How to Prepare Your Dog for Fireworks 

RU-vid family! I hope you had a safe, wonderful fourth of July! What did you learn? Make sure to share this video with anyone who you think could use a little extra help for their animal friends!

That moment when your neighborhood has fireworks not only on July 4th but also, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. I’m getting so many headaches from all the barking lol

The sight of dogs freely roaming in the background during Cesar's solo lecture was pure joy 😎

I love seeing Cesar talking while the dogs walk around him just doing their thing.

Hi Cesar, ive sent my (nervous of fireworks) dog to sleep during a big fireworks display by giving her a deep massage on her back. No rewarding long strokes but deep massage. She has remembered the experience and is no longer bothered about fireworks. I was paying attention next couple of times we had fireworks to give her a quick taste of calm massage and now she is fine with them. One dog at a time. Big fan.

Hey Cesar!!!! I work with dogs everyday and have been watching you for years...can’t tell you how much you have taught me!!! I gotta hang out with you one day!!! Bucket list

Cesar Millan's directions not only apply to relate to dogs but how to raise children. Beautiful. Thank you.

ive learned to act totally calm during fireworks and thunderstorms, and it seems like the dogs first look to me and how I react before they themselves react. They are both very old dogs -- but I understand how hard it is to try and desensitize pets to something that happens for a few days max each year. We didnt come out of the womb enjoying loud bangs and explosions -- we all cried at first as babies. It was a desensitization by our guardians and an understanding that these things were ok and not harmful, same as we need to do with dogs. *you know we'd cry like babies at loud bangs and explosions if they weren't something very natural to us, too*

I just want to thank you so much! Long walk, put on calming jacket early and fed food during fireworks and it worked like a charm. Thank you!!! ❤

Agreed. I take my 4 rescue dogs for a 3 hour strenuous hike/swim, and as long as I blast the white noise, they sleep right through the fireworks.

I hope this video reaches many people so they're able to help their dogs stay calm during fireworks. About talking your dog for a 2 hour walk prior to the fireworks, people need to have common sense and know that elderly dogs or dogs with leg or hip problems, would not be able to go on long walks.

I moved to the middle of nowhere. My nearest neighbors are four miles away. I don't hear fireworks on July 4th and that's how I like it.

Cesar, I have always admired the way you marry your love of animals with your gifted counseling of humans. I also admire you because you never condemn, you coach! I read all your books before bringing a Boxer puppy, named Mouse, into my family because I wanted to be the best owner I could for her. Mouse is 13 years old now and probably the chillest dog in a thousand miles on July 4th, because of the advice in your books. Thanks for coming to the U.S, thanks for sharing your wisdom and gift with us.

Thank you very much Cesar for sharing these precious pieces of information!

Thank you so much for this video my dogs are terrified of 4th of July! I feel so bad every year

Great video. i'm a dogwalker. This is the 1st time I've ever seen something specific put together for handling the stress of the 4th. Very practical, easy to follow. I learned a lot and I will be sharing this with all my clients. I can't enact every suggestion because they're not my dogs but I can take most of the dogs for longer walks the day before. Thanks Caesar. Lover your work.

Wow I wish I knew all this back when I had a dog. She always hated fireworks. Thank you for all the tips I have learned so much. 😃

What I learned: start with a sound that has a calming effect on everyone involved. Also, before the actual fireworks, get pups desensitized to loud noises prior to the actual event. Thank you, Cesar.

Thank you, Ceaser! I'm currently dog sitting for a family who has a rescue and she's terrified of everything. This will help me out with keeping her and her sister keep calm

Exercise, discipline, affection. The secret sauce for emotionally healthy humans too.

My neighborhood in NYC has fireworks every day of the year! I love being proactive! You are such a gift!

Love that you emphasized exercise 2 hours vs normal 20 minutes. The relaxation sounds and state of mine alternating with loud “booms” was a powerful connection to make. Thank you!

Love you Cesar from Zagreb Croatia🇭🇷🐶❤🙋‍♀️

Its about guiding them with a logic that makes sense to them and also be their as a confident leader to show them the correct ways which they can benefit from.

You make so much sense into my brain 😘🐶 we travel with our dogs to the lake no fireworks allow . Like fireworks but in reality I get so nervous about the sound . So it work for us . We trained our dogs to run to a hiding place called “castle” just in case of earthquake. Love that dogs are happy being dogs at your ranch or maybe my mind is telling me that free should be the normal . 😘

Thank you so much Cesar! You’ve always been an inspiration to me. My mini Aussie is terrified of thunder and fireworks. His whole body trembles, he whines and cries, and he hides or tries to climb on me.

🤩wow jr, sure has grown up! I remember him as a little puppy!

Today I went to brother's house, 3 dogs usually hyper to see me, but today I called ahead, did not knock, just walked in and NO hyper jumping dogs! The knock, owner's telling them to get back, get down, etc. didn't happen. I calmly entered and it was so much better. Thanks to you! Happy 4th of July from me and my cat!

I watched this on tv a day ago and now this is on my recommendations. I'm being spied on

a connection that was lost since the time of Adam now it restoreth with a better understanding to animals. it helps not only to the dogs instead a better person to live in. ariba! from philippines.

First interior then exterior. I'm gonna practice walking to home for 2 hours with my dog. It's gonna be good for me too.

I cannot thank you enough. Because of your guidance, my dog was only anxious the first time he heard fireworks while with me. I must've done something right because we've been just fine for the past 10 years.

Love you Cesar Milan! You have taught me so much over the years about how to raise secure, happy, fur babies. Your lessons are invaluable! I also have tremendous admiration and respect for you as a person and, as an immigrant myself, I find your life story truly inspirational. Many blessings & much love to you & your loved ones.

Preparation, preparation, preparation. That's what I've learned, and my dog will enjoy. 😍😘😘

It necesary that my dog is not alone during the CELEBRATION of July 4. Gracias por este video Cesar 💓 10 millones de likes

Oh my. That Sophia is the sweetest and funniest of them all. Cutest thing ever. And a little smarty pants. LOVE her. Love them all really. Been a big fan of Junior's since Daddy was still here. Love you Cesar. You are one remarkable human being. God bless.

You're the Man...Cesar Millan🐕

I watch your channel ( videos ) every day & I learn something new every day not only about dogs .... But much more

My sister has hyper reactive dogs that are extremely nervous about fireworks 🎆. This lesson really helps so much. Thank you Cesar!

Thank you for taking the time to put out a survey asking your viewers whether or not you should make this video in regards to this subject. Never have I experienced anyone on you tube asking for our opinion. It makes it feel more personal and you listening to what we would like to know. Much appreciated Caesar!

My brother has two pitbulls that are terrified of fireworks. They run to hide under his bed and become very stressed out. Every 4th of July week they go crazy with the fireworks, that nothing seems to calm them down. I will definitely share this exercise with my family so that they can practice it prior to the 4th of July week. Thanks Cesar!

I love the idea of switching back and forth from the relaxing sounds to the stressful sounds, when the stressful sounds become too much.

Thank you Cesar for addressing this very important subject! This is not only helpful for fireworks but so many other obstacles that come up. Thank you God bless you

I miss his shows. Always enjoyed watching.

Cesar Your still the best !! All the best from a uk fan!

My dog was terrified of fireworks, was shaking, hiding. I practiced being calm showing her the family enjoyed the fireworks using positive reinforcement when she looked at the fireworks vs trying to cuddle and avoid the fireworks and it worked this year. Now we can enjoy the a fireworks together. She even fell asleep during the firework show

This vid is exactly what I needed. Thanks again

What a gift this man has.

Love those glasses! I got to get me a pair. I've been training my puppy. That is going so well but, Cesar's right, the people around her are harder to get on board.

My old dog who recently passed enjoyed the 4 th of July with me every year. Caesar is so right about calm energy. We always maintained calm energy around fireworks so she never interpreted that as something to fear. She was an exceptional dog, my constant companion, I miss her terribly. She was an excellent example of Caesars philosophy, I practiced it daily with her. She was such a nervous dog when we rescued her but through training she had 10 wonderful calm years with me.

Thank you! It helps to know you CAN condition your pack with sounds and other ideas! I love this channel and your pack for all the help!

My boy just turned four the other day and using your techniques over the years he is a wonderful dog who sleeps during thunderstorms and fireworks. Going to pass this on to others needing the skill to instill calm during stressful events... Thank you!

Thanks Cesar for the advice much needed for our new furry family that we just adopted

I am blessed to have animals that do not mind the fireworks, my smaller dog hated them (and thunderstorms too) but she has become much better. My lab couldn't care less, he is definitely the happy go lucky type.

Omgeez! This explains soooo much about why my dog is so calm about the 4th of July, while my friend’s dog needs my dog to be her “therapy dog” on the 4th of July! I wasn’t aware that my family was doing all of those things that would calm our dogs. We almost always have a 4th of July party that starts around 3 pm. We have tons of kids and “new” people at our home from about 3 pm until after the fireworks show. The last visitors often leave after 11pm. That whole day, there are LOTS of people for the dogs to meet and interact with, including high energy children who will play with the dogs for hours. We habitually don’t feed the animals until we go inside for the night. On that day, we feed the pets after fireworks, as we start to clean up. I’m a calm person by nature. (My husband is working on his own calm attitude. I’m pretty sure I’m not only my husband’s lifelong friend, lover and companion, I’m also his “therapy dog.” 😂) My husband is generally lighting the fireworks though, so the dogs are not with him anyway. My older dog will go sit with the kids or sit next to me during the fireworks show. I’m reviewing Cesar’s videos as a refresher because we just got a new puppy. I just learned from this video that I had this information within in me all along!!! It’s actually part of my everyday living and is a result of just being me. I’ve watched Cesar’s videos for many years. Cesar’s videos have even helped me in raising my kids. I came to realize that the same rules, boundaries and limitations not only make for a well behaved dog, that same philosophy results in well behaved kids too! My human children are grown and have their own families now. I’m forever grateful for Cesar’s guidance. He has helped so much with my dogs and my overall daily living! Gracias, Cesar!

This program was very helpful. I have a 9 month old golden retriever and this will be his first fireworks display. I feel that I have the tools to keep him calm and happy go lucky. Thanks Ceasar again for the information.

My border collie/lab mix girl barks & growls @ the sound of an ant farting 6 blocks away, yet couldn’t care less about fireworks 🤷🏼‍♀️

I learned to teach him to associate new things that he might be frightened of with good feelings. I don't reinforce his fear by trying to comfort him but rather redirect his brain to something he likes. I have also learned to control my anxiety about how he might react because I want him to take cues from me. Thanks Cesar!

Thank you Cesar! The whole family loves watching your show

same thing. be calm. get tired. all dog "problems" have the same solution. Thank you Cesar for taking time to do this.

Thank u...have 2 new rescues, my 1st fireworks with them

Excellent information. Thank you!!!!

This was extremely helpful! I have a friend who is constantly asking me questions on what to do if their dog won't let go of a toy or stuff like that. One of their questions was how to keep their dog calm around loud noises and now I can tell them how. THANK YOU!!!!!!!

I personally dont have a dog or any pets that are sensitive to fireworks but I still appreciate this video. You are an angel Cesar I aspire to be as compassionate as you.

I can’t thank u enough- I have hot dogs and 3 walks scheduled !!! I will lead the way thanks to u😘❤️💕🐾

Our dog used to be afraid of fireworks. Thank you Cesar, for giving me the tools to have a happy, balanced dog.

Thank you thank you thank you!! So glad you made this video! 😊

When we got our Labrador puppy. I played video clips of fireworks and thunder storms on the tv really loud while I played with him and fed him. Totally unfazed now.

Thanks cesar my dog was watching the video with me and were ready !

I had a Labrador retriever and she was not afraid of fireworks the first time she heard them. However the situation was such that we were at a marina and she was retrieving all day long getting sticks out of the water that I threw for her. That night the reaction to the fireworks were pretty much nothing. She was simply tired and worn out. Another time she didn't have the workout during the day and her reaction was totally different. Now after watching you I understand why that was so. You are absolutely great not only as the dog whisperer but also as a teacher. Love ya Cesar

I learned about introducing the firecracker sound to my pet. I've always used calm music, but never a firecracker sound. I also understand exercising and having good treats to redirect the nose if needed. Very useful and I thank you for this video Cesar! Be Blessed 🙏💙😇

When I first got my dog he didn't like going out for walks (probably because of the new environment) and I did the drop off/walk home method to get him used to walking and it worked great! He's also not afraid of fireworks because I made sure his first experience was positive. Thanks Cesar!

*Thanks Cesar! My Doggos are ready!!* 🐶❤️🐶

What I got out of this was how brilliantly you demonstrated 'working on the threshold'- so the boxer noticed the sound and was concerned but not TOO concerned, ie desensitized not sensitized. Right on, that's how we do that :) :)

Wonderful! This is going to help us, not only for the 4th, but in our everyday life. I struggle with anxiety and emotions. It really bothers her to see me crying! I'm going to use these tips to improve our everyday life. Love ya Cesar!

Wow, finally someone told me, how to do it! Cesar, you are the best! Real superhero and a great inspiration for me and milions of people all around the world!

i'm missing my dog RAMBO very much specially when watching this chanel. he was a good companion for long 14 years

Cesar, I want to tell you, THANK YOU, for being a bodhhisattva for dogs. Thank you thank you thank you, your example is the highest to train people to change for the well being of dogs.

So happy to see you back! You always add brightness to the day!

My boy ollie has anxiety bad and its rough but we changed things in our life so he can cope better with his life and world , that's what u do when u own a pet , thanks for the video and happy 4th

This might sound wierd but I just realized that I've done similar training with my toddler... He was sometimes startled at party's because of all the screaming and yelling from the kids playing. At home I started to talk to him in a loud voice and at the same time smile so he knew we were just playing. So when I did that with him he would just smile back and laugh. Even though I was being loud, my energy was letting him know that we were just playing and everything was okay.

So good you’re on You Tube. Your my inspiration. I have a pack of 5 dogs. 3 Dobermans, 1 chihuahua beagle and a terrier. Thank You for the knowledge you have shared.

I love your macaw!! I have birds as well as dogs. Great technique for desensitizing dogs from scary sounds!

Cesar Dios te bendiga por cuidar de nuestros verdaderos amigos!!

Cesar, I would love to see a video about how to drain energy and provide exercise for dogs who are disabled and/or how humans can provide exercise if they have mobility issues.

I love how you pointed out the dog's state of mind when she was feeling the vest out and becoming acclimated to the feeling of it, and the boxer when it went into an anxious-alert mental state. Amazing stuff as always Cesar☆ thank you.

Thank you so much Cesar you are an inspiration 👌🏻

I have experienced several times of Chinese New Year in China. It is not a one day event...but basically 10 days of daily fireworks. What is astonishing that I have seen many dogs walking their owner outside and not caring about any noise. I have not seen any dog with any fear. It was really amazing.

My buddy never has had issues with loud noises or fireworks, but I've been having trouble with my dog obsessing over shadows very recently. I've been trying to redirect, but he always seems to default back to staring at the floor. I wasn't thinking NOSE, eyes, ears. I am going to have to work on the redirection with something he can smell to hold his attention. Thanks for the reminder.

I like this video. I had Llewellin Setters for 10 years, along with GSD’s. They are in a large dog room with crates, for feeding, breaks and bedtime. The llewellins were gun shy. They have their own tv, they watch/listen to crime shows, fireworks, gun shots, funny shows. They are totally desensitized to scary noises! Along with exercise, discipline and affection.

Greetings from Germany! Love your videos so does my dog. :) Keep up that great work!

thank you so much. from an owner of a rottweiler, belgian and local filipino dog. And I don't cage them or tie them. I always watch to know more wisdom and knowledge about dogs and life

My dogs can´t care less about fireworks...but this is an awesome info.

Luv u uncle Cesar. I just learned something else and love my doggie puppy babies even more. 👑 🐕

I also use these techniques for my horse as well as my pack

I dont have dogs, for the very fact that i am not home much. But i hear othet peoples problems with their pups, and i share the video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

What's sad is that it's not only about dogs.. it's also about other animals who will never understand. 😢

Wow. Thank you. I didn't realize how sounds affect dogs. I learn so much from you. Now I understand why my dog is better when he/we hike and explore together.

Great video, very helpful

As a dog owner all my life I can assure anyone looking to understand dogs that 'there is more than one way to skin a cat' and that applies to most things in life. Cesar's methods work for obvious reasons but they are not the only way by far.