4th of July Dog Training and Dog Behavior Tips

Phoenix Dog Trainer Weighs in on 4^th of July Dog Training Tips

The latest in our ongoing series of Dog Training Questions and Answers by Phoenix Dog Trainer Bill Glatzell:  “Are their any special considerations for training dogs to behave during the 4th of July?”

Many dogs with little to no dog behavior problems have a tough time on the 4^th of July.  Dogs that may have problems moderate to severe may see the 4^th of July and the loud noise of continuous fireworks as a war zone.

Tom and Nichole came home to find “Lucy,” their 2 year old Beagle in her crate bloody, panting, and drooling.  The pads of her feet were torn like ground meat, and her nose and face were all torn up and bleeding.   Lucy had also become dehydrated.  What started out as a holiday celebration for Tom and Nichole had turned into a nightmare at the animal emergency hospital.  Worse yet was the nightmare that “Lucy” experienced on the 4^th of July that could have been prevented.

Many dogs experience different levels of fear, anxiety, panic and phobias during 4^th of July firework celebrations.  According to Bill Glatzel, Expert Dog Behaviorist and Dog trainer in Phoenix Arizona, most of all the fears and anxiety can be prevented and dealt with by following a few simple dog training safety tips for the 4^th of July for your pet.

Dog Training 4th of July Fireworks

Don’t take your dog with you

Avoid the temptation to take your pet to firework celebrations, the lights, the sounds, the unfamiliar location can make your dog more fearful even being with you the owner.

Don’t leave your dog outside

Many dogs on the 4^th of July left outside become fearful and may try to escape from the yard.  Dogs jump walls, fences, get into traffic, and run and panic sometimes.  Many dogs have been killed by cars on the 4^th of July trying to run from the noise.  Dogs that are left outside tied up have been found dead having strangled themselves to death trying to break free.

Create a quiet comfortable place inside for your dog

Rather than crate your dog, have your dog in a small confined room with soft blankets, pads, or dog beds.  Pick up any objects that might get chewed or destroyed.  Many dogs when under stress become destructive.

Give your dog something else to focus on

Leave the TV or Radio on for your dog.  Put the volume up to a comfortable level to try to take over some of the sound your dog will hear.   Also for dogs that are food motivated, taking a Kong toy where you can stuff the center of the Kong with Peanut butter and then freeze it makes for a great tasting, long lasting frozen treat for your dog while you are gone.

Talk to your Veterinarian before the 4^th of July

For dogs where there is known significant anxiety and fear on the 4^th of July, there may be some benefit from using a mild anti anxiety medication for the day to help your dog stay calm, relaxed and most of all safe!

About the Author, Bill Glatzel, MS, BA, CMDT, CRCS, APDT, CPAC, Military Veteran – U.S. Army, is a Professional Dog Behaviorist, and Master Certified Dog Trainer with over 33 years of experience.  He is the CEO and founder of TLC K9 Academy a Nationwide Dog Training Company Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and Director of the TLC K9 Academy International School for Dog Trainers. Bill Glatzel Specializes in the most difficult of Dog Behavior Problems, Extreme Dog Aggression and Severe Anxiety disorders in dogs, ritualistic and obsessive compulsive dog problems. He is an Expert in Canine Behavioral Medicine.  For more information call toll free 1-888-502-DOGS (3647) or visit on the web http://www.tlck9academy.com

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