"This is a very common problem and one that takes time to rectify.

Desensitisation needs to be done long before the actual firework season kicks off.

Download the noise of fireworks off the internet, (Google: Fireworks desensitisation), when your dog is not in the vicinity. To begin with play the recording at a very low volume (remember a dog’s hearing is far more sensitive than ours) and you must make sure that the dog is not stresses in anyway. You should look for a slight quivering of the ears to show he can hear it.

You will need to introduce something exciting to the dog – feed treats, play with a toy or feed him his dinner. The idea is to make your dog anticipate something pleasant or exciting when he hears his scary sounds.

This is a slow process, you need to increase the volume and time of playing the tape until the dog totally accepts it at full volume. The time varies considerably with different dogs. Some dogs will only take a week or so, but most phobic dogs will take a number of weeks or even months. If the dog shows any adverse reaction to the volume being increased, go back to the reduced volume immediately. The time to increase the volume slightly is when your dog waves his tail in anticipation of his meal or playtime coming when he hears his tape playing. Then when the actual fireworks start going off outside play the recording that your dog is familiar with so he is reassured.

Exercise your dog early in the day, preferable morning and let him rest in a room he is happy in. Feed him earlier than usual too, so that he had a chance to go out to the toilet before the mayhem starts. Close the curtains before it gets dark and turn on the television to help block the noise outside. Turn your door bell off so he isn’t wound up by it constantly ringing and you don’t have to open the door, which will elevate the noise level coming in. Also there is no risk of dog bolting out the door with fright when it is opened.

Try to keep calm and relaxed yourself, if you are stressed by his behaviour he will sense something is not right and think it is the fireworks that is upsetting you too. Purchase a DAP collar (dog appeasing pheromone, which reminds them of when they were breast feeding from their mum as pups – the feel good factor), it also comes in a plug in diffuser or spray but I find the collar best as the plug in and spray only works in the room where the dog is, whereas he is wearing the collar. It is best used alongside the behavioural training as mentioned above.

Most important is not to rush the desensitisation training and never be afraid to go back to square one when doing it. In severe cases of distress vets may prescribe a sedative for your dog but you need to discuss this with your vet in advance."