Dutch Shepherd Forum

I expect the uncontrolled chaos of fireworks to begin tonight, and as I anticipate the sheer Hell that Radar and Leela will go through, I can't help but think that I am not the only one.

• We crank the TV sound up to try to drown out the booms.
• We have prescription sedatives for the dogs from our Vet.
• We place covers over the crates, so they can try to hide.
• None of these acts are fully effective.

This year, it will probably be 4 straight days of this

I no longer enjoy New Year's Eve or the fourth of July. I do my best to comfort my family - it's never enough.

I don't want to spoil everyone's fun, and I don't want to be a cranky old bastard.

BUT...

I can't help it when my family suffers. It bothers me most that in most places (including where I live) this is illegal activity that NEVER gets enforced. I don't smoke pot, but I wish we treated it with as much indifference.

Also, those mortar fireworks are expensive. Imagine half or most of that $$$ going to support a charity, to a much needed trainer, or saved for a rainy day or an adventure? That beats 2 seconds of boom doesn't it?

Rant over.

I wish every one a Happy New Year. Be safe.

right, crap, Sadie will be quivering behind my bed. I feel the same Michael.

I saw some ear muffs for dogs. Maybe you could try those?

borellar15 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 28, 2018 2:44 pm I saw some ear muffs for dogs.

Hmmm. -> https://smile.amazon.com/Mutt-Muffs-DDR ... B002CZQ1TA

There's no time to get these for the next few days, but I might look into something like this.

I am just wondering what effect it will have on them to have one of their main senses blocked?

Just read the product description after the previous post:

They will not eliminate sound. Mutt Muffs are not designed to cure thunderstorm phobia. Most dogs know a storm is coming long before there is any thunder. Their anxiety quite often is not related to sound. Mutt Muffs are designed to prevent hearing damage.

Hmm. Yea So they’re not noise cancelling but they certainly have to reduce sound a little. But yea question is whether it’s the random popping or the intensity and loudness of the fireworks that your dogs don’t like.

I had the thundershirt for Sadie but the problem was, when she saw the shirt she knew something was up and got worried anyway

We have the thunder shirt for Leela. It helps a little during thunder storms, but not fireworks.

I use mutt-muffs on the range. They learn pretty quick that they're helpful and leave them alone.

It's a New Year's Eve weekend miracle

No fireworks last night

I hope everyone saves them for Monday night. Preparation is key in reducing the anxiety, and I really don't want to sedate the dogs every night if I can help it.