Dog behaviourist advice for fireworks night

Music licensing company PPL PRS recently sat down in conversation with tails.com’s dog behaviourist Carolyn Menteith, to prepare owners for what may be a frightening night for canines, as 64.8% of UK dog owners said their dogs are stressed/anxious on Bonfire night* 

Carolyn Menteith has over 20 years’ experience working with dogs as a dog trainer and behaviour expert. She’s passionate about building the very best relationships between dogs and their owners, believing that every dog is unique – and understanding that they each have their own individual personalities.

Even though it may be quite a few months away, how do you both feel dog owners can use music to help dogs around bonfire night & fireworks? Do they need to prepare in advance to help soothe their pup’s anxiety? 

“A high proportion of dogs suffer from noise phobia around firework season - and for many it is a time of real misery. From the very start of their life - and in that crucial developmental period when dogs can accept new things as normal and so ‘safe’ - puppies should be taught how to accept loud and unexpected noises as just being a part of life. 

For dogs who haven’t had this early ‘head start’, there are things owners can do (and it’s never too early to start that!) - including very gradual exposure to unexpected noises and sounds at controlled times - but a true noise phobia needs help form an accredited behaviourist, as one thing is for sure... fireworks will happen every year! 

Music can be really helpful over the firework season however as it can mask distant firework sounds and lessen their impact and give dogs (and owners) something to listen to rather than just sitting and waiting for the next bang.”

What other tactics would you recommend to relieve stress and anxiety in dogs? 

“Where to start... I could write you a book on that! The short answer is ‘know your dog’. 

Avoid situations that you know stress them out - and learn to recognise your own dog’s signs and often subtle body language cues that they are feeling anxious or worried.

Remember that they have feelings and emotions the same as we do - and take the time to recognise when they are struggling with a situation, and always ask yourself ‘how are you feeling - and how can I make you feel better?’ Sometimes that is avoiding a situation completely, sometimes it is providing a distraction or an alternative behaviour, other times it is get professional behavioural help.”

Have you had personal experience / seen the psychological or physical effects music can have with dogs? If so, please explain. 

“Having visited rescue centres both here in the UK and around the world, there is no doubt that kind of environment can be stressful for dogs - lots of barking, noise, and other external stimulation. The right music - such as light classical, soft rock, easy listening - played at a low level definitely has a calming effect on the dogs. 

Music can also help dogs who have low level anxiety or stress when in the home as it takes the focus away from unexpected noises coming from outside and replaces it with something calm and predictable.’ 

Is there a particular genre of music that seems to be most popular, or have you found it depends on the breed?

“I love the idea of breed-specific musical preferences! I haven’t actually noticed any, but I certainly have seen dogs whose musical preferences mirror their owner’s...

So, I’ve seen musician’s dogs who seem to love the type of music - or instrument - their beloved human plays, and I’ve seen music lovers’ dogs enjoy everything from opera to heavy rock depending on their persons’ preference. This is probably more to do with sharing their owner’s enjoyment and pleasure - and that their human is far more relaxed and happier when listening to their choice of music. Music is a social experience - and it certainly seems our dogs share that.”