The 4th of July might be fun for humans, but our four-legged friends frequently experience anxiety when the fireworks soar. Dogs react strongly to loud, abrupt noises, and frequent exposure can induce prolonged uneasiness and anxiety.

As you get ready for this Fourth of July, you should have the necessary knowledge to adequately prepare for your dog’s needs on this day. While your dog may experience anxiety for different reasons, you can soothe your canine through comforting methods that may help your furry friend get through the night. The goal is to ultimately reduce the stress-factor, and ease your animal into the holiday festivities.

Fireworks Noise and Anxiety

Before you help your companion, however, you should understand the depth of firework-induced anxiety in dogs. While not specific to the Fourth of July, firework sounds are frequently heard during the holiday. Across the nation, many reports depict anxious pups digging out of yards, running away, and even jumping through windows in response to abrupt firework sounds. Typically, a dog’s anxiety can be depicted by:

• Nervous pacing
• Hiding
• Persistent barking
• Lack of appetite
• Abrupt running

Unfortunately, many dog owners fail to understand the depth of their companion’s stress. In most cases, it’s far safer to keep pets inside during Fourth of July celebrations, rather than escorting them through outdoor activities.

Reducing Anxiety from the Get-Go

Before moving into anxiety relief methods, try to reduce your dog’s overall stress level. Prior to the firework extravaganzas, give them a good run to release any pent up energy. You’d be surprised how much a good exercise session can reduce stress.

Additionally, block outside sounds and sights by lowering the blinds, turning on the television, or playing calming music. While indoor noise might add to overall sound, your dog is likely accustomed to them and will feel more relaxed in a known environment. A lot of anxiety experienced from firework explosions comes from unpredictability. By creating a neutral, expectant audio atmosphere, you can ease your dog’s reaction to sounds and reduce their overall anxiety.

A Safe Room Creates a Safe Response

You should similarly make sure your animal is in a familiar, comforting area. Does your dog have a “favorite location in the home?” If so, direct them to it before the festivities begin. Many dogs, when stressed, retreat to similar rooms or spaces.

Strike Out the Unfamiliar Products

If your dog still experiences anxiety, or if they’re incredibly prone to anxiety from fireworks in general, you should create stable conditions in other ways. Firstly, you should avoid feeding your dog human food. While it might be tempting, sudden dietary changes can enhance your pet’s anxiety. Human food may similarly upset your animal’s stomach—further increasing stress.

Additionally, avoid spraying your dog with unfamiliar products such as insect repellant. Many human products are dangerous to canines and the Fourth of July is definitely packed with human-specific sprays, washes, drinks, and fun products, which can further induce stress due to unfamiliarity.  Keep your furry friend away from the following products, particularly on the Fourth of July:

• Lighter fluid
• Matches
• Cigarette and cigar smoke

Stopping Fear in its Tracks with the ZenCrate

Today, between 20 million and 32 million dogs suffer from some sort of anxiety in the U.S. This anxiety is induced by fireworks, thunderstorms, and separation. The creators of the ZenCrate have crafted a technologically advanced solution to ease stress in dogs and dog owners alike.

The ZenCrate is intelligent, utilizing motion activated sensors to maximize care without owner presence. Controlled via Wi-Fi camera, the ZenCrate monitors and helps your furry friend so you don’t have to. Vibration-dampening feet and orthopedic memory foam make the ZenCrate a relaxing experience, greatly reducing incoming firework vibrations that cause them distress.

Every inch of the ZenCrate is protected, balanced, and enhanced by reactive adjustments. Powered by proximity sensors, the ZenCrate offers an immediate and unbeatable response. A hi-tech camera and fan, directly powered by the ZenCrate’s real-time monitoring system, comfort your animal the second they enter the crate. Motion-activated music promotes a safe space for your pet, so you needn’t cause a ruckus in managing the home’s audio. Take a load off, and give man’s best friend the immediate response they deserve.

Today’s animal shelters, veterinarians, and dog lovers are already using and loving the ZenCrate. Positive results needn’t be powered by constant human attention on the Fourth of July. Modern technology is here—powered by leading professionals.

For more information, please visit http://zendogcrate.com

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Dog Dens in the Wild

Dogs may have been domesticated thousands of years ago, but they are still ruled by their natural instincts. These innate traits govern the way dogs act and respond to stimuli. "Denning," where a dog builds and retreats to a shelter, is one such ancient behavior also observed in their wild relatives like wolves and foxes. These denning instincts show themselves whenever your dog digs up the yard on a hot day or hides under the kitchen table during a thunderstorm.

There is some debate as to whether or not canids like domesticated dogs are true "den-dwelling" animals, which can get confusing without the right context. People who assert that dogs shouldn't be considered den animals point to natural wolf behavior. Wolves, domesticated dogs' closest wild relatives, only den for part of the year when they give birth to pups. Once the pups are a few weeks old, they start sleeping out in the open with the other wolves in their pack. Likewise, many wild canids may hide in confined areas in an emergency, but these aren't permanent shelters. Meanwhile, some canids like foxes do dig dens that they regularly return to when escaping the elements. Also, in hot climates, wild canids often dig holes to cool down. For many, these behaviors are enough to qualify canids like dogs as den animals. However, others assert that the only proper "den dwellers" are animals like gophers and moles, which spend most of the year in their burrows. For this school of thought, dogs are "animals that use dens" rather than "den animals."

Whether or not dogs are den animals in a technical sense simply boils down to semantics. Regardless of one's definition, wild canids do use dens under certain circumstances, and some of this denning instinct has been passed down to modern dogs. Additionally, one often-ignored fact to remember is that, as an aspect of their domestication, dogs retain more juvenile behaviors and traits into adulthood compared to wild canids. That includes things like barking, floppy ears, and (often) sleeping in dens. Additionally, regardless of whether or not den dwelling is "natural," research has clearly shown that domesticated dogs seek out and benefit from having a sanctuary of their own.

Dogs are Happier with a Den

Because canine mothers construct maternity dens for their pups, adult dogs often associate dark, enclosed spaces with memories of puppyhood. This feeling of safety and security has a soothing effect. When dogs are stressed out, they seek that comfort by retreating to a den. As their surrogate parents, it's our job as humans to provide them with a suitable shelter.

Dens are especially important for dogs with separation anxiety for two reasons: When properly acclimated to a quality dog den, an anxious pup is more likely to stay calm when left alone in if he's in his sanctuary. Likewise, his owner will be at ease knowing the dog isn't destroying the house — or trying to make a den out of torn couch cushions.

In some cases, dog dens do cause distress. However, this is almost always due to improper crate training. When a dog is punished with crate time or locked in a crate alone for too long, it stops being a den. The dog begins to associate the crate with unpleasantness rather than the comfort of puppyhood. When that happens, the crate loses its ability to calm.

Anxiety in Dogs

in the wild, fear has its benefits. Most things in nature that make loud noises — a common trigger for canine anxiety — are deadly. Canids who fled or sought shelter at the sound of thunder or a lion's roar were more likely to survive than their less cautious counterparts. "Anxious" doggie ancestors thrived, eventually passing on this trait to modern pooches.

Fortunately, your dog isn't in constant mortal danger. Unfortunately, the instincts that guided his ancestors still come into play. When these instincts no longer serve a purpose, what was previously prudent caution becomes an irrational fear.

Drawbacks of Anti-Anxiety Treatments

Vets will often prescribe medication to treat anxiety that come with their own set of problems. Short-acting sedatives are given "as needed" and take time to start working. Likewise, a human must be there to recognize the anxiety and administer the pill. You won't always be around when your dog is at his most anxious. Antidepressants work continuously, but they must still be given to the dog on a consistent daily basis. Also, it takes weeks and sometimes months for these drugs to deliver results.

Anyone who has taken anti-anxiety medications themselves can tell you they come with a long list of side effects. Many of these are worse than the symptoms they treat. And, unfortunately, a vet can't ask a dog about changes to his quality of life.

Cost is another factor. Although many of these medications are inexpensive on a per-pill basis, they add up when used long term. Also, a dog must typically see the prescribing vet at regular intervals. Ironically, all of these expensive extra vet visits may then further elevate your dog's anxiety level.

While anxiety medications are still useful in special cases, a more holistic approach is usually best for both dogs and their owners.

Zencrate to the Rescue!

We've made it our mission at Zencrate to create the best anxiety-fighting dog den possible. The Zencrate uses the latest modern technology to cater to your dog's primal instincts. Its opaque outer cover blocks light so your dog can snooze peacefully on the memory foam padding inside. To keep unwanted noise at bay, the den features sound-dampening insulation, support, and overall structure. Motion-activated sensors turn on an internal fan, soothing music, and an optional WiFi camera. All these features add up to a den that's dark, cool, comfortable, and free of negative stimuli — the perfect calming environment for your dog.

Teaching your dog to 'come' is one of the most basic and yet one of the most important obedience skills that you and your dog can share.  Yes, share.   If you go into it thinking you are controlling your dog, or 'making' him (or her) do something, the result will be far less effective than if you start thinking of you and your dog as a team.    Your dog's success is as much as your success. The secret of how to train your dog to come is simple; patience, a little time, and lots of treats.

Understanding The Basics on How to Train Your Dog to Come

Although formal obedience training sessions are wonderful, they are short and infrequent.   To have a good working companionship with your dog, you need to be aware of and involved in the day-to-day training.

Remember, dogs are information sponges and are always learning, whether you want them to or not.   They aren't like a computer, performing when you turn them on and dormant when you turn them off.   Dogs see, hear, smell and watch everything you do.   You are their alpha dog, their leader.    So, everything you do with them is reinforcing your relationship and his training.

The “come” command or as it's sometimes known as 'recall' is easy.    It is one of the foundation skills in the triad of "sit, come and leave it".   Additionally, many skills can be built on the foundation of “come”. It is a social skill that can make your dog welcomed wherever he goes, because, instead of appearing to others as a nuisance, he will instead be a valued addition to the experience of being with you.

Teaching a Puppy Versus an Older Dog to Come

First, you need to take into account what age your dog is.   Is he a puppy?  A slightly older dog, say 5 months or older, but no training?   Is he a much older dog?  This will affect his memory and the time span that you work with your dog.   With a puppy, it is better to work in many short bursts of time, rather than a long session.   Consider the length kindergarten versus high school classes.      You don't want your dog or yourself for that matter, bored or overwhelmed.

Understand a puppy will be distracted more often than an older dog.   But an older dog might have less patience learning a new skill.   Certain breeds are more stubborn and other breeds more likely to please.    This is where part of the teamwork comes in, you need to understand what level dog is and work to his strengths, not his weakness.

For example- A golden retriever may thrive on pleasing you, so make him aware that it pleases you when he does something you like, whereas another dog may appreciate the food reward more.

Remember, it will take time, repetition and kindness on your part to make your dog behave the way you want him to.   Unfortunately, you can't wave a magic wand or even have one session.   A formal session once a day, backed up by several informal ones, can make a difference.  Most importantly, training needs to be constant with only short periods of time in between each session.   It's not fair to your dog to have an hour long session and then wait two weeks before the next one.

A simple preparation.   Make sure the treat you plan to give your dog is something he really loves.    You want your dog to have the best experience possible.

Whatever the age and experience of the dog, begin with the minimum of distractions and the maximum amount of rewards.

Never, ever punish your dog for coming.   If you call him because he's misbehaved then punish him, he will begin to think that come means he will get a swat or a punishment and will disobey.   In fact, some dogs are known to run away when they are called to come because they do believe they will be punished.   Wouldn't you?

Punishment from you or other can create an anxious dog.

How to Train Your Dog to Come - Assessing Your Expectations 

If you want your dog to be as keenly trained as those amazing dogs who parade every year at the Westminster Kennel Club on TV, remember the trainers spend hours working with the dogs on specific tasks and patterns of behavior.

Take into account the time you might spend and the time you should spend.   Most people who attend an obedience training class with their dog devote only 5 minutes a day to the exercises, if at all.   This is definitely not enough time to properly teach your dog anything. It is better to span a few 5 to 15 minutes sessions throughout the day.   If you are working, do some training with your dog before you go to work, when you come home for lunch, and then in the evening.

Timing is everything

A great way to start is right before meal time when the dog is hungry, this adds extra motivation.  At the scheduled meal time, take a few kibbles and wave them in front of the dog's nose so he can smell them.   Step back.   And say "come" and when the dog comes, give him the kibble, verbally praise him "good dog”.   Step back again, as he's eating, and say "come" and repeat the process, then set the food down for a meal.    A small step like this is easy to incorporate and will give the dog something to look forward to learning.

Begin formal training by practicing indoors or in a fenced backyard, this eliminates distractions.

This can be done with the dog on or off a leash.

Again, like during meal time, have a treat in your hand,  back up a few feet so you are looking at your dog,  and open your arms in welcome and say “come” in a cheery voice

If she stops or wanders away from you, immediately stop the praise. When she starts coming toward you again, start in once more. Encourage the dog with warm tones in your voice, praise, treat, and rub.     Then, allow him to go back to whatever he was doing.

Repeat several times

Once your dog has practiced a few times over several weeks, start offering treats occasionally a and only after the fastest responses.

As time progresses, you can take your dog to more advanced levels.

If your dog doesn't respond. Don’t reprimand or punish him for not responding.    Call his name, ask him again to come, but this time, start jogging backward, clapping your hands to stimulate her to follow. Clapping your hands may also convince him that this is a fun game. Start praising the dog as soon as he moves toward you.

Teaching your dog to come isn't time intensive but it takes patience.   Good luck!