Exhaust the Dog
Wear out your dog out with a long walk and vigorous activity earlier in the day. If you’re too busy with Independence Day activities to sufficiently tire out your four-legged friends, consider calling Echo Park professional pet walker and sitter Jennifer Dunlay. A former pet shop manager, she has worked with cats, dogs, birds, rodents, rabbits and rodents. Call her at 805-617-5241. You can visit her site here. By the time the fireworks get going, your dog will hopefully be so exhausted he won’t be too bothered.
Cater to the Dog
What could be a distressing evening can turn into a happy playtime with a couple of new squeaky toys, ropes and bones! Stop by one of Echo Park’s premiere pet shops, like or to pick up a few! Feed him his favorite dinner, so he's fully satisfied. Spend time with him, with lots of petting and snuggling. A new toy, a good meal, and love will make him feel safe, not unlike a human.
Train the Dog
While there isn't enough time left to get professional help for Fourth of July 2011, there's hope for 2012. Echo Park is home to the , where trainer Sandy Driscoll works with dogs of all shapes and sizes. Call her at 323-660-2162 or visit her website here. Driscoll has over 20 years of experience!
Bear with the Dog
If all else fails, and he's simply freaking out, there's not much else you can do. Close the curtains and windows so he can't see or hear the blasts (the flashing lights can cause anxiety in the dog as well as the noise). Have a comfortable crate or area ready for him to retreat to. Turn on the air conditioner so he's comfortably cool, have a bowl of water for him ready, and turn on music or the television to somewhat drown out the fireworks.
