Fireworks Sounds For Dog Training – 60 Min Desensitization & Counterconditioning

60 minutes of real fireworks sounds, recorded outdoors in Sweden on New Year's Eve — for desensitization and counterconditioning training with your dog.

START WITH YOUR VOLUME AT ZERO, THEN RAISE IT SLOWLY. This video can help your dog — but only at a volume where your dog stays calm.

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HOW TO USE THIS VIDEO

1. BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY Pick a calm moment when your dog is already relaxed. Prepare something that takes a while to eat — a lick mat, a stuffed Kong, a chew, a snuffle mat, or your dog's meal. Set your volume to zero. Make sure your dog can leave the room if they want to.
2. FIND YOUR DOG'S LEVEL Start the video, then raise the volume very slowly. Keep it very low — your dog should stay relaxed. For a fearful dog the right level may be almost inaudible to you, and that's fine. Your dog's reaction sets the level, not your ears.
3. GIVE YOUR DOG SOMETHING THEY LOVE The fireworks are dense and almost continuous, so don't try to reward each individual bang. Instead, give your dog a lick mat, food puzzle or something else they enjoy while the sound plays.
4. END THE SESSION CLEANLY When the sound stops, put the food away too. That keeps the good part connected to the sound itself.
5. KEEP SESSIONS SHORT Two to five minutes is plenty at first. End while your dog is still relaxed, never after a scare. Daily or every other day beats one long weekly session.
6. GO UP BY TINY STEPS Only raise the volume once your dog has been relaxed at the current level for several sessions. Watch for freezing, panting, pacing, a tucked tail, lowered body or refusing food. If you see signs of fear, turn it down or stop. Progress is measured in weeks, not days.

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WHY THE FOOD MATTERS

In a survey of 1,225 dog owners (Riemer, 2020), counterconditioning — giving the dog something it likes in connection with noises — was reported as effective by over 70% of owners who had used it. Training with noise recordings was reported as effective by 55%.

The author recommends that counterconditioning and relaxation training should complement desensitization with recordings.

That's what this video is designed for: gradual sound exposure combined with something your dog enjoys.

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A FEW THINGS WORTH KNOWING

"My dog ignores this but panics at real fireworks."

That's a limitation of any recording — there's no vibration, pressure, smell or outdoor direction. Play it through good speakers rather than a phone, and keep the volume at a level where your dog remains relaxed.

If your dog is frightened during real fireworks, don't train. Close windows and curtains, add background sound and let your dog hide wherever they choose. If your dog comes to you for comfort, comfort them.

If your dog panics badly, tries to escape or takes days to recover, talk to your vet.

Got a puppy? Early, gentle exposure to recorded loud sounds paired with food and play appears to help prevent noise fears from developing.

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ABOUT THE RECORDING

Real fireworks recorded outdoors in Sweden on New Year's Eve. Mixed with more low-end energy than our earlier fireworks video, based on your feedback in the comments.

SOURCES Riemer, S. (2020). Effectiveness of treatments for firework fears in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 37, 61–70. Riemer, S. (2023). Therapy and Prevention of Noise Fears in Dogs — A Review of the Current Evidence for Practitioners. Animals, 13(23), 3664. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) American Kennel Club (AKC) ASPCA

DISCLAIMER This video is a training aid, not veterinary or behavioural advice. Every dog is different. Watch your dog closely and stop at any sign of distress. For severe noise phobia, consult your veterinarian or a certified behaviourist.

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