Fireworks

No, I Haven't Gone Mad! Why June is the Best Time to Prep Your Dog for Fireworks

It’s that time of year again—the time I ask everyone to start getting their dogs ready for firework season.

Before you check your calendar, no, I haven't gone mad! I know it’s not quite June.

Every year, my inbox floods in October with panicked pet owners asking for help with fireworks. But at that late stage, our options are limited; all we can really do is offer advice and short-term and suggest calming products.

Right now, with six months to spare, we have the ultimate luxury: time. By starting today, you can use practical sound training to dramatically reduce—or even completely eliminate—your dog's fear of fireworks, thunderstorms, and loud traffic.

The Dogs Trust offers fantastic, free sound downloads specifically designed to desensitize your dog. To get started, all you need to do is set up this simple daily routine:

• Create a Safe Haven: Set up a dedicated safe space for your dog, such as their crate or a cozy bed in a quiet corner.

  
  

• Bring Out the Good Stuff: Grab their absolute favorite chews, a stuffed Kong, or a toy they go crazy for. Associating fireworks with play makes them fun instead of frightening.

  
  

• Keep it Low (To Start): Begin playing the firework sounds on a very low volume. We have six months, so there is absolutely no rush to turn it up!

  
  

• Build Positive Associations: Give your dog their chew or food while the sounds are playing. If they are more toy-motivated, start a fun game of tug, fetch, or "find it."

  
  

• Keep it Short & Sweet: Start with brief sessions and always end on a high note.

  
  

• Move at Their Pace: If your dog doesn’t mind the sound, you can slowly increase the volume over the coming weeks. If they show any signs of anxiety, simply drop the volume back down and spend more time at that comfortable level.

  
  

  

  
  

In a few months, you should be able to play these sounds at a realistic volume and at random times without your dog batting an eyelid.

Note: Dogs with severe phobias may still require calming products or professional support alongside this training. Even if your dog becomes a pro, always ensure they have access to their safe space when real fireworks start.

Have you started your sound training yet? Let me know in the comments, or drop a message if you need help setting up your training plan!