From the July 2014 edition onwards we're having a page of your questions in the magazine. If you have an interesting dog-related question you'd like answered please send an email to thinktank@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk
May issue
May issue
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
Afraid of the dark
Does anyone have any tips for a dog who is now scared of the dark after being spooked by fireworks? Bruno is a 19-month-old Bichon, and this is his second fireworks season. He's normally such a toughy. Delyth and Bruno, via Twitter
Bach Rescue Remwdy works for my Nervous Lab/Retrievers. I normally start giving them 4 drops in their food a few days before Bonfire Fortnight (Its never just one night where I live !!) It really has helped them both. Lesley Fussell.
Do you have a more confident dog you could walk with? Ive found my two scardy ones have been distracted enough by my rumbustious puppies to at least go out and wee! My ex racer was always scared of the dark. We did lots of clicker training with her :)
Be patient, it is early days and fireworks will be (sadly) around for a while yet.You don't say in what respect the dog is in fear? In the garden? On walks? If it is walks then I would just not walk the dog at night until the bulk of firework disruption has ceased. If it is the garden then chose your timing carefully. It's no good trying to get the dog over this while the fireworks are still so abundant.
I think its a case of slowly slowly with this. The important thing is not to over praise etc or over think the situation. You as pack leader should go out as if nothing is wrong, dont pander to his fears or praise him when he comes out, go outside to potter about and call him then go about "doing things" naturally ignoring his behaviour. Do this every day a few times a night and eventually he should come around
Bach Rescue Remwdy works for my Nervous Lab/Retrievers. I normally start giving them 4 drops in their food a few days before Bonfire Fortnight (Its never just one night where I live !!) It really has helped them both. Lesley Fussell.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a more confident dog you could walk with? Ive found my two scardy ones have been distracted enough by my rumbustious puppies to at least go out and wee! My ex racer was always scared of the dark. We did lots of clicker training with her :)
ReplyDeleteBe patient, it is early days and fireworks will be (sadly) around for a while yet.You don't say in what respect the dog is in fear? In the garden? On walks? If it is walks then I would just not walk the dog at night until the bulk of firework disruption has ceased. If it is the garden then chose your timing carefully. It's no good trying to get the dog over this while the fireworks are still so abundant.
ReplyDeleteI think its a case of slowly slowly with this. The important thing is not to over praise etc or over think the situation. You as pack leader should go out as if nothing is wrong, dont pander to his fears or praise him when he comes out, go outside to potter about and call him then go about "doing things" naturally ignoring his behaviour. Do this every day a few times a night and eventually he should come around
ReplyDelete