How to prevent an unpredictable reaction from your dog on New Year’s Eve

New Year's Eve celebrations are a nightmare for many dogs because of firecrackers and fireworks. Dog training and behaviour expert Gábor Nyakas shares steps owners can take to protect their four-legged companions from stress and danger.

On the last day of the year, hundreds of dogs are frightened to death and run away from home doe to the noise of firecrackers and fireworks. Sensitive dogs react in unpredictable ways. This is why it is the responsibility of the owner to prevent accidents by being properly prepared and alert! I should say at the beginning that just because a dog was not scared on New Year’s Eve last year does not mean that they will not be this year. Dogs’ nervous systems change with age and it is common for them to become more sensitive to these stimuli from one year to the next.

Here are a few tips to help your dog get through this time

Prevention is the most important thing in this case, too. Therefore, start preparing the dog and their environment as soon as possible. Watch out, because (at least, in Hungary) pyrotechnics can be bought from 28 December and you can expect to see them used. Make your dog’s environment safe. If they are in the yard, provide a place, such as the garage or basement, where they can retreat from the sound of fireworks and firecrackers. Also make sure there are no dangerous things in the room that if they chew, lick or eat…they could get hurt. Take their bed downstairs, feed them a few times in the same place and even practise leaving them alone.

While I recommend these, the problem is that the dog is not under constant supervision. If you really want to make sure, you can get them into the apartment, as well as the hallway. There they can certainly feel much safer because they will be next to you and also you can properly supervise them. Ideally, you can start getting them used to this, weeks or even months before New Year’s Eve.

Protecting your indoor dog on New Year’s Eve

If your dog is already in your home, this will be much easier. Follow these tips even if your dog hasn’t shown any fear so far.

• Pull down the blinds and set the TV or radio to a volume that is not yet disturbing for your dog but will drown out outside noise.
• If possible, take your dog for a walk before dark. For those who can’t walk their pets early for whatever reason, I always recommend walking them in a secure collar or harness that they can’t escape from. Use a leash that they can’t pull out of your hand and is not too long. Additionally, choosing an automatic leash at this time of year is not a good idea either.
• Nowadays, you can buy very cheap GPS-based trackers specially developed for dogs . This can be very useful if your dog runs away.
• A collar or leash that is visible from a distance is particularly important. Visibility vest should be on the puppy and you should wear clothing that is visible from a distance.
• If the dog is frightened during the walk, try to ignore it, but do not reinforce their fear by petting or giving them treats.
• Don’t use tranquillizer tablets, only those recommended by your vet and tried beforehand! At such times, the dog should always be in a heated place and under supervision. Most tranquilisers are no longer effective when the dog is nervous. So you need to find out how they work. If necessary, follow the vet’s instructions and give them to your dog in good time.