Fireworks may be beautiful to us, but for many dogs, they’re a source of intense fear. If your dog shakes, hides, or seems panicked when loud noises erupt, you’re definitely not alone. Our English Springer Spaniel was one of those dogs—despite being a breed developed for hunting, she was absolutely terrified of fireworks. We used to joke that she must have flunked out of hunting school because of her fear of loud sounds. But as it turns out, she wasn’t unusual. Studies have shown that more than 50% of dogs are afraid of loud noises, and as many as 83% show signs of fear during fireworks at some point in their lives.
But here’s the encouraging news: noise anxiety isn’t something your puppy has to live with. Proven methods such as gradual noise exposure, positive reinforcement, and relaxation training have successfully reduced noise anxiety in over 70% of dogs.
In this post, I’ll share science-backed techniques and practical tips to help your puppy stay calm and confident—no matter how loud the celebration gets.
Why Are Some Dogs More Sensitive to Loud Noises?
Ever wonder why one dog seems unfazed by fireworks while another bolts for cover at the first crackle? The difference often comes down to a mix of genetics, early development, breed tendencies, and life experiences.
Breed plays a notable role. Studies have shown that certain breeds are more prone to noise sensitivity than others. For example, Standard Poodles, Border Collies, and German Shepherds have been found to experience higher rates of noise-related fear. In some of these breeds, up to 30% of dogs show significant anxiety in response to loud sounds. That said, noise sensitivity isn’t limited to specific breeds or sizes—it can affect any dog.
Age and early exposure are also key factors. Puppies go through a critical socialization period between about 3 and 14 weeks of age. During this time, their brains are particularly open to forming associations with the world around them. Positive, controlled exposure to common household and environmental sounds—like thunder, traffic, or even fireworks recordings—can help prevent fear later in life. Without that exposure, unfamiliar noises may trigger stress or panic as the dog matures.
Negative experiences at any age can also contribute. A sudden, loud noise—especially if it happens during a sensitive developmental stage—can lead to lasting fear if it isn’t handled properly. Even a single bad experience can stick if the dog doesn’t feel safe or supported.
The good news? Even if your puppy wasn’t introduced to these sounds early on, it’s not too late. With calm, gradual exposure and the right training approach, you can help reduce their sensitivity and build a more confident, relaxed companion.
Now, let’s walk through the practical steps you can take to prevent or ease your puppy’s fear of fireworks.
How to Teach Your Puppy to Stay Calm During Fireworks
Early training plays a key role in how your puppy responds to loud sounds like fireworks. With a consistent, positive approach, you can greatly reduce the chances of your puppy developing fear or anxiety around loud noises.
1. Introduce Sounds Early (3–14 Weeks Is Key)
Puppies go through a critical socialization period between 3 and 14 weeks of age. During this window, their brains are highly receptive to new experiences. Take advantage of this time by gently introducing common sounds—like traffic, thunderstorms, and vacuum cleaners—using audio recordings played at very low volume. Always pair these sounds with positive things: tasty treats, a favorite toy, or playtime. Puppies exposed to a range of sounds in a controlled, positive way during this stage are significantly less likely to develop noise fears later in life.
2. Use Gradual Desensitization
Once your puppy is comfortable with general background noise, you can move on to more targeted sound training. Play fireworks or thunderstorm recordings at a barely audible level while your puppy is doing something enjoyable—like chewing a toy or cuddling with you. Gradually increase the volume over several sessions, always watching for signs of stress. This method, called desensitization, has been shown to reduce sound sensitivity in over 55% of dogs—and when combined with counter-conditioning, success rates rise to over 70%.
3. Counter-conditioning—Rewarding Calmness
Desensitization works even better when paired with counter-conditioning. This means giving your puppy something they love—like a high-value treat or a quick game—immediately after hearing a noise. The idea is to replace fear with anticipation of something good. Over time, your puppy will begin to associate the once-scary sound with a positive experience. Studies show that this simple strategy can make a major difference in how dogs respond to loud sounds in real life
4. Practice Relaxation Training
Teaching your puppy how to relax on cue can be a powerful tool. Start by rewarding calm behaviors—like lying down quietly on a mat or calmly sitting next to you. Once your puppy reliably performs these behaviors, begin adding soft background noises. This helps your dog learn how to stay relaxed even when there are mild distractions. Dogs trained in this way are better equipped to manage stress when loud events happen unexpectedly
5. Create a Safe Space
Create a quiet, comfortable spot in your home where your puppy can retreat during stressful times. This might be a crate covered with a blanket in a low-traffic area or a cozy corner with soft bedding. Use white noise machines, fans, or soft music to help mask loud outdoor sounds. Studies and expert advice show that providing a secure space significantly helps dogs feel more at ease during noise events like fireworks.
6. Supportive Tools and Aids
While training is the most effective long-term solution, some puppies benefit from additional calming tools. Pressure wraps (like the ThunderShirt) and dog-appeasing pheromones may help reduce mild anxiety. Though the scientific evidence is mixed, many owners find these aids useful when used alongside behavior training.
7. Know When to Get Help
If your puppy already shows strong signs of fear despite early efforts, it may be time to talk with a veterinarian or certified dog behaviorist. In some cases, short-term use of anti-anxiety medication combined with behavior modification can help. This combined approach is helpful for dogs who have already had frightening experiences with fireworks or other loud sounds.
By taking these proactive steps, you’re giving your puppy the tools they need to stay calm during fireworks, thunderstorms, and other loud noises. Whether you’re starting with a young pup or an older dog, it’s never too early—or too late—to build their confidence and help them feel safe and secure when things get loud.
Post Resources:
- Effectiveness of treatments for firework fears in dogs
- How Common Is the Fear of Loud Noises in Dogs?
- Genomic analysis of firework fear and noise reactivity in standard poodles
- Survey Shows Which Treatments Are Effective for Fireworks Fears in Dogs
- Efficacy of dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) for ameliorating separation-related behavioral signs in hospitalized dogs
If you found these tips helpful, please share them with a fellow dog parent—especially someone with a new puppy.
And if you’ve successfully helped your dog stay calm during fireworks, we’d love to hear what worked for you. Your experience could make all the difference for someone else and their pup.