October 20th, 2025

As the nights draw in across Wakefield, autumn and winter bring cosy evenings, crisp walks — and unfortunately, the fireworks season that so many dogs find distressing.
At Barkleys Dog Training Academy, we understand how stressful this time can be for both dogs and owners, especially those with reactive or anxious dogs.
That’s why we’re sharing our top tips and insights to help you navigate this challenging period with confidence, compassion, and a little help from expert Wakefield dog training.

🐶 Why Fireworks Are So Hard on Dogs
Dogs experience the world through sound and smell far more intensely than humans. The unpredictable bangs, flashes, and vibrations of fireworks can trigger panic and confusion — especially in reactive dogs, rescues, and younger puppies who haven’t yet learned how to cope.
Even the calmest dog can suddenly show signs of fear such as:

• Shaking or trembling
• Hiding or trying to escape
• Barking, whining, or pacing
• Refusing food or toilet breaks

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Every year, countless owners in our Wakefield dog training community tell us their dogs struggle through November and New Year’s Eve.

💡 How You Can Help Before the Fireworks Start
Preparation is key. A little groundwork now can make a world of difference later.
1. Create a Safe Space
Set up a quiet, comfortable area indoors — a covered crate, cosy corner, or even under a table with blankets. Add your dog’s bed, toys, and maybe one of your jumpers to help them feel secure.
2. Soften the Sound
Use calming music, a TV, or a white noise app to mask sudden bangs. The “Through a Dog’s Ear” playlist on Spotify is a great option.
3. Desensitisation Training
Our reactive dog training sessions can help reduce your dog’s fear response over time. We use force-free techniques to introduce fireworks sounds gently and safely, helping dogs learn they don’t need to panic.
4. Keep Routines Calm
Dogs find comfort in predictability. Stick to normal feeding, walking, and bedtime routines as much as possible, even when fireworks are happening.

🐾 What To Do During Fireworks

• Stay calm yourself – dogs mirror our emotions.
• Close curtains and doors to block flashes and reduce noise.
• Don’t scold or overly fuss if your dog reacts; instead, offer quiet reassurance.
• Use enrichment toys (lick mats, snuffle mats, stuffed Kongs) to redirect focus.
• Avoid evening walks when fireworks are likely; take earlier outings before dusk.

🌙 After the Bangs: Building Confidence for the Future
Once fireworks season passes, it’s a perfect time to work on long-term confidence and resilience training.
Our Wakefield dog training team can support you and your dog in rebuilding calm behaviour and positive associations — not just around noises, but in all aspects of daily life.
If your dog struggles year after year, investing in reactive dog training early can make next autumn much easier. We love seeing once-anxious dogs grow into confident, happy companions — it’s why we love dog training and do what we do every day.

❤️ Need Support? We’re Here to Help
​At Barkleys Dog Training Academy, our trainers specialise in force-free, reward-based methods that build trust and confidence.
Whether you need help with reactivity, fear of fireworks, or general confidence-building, we’re here to guide you through it — kindly, calmly, and effectively.
📍 Based in Wakefield, we offer one-to-one sessions, classes, and support for dogs of all ages and temperaments.
👉 Get in touch today to book a consultation and help your dog feel safe this fireworks season.