The Theory

The Fear of Fireworks programme is a therapeutic programme designed specifically for the management of noise phobias associated with fireworks in companion animals.

The programme utilises the classical principles of desensitisation and counterconditioning, alongside the use of calming pheromones.

Both of these approaches have been shown to be effective in managing this type of behavioural problem in dogs (Rogerson, 1997, Sheppard & Mills, 2003). A retrospective analysis of the treatment of our own clients showed the combined protocol to be effective in reducing a large number of the signs associated with fear of fireworks. (Mills, Estelles, Coleshaw & Shorthose 2003)

Every animal has an innate set of behavioural patterns that serves to protect it. This includes the startle response that can be elicited by sudden loud noises. The natural human reaction to a frightened pet is to try and comfort them, but unfortunately this can serve to reinforce the animals' fear.

Prolonged and repeated exposure to startling stimuli, under controlled conditions that do not provoke anxiety, can allow the animal to adapt and learn not to fear the sound - desensitisation. The desensitisation response is highly stimulus specific, making firework noise phobias particularly well suited to this type of behaviour modification technique.

The Fear of Fireworks CD will, if played at full volume on reasonable quality audio equipment, evoke a fearful response in the majority of firework phobic pets. This level of realism is necessary for a successful desensitisation protocol.

The owner can help the animal to learn form the desensitisation process by ignoring fearful behaviour and rewarding calm, relaxed behaviour - either with attention or a food treat - counterconditioning

Use of a DAP or Feliway diffuser helps to create a calming environment for the pet, maximising the chances of them being able to relax and learn from the protocol.(Sheppard & Mills , 2003)

Each CD is supplied with an easy to follow written protocol, presented in simple language, that will inform your clients about the reasons for their pet's problem behaviour, how to create a suitably calm environment in which to conduct the behaviour modification and how to help their pet cope with the firework season.

A more detailed protocol and record chart is also available online for more dedicated clients and those whose pets are particularly severely affected to follow, under your guidance.

The Fear of Fireworks team are also available to be contacted by e-mail should you wish to discuss any aspect of the programme or any particularly complicated cases with us.

Feedback from customers

Feedback here is from Elaine Henley BA, a qualified dog trainer and behaviouralist with her own company 'Take the Lead'.

"What did I think? Well (and I'm not just saying it to crawl) I thought that it was better than Roger Mugfords and Sounds Scary. Why? The gaps to be honest. I put the CD on for all the classes, 4 in total, the Tuesday before I went away. I left it on, during the gaps the dogs could relax, play, what-ever, and then wham!! more noise, then quiet again. Far more effective than one that plays fireworks noise continuously. More life like. So I liked that about it.

The price is not too expensive. Most people can afford that, cheaper than ACP. Especially after I told them what ACP actually does, numbs the body so that the dog can't flee but the mind is still very active. Imagine how awful and cruel that is to any animal.

The protocols etc I thought were a lot more user friendly and didn't place too much blame at the owner. They don't like to think that they have caused the problem. So all in all a very impressive product. I will certainly be buying more in the future. Well done. "

Thanks Elaine, couldn't have made it up myself any better!

Supply

*** NOW AVAILABLE DIRECT FROM N.V.S.***
We supply our CDs to veterinary practices around the country. We are also happy to supply CDs in bulk at special prices to animal behaviour therapists and recognised dog clubs. We also supply customers overseas, and are also happy to supply distributors and vets abroad

Please contact us for any further information on 01782 522100
References

I.Hart & Hart
Canine and Feline Behavioural Therapy. Lea & Febiger 1985

Mills DS & Simpson BS (2002) Psychotropic agents.
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine Ed D. Horwitz D Mills S heath, BSVA p237-248.

Overall K 1997
Clinical behavioural medicine for small animals.

Rogerson. J Canine fears and phobias; a regime for treatment without recourse to drugs.
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Volume 52, Issues 3-4, April 1997, Pages 291-297

Sheppard, G & Mills DS (2003) Evaluation of dog appeasing pheromone as a potential treatment for dogs fearful of fireworks.
Veterinary Record 152 432-436.

Retrospective analysis of the treatment of firework fears in dogs. Mills DS, Estelles M, Coleshaw PH, & Shorthose C.
Veterinary Record 153, 561-562.