If you’ve got a young or new dog, the firework season can feel… a bit never-ending. It’s not just one night, is it? It usually starts mid-October and can carry on right through to New Year’s Eve, with a few peaceful weeks in between. That’s a lot of bangs, flashes, and crackles for your dog to get used to, especially if it’s their first year experiencing it.
The good news? You can absolutely help them feel more confident about it all. A bit of gentle prep now can make a huge difference later.
Step 1
Start Early with Sound Practice
One of the easiest things you can start with is sound desensitisation, getting your dog used to firework noises in a safe and positive way. I still do this every year with my own dog, because after a long quiet stretch, it’s good to remind them that these sounds don’t mean anything scary.
You can find loads of “firework sounds for dogs” playlists on YouTube. Play them really quietly at first, while your dog’s doing something they enjoy. For example, I’ll put one on while my dog eats her dinner.
Because I feed raw, I don’t use her food for training so mealtime becomes a perfect opportunity to pair something she loves with the sounds of fireworks. I’ll keep the volume low for a few days, then slowly nudge it up once she’s totally unbothered.
It’s also a good idea to use a few different recordings. Each one has its own mix of bangs and crackles, and the variety helps your dog generalise what they’re hearing.
Step 2
Add Some Light
If you want to get creative, you can also get your dog used to those bright flashes fireworks make. I’ll sometimes flick a light switch on and off a few times while the sound is playing, nothing dramatic, just short bursts. It helps your dog learn that random flashes of light aren’t a big deal.
Step 3
Pair the Sounds with Fun
Once your dog’s relaxed with the sounds around food, it’s time to add something a bit more exciting, like play or enrichment.
Think about what your dog really loves:
- A snuffle mat or puzzle feeder
- A big juicy bone or chew
- A Hollee Roller ball stuffed with paper and treats
- A game of tug or fetch
- Or even just a cuddle on the sofa if that’s their thing
Play the sounds quietly, then start your chosen activity. If your dog glances at the speaker or looks unsure, no problem just turn the volume down and keep it fun. What you’re teaching them is that fireworks = good stuff.
It’s also great to mix up where you do this, try the kitchen, garden, living room, or even take a little speaker out on a walk. Fireworks sound different depending on where they are, so this helps your dog learn to stay relaxed in all kinds of settings.
Step 4
Keep Your Cool to Keep your Dog Calm During Firework Season
Dogs take a lot of emotional cues from us. If we tense up or rush to comfort them when they hear a bang, they can start to think something really is wrong. Instead, keep things light and normal. Smile, chat to them, carry on with whatever you were doing. They’ll mirror your calm energy.
Short, positive sessions are best. End on a good note and if your dog ever seems overwhelmed, just stop, take a break, and try again another day.
Step 5
When Fireworks Happen on Walks
As October rolls in, you might get the odd bang or two while you’re out walking. These moments can actually be really helpful little training opportunities.
If a firework goes off, stay calm and upbeat. You can praise your dog for noticing but choosing to ignore it, or give them a treat for checking in with you. You’re rewarding that brilliant choice to stay grounded.
If they startle, that’s totally fine. Just move away from the noise, keep your tone soft and friendly, and give them space to settle. Avoid over-comforting; just guide their attention back to something normal and safe, like sniffing or walking, you can use a food scatter if they need that extra help to move on. The more of these little “nothing to worry about” experiences they have, the more resilient they’ll become.
Let’s make this firework season one your dog can handle, calmly, happily, and with you right by their side.
Want to Learn More about Keeping your Dog Calm during Firework Season?
Helping your dog feel safe around fireworks doesn’t happen overnight but with a bit of planning and the right support, it’s completely achievable.
If you’d like to learn how to support your dog during real fireworks, set up a calm space at home, and build real confidence through play and practical games, come and join me and Alice from Campbell’s Canines for our Firework Season Workshop this weekend.
We’ll be showing you how to put all of this into practice, step by step, with plenty of hands-on guidance and ideas you can use straight away.
Spaces are limited, you can sign up here:
