Last-minute tips for New Year's Eve anxiety

from dog trainer Conny Sporrer

These 10 tips can make the turn of the year easier for your dog

New Year's Eve is just around the corner and, with it, the uncertainty of how to keep your four-legged friend as relaxed as possible on this night this year. First and foremost, my most important appeal: even if your dog is not (yet) afraid of firecrackers, please take the days around New Year's Eve seriously and avoid exposing your dog to firecrackers, because it always starts with the first bang.

The crux of the matter with anxiety in general is that the source of the noise cannot be assigned and some dogs then no longer have a behavioural programme to deal with this uncertainty or correctly assign the stimulus. Then BANG, the next firecracker goes off. It's a bit like a fear of flying: you're startled by turbulence, your brain wants to orientate itself and recover, and then it jerks and rumbles again and again... And at some point, all that remains is the fear of fear. 

So here are some quick tips to combat your dog's New Year's Eve anxiety:

Curtains closed, music on

It is best to close the curtains and blinds as soon as it gets dark – light reflections can also be generalised and linked to the fireworks. Turn some relaxing music up to the highest possible volume while still being comfortable – it dampens firework noises well. According to research, dogs are said to feel most comfortable with a variety of music and genres such as reggae, soft rock and classical music (Bowman, 2015). 

If you start practising early or have a particularly tolerant dog, you can also use special earmuffs or even stuff the dog's ears with a bit of cotton wool to reduce the noise for him. 

Offer retreat

If dogs want to hide away on New Year's Eve, that's absolutely fine – even if the area is usually off-limits. With good prior training and familiarisation, a transport box can be a suitable den for the dog, not only on New Year's Eve. If your dog suddenly crawls onto the sofa or into bed with you, allow it (just this once) and consider it great proof of your close bond. 

Allow proximity

The theory that dogs should be ignored and not stroked in fearful situations so as not to increase their anxiety has long been outdated. By gently massaging your dog and additionally radiating calm and serenity, you can very well help your dog to find peace. Cuddling and stroking releases the ‘bonding hormone’ oxytocin, which is an antagonist of the stress hormone cortisol. 

Tire them out

On the morning of New Year's Eve, you should make sure your dog gets a good workout. It's best to get out of the city during the day to avoid the noise and smell of firecrackers as much as possible. If your four-legged friend is mentally and physically exhausted afterwards, he will be happy to have some peace and quiet at home and less likely to be preoccupied with his fear. N.B.: To be on the safe side, every walk should now take place on a leash. 

Careful with medication

Drug treatment should really only be used if the dog is really panicky and fit to ’jump through the third floor window’, says vet Ralph Rückert. Every year, he writes in his popular blog about the latest medical developments on the subject of New Year's Eve and has some expert recommendations at the ready.

Don't be a leaf in the wind

Be a strong partner for your dog – and not just in the days around New Year's Eve. You easily have over 300 days a year to prove to your dog that you are his port in a storm!This also means that important aspects of the relationship, such as consistency, accuracy, clarity and setting boundaries in everyday life together, have an impact on the dog's behaviour in anxiety-inducing situations. If a dog can ‘soften up’ his human again and again and the latter bends to his wishes like a puppet (watch out, this starts as soon as they begin demanding attention, food, cuddles or a walk), he will not rely on you in the ’serious’ situations of life... because who looks for protection from a leaf in the wind?

Always a winner: get driving!

If you want to be on the safe side, spend a few days over New Year's Eve in rural areas where there are little or no fireworks, or where they are prohibited. There is also an absolute ban on fireworks in and around airports, which is why airport hotels work as an emergency solution. You usually meet a lot of dogs and their humans there on New Year's Eve. What always works is to get in the car with the dog before midnight and drive around for a few hours listening to good music. Longer basement New Year's Eve parties are also a help for many dogs.

Safety first: Leashes are a must!

VERY IMPORTANT: As a precaution, dogs should always be kept on a leash on and around New Year's Eve! Even if your dog is not yet anxious, an unexpected bang can unfortunately always be the start of things, even if it is not perceived as loud! Around New Year's Eve, missing dog pages on Facebook are in constant use, and a GPS tracker can provide additional security.