With 4th of July next week, how do you deal with fireworks & your bully?

[mzza111]

My neighbors have been "testing" out thier illegal fireworks this week and Gypsy will stand at the front door and bark and bark! I'm nervous about the 4th since my city allows legal fireworks. Should I take her outside on her leash that night? Or distract her in the back room?

What do you do with you bully on the 4th? How does he/she react to fireworks?

Thanks,
Ami

[gunnyboy]

Sarge and Loulou both hate fireworks and its a nightmare here they bark and bark and run from room to room, I hate to see it come.

[bella100]

bella hides under the bed she also doesnt like the sound of guns.

[Baconator]

We dont have 4th July celebrations heer butwe do have our Bonfirenight in November whe we have around a week of firework noises.
We close the curtains and turn up the TV. Billy wore a tight hoody last year and coped really well. Lucy has gotten better as she's got older with just a little barking at the bangs when she is in the yard.

Over all its not been too bad for us...I find that the less fuss you make of them when they get scared the better. if you dont react , they calm down quick enough xx

hahahaha you don't celebrate our independence from you? Bacon is well versed in the way of fireworks being that his Dad is a pyro with a large stash.

[MariaRosa]

Bella loves fireworks ! She sits next to me and watches them ! The first time she panicked but I ignored the behavior and now she's fine ! It's cute to watch her look at the fireworks

[Momma2Bullies]

It is the Canada long weekend here and there are fireworks already (I live rural, so they're allowed on holiday weekends). I have learned well that fireworks are brutal for Wilbur and Layla. They really freak out.
We stay in the basement and watch a loud movie, especially Canada Day. The other brutal holiday for fireworks here is Victoria Day (May long weekend). I am really dreading it, which is too bad because instead of going anywhere we stay home to help them through the panic. I honestly worry they will over-heat they get so frantic.

I know that shelter and rescues are very busy on these holidays - a lot of dogs spook with fireworks and will take off, dig under their fences, yank the leash of your hand or wriggle completely out of it. I would recommend keeping all pets inside, especially if this would be their first exposure to fireworks and you don't know how they will react..... but that's just me

[RazrRila99]

If Colossus handles it anything like thunder its going to be an interesting evening for me. He will hear it, wait a second, bark a bit, then walk nervously, come back to spot bark more, then sit down next to the couch to let me pet him.

[cali baker]

My city doesn't allow fireworks but that doesn't mean people won't be shooting them off. I already heard a firecracker or two going off this week, plus the Rose Bowl does a big fireworks show which is always festive and loud. But, to address your question, I'm planning to be home w/the boys during the evening hours of the 4th. They go a little nuts too and I don't want them stuck in their crates, barking and freaked out. I like the idea of turning up the TV or music and hoping the fireworks sounds will just drown out.

I agree with you, @Momma2Bullies, the day after the 4th of July is known to be one of the busiest days EVER for animal shelters!

[luseaann]

The ladies don't really have a big problem with fireworks. Liz will bark a bit and look uncomfortable. I'll say something like, "Whassyat?" Thereby acknowledging that she heard something, but not making a big deal over it. It also lets her know that I am right there, no worries.

I would not take your dog out for a walk that evening though. Be cool! Everyone, just be cool! (Do I sound like Samuel L Jackson?)

[Gfitz911]

Haha, there are only 5 possible cities you live in if the fireworks are legal Unfortunately, my hubby and I ALWAYS have to work on July 4th, so we enlist my parents to come and stay at our house. They have 2 dogs and the distraction is good for Koozer, even though he never seems to mind loud noises (like the nightly fireworks from Disneyland). Bottom line is, no matter where you go, there with be fireworks/foiecrackers that night (legal or not), so I like the idea of staying in and trying to drown out the noise with the TV. Good luck, but you never know, you may find your bully does just fine after all

[Sherry]

I turn up the tv real loud

[Marine91]

I can't speak for Harlea yet, but on my other dog I put on her Thundershirt and she seems to calm down a bit. Without it she is pacing and whining all night. As for Harlea we will find out next week being that we are going to be at a friends house and she is going with us so I will be keeping an eye on her inside his house as we will have her travel crate and a Thundershirt for her with us as well.