TITLE

Why Are Dogs Afraid of Fireworks?

Why Fireworks Scare Some Dogs but Not Others

DESCRIPTION

What a fascinating article about animal behavior!!! The article describes the reactions of dogs to loud sounds (thunderstorms as well as fireworks).   The article describes the different reasons that some dogs are more sensitive than others.  “Dogs are known for their olfactory prowess, but sound also dictates their experience of the world. Dogs hear more than twice as many frequencies as humans, and they can also hear sounds roughly four times further away. Reacting to every sound would demand too much energy, and so dog brains must determine which sounds are significant and which can be tuned out. This “auditory flexibility” is especially important for working dogs; for example, lives depend on the ability of military dogs and detection dogs to remain calm despite the loud sounds and explosions they may encounter…. On the other hand, evolution has trained most animals, including dogs, that avoiding a perceived threat is worth it for overall survival, even if, as in the case of fireworks, the threat doesn’t end up being real.”  The article further goes on to discuss genetics, temperament, early life experiences and how these all contribute to the animals’ responsiveness.  Much of it can be applied to human experience as well.   The article finishes with ways that owners can help an animal including learning counter conditioning procedures.

The article is a great example of why and how psychologists study animal behavior.  It gives insights into the many causes of behavior and further treatments that can be applied to help an animal.  

SOURCE

Smithsonian, June 26, 2020, by Courtney Sexton

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/firework-fear-why-your-dog-does-or-doesnt-react-and-how-you-should-180975182/

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/486v37sk

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•How do some dogs react to loud sounds?

•What are some of the reasons why some animals react but others do not?

•What are some of the treatments for highly reactive animals to the sound of thunderstorms?

•If you have a pet, how does your dog react to loud sounds? And what have you done to help the animal cope?