My mother has a new rescue dog who was picked up January this year on the streets and seemed to be on the 'run' for a few months due to his condition.
He has settling in wonderfully and is a great dog however, it has now become apparent that he is petrified of fireworks (common sense this caused him to run last year probably!).. however this has now gone to the extremes that he will not even go out into the garden (even if no fireworks or noises) and if you take him out with you all he does is look up at the sky and crouch down in a submissive position. He is already a very submissive and humble little man and we are desperate to know how we can pull him out of this extreme state of fear. He needs to be walked and go to the toilet at least ! Does anyone have any advice on how we should tackle this please?
Loui is a 2 year old staffie cross... thanks in advance, Karen.

My local dog trainer has the CD therapy , its basically a CD full of firework noises which should de-sensitise the dog , it starts off extremely quiet - so much so that humans don't hear them and gradually gets louder , its should be played very regularly so that when the Firworks do go off it shouldn't stress them out too much . I*'ve also just found out that Valerian supplements can be given to work as a calmer - not a sedative , these can either be bought from chemists/natural health shops or Dorwest Herbs sell them.
Andrea X

I found that Valerian went straight through my dogs!! Gelsimium (homeopathic) works very well.

Sarah.

awwwww bless him. damn fireworks have been going off around here for past week already thank god my 2 seem oblivious. but my five yr old g/son hates them. .

The therapy CD's are good, both of the dog mags (Dogs today and Your Dog) have an offer for a CD with firework noises this month, about £10-£12. Also speak to your vet about a DAP infusser, pheromone diffuser that calms stressed out dogs, works like a fragrance plug in.