West Highland White Terrier (Detailed Introduction)

　　In China, on any good day such as festivals, weddings, store openings, house purchases, birthdays, etc., firecrackers are set off to celebrate the joyous occasion. However, the familiar sound of firecrackers is the most frightening noise for most dogs. So why are dogs afraid of firecracker sounds? How should owners help them in such situations?

　　1. Why Are Dogs Afraid of Firecrackers

　　Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans; they can hear small noises that we cannot. For firecracker sounds that make us cover our ears, you can imagine how shocking they are to dogs. Moreover, dogs are innocent animals; no matter how smart they are, they cannot understand what gunpowder or firecrackers are. As long as the noise persists, dogs’ emotions cannot stabilize, and the owner's comfort is ineffective. Dogs’ bodies also undergo a series of changes, such as accelerated breathing, trembling all over, faster pulse, and increased body temperature. Recently postpartum female dogs may even tragically eat their puppies. Faced with such a mysterious object that can emit such loud sounds, how could they not be afraid?

　2. What to Do When Dogs Are Afraid of Firecracker Sounds

　　1. Hide If Possible

　　Chihuahuas or miniature dogs are particularly timid; during the loudest days of firecracker noise in the Spring Festival, it’s best not to take them out. Prepare a small nest for them in advance so that when frightened, dogs have a place they feel safe to hide. Dogs like covered spaces; for example, larger dogs tend to crawl under tables when scared.

　　2. Give Dogs Affection

　　If your miniature dog runs to your side and seeks your affection when hearing the thunderous firecrackers outside the window, do not push them away; your care at this time will make them feel much more secure. Some dogs with congenital heart problems, such as Pekingese, also need extra protection during the New Year. Do not take them to join the crowd to avoid triggering heart disease.

Firecrackers

　　3. Time for Dogs to Go Outside

　　If your dog is fairly brave, still try to keep it away from places where firecrackers are being set off during walks, or change the walking time to periods with fewer firecrackers to avoid it hearing or seeing the firecrackers up close and getting scared. Make sure to keep the dog on a leash; in case of emergencies, it prevents the dog from hurting others or running away.

　　4. Regular Training

　　Owners should consciously conduct sound and light training regularly. It’s best to find a quiet place where one person sets off firecrackers one by one — the kind that come in a long string, separated individually. At this time, the owner should stay by the dog’s side, and encourage and comfort the dog immediately when it shows fear and retreat. After the dog becomes accustomed to single firecrackers, proceed to a small section of consecutive firecrackers. Of course, the owner must continuously encourage the dog. This repetition may need several times. When the dog is familiar with the training mode, it will no longer hide in fear during real firecracker events.

　　Editor’s Tip: Another simplest method is to stuff cotton into the dog's ears. While it cannot completely block out firecracker sounds, it can at least reduce the crackling noise.