How To Help Your ‘Spooked’ Cockapoo Puppy on Firework Night

It is that time of year again where, from Halloween through till New Year, fireworks can be heard going off around neighbourhoods across the UK for parties, celebrations and displays. Often, the first any dog owner knows about it is when their pet starts going berserk and you are tasked with trying to help him or her calm down again, trying to comfort your distressed pet as best you can. Sadly, fireworks night is often not at all a cause for celebration for many dog owners.

Research shows that up to 62 per cent of all dogs show alarm or distress upon hearing fireworks, although the level of reaction can vary significantly between animals. For anyone who has ever owned an animal who becomes distressed at firework night though, you will no doubt recall the struggle in helping your pet cope at this time of year.

The good news is, that whilst cockapoos can often be vocal and full of life, they are not known to be any more likely as a breed to be affected by fireworks. That said, at Felindre Cockapoos we would hate for any of our beloved pups to be struggling at this time of year, so if your cockapoo puppy is fearful when they hear fireworks then read on for more from our cockapoo breeder team!

Signs your cockapoo is afraid

Trembling or shaking

Panting

Hiding, or retreating to their crate or under something

Becoming excitable, high-pitched barking

Running and climbing

Toileting in the house

How you can help

The most important thing you can do is to plan ahead, so that when the week of Guy Fawkes Day itself you know you can be around to comfort and distract your cockapoo puppy as best you can.

Find out when local displays at clubs and schools are and try to make sure you, or a pet sitter can be at your home and if you can, check with your

neighbours as to whether they will be letting any off in the garden, so you know when to expect the worst.  

In some cases, you may also want to consult your vet to see if there is medication that could be used to help relax your cockapoo. It is also important to ensure your house and garden are escape proof. When cockapoos are suddenly startled it is possible that they may try to run away, so check that fences (in some cases even doors and windows) are secure just in case your cockapoo tries to bolt.

Exercise

Tired cockapoos are less likely to get anxious and far more likely to have a deep sleep, such that distant fireworks may escape their attention altogether. So, if you know there is going to be a local display be sure to exercise your dog as fully as possible that day. An extra long walk is a very good idea and worth braving the autumn weather for as it will calm your cockapoo puppy down.

Keep your cockapoo busy

If your dog is not at the most extreme level of fear, having a particularly tempting chew on hand to occupy him may be enough to distract from the whizzes and bangs. Make sure it is a tried and tested one though, now is not the time to find out that your cockapoo can demolish his or her tasty treat in two minutes flat!

Relaxation

No, we do not mean he or she needs a massage, though this may certainly comfort them! Certainly, it is a good idea to make yourself available to sit with your cockapoo and provide reassurance. Pheromones can be very powerful for dogs and as such there are a number of plug-in diffusers available from vets and pet shops that are intended to help encourage your dog to relax. Remember, if your vet has prescribed some medication, to give it to your cockapoo puppy in plenty of time for it to be effective when needed. Calmly comfort them and give them a fuss if they like that. Research shows that ignoring dogs if they get excitable will not actually help them cope.

Block out the worst of it

Close windows and curtains and make sure the lights are on. This will help minimise any bright flashes and if you also put the TV or radio on, this too will help provide background noise. Classic FM now broadcast calming music for pets on November 5 which many owners enjoy along with their pets!

Provide a safe space

Whether it is a crate or ensuring they can access the room they tend to sleep in with their bed, make sure your dog can retreat to a safe space. Allowing your cockapoo puppy, the choice of where to be will help him cope with the unfamiliar noises. If he chooses to stay there instead of sit with you, just check on them regularly.

For dogs without noise fears, or cockapoo puppies who are experiencing fireworks for the first time, try to enjoy enrichment type activities together to help strengthen your bond and make the nights inside a positive experience. If your dog is focused on exercising his body and brain and having fun, it may well be that this fear of loud noises never develops, making this time of year less stressful all round.

For potential owners interested in Felindre Cockapoos, please visit our cockapoo puppies for sale page.