Skip to main content

Bonfire night: Helping your dog feel calm and safe

For our dogs, bonfire night can often be one of the scariest times of the year.

The loud bangs, flashing lights, and unfamiliar smells can leave many dogs stressed, shaking, or even trying to escape. I want to help you make sure your dog feels as safe and supported as possible during this.

Here are some simple ways to prepare and keep your dog calm this Bonfire Night.

1. Walk Before Dark

Plan your last walk of the day before the fireworks start, ideally before it starts to get dark. This helps your dog get their exercise in safely and reduces the chance of being startled by unexpected noises.

2. Create a Safe and Cosy Space

Some dogs may want to retreat and hide when scared, so it is great to give them an option of a safe, secure and comfortable area. Create a safe closed area that your dog can go to, this may be a comfortable corner of the room, a crate with a blanket over the top or a secure resting area. The area should be covered where possible to help your dog feel secure, include blankets, favourite items such as toys, and even something that smells like you such as a worn t-shirt. Keep the curtains closed to block out flashes of light, and close windows and doors to help muffle the banging sounds.

If your dog chooses to hide, that’s okay, let them. Having a safe spot helps them feel secure.

3. Drown Out the Noise

Turn on the TV or play some gentle music or white noise to help mask the sound of fireworks. Many dogs find steady background noise comforting.

4. Stay Calm and Carry On but Give Reassurance When Asked

Dogs are great at picking up on our emotions. If you stay calm and act as normal as possible, your dog is more likely to relax too. Some dogs will come to you and ask for reassurance by pawing at you, nudging, jumping up or may appear more 'needy'. If they ask for reassurance of course give it to them gently- if we are scared I'm sure we also appreciate somebody helping us feel more comforted, we can do the same for our dogs.

5. Check ID Tags and Microchip Details

Unfortunately, more dogs go missing around Bonfire Night than any other time of year. This may be because they startle and bolt when frightened. Make sure your dog’s collar and ID tag are secure and up to date, and double-check that their microchip information is correct. Keep dogs indoors and secure to prevent becoming startled and bolting off to start.

6. Keep Them Busy

Use enrichment to keep your dog’s mind occupied, stuff a Kong with tasty treats, natural chews, offer a lick mat, or scatter-feed around the house. Licking, sniffing and chewing are naturally calming activities for dogs.

Contact: enquiries@lead-the-way-dog-training.com and ask for a free enrichment handout if you would like more enrichment ideas.

7. Get Professional Help if Needed

If your dog finds fireworks especially distressing, you don’t have to face it alone. A behaviourist can implement sound desensitisation programmes and calm training plans to build your dog’s confidence for next year. You may also find it helpful to visit the vets to see if they can offer a solution to help calm your dog in the meantime if bonfire night is close as training programmes can take time to make significant changes.

See the following link to find qualified behaviourists in your area to suit you and your needs Find an APBC Member | Certified Pet Behaviourists

8. Speak to Your Vet if Your Dog Struggles

If your dog shows signs of real fear such as shaking, pacing, drooling, hiding, or trying to escape it ma be worth contacting your vet.

Veterinary professionals can:

  • Rule out any underlying medical issues, pain can often increase a dog's sensitivity to sounds.

  • Prescribe calming aids or medication if your dog needs extra support. There are options ranging from natural supplements and pheromone diffusers to short-term anti-anxiety medication for severe cases.

If your dog’s fear is extreme, don’t wait until Bonfire Night, speak to your vet early so there’s time to find the best plan for your dog.


Final Thoughts

Fireworks season can be tough for our dogs, but a bit of preparation goes a long way. By planning ahead, creating a safe space, and staying calm, you can help your dog feel secure, and maybe even snooze through the celebrations!

🐾
Lauren Conway, APDT
Lead the Way Dog Training

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why Socialisation Is the Key to a Confident, Well-Adjusted Dog

    Why Socialisation Is the Key to a Confident, Well-Adjusted Dog By Lauren Conway, Lead the Way Dog Training When it comes to raising a happy, confident dog, socialisation is one of the most important investments you can make early on. But what does “socialisation” actually mean and why does it matter so much? As a professional dog trainer, I see firsthand how a lack of proper social exposure in the early months can lead to lifelong fear, anxiety, and behaviour challenges. The good news? With the right approach, socialisation can be simple, safe, and even fun for both you and your dog. What Is Dog Socialisation, Really? Socialisation isn't just about meeting other dogs at the park. It's the process of gently and positively exposing your puppy or newly adopted adult dog to a wide variety of sights, sounds, people, animals, surfaces, environments, and experiences. Think of it as building your dog’s “life resume.” The more positive experiences they log early on, the more equipp...
Post a Comment
Read more

Enrichment: Are you meeting all of your dogs needs? How can you make your dogs life more enriching?

  Enrichment: Are you meeting all of your dogs needs? How can you make your dogs life more enriching? What is Enrichment? Enrichment is anything that gives your dog a chance to use their brain, body, or senses in a natural and fulfilling way. It allows an outlet for their natural behaviours, if we don't provide his they will find a their own outlets and this may not be so desirable for us. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviours, barking, chewing and frustrations Enrichment helps prevent boredom and problem behaviors, and contributes to calmer, more content dogs and therefore a better relationship for you both. The 5 Main Types of Enrichment To keep things simple and effective, I like to break enrichment into five key categories. A good weekly routine will touch on most (or all) of these Scent Work / Nose Games Dogs experience the world through smell. Letting them sniff is one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress. Scatter feeding in the grass 'Find it' g...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why Good Nutrition Is the Foundation of a Well-Behaved, Happy Dog

  Why Good Nutrition Is the Foundation of a Well-Behaved, Happy Dog By Lauren Conway, Lead the Way Dog Training We all know that food fuels our bodies but it also shapes our behaviour, mood, energy, and even our ability to learn. The same is true for dogs. As a dog trainer, one of the first questions I ask new clients is: What are you feeding your dog? Why? Because nutrition directly impacts behaviour, training success, and overall wellbeing. In this blog, I’ll explain why high-quality nutrition matters and share my favourite dog food brand  Butternut Box  that makes feeding fresh, healthy meals simple and stress-free. Behaviour Starts in the Bowl Just like us, dogs can’t focus, learn, or stay calm when their nutritional needs aren’t being met. Poor-quality kibble or overly processed food can lead to: Hyperactivity or low energy Digestive issues or discomfort Excessive barking or reactivity Difficulty focusing during training Skin or coat problems ...
Post a Comment
Read more