Keep calm and sniff on: Aylesbury trainer’s advice for dogs this Bonfire Night

Simple indoor searching games could help dog owners manage disrupted routines this Bonfire Night, says Potter Paws trainer Debbie Potter, but frightened pets should never be pressured to play.

With fireworks expected tonight, Debbie is encouraging owners to offer short, rewarding activities before the bangs begin, while making sure dogs have space to rest and somewhere they feel safe.

The dog trainer and owner of Potter Paws in Aylesbury says indoor activities should give dogs opportunities to explore and make choices, particularly when darker evenings and wet weather limit outdoor time.

“When the weather is dreadful and darkness arrives before you have finished work, it can be harder to fit in your usual walks,” she said.

“Try building a few short, enjoyable activities into the day. Hide some of your dog’s usual food around a room and let them sniff it out, offer a suitable food puzzle, or practise a familiar skill with rewards.

“You do not need expensive equipment. A few treats hidden in an open cardboard box can create a simple searching game, provided you supervise and your dog is not likely to eat the packaging.”

Debbie suggests keeping games easy enough for dogs to succeed, using part of their daily food allowance and putting activities away if they become frustrated.

“Five minutes of relaxed searching can give your dog something rewarding to do,” she said. “The aim is not to keep them constantly busy or exhaust them as rest is still important.

“Indoor activities can complement walks when your routine changes. Keep offering suitable outdoor exercise and sniffing opportunities whenever it is safe.”

Once fireworks start, however, a frightened dog may have no interest in games or food.

“If your dog cannot engage, do not keep asking them to perform,” Debbie added. “Give them space and support.”

Her advice comes as animal experts urge owners to prepare their homes and know what to do if a frightened dog escapes.

Bonfire Night can turn a familiar evening walk into a frightening ordeal, with sudden bangs sending terrified pets running.

Andrew Hale, emotional wellbeing expert at Pet Remedy, says the starting point is recognising that a dog’s fear deserves to be taken seriously.

“For a dog, a sudden explosion outside can feel like a very real threat,” he said. “They do not understand that people are celebrating, or know when the next bang is coming.

“Our job is to help them feel safe. That starts with noticing how they are coping, rather than waiting until they are visibly panicking.”

Signs of distress can include trembling, pacing, panting, hiding, refusing food or repeatedly seeking their owner’s attention.

Owners should plan walks for daylight where possible, check doors and garden boundaries are secure, and settle their dogs indoors before nearby displays begin. Closing curtains and windows can reduce flashes and noise, while familiar television or music may help mask sounds outside.

Andrew said: “Give your dog somewhere comfortable to retreat to, ideally a place they already choose to rest. Let them decide whether they want to hide or stay close to you.

“If they seek reassurance, offer it. You do not need to ignore a frightened dog. Equally, if they feel safest tucked away in their favourite spot, do not pull them out for a cuddle.”

Dogs Trust also advises owners to offer comfort when dogs seek it and to speak to a vet about firework fear, including whether medication or behavioural support could help.

Canine first aid expert Rachel Bean says preventing an escape should be a priority.

“Check the fit and condition of your dog’s harness, collar and lead before going out,” she said. “Keep identification details and microchip contact information up to date, and make sure everyone in the house understands that opening the front door could give a frightened dog an escape route.

“Save your vet’s emergency number in your phone now. In an emergency, you do not want to be searching for it.”

If a dog bolts, owners should avoid putting themselves in danger by running into traffic. If an accident happens, Rachel says a calm approach and an immediate call to the vet are essential.

“A frightened or injured dog may bite, even if they have never done so before,” she said. “Approach slowly, speak gently and avoid unnecessary handling."

Owners should also check gardens for firework debris before letting dogs outside the following morning.