Preparing Your Livestock Guardian Dog for 4th of July Fireworks

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Hi Reader,

Every year, I mean to write this post before the 4th of July, and every year it sneaks up on me. This year, I finally got it done early — because if you have a Maremma Sheepdog or any livestock guardian dog living outside, this is not the same situation as a house dog getting spooked by fireworks.

You’re not going to bring them inside. And some of them are completely fine. But some of them are absolutely not, and I want you to be prepared.

Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: it’s the escape-artist dogs you really have to watch. A dog that tests fencing on a normal day will absolutely clear that fence if they’re panicking. I’ve come outside on July 4th to find dogs frantically trying to get out — and occasionally one that already had. It’s stressful for everyone involved.

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How I Prepare My Maremmas for the 4th of July:

• My most reactive dogs get trazodone — from my vet, given before the fireworks start, so they’re already calm when the noise begins
• Any dog with a fence challenging habit goes into my most secure enclosures before dark
• I get the most noise-reactive into the puppy parlor, if possible, with the doors closed and a fan running for white noise
• I also make sure all my dogs have current, readable ID and fully charged GPS trackers before the holiday weekend
• We start preparing our Maremma puppies for fireworks before their eyes are even open. It’s part of our puppy socialization program.

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The other thing I’d add: check your LGD’s microchip registration.

It’s one of those things people mean to update when they move and then forget. If your dog gets out and ends up at a shelter, that microchip only helps if it leads to you. (If you own a ​Prancing Pony Maremma​, don’t worry – I’m the backup on your dog’s microchip. If your dog gets out and you can’t be located they will call me.)

I put everything I know about this topic into a full blog post this year — including what to do if your LGD does get out, and some notes on natural, non-prescriotion products like Thundershirts if medication isn’t your preference.

​​Read: How to Prepare Your LGD for the 4th of July Fireworks​​

Have a safe and happy 4th. I’ll be out in the pasture making sure my dogs are settled before the neighbors start their parties.

Kim

How to Prepare Your LGD for 4th of July Fireworks ​ Read article

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Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner Licensed Family Dog Mediator