Holidays
How to Help Your Australian Labradoodle End the Year on a High Note
Oliebollen, champagne, and above all, lots of fireworks. While many people enjoy the beautiful colors lighting up the sky, this moment can be quite frightening for your loyal four-legged friend. How can you ensure your Australian Labradoodle also has a pleasant New Year’s celebration? These tips will help you and your furry companion safely and happily navigate the final days of the year.
Help Your Dog Get Used to Fireworks Sounds
Your Labradoodle might get startled by the loud noises during the holiday season. To help with this, start introducing your dog to firework sounds early. You can use apps or YouTube for this purpose. Make sure not to play the sounds at full volume right away but gradually increase the intensity. Hopefully, this will help your Labradoodle conquer its fear step by step.
If your dog is particularly anxious and you think this approach might not be enough, consider enrolling in special firework training classes offered by many dog schools. Sign up in advance!
Take the Last Walk Before 10 PM
Fireworks are allowed between 6 PM on New Year’s Eve and 2 AM on New Year’s Day. To avoid unnecessary stress, limit walks as much as possible during this time. Of course, your dog still needs to relieve itself, but it’s wise to keep your Labradoodle on a leash to prevent it from running off if frightened. Aim to take the last walk before 10 PM to avoid the loudest explosions.
If your dog refuses to go outside in the evening, don’t force it! Instead, find a quiet spot for a long walk during the day, and keep your dog leashed there as well.
Stay Calm and Behave Normally
During the final days of the year, try to act as normally and calmly as possible around your dog. This doesn’t mean ignoring your Labradoodle if it needs comfort, but handle your dog as you usually would. You can also close the curtains, turn on the lights, and play some background noise to muffle the fireworks and minimize the flashes.
Provide Distractions
It’s normal for your dog to react anxiously to loud noises from outside. Don’t scold your Labradoodle for these reactions, as this will only add stress. Instead, provide distractions. Consider making a sniffing box, giving your dog its favorite puzzle toy, or using a sniffing mat. A tasty chew or a comforting pat can also help soothe your dog.
Avoid Sedatives
Some websites suggest giving calming medication to anxious dogs, but the Animal Protection Agency advises against this. In some cases, sedatives make animals drowsy but do not reduce their hearing sensitivity. This can heighten their fear since they remain fully aware but are unable to react. Your Labradoodle will benefit more from extra love and a comforting environment. For example, you can spread out meals throughout the day to give your dog multiple opportunities to focus on tasty food.
If none of these tips help and your dog remains highly fearful, start preparing earlier next year by enrolling in a firework training class at a specialized dog school.
