It’s not too early to start preparing your dog for Bonfire Night – here’s how

It’s the time of year that many dog owners dread, causing weeks of disruption, lost sleep and no social life.

And despite Bonfire Night being three months off, experts say now is the best time to start preparing your anxious pooch now.

Guide Dogs has launched the first National Fireworks Archive training video, a desensitisation tool which owners can use with their pets. 

It uses real footage from streets, gardens and public displays across the country, so people can gradually introduce dogs to the sounds that make some so anxious. 

Haley Andrews, a Guide Dogs expert, said: ‘Fireworks night doesn’t sound like a clean audio track – it’s messy and unpredictable, which is why so many dogs struggle with them. 

‘Different fireworks create different sounds and effects, from high-pitched whistles and prolonged crackles to sudden bangs and flashes.

‘Desensitisation can take some time, so August – not the end of October – is the time to start.

‘By introducing the sounds gradually, at a level their dog can cope with, owners can give their pet the best possible chance of having a calmer Bonfire Night.’

Despite so many dogs being terrified by fireworks, research by the charity found 35% of owners didn’t know their pet could be desensitised to fireworks and 37% had never investigated training.

Instead, 43% admitted doing nothing to prepare their pet beyond ‘hoping for the best.’

It may explain why the bill for fireworks season can be so high, with the average owner spending £145.90 a year to help their pet cope.

Nearly two-thirds of the nation’s dogs – an estimated 9.9million – are affected, and the collective bill is £1.4billion. 

There is also an emotional and physical toll for humans with 89% experiencing weeks of disrupted plans, 45% avoiding leaving their dog alone and 12% losing sleep. Last year 44% stayed home on Bonfire Night so they comfort their pooch. 

Guide Dogs intends to expand its training resource and has asked people to donate forgotten fireworks footage, including clips of Catherine wheels, screechers, rockets and public displays, via press@guidedogs.org.uk. 

Watch the video here.

How to prepare your pet for fireworks season

Start early: Desensitisation takes time, so begin in August to give your dog the best chance of being comfortable before fireworks season kicks off.

Being at the lowest level. Play firework footage at the lowest possible volume – low enough that your dog doesn’t react – and offer a treat a couple of seconds after the sound begins.

Build up gradually: Keep sessions short, at around two to five minutes, once or twice a day. Increase the volume only when your dog remains relaxed. If they show signs of fear, drop volume back down and rebuild slowly.

Introduce sounds carefully: Different fireworks can create very different noises, from sudden bangs and sharp whistles to repeated crackles. Once your dog is comfortable with one type of footage, gradually introduce other sounds and effects, returning to a lower volume or intensity if they show signs of fear.

Create a safe space: Set up a quiet, cosy den with blankets, toys and familiar scents. Hide treats in there throughout the day so your dog learns to associate it with feeling safe

Make training realistic: Practice in different rooms and at different times. As your dog becomes more comfortable, recreate elements of Fireworks Night itself by dimming the lights, closing the curtains, playing louder sounds and preparing rewards.

Plan for the night itself: Take your dog out for a final toilet break before dark, close the curtains, turn on the TV or radio, prepare a food enrichment item, stay calm, and let your dog choose where to settle.

Don’t wait for a sign: Many dogs develop firework anxiety later in life, so desensitisation training can help prevent this from becoming an issue as well as helping dogs who experience signs of anxiety from a young age