We cannot ban fireworks just because a few dogs are terrified of them. Some people have a phobia of fish - it doesn't mean we should ban fish in garden ponds.
Guide dogs can be trained to be unafraid of loud noises, and hunting dogs are trained to be unafraid of guns, so I am sure it is possible to train all dogs when they are young to behave normally when fireworks are let off.

Just because dog owners are unprepared to do this it doesn't mean you should spoil other people's enjoyment of fireworks.

Adrian X wrote:
We cannot ban fireworks just because a few dogs are terrified of them. Some people have a phobia of fish - it doesn't mean we should ban fish in garden ponds. Guide dogs can be trained to be unafraid of loud noises, and hunting dogs are trained to be unafraid of guns, so I am sure it is possible to train all dogs when they are young to behave normally when fireworks are let off. Just because dog owners are unprepared to do this it doesn't mean you should spoil other people's enjoyment of fireworks.

fireworks should be banned for the fact they are a nuisance not just for frightening dogs. we have been hearing fireworks for weeks, I don't understand how the kids get hold of them as the sale of fireworks is mean to be strict. People have had them shoved through their letter boxes I think it's time we banned the sale for general use and just had organised displays. There is no fun if someone is injured.

And this is news because?...........
A dog is scared of fireworks.
Great job echo. What will it be tomorrow? An elderly persons goldfish catches a cold swimming around in its bowl?

A DOG walker had a lucky escape when he and his two labradors got stuck in marshland in Wareham Forest on Monday evening.
I wonder who took the dogs there?
Now we're going to have to keep him indoors which isn't easy because he's so big and we're renovating the house.
How cruel is that hes not comfy in
upper parkstone is he, he'd love it in Alaska though ,,Not all but some dog owners are daft

godzilla wrote:

Adrian X wrote:
We cannot ban fireworks just because a few dogs are terrified of them. Some people have a phobia of fish - it doesn't mean we should ban fish in garden ponds. Guide dogs can be trained to be unafraid of loud noises, and hunting dogs are trained to be unafraid of guns, so I am sure it is possible to train all dogs when they are young to behave normally when fireworks are let off. Just because dog owners are unprepared to do this it doesn't mean you should spoil other people's enjoyment of fireworks.

fireworks should be banned for the fact they are a nuisance not just for frightening dogs. we have been hearing fireworks for weeks, I don't understand how the kids get hold of them as the sale of fireworks is mean to be strict. People have had them shoved through their letter boxes I think it's time we banned the sale for general use and just had organised displays. There is no fun if someone is injured.

Well said Godzilla. I'm sure Dorset Fire & Rescue Service and Dorset Police would want fireworks banned because of the wasted time they both spend on call outs to incidents.
As for Adrian X !!
What planet are you from ?
All my dogs have been rescue dogs who have been through hell and two of them are terrified of fireworks. They are border collies who have sensitive hearing anyway. How do you suggest they are trained then ? Perhaps I should put ear muffs on them ?
The fact is that fireworks are let off for any reason. When I was a child it was bonfire night only and we all looked forward to it. Now any excuse to be a nuisance !

Its' not just dogs that are scared, and had enough of firework, people with young children, babies etc, the elderly. It is a nusance quite frankly, it is not environmentaly friendly to have all these explosives going off all over the place, also they are used irrisponsibly by teenagers in the parks an on streets, for a laugh at all times of night. I don't know about you but the constant bangs and pops all over the place gve me a headache. !! Ban Fireworks, they are antisocial. Organsied events are great for the whole family, and when my children are older we will prob go to one every year.

Fireworks are only supposed to be sold two weeks before 5th November and two weeks before New Year, unless the law has been relaxed. How do I know this - a member of my family was resonsible for preparing the bill for Parliament. Obviously the law is being broken in selling them outside the permitted time windows and to under 18s.
It's time sales to the public were banned completely and only organised displays allowed.
It's not only dogs, but babies and the elderly (let's euthanase them to solve the problem!), and it's the fault of mindless morons who sell the fireworks to youngsters in the first place and those who let them off thinking it's clever to to do so wherever and whenever they like. Unfortunately it's not usually them who are terrified or get injured or have anything they own set on fire.

It may be very difficult to ban fireworks but at the very least there should be a legal limit on the noise level they produce. When I lived in West London I was kept awake until very late many times by fireworks long before and after 5th November (some of these times may have been due to the Divali celebrations there?)

Fireworks should be re classified...its like the blitz round here!

I would suggest that we try to reduce the amount of explosive material inside these new imported fireworks to lessen the noise. We could then take Adrian X put him in a room with the fireworks. Dogs have very sensitive hearing and fireworks in the wrong hands can be dangerous to all pets. Bangers attached to cats, rockets aimed at dogs how would Adrian like to be the kids target for a few nights.

The dog sounds feral. It should be put down.

Quite frankly fireworks are anti-social and well past their sell by date.It seems that we have to put up with their bangs from early October right through till New Year.I am all infavour of a total ban.

JLC wrote:
The dog sounds feral. It should be put down.

can we make one appointment for both of you?

I know that we are going to hearing bangs & crashes from now until after new year.It is no great surprise is it?We have the most out of control society in Europe,most of our young people are only not stabbing or shooting each other because they are too drunk or stoned.And what do we do we sell them high explosives to do with as they wish.Funny old country we live in.Still human rights like not having your dog,baby,granny scarred to death,will take second place to the tax income from the sale of the fireworks.

Adrian X wrote:
We cannot ban fireworks just because a few dogs are terrified of them. Some people have a phobia of fish - it doesn't mean we should ban fish in garden ponds. Guide dogs can be trained to be unafraid of loud noises, and hunting dogs are trained to be unafraid of guns, so I am sure it is possible to train all dogs when they are young to behave normally when fireworks are let off. Just because dog owners are unprepared to do this it doesn't mean you should spoil other people's enjoyment of fireworks.

you are clearly taking the mickey - shame so many people fall for it....

Paul wrote: "Still human rights like not having your dog,baby,granny scarred to death,will take second place to the tax income from the sale of the fireworks."

The government get tax on them, but I was informed by my relative who drafted the bill on the sale and safety of fireworks that none are made in this country - they are all imported. So that affects our balance of payments and more money goes out of the country to buy these fireworks than comes in from the public in tax. So-called fireworks factories are just warehouses which store the imported fireworks.

Jayteer wrote:
And this is news because?........... A dog is scared of fireworks. Great job echo. What will it be tomorrow? An elderly persons goldfish catches a cold swimming around in its bowl?

er... and your news comments are normally regarding the council / developers /housing (yawn,yawn)...

At 12:30am on Monday morning I was disturbed by three very loud fireworks being let off. Then this morning at 2:30am someone in the area decided it would be fun to have an impromptu display.

I'm all for people enjoying themselves within limits but this is pure anti-social behaviour and extremely annoying.

I understand that there is a curfew on fireworks between 11pm and 7am and that law-breakers face a fine of up to £5000.

Also letting off fireworks in a public place e.g. a local park is an offence under the Explosives Act 1875.

Perhaps a few high profile convictions would help to deter some people.

I call on all readers to be vigilant and to identify and report offenders to the authorities. Let's help to stamp this out.

snoff wrote:

Jayteer wrote:
And this is news because?........... A dog is scared of fireworks. Great job echo. What will it be tomorrow? An elderly persons goldfish catches a cold swimming around in its bowl?

er... and your news comments are normally regarding the council / developers /housing (yawn,yawn)...

Well i like many others have a right to democracy about matters concerning Bournemouth. If stories about the council,developers housing YAWN YAWN is all the Echo prints which is of interest then thats i and many others have to comment about.
Whats more concerning is that you spend enough time on here to know what i perosnally write about all the time?..
Perhaps its time for someone to get a life and stop launching personal attacks?
And if youre sleepy, then may i suggest a more exciting read for you? Like gardeners weekly or something.

Some dogs are scared of their own shadows! Train your dog, as intimated above, and all will be well. We can't tiptoe around dog's or anyone other animals fear of loud 'things'.

Fireworks should be totally banned, apart from professionally organised displays. They are extremely dangerous, and a total public nuisance. They seem to be let off at any time of the year, and for all sorts of reasons. Poor Chinook, he was after all only trying to escape the terrible noise caused by these fireworks, and at 5 p.m. in the evening. Does he understand why this terrible noise is happening around him. The answer of course is no. He is a lovely, four legged Pooch. This is complete and utter selfishness, using fireworks at this time of the evening. Do they have more money than sense, it's not even dark at this time in the evening. As for Adrian X and Jayteer, both need putting on the top of a very large bonfire, full of highly explosive fireworks, BUT NOT UNTIL NOVEMBER 5TH.

Fireworks should be totally banned, apart from professionally organised displays. They are extremely dangerous, and a total public nuisance. They seem to be let off at any time of the year, and for all sorts of reasons. Poor Chinook, he was after all only trying to escape the terrible noise caused by these fireworks, and at 5 p.m. in the evening. Does he understand why this terrible noise is happening around him. The answer of course is no. He is a lovely, four legged Pooch. This is complete and utter selfishness, using fireworks at this time of the evening. Do they have more money than sense, it's not even dark at this time in the evening. As for Adrian X and Jayteer, both need putting on the top of a very large bonfire, full of highly explosive fireworks, BUT NOT UNTIL NOVEMBER 5TH.

Fireworks should be totally banned, apart from professionally organised displays. They are extremely dangerous, and a total public nuisance. They seem to be let off at any time of the year, and for all sorts of reasons. Poor Chinook, he was after all only trying to escape the terrible noise caused by these fireworks, and at 5 p.m. in the evening. Does he understand why this terrible noise is happening around him. The answer of course is no. He is a lovely, four legged Pooch. This is complete and utter selfishness, using fireworks at this time of the evening. Do they have more money than sense, it's not even dark at this time in the evening. As for Adrian X and Jayteer, both need putting on the top of a very large bonfire, full of highly explosive fireworks, BUT NOT UNTIL NOVEMBER 5TH.

Another year and another horror story relating to animals and the horrific efects fireworks have upon them.This event happened on October 27th some 9 days before firework night.It is about time the letting off of fireworks willy nilly was outlawed once and for all.How can pet ownwers be expected to sedate their pets for this length of time + and, to what extent will the sedation harm the pets.As a nation that is supossed to "Love Our Pets" we suck.Why oh! Why wont some self respecting body with the means of getting to the public carry out a public opinion poll on this. Maybe our wonderfull Bournemouth Echo could kick start this.
With enough signatures we as a nation could lobby the goverment to outlaw the letting off of fireworks other than at properly marshalled public events.
Yous Sincerely Mrs S. Baldwin

paul wrote:

JLC wrote: The dog sounds feral. It should be put down.

can we make one appointment for both of you?

hear hear paul whoever jlc is he or she needs help

S. C. wrote:
Fireworks should be totally banned, apart from professionally organised displays. They are extremely dangerous, and a total public nuisance. They seem to be let off at any time of the year, and for all sorts of reasons. Poor Chinook, he was after all only trying to escape the terrible noise caused by these fireworks, and at 5 p.m. in the evening. Does he understand why this terrible noise is happening around him. The answer of course is no. He is a lovely, four legged Pooch. This is complete and utter selfishness, using fireworks at this time of the evening. Do they have more money than sense, it's not even dark at this time in the evening. As for Adrian X and Jayteer, both need putting on the top of a very large bonfire, full of highly explosive fireworks, BUT NOT UNTIL NOVEMBER 5TH.

quote

Well said

Karen wrote:
Some dogs are scared of their own shadows! Train your dog, as intimated above, and all will be well. We can't tiptoe around dog's or anyone other animals fear of loud 'things'.

Do you, or have you ever owned a dog ?
Unlikely I think !
You, Adrian X and JLC all come from another planet !
This issue also relates to wildlife which believe it or not does exist,even in Bournemouth !

Adrian X wrote:
We cannot ban fireworks just because a few dogs are terrified of them. Some people have a phobia of fish - it doesn't mean we should ban fish in garden ponds. Guide dogs can be trained to be unafraid of loud noises, and hunting dogs are trained to be unafraid of guns, so I am sure it is possible to train all dogs when they are young to behave normally when fireworks are let off. Just because dog owners are unprepared to do this it doesn't mean you should spoil other people's enjoyment of fireworks.

I take it from reading your comments that you dislike dogs or in fact any type of animal, I’m sure cats, rabbits, Birds, horses, dairy farmers the list is endless are all scred of fireworks. Maybe you should have been brought up not knowing what big bangs frightening noises are. Where you not once a child that was scared of things that went bump in the night. All animals cannot express there fears, and yes certain ones can be trained but it takes years and plenty of patients and this would be for a specific purpose not just for a few days of the year. In my opinion Fireworks should be banned for public sale, if organised displays have to go on then let the local council grant permission and license to do so. Let the professionals do there job rather than the amateur in his back garden with what amount to high explosives. Would you let a child play with guns, or dynamite because this is what the ignorant or drunken parties are doing when they let of these explosions at ridiculous and unsocial hours. Guy fawks night is Novenber 5th and should be celebrated (if it really has to) on that day not over days and weeks. As for fireworks for other occasions weddings, birthdays and other celebrations then council permission should be applied for.

Well said Ian !

It appears all the selfish culprits have written their views here. Do you all sing xmas carols year round as well? Stick to 5th november, the reason for fireworks or hopefully they will be banned from public sale and just have licensed events, we are sick of the noise for weeks and months on end and how totally selfish picking on poor animals who have more sensitive hearing to start with. We have now recognised you are not animal lovers and clearly anti social towards your neighbours, are you all proud to be despised by the majority and thought upon as idiots?

Geoff wrote:

Karen wrote:
Some dogs are scared of their own shadows! Train your dog, as intimated above, and all will be well. We can't tiptoe around dog's or anyone other animals fear of loud 'things'.

Do you, or have you ever owned a dog ?
Unlikely I think !
You, Adrian X and JLC all come from another planet !
This issue also relates to wildlife which believe it or not does exist,even in Bournemouth !

Yes I have... so your point is what exactly? I stand by my poor ownership statement unless you can prove otherwise.

I don't think it will be long before this fire work nonsense will have a total ban in the uk,good job to.

Ian wrote:

Adrian X wrote:
We cannot ban fireworks just because a few dogs are terrified of them. Some people have a phobia of fish - it doesn't mean we should ban fish in garden ponds. Guide dogs can be trained to be unafraid of loud noises, and hunting dogs are trained to be unafraid of guns, so I am sure it is possible to train all dogs when they are young to behave normally when fireworks are let off. Just because dog owners are unprepared to do this it doesn't mean you should spoil other people's enjoyment of fireworks.

I take it from reading your comments that you dislike dogs or in fact any type of animal, I’m sure cats, rabbits, Birds, horses, dairy farmers the list is endless are all scred of fireworks. Maybe you should have been brought up not knowing what big bangs frightening noises are. Where you not once a child that was scared of things that went bump in the night. All animals cannot express there fears, and yes certain ones can be trained but it takes years and plenty of patients and this would be for a specific purpose not just for a few days of the year. In my opinion Fireworks should be banned for public sale, if organised displays have to go on then let the local council grant permission and license to do so. Let the professionals do there job rather than the amateur in his back garden with what amount to high explosives. Would you let a child play with guns, or dynamite because this is what the ignorant or drunken parties are doing when they let of these explosions at ridiculous and unsocial hours. Guy fawks night is Novenber 5th and should be celebrated (if it really has to) on that day not over days and weeks. As for fireworks for other occasions weddings, birthdays and other celebrations then council permission should be applied for.

I disagree. Next we'll need permission for emissions of greater magnitude from our bottoms. In fact, I think I'll sue myself the next time I take a rather traumatic dump.

Bye Bye comment.

I totally agree with the banning of fireworks being sold to the public. With all the politically correct anal retiveness when it comes to health and safety, any idiot can buy fireworks and set them off in a residential area without any regard whatsoever for the safety of people, property or animals. Where is the logic with that? I enjoy a beautiful display of fireworks like anyone else but they should be left to the professionals only, not the morons who set them off at any and all hours in residential and public areas where they can cause damage, injury and disruption, not to mention what it does to pets. The legal time constraints for the setting off of fireworks is an absolute joke in that it is seldom if ever enforced. Ban them for health and safety!

There's no doubt about it - fireworks are highly dangerous explosive devices, designed to operate at the loudest volume level. Given that, why do we still have crowds of yobs throwing fireworks, or setting them off in otherwise quiet places, or simply using them to be a nuisance? It's just another case of anti-social behaviour.

Anti-social behaviour comes in all guises - and not just on guise fawkes night (pun intended) - and although the tradionalists (of whom I count myself one) will complain about the erosion of personal freedoms and "the British way of life", it's quite clear that a significant number of people these days just can't handle the freedoms, and the fun therefore has to be legislated out of existence.

Poor Chinook.
The problem with fireworks is that they are often let off unexpectedly. A dog who is phobic, which is what Chinook is, becomes more and more frightened. It is not about training, it is a behaviour that may only respond to drugs if the dog is severely affected. This problem is very common amongst not just dog owners, but pet owners in general.

These days, fireworks seem to be let off by youngsters for laughts. This is not fair for those of us who do not want to live in the "blitz!"

I do believe however we need organised displays. This is the realistic way forward for all parties and means we still keep our traditions and pets (a large number of households keep pets and so form a significant proportion of those entitled to a view).

My dog is at present also a sufferer although we are lucky in that pheromone (DAP ) treatment from the vet, plus skullcap and valerian tablets are helping very well. However a truly phobic dog may not react to these and may require drugs.

I agreee with Chinook's owner, it is unfair that her dog sh ould have to be on drugs for long periods of time because fireworks are let off unexpectedly. If the fireworks were limited to organised displays, then it would be easier to cope for just those few nights.

Speaking personally, partner and I tend to not go out for many evenings around November/December/Ja
nuary because we do not want our dog to be alone and frightened if fireworks are let off. I suspect there are many who are affected in this way.

Recently, we've had our car port roof damaged with fireworks, my OH had a firework thrown at hom as he cycled home (He is fit and fast, more so than the firework thank goodness!!) and we are fed up of loud bangs which wake us up in the early hours.

My vote therefore is for fireworks to be lmited to organised displays. The other option might be for the loud bangs to be decreased so that at least that side of things is taken away.

My criteria for others enjoying themselves is, do it! As long as no-one or no thing else is harmed. Once the actions of others start to effect other people then the problem does need to be looked at. Otherwise we would be living in a world that is controlled by a selfish few.

Wanted to add: Chinook is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!

Another comment I would like to make is that as a child, I adored fireworks night ... and having them available for such a long period of time simply takes away the magic and mystery. The 5th November is no longer "special".

Just a suggestion...but they said they were both out at the time..so..was it definitely the fireworks that made the dog go la la? If it was then..get a dog sitter for it or keep the radio on ? And...she says "Now we're going to have to keep him indoors which isn't easy because he's so big and we're renovating the house." Surely you can let him out in the day? who lets their dog out ALL night anyway? Blimey!

godzilla wrote:

paul wrote:

JLC wrote: The dog sounds feral. It should be put down.

can we make one appointment for both of you?

hear hear paul whoever jlc is he or she needs help

JLC is an obvious troll, making deliberately inflammatory remarks just to annoy others. He/she/it probably gets off on it.

Karen wrote:

Geoff wrote:

Karen wrote:
Some dogs are scared of their own shadows! Train your dog, as intimated above, and all will be well. We can't tiptoe around dog's or anyone other animals fear of loud 'things'.

Do you, or have you ever owned a dog ?
Unlikely I think !
You, Adrian X and JLC all come from another planet !
This issue also relates to wildlife which believe it or not does exist,even in Bournemouth !

Yes I have... so your point is what exactly? I stand by my poor ownership statement unless you can prove otherwise.

My point, as has been stated since is that you cannot train a dog to take no notice of fireworks ! Even if you could , what about other animals affected ? Cats for instance ?

Karen said I disagree. Next we'll need permission for emissions of greater magnitude from our bottoms. In fact, I think I'll sue myself the next time I take a rather traumatic dump.
So you got crap comeing out of both ends ,thats a suprise, you appear to be surrounded by explosions poor thing

Why not just fit the dog with canine earmuffs?

LOL

Chinook is one of the many poor dogs around the area that have to suffer the traumas of fireworks. I am angry at some of the remarks that people have made in jest. It is about time that the government banned all private firwork displays and had proper organised events that everyone can go to and enjoy if they choose to - at least then our poor animals would only have to suffer for a few days instead of weeks and weeks of frightening noises. I live in the Winton area and we have had fireworks going off for a week already. It is getting beyond a joke.

Yes I agree fireworks should be banned except for licenced displays.The reason?
In todays terrorist climate we live in it does not take a genius to construct a very powerful devastating device.I have to have a licence to hold shotgun cartridges which is a gunpowder propelled device so why are they freely available to the public?
A vast majority of these "illegally"imported fireworks have Czechoslovakia
gunpowder in them(the same as my cartridges)and the Czechs are the inventors of Semtex explosives so they export some pretty potent ingredients.
All in all ask yourself this question...If one of your loved ones were maimed or killed by a "homebrew device"would you be of a different opinion?
Ban them now before any of this can happen otherwise it's only a question of time.

Yes I agree fireworks should be banned except for licenced displays.The reason?
In todays terrorist climate we live in it does not take a genius to construct a very powerful devastating device.I have to have a licence to hold shotgun cartridges which is a gunpowder propelled device so why are they freely available to the public?
A vast majority of these "illegally"imported fireworks have Czechoslovakia
gunpowder in them(the same as my cartridges)and the Czechs are the inventors of Semtex explosives so they export some pretty potent ingredients.
All in all ask yourself this question...If one of your loved ones were maimed or killed by a "homebrew device"would you be of a different opinion?
Ban them now before any of this can happen otherwise it's only a question of time.

I'm surprised that Nov 5th is allowed anyway due to it's "anti-Government" stance.

5th November comes round at the same time every year,dog owners complain that fireworks get let off for weeks either side of this event, so WHY leave the dog alone shut out of the house.Fireworks are being blamed to cover the owners negligence.

Lindsay wrote:
Wanted to add: Chinook is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!

I agree Lindsay, he's really gorgeous, and really cuddly, and I suspect he gives his owners endless pleasure, love and companionship. I have 7 pets myself, and 5 of them are rescue animals. They are three cats, a white, Albino Chinchilla, a cheeky, talking budgie, called Bobby, who told me his name, immediately after I put him in my car, by saying (" Give Bobby a big kiss, he's a very pretty boy"), the day I took him home. His elderly owner could no longer look after him. I also have two lovely wild mice, who I rescued from the clutches of one of my cats, in my back garden, at just 4 weeks old. My husband and I hand reared "Chalk and Cheese", and they are now very friendly and give us endless fun and pleasure. I also had a fourth cat called Rusty, who was himself rescued, from the RSCPA. He was a lovely, old Ginger Tom, but sadly died recently at the age of 13. I love and adore all living animals and have every respect for them and consider that I am privileged to be in their company. It's a pity that more people did not share our views. There are some very sick, cruel human beings out there, who should know better than to scare the "living daylights" out of a defenseless lovely animals. Let's hope that common sense will prevail in the end and a total ban put on al firework activity, apart from the Organised, professional displays. Much the same as smoking has finally been banned from public places. Not before time too.

hope all the people who defend fireworks being sold to the general public have seen this mornings news about the idiot who threw a very large firework containing rockets into a small shop,the owner feared for the safety of his family upstairs. This surely should underline the case for diplays only and no sale to the general public. shop owners have to get a permit to sell fireworks why not the general public

Fireworks do not only traumatise pet dogs, cats, horses, wild animals, old people, babies. It's not pleasant for anyone to hear sudden very loud bangs which make the ground and buildings shake. We had one recently at 5 am and very many for the past two weeks or so. Organised displays are the ONLY way forward. We know of a horse who was so terrified of sudden loud fireworks that it bolted through two barbed wire fences and was very seriously injured. There was a story of a horse being frightened and running in panic through fences etc. and ending up in a ditch where it lay all night and could not be saved from hypothermia and shock . The supermarkets are selling them, the corner shops, WHY??

2Much wrote:
Just a suggestion...but they said they were both out at the
time..so..was it definitely the fireworks that made the dog go la la?
If it was then..get a dog sitter for it or keep the radio on ?
And...she says "Now we're going to have to keep him indoors which isn't
easy because he's so big and we're renovating the house." Surely you
can let him out in the day? who lets their dog out ALL night anyway?
Blimey!

Chinook is a malamute and they really enjoy being outside, as long as they have company and access to indoors, and are not just shut outside all the time, obviously!

A phobic dog will still panic even with the radio left on and I hate to say it, but sometimes even during the day, we have kids letting off extremely loud fireworks unexpectedly.

I think if we could just get rid of the unexpected element, it would really help. So therefore if we had organised displays, that would solve that problem...:)

I can't emphasise enough that a frightened animal cannot just be "trained" as suggested above, or left with the radio on (although in less extreme cases indeed, it may help just a tiny bit, also a dog sitter is a good idea but again, with fireworks going off all the time so unexpectedly, how is one to know when to get a dogsitter?)

ORGANISED DISPLAYS ONLY get my vote!!!

Just to be clear, when I referred to the suggestion of being "Trained" it was not related to the quote above but to a post further up the comment page...