• Kyle@lemmy.ca
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    1 year ago

    It should be said, if you have a puppy or are getting a puppy. Socialize and habituate them to the sounds. Start with recordings of fireworks playing in another room, treat them when they react to the sounds. When they start wagging their tails and come to you when they hear it, make it more intense by increasing the volume or bringing then into the room. Keep practicing and proofing multiple days per week for months until your puppy happily comes to you when they hear loud bangs.

    My puppy now wags his tail and joyfully comes to me when lightning strikes because he thinks it’s a fun treat game. Absolutely way better than the alternative. It takes a few weeks with puppies, could take years for traumatized rescues and adults.

    • Demuniac@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      This is good advice. Sadly it doesn’t work for every cat or dog but In most cases this is great.

    • Entropywins@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      This is why I haven’t invited a dog into my life yet… I still have sooo much to learn about how to help a pup live a happy and healthy life, can’t wait though!!!

    • nem
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      1 year ago

      Damn, I didn’t think of this. I have an 10.5 weeks old lab puppy and I’m working on preparing him for life, fireworks is now on my list! Will try your suggestion, thanks!