06/14/2026
Storm season leading right into fireworks season can be ruff. ⛈️ One way to help your dog build more positive associations with storm or fireworks sounds is to practice before the real thing happens.
This is actually something I’ve even done with my own dogs, Luna and Skye! Keep in mind that we have practiced this over weeks and months.
The goal was never EVER to scare them or make them “deal with it.” The goal was to make those sounds feel boring, predictable, and paired with something they already loved.
And now? The attached photo is what Luna and Skye look like during a fierce storm. Calm, comfy, and completely unbothered. 💙 (This is also a thinly-veiled excuse to share photos of my pups)
Start by playing storm or fireworks sounds at a very very low volume while your dog enjoys something wonderful - like dinner, a stuffed Kong, a lick mat, or another favorite enrichment activity.
The key is that the sound should be so quiet your dog notices it little to not at all. We are not trying to scare them or make them “get used to it.” We are pairing a tiny version of the sound with something they love.
A few tips:
🐾 Start quieter than you think you need to.
🐾 Keep sessions short and positive. Sound ends when their dinner or food toy runs out.
🐾 Watch your dog’s body language.
🐾 Stop or lower the volume if they seem worried at ALL.
🐾 Build slowly over days or weeks, not all at once.
🐾 Find videos by searching "fireworks" or "thunderstorm" on YouTube. Alternatively, ask your smart speaker for storm noises.
Signs your dog may be worried can include pacing, panting when they are not hot, lip licking, yawning, whale eye, tucked tail, pinned ears, trembling, hiding, refusing their food or enrichment toy, barking, whining, or trying to leave the room.
This works best when your dog feels safe, successful, and in control. The goal is calm practice - not pushing through fear.
If your dog already panics during storms, talk with your veterinarian and a qualified force-free trainer. Some dogs need additional support - and that’s okay. 💙
Counterconditioning source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10705068/