Saturday 28 December 2019

Dog Marley! Reggae holds the key to keeping pups calm on Firework’s Night | Guest Post

AD | Hello my lovelies! Bonfire Night, or Guy Farks Night as you may call it, maybe over but I wanted to share this guest post with you all as I know around the area I live some people set off fireworks during their New Year celebrations.

40% of dogs in the UK are scared of fireworks, and an astonishing 35% of dogs are reported missing on Firework’s Night as they want to hide from harm. As the British population enjoy the local Bonfire Night show, PlayOJO the fair casino has partnered with Oli Juste, dog trainer and behaviourist, to give top tips on making the night fairer for man’s best friend...

| Pre-Fireworks Night Prep | Exercise Your Dog and make sure you’re taking your dog for long walks during the day and try to do so before 3.30pm to 4pm when the light dims and the fireworks may start. Safe proof your garden to prevent your dog from escaping. Make sure the collar/harness is fitted properly and prevent your dog from being able to escape the lead and run away from the situation that they’re scared of
Tag and microchip details should all be up to date to ensure the dog can be returned to you as quickly as possible. Close the curtains to reduce the amount of noise and sound that is generated by the fireworks.

| Throughout Fireworks Night | Play reggae music! The slow and rounded beat soothes dogs, so get Bob Marley on to calm your dog. Ditch Mozart! The erratic tempo and the high pitch tones from classical music once thought to soothe your pet is actually not as calming as we once thought. Stay at home with your dog and become a safe place. This will reassure them and prevent them from trying to escape or even worse: accidentally hurting themselves in their panic. Their Den, make sure that your dog’s favourite place is accessible to them. Whether they like to lie under the table, on or under, the bed, or in the corner. Make sure their safe place is not obstructed, and they can access this to make them feel safer. Reassure your dog. The preconceived idea that you will reinforce your dog’s behaviour when scared is not correct. Reassuring your dog will make you their safe place and be a comfort to them. Make sure you’re calm, as erratic or high-pitched voices will not help. Accidents happen dogs produce cortisol when they’re anxious which creates an urgent need to go to the bathroom. They cannot help this and should not be reprimanded. If you return home to an accident, then roll that newspaper up and hit yourself, as you should have been at home with your dog!

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With love, Alisha Valerie. x