Overview

• Ben, a practising vet known on TikTok as ben.the.vet, advises starting training now rather than waiting until early November.
• Owners are told to play recorded firework sounds quietly in a room where the dog relaxes and to increase the volume gradually several times a day.
• If a dog shows any fear response, the advice is to stop or turn the volume down to avoid sensitising the animal and reinforcing the fear.
• Counter‑conditioning is recommended by pairing the sounds with treats or play to build a positive association.
• Dogs Trust offers a free ‘Sounds Scary’ playlist and guides developed by two veterinary surgeons, and particularly fearful dogs may need help from a qualified behaviourist.