Fireworks revisited – not one night, not one solution

You’ve just dealt with the flurry of clients seeking help for their dogs’ noise phobias and expect to see them again next year. But wait – isn’t there something more we can do?

As we all know noise phobias don’t get better with time – in most cases they get worse year on year. For some regions of the country November is just the start of ‘fireworks season’ as the temptation to celebrate birthdays, Christmas and New Year with fireworks becomes irresistible on dark winter nights. We’re all accustomed to providing short term solutions in the lead up to fireworks night but do we follow up at the right time? Here are some suggestions for a retargeting plan:

• Call, email or write to clients who have asked for short term help for the dog’s noise phobia this November and invite them to come along for an introductory talk on habituation and desensitisation. The memory of their dog’s fear and anxiety will be fresh in their minds and hopefully they will be at their most motivated and ready to take action. Don’t want to give a talk? Offer the first behaviour modification session for a discounted price or free of charge.
• Make sure clients know this isn’t a problem that just gets better, nor does their dog need to suffer when there are ways to reduce anxiety and support healthy calm behaviour throughout the festive season. Educate on your website, in the waiting room or on social media with our educational videos.
• Ask your followers on social media to tag or share your post with anyone whose dog suffered firework fear this November. Offer some tips to help and details of any relevant services you provide. Remind pet owners that future fireworks don’t always happen at predictable times.
• If you know of any scheduled fireworks in the area let your clients know by email or on social media, suggest some tips and signpost to your behaviour services for longer term solutions.