With Halloween and Bonfire Night fast approaching it is a nightmare time of year for many dog owners. Of course the main problem is that fireworks are not confined to specific dates; and during October we see the start of a very long firework season - so many displays start way before the 5th of November and they continue long into the New Year.

So what should people do? How should dog owners behave in order to turn their stressed dog into a calm, relaxed and happy dog? In most cases it's entirely the opposite to what they think they should do and may currently be doing!

It is important to remember that if you do what you'd normally do for a frightened person or child, which is give attention, affection, hugs, look at or talk to them, with a dog you will be actually nurturing their stressed state of mind. This means that if your dog is exhibiting stress symptoms such as shaking, panting, pacing, barking or glaring eyes, by paying them attention, especially by hugging, stroking and talking to them at this time, you will be reinforcing that stressful behaviour.

Although in human terms, it may sound cruel, the best thing you can do for your dog when they are fearful, is to act as if nothing is happening and completely ignore their behaviour. I know this is not easy, especially if you love your dog and care about their well-being!

If your dog shakes, pants, paces, runs to hide or towards windows or doors, it is best to put them on their lead and keep them gently but firmly by your side. If instead you allow them to continue their excited, stressed behaviour then this means you will actually help this behaviour escalate. By keeping your dog still, you will help them to calm down quicker. Of course you need to stay calm yourself and do your best not feel sympathy for your dog, as this will reinforce for them that they have something to worry about!

You need to maintain strong positive thoughts, you could perhaps sit on the floor with them while you are doing something else, for example watching the TV or reading. It may take a little while but you will notice that your dog will gradually calm down as your positive thoughts and calming presence will be the reassurance they need.

As with all dog 'reprogramming', you must be patient and suppress your desire to try to distract your dog with other activity. Provided you ignore their stressful and upset state, you will allow them to move on much more quickly and return to what is their natural balanced state.

If your dog likes to build a 'nest' or hide somewhere, then you can help to create a safe place for them to do this, but remember not to coax or reassure them at this time (as you would a child) or this will again reinforce and escalate their fear! What they need is your calm and confident, 'matter of fact' presence to give them all the reassurance they seek.

If you're into this sort of thing, there are some calming preparations like Bach Flower Remedy or Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) that can be purchased from a vet (or via the internet). These may help.

Bach Remedies come in the form of drops that you can add to their water and DAP comes in the form of a plug-in, collar or spray. DAP mimics the pheromone produced by lactating mothers which gives comfort to her puppies and helps to reassure and calm fearful and anxious dogs. These remedies can also be affective for dogs who suffer from nervousness and separation anxiety.

You can view our full range of DAP diffusers and collars for dogs and cats here ...