We are currently working on desensitizing Nova to fireworks.
We are using the TV for this; there is plenty of relevant content on YouTube designed for dogs.
We’ve been at it for about three weeks now, and we’ll continue for a while longer.
So far, Nova has taken it well.
At first, the volume was low, but we’ve gradually increased it recently. On one occasion, Nova even fell asleep! But I’m not entirely fooled—watching it on TV is one thing, but the reality—when New Year’s Eve arrives, along with the days leading up to it—is quite another.
Oscar and Darwin were terrified throughout their entire lives. We tried training them too, but it didn’t help at all; getting through the New Year period was absolute hell.
That’s why we won’t be removing Nova’s pee pads before the New Year—under no circumstances will she be going outside to relieve herself. She’ll be just over four months old by the time Christmas and New Year’s arrive, and naturally, she can’t hold it for that long.
Instead, we’ll focus on taking her out for a good walk before the chaos begins—letting her sniff around—or perhaps driving her a bit out of town.
Our town and neighborhood are known for going all out with fireworks as New Year’s approaches. So, Nova definitely won’t be going outside during that time.
Instead, we’ll focus on staying cozy indoors and shielding her as much as we can.
To be honest, I’m dreading the evening. Because of what Oscar and Darwin went through, I’ve come to absolutely loathe New Year’s Eve. I truly hope Nova gets through it without becoming frightened—but I have a bad feeling about it.
