06/30/2026
Summer thunderstorms ⛈️ and fireworks 🎇 are coming! Here’s a great list of Do’s and Dont’s from No Monkey Business Dog Training.
The summer can be one of the hardest seasons for dogs and their humans as it is the season for thunderstorms and fireworks, even on days that don’t usually call for them.
The fourth of July is a holiday where fireworks are abundant and sound sensitive dogs can struggle immensely when exposed to the unpredictable, loud noises that we view as family friendly fun. Even dogs that don’t have sound problems can develop them quickly if exposed improperly to fireworks, which is something that I unfortunately see frequently this time of year. Here are some quick and easy do’s and don’ts to help you and your dog (whether sound sensitive or not) this time of year. It's likely with it being the 250th that things will be A LOT louder and for longer –
Do – Give your dog a safe place to go during the all the noise. Creating an environment that your dog can go to where the sound is lessened is actually fairly simple. A crate covered with a blanket, a bathroom, or even a dark room with the shades drawn, the basement even, and a fan going with some classical music playing on a Bluetooth speaker are options to help your dog feel secure. You may need to set this environment up ahead of time and encourage your dog to go there. You may even need to sit there with them. That's okay.
Do – Give your dog something fabulous to chew on or enjoy during the events. Make it something he rarely gets and that will last a while. A Kong stuffed with peanut butter and frozen is a wonderful option. This can be combined with the safe space you’ve created to not only keep your dog distracted, but also help him pair loud noises with something fun and yummy. Other Kong ideas are found online. Soda pup chews are a favorite here also. You can even do training with amazing treats too during this time. What you want to create is “loud noises = party time for me” in your dogs mind!
Do – Comfort your dog. The idea that comforting your dog when he is scared will encourage fearful behavior is false. Fear is an emotion, not a behavior, and your dog needs your support to feel safe during this time. If your dog is worried, talk to him calmly, give him a massage, or sit and hang out and even read aloud next to him. You don’t have to panic next to him, that certainly wont help, but you can comfort him without worrying it will make it worse. In fact, many clients report their dogs anxieties improve when they are offered support.
Do – Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with tags and if you have to take him out to potty after dusk, have him on leash! EVEN IN A FENCED YARD. More dogs get spooked and run away during this time and making sure your dog is secure on leash and also wearing tags is an important safety tip. Try to limit potty breaks to before and after the dusk period when random fireworks may go off.
DON’T – Take your dog to the show! It can be tempting to bring your dog with you to the big show and watch with you. I highly recommend not making this choice and leaving your dog at home. Your dog has no concept of what is going on and the loud unpredictable noises can create anxiety that lasts a lifetime. Leave him home, he’ll thank you for it.
DON’T – scold your dog! Yelling at your dog for shaking, panting, whining, or showing other anxious behavior will not help but will actually make him feel worse. Not only does he think the world is ending, now you’re upset too!
DO – try other things. Thundershirts, calming supplements, flower essences, pheromone collars and even medication for some dogs are necessary at times.
DO - Talk to your veterinarian and a certified professional trainer NOW (DONT WAIT UNTIL FRIDAY) on what they would recommend if your dog is really struggling. This is a much more common problem than you may think and there are other options! Having relief handy immediately rather than waiting is much better in the long run for both you and your dog. Medication is NOT cheating and it absolutely is worth it. Don’t wait to call. As always, NMBDT is here to help too.
PLEASE SHARE if you like but give credit - Helen St. Pierre, No Monkey Business Dog Training
