Make A Fear Free July 4th When Caring For Cocker Spaniels
Every year when the 4th of July comes around you need to pay special attention to caring for your Cocker spaniel.
Many dogs are terrified by fireworks. If you have a young puppy it’s very important to make very sure they are not frightened by the first fireworks night they experience. Once a dog becomes frightened by the sound of fireworks their fear can become a lifetime problem.
Whether you have a new puppy or a dog already fearful here are some good tips that can help calm their fear.
1. The need for you to be calm is perhaps the most crucial tip of all. When an owner is fearful or anxious a dog senses this and reacts with their own fear. You need to be as calm as possible. Don’t make an unusual fuss of your dog just exhibit confidence and calm.
2. Plan to give your dog as much vigorous play and exercise as you can during the day leading up to firework night. Exercise will make the dog relaxed and tired.
3. It’s best if your dog can be inside with the windows shut and the curtains drawn before the fireworks start. Your company will help distract then so, if possible, someone should stay with them. Turning up the volume on the TV or radio or play some music is also very helpful.
4. If you have a dog you only keep outside, make sure they are safely confined in the yard and preferably tied up. In case they escape be sure they have identification tags on their collar. Consider confining them in a garage or shed especially if this is their first 4th July experience.
5. Confine your dog to their most familiar rooms in the house. It’s best not to let them have the run of the whole house. Let them have something familiar like their bed, a rug or a piece of clothing you have worn. Leave it unwashed so they can smell your scent on it.
6. For added distraction leave them with something they can chew or play with. The longer it will last the better. Your local pet store will have a wide variety of healthy dog chews and toys that hide treats inside.
7. Routines are always comforting to dogs. Instead of suddenly doing something different try and go through your full fireworks routines for a few days before the 4th July. The more familiar the routine, the less the dog will suspect something new or bad is about to happen. You will find this routine equally useful in other situations like storms.
8. There are dogs with extreme fears and reactions. If you feel your dog is like this and you think you cannot cope with it. Go to your vet and obtain some medication to keep them calm. Another choice that can work very well is Rescue Remedy which is a homeopathic remedy.
It is very important that your dog has confidence that you are the one in charge. This makes caring for your Cocker Spaniel or any other breed so much easier for you. Only good training makes your dog look to you for leadership. A confident dog is a well trained dog and will only look to you for cues as to how to behave even in stressful situations.
Good dog training stops dog behavior problems and takes away stress and fear from a dog. If you want a confident easy to manage Cocker Spaniel or any other breed then visit this website for more information on dog care and training.
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