‘I'm a dog trainer - here's how owners can start preparing anxious pets for fireworks’
Published 14th Oct 2026, 06:00 BST
For many dog owners, Bonfire Night is less about fireworks and more about keeping their pets calm.
According to dog trainer Kerry Ward, it is never too early to prepare for Bonfire Night. “People should be training intermittently throughout the year,” she says. With training strategies like classical conditioning, many owners can successfully desensitise their dogs to fireworks.
Through her business, The Fairydogmother, Kerry has spent 16 years working with anxious dogs. For owners preparing for bonfire season, she has some tried-and-tested advice.
Start desensitising dogs to firework noises
Kerry recommends playing recordings of fireworks around dogs to desensitise them to the noise. Start at low volumes, and gradually increase this over multiple sessions.
“Play firework noises really gently while feeding your dog, playing with your dog, and having fun,” she says. “We want good, happy feelings associated with that noise.”
“They should notice it and be aware of it, but too busy having fun,” Kerry adds.
Create a “doggy safe space”
When firework displays are happening nearby, create a safe space for dogs. Kerry suggests “interrupting the sound.” Owners can shut the curtains, play brown noise or music, and switch on the television.
She also recommends building a doggy den.
“Build it a few days before and fill it with the dog’s favourite toys and blankets,” Kerry says. She suggests interactive toys, like snuffle mats and lick mats, because they “keep the dog focused on something else.” But even clothing that smells like an owner can help.
Stay vigilant
When spooked by sudden noises, dogs can panic, run off, and become lost. “Prevention is a lot more important than people think,” says Kerry.
Where possible, she advises walking dogs in daylight hours and keeping them on leads. Even if owners have secure gardens, it is safer to use extendable leads when taking dogs for toilet breaks.
Kerry uses a long lead in the garden with her own dog. “I have a 7ft fence, but he could scale that if he got scared enough,” she warns. She also recommends keeping collars on and ensuring microchips details are up to date.
Consider consulting a vet
For dogs who become severely distressed, Kerry recommends contacting a vet. Look for signs of panic attacks: heavy panting, shaking, and extreme anxiety.
“Some dogs get so terrified that they need to see a vet in advance,” Kerry says, adding that vets occasionally prescribe calming medications.