How to walk your dog on New Year’s Eve

The dog that rejoices in the New Year and admires the festive fireworks exists only in fantasies: in the fantasies of a person who knows nothing about dogs. In real life, New Year’s Eve is the scariest day of the year for most dogs.

Just imagine: a dog’s hearing is much sharper than ours. If many of us are hit in the ears by New Year’s fireworks, how do they feel? In addition, we all know that fireworks are not scary, but beautiful and festive. What about pets? Quite possibly, in their view, firecrackers, fireworks, and at the same time noisy music at the table are clear signs of the end of the world, when there is only one thing left: to run away and be saved! By the way, it is during the New Year holidays that a record number of pets are lost. To prevent your dog from adding to their list, catch the rules of “New Year’s” walks with the dog.

But first, we note that the dog can and should be taught to loud sounds. If a dog is terribly afraid of car alarms, thunder or “bombs”, this is not good. Fear needs to be worked out, but it takes time: on the eve of the New Year, it is too late to “wean” the dog to be afraid. But doing this after the holidays is a great idea!

7 rules for New Year’s walks with a dog

1. Walk at a safe time. This is when the risk of encountering fireworks is minimal: from early morning to 17.00 pm.

2. Walk in a safe place. During the holidays, it is better to limit yourself to walks in the yard, around the house or on the nearest site. But going to the city center to admire the biggest Christmas tree is definitely not worth it.

3. Practice short walks. On New Year’s Eve, you can, with a clear conscience, take the dog out just so that she does her business. Joint jogging and snowball fights can wait! Believe me, today such a scenario will suit her very much. By the way, did you know that a dog can be trained to go to the toilet on command?

4. Check the ammo for strength. A dog that is frightened by fireworks can easily turn into a snake and slip out of a “very strong” collar. New Year’s Eve is approaching – it’s time to analyze walking accessories. Make sure that the size of the collar corresponds to the girth of the dog’s neck (this is when two fingers can be inserted edgewise between the neck and the collar, no more). That the fasteners are in good condition, and the leash is not leaky. Even if your dog is not prone to escaping, it is better to hang an address tag (a token with your phone number) around his neck. Let it be on a separate string, do not attach it to the base collar. It is better to choose large address boxes so that the phone on them can be seen from a distance. If there is no address book at hand, and the New Year is already here, write the phone number with a bright indelible marker on a light collar.

5. If possible, walk the dog on a special harness that wraps around the neck, chest and stomach – it is impossible to escape from such without the help of magic! For greater reliability, do not just hold the leash in your hand, but attach it to your belt. A luminous collar and a GPS tracker will not hurt either! 

6. Support the dog. If you are still “lucky” to meet with New Year’s fireworks or other dog “horror stories”, try not to be nervous, even if in fact you were no less scared. It is important for the dog that you speak to him in a low, calm voice, do not pull on the leash, but gently pull him towards you, or even better, take him in your arms! If the fear is very strong, and you can’t pick up the dog, just sit down and let him hide his head under your arm. Stroke, calm down – and run home!

7. And the last. Guests and large companies are good, but not for a dog. No, this does not mean that you need to refuse meetings. But if you want to see your friends, it is better to leave the dog at home in a secluded place. And if a noisy company came to you, take the dog to another room or let him retire to his favorite hiding place. Friends should be warned that pushing your dog and giving him treats from the table is a bad idea.

Owners of emotional dogs should consult a veterinarian in advance and buy a sedative on his recommendation. Let it always be at hand!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, friends!