time and make sure you are rewarding your dog when these noises are active. Start these noises quietly at first, then gradually increase the volume over time ensuring your dog is always comfortable.
Q. What if you started noise desensitisation 2 weeks before bonfire night?
a. Ideally you need to start a good time before to build up over a matter of weeks, ensuring they are getting a tolerance to different/loud noises. However starting as soon as you can will still help!
Q. When is it too early to start creating a safe environment for your dog?
a. It is never too early to start creating a safe area for your dog. Look to create your safe space away from potential fireworks, for example at the front of the house if this is the furthest away from neighbour’s back gardens.
Also make sure you have checked your house exterior & interior. Make sure there are no holes in the fence or windows they can get out of. And always make sure your dog has a tag on during this period, just in case they escape!
Q. What if I have got a new dog/puppy?
a. Do not wait and see! The best action is take is to prepare for fireworks, as your dog might not have heard loud noises before and they might seem fine, but one thing could trigger a phobia. Take action and start early, and make sure you are rewarding them around these noises so they understand they do not need to be scared.
Q. Can Scullcap & Valerian Tablets and Valerian Compound be used for other high stress situations?
Yes, absolutely! Dorwest calming supplements can also be used for the recovery period of a stressful event for example, including if your dog has had an operation. Scullcap & Valerian Tablets alongside Valerian Compound can be used to help make my dog a lot calmer during an episode of recovery – so yes, these can be used in any stressful/worrying situation!
