Let's Talk Fireworks & Puppies!

Jun 16
5 min read

Updated: Jun 21

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and Moonlit Acres wanted to share one of the most important puppy training tips we know.

First off, we are getting ready to celebrate the United States of America's 250th birthday and have a feeling it's going to sound like our neighborhoods are under attack!

If you want your puppy to be terrified of fireworks for the rest of its life... coddle your puppy and act like the explosions are loud and scary.

That probably sounds backwards, but hear us out!

For many of you, this will be your puppy's very first Fourth of July (and yes...there are quite a few of you out there! ).

Your puppy's experience this year can have a lasting impact on how they react to fireworks for the REST OF THEIR LIVES.

Teach Your Puppy That Fireworks Are No Big Deal

Your goal isn't to convince your puppy that fireworks are quiet—because they're definitely not! Your goal is to teach them that loud noises are simply another part of life and nothing to worry about.

Dogs look to us for guidance. If you're calm and relaxed, they'll learn there's no reason to be concerned.

If your puppy hears a loud boom, looks at you, and sees you smiling and carrying on like it's just another summer evening, they'll quickly learn:

"Well... if my people aren't worried, I guess I don't need to be either!"

Create a Safe Environment

If you'll be outside during the fireworks, make safety your top priority.

Put your puppy in a well-fitting harness: For this one holiday, we strongly recommend using a harness instead of a flat or rolled collar. Those flat collars can slip off at the MOST inconvenient times.
Make sure your puppy is also wearing a collar with a current ID tag. Double-check that your phone number is correct and that your puppy's microchip registration is up to date. Every year, shelters see a huge increase in lost pets after the Fourth of July.

Hopefully you'll never need that information—but if you do, you'll be thankful it's current.

Always Keep Your Puppy on a Leash.

Better yet, clip the leash to your belt loop or use a carabiner to attach it to your hip. That way you'll always know exactly where your puppy is, even when things get exciting.

Some tips:

1) Watch Those Doors!

The Fourth of July usually means friends, family, kids, and neighbors coming and going all day long. Exterior doors are constantly opening and closing.

Before anyone opens a door, make sure you know exactly where your puppy is. It only takes a split second for a curious or frightened puppy to slip outside, especially if fireworks have already started. We recommend keeping them on a leash at all times for this one day.

2) Beware of BBQ Temptations!

The Fourth of July is probably the biggest BBQ day of the year.

That also means there are lots of foods that puppies should never eat.

Hot dogs, ribs, chicken bones, onions, grapes, chocolate, corn cobs... the list goes on.

Keeping your puppy attached to you is one of the easiest ways to prevent them from sneaking food from guests or cleaning up after everyone else.

3) Don't Forget the Heat!

While the fireworks happen after dark, most of the celebrating happens during the hottest part of the day. Make sure your puppy always has access to fresh water and a shady place to cool off. Be mindful of hot pavement, too—those little puppy paws can burn much faster than you might think.

4) Don't Accidentally Reward Fear

This is the biggest mistake people make.

If your puppy startles at a loud boom, don't immediately scoop them up and tell them how scary everything is.

From your puppy's perspective, they may think:

"Wow... Mom is really worried! I guess fireworks ARE scary!"

Instead...

Smile.
Talk normally.
Play a game.
Offer a treat.
Continue acting as though everything is perfectly normal.

If your puppy seems uncertain, reassure them with your calm confidence—not with worried energy. You are teaching your puppy that the loud noises are simply part of another fun holiday.

Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

Curious puppies love to investigate everything—including fireworks.

Please don't allow your puppy near fireworks, whether they're lit or have already gone off.

Even spent fireworks can remain hot or contain chemicals that are unsafe for dogs.

The safest place for your puppy is well away from the fireworks display.

Staying Home?

If you'll be away during the fireworks, set your puppy up for success.

Create a safe playpen or puppy area.
Provide plenty of toys and enrichment.
Give them access to an indoor potty area.
Turn the TV or radio up loud enough to help mask the outside noises.
Add lavender essential oil to your puppy’s collar about an hour before all the excitement is to begin. Lavender has a calming effect on puppies/dogs.
Please do not tranquilize your puppy. Your puppy hasn't had this experience yet. Chances are very good that if their first experience is a positive one, they'll learn to enjoy the holiday with your family for years to come.

That said, if this is your puppy's very first Fourth of July, Moonlit Acres highly recommends being home with them if at all possible.

A Tired Puppy is a Happy Puppy!

One of our favorite Fourth of July tips is to wear your puppy out just before the fireworks begin!

Take them for a nice walk, play a game of fetch, work on a short training session, let them explore the backyard and just be a puppy. Both physical exercise and mental stimulation help burn off energy.

A tired puppy is much more likely to curl up beside you and sleep through the excitement than one who has been napping all afternoon waiting for the party to begin.

Think of it this way: a tired puppy doesn't have nearly as much energy to worry!

By the time the fireworks start, your goal is to have a puppy that's thinking,

"I'm exhausted... wake me up when it's breakfast time."

One Holiday... A Lifetime of Confidence

Your puppy's first Fourth of July is a wonderful training opportunity.

Help them learn that fireworks are simply another part of life—not something to fear.

A little planning and the right response today can help create a dog that confidently sleeps through fireworks for years to come.

Have a safe, happy, and fun Fourth of July! ❤️🐾🇺🇸

P.S. We'd LOVE to see your Fourth of July puppy photos! Share them on our Moonlit Acres Facebook page so everyone can see how much your babies have grown! 🇺🇸🐶❤️

About Moonlit Acres

Choosing where your puppy comes from matters—not just for your family, but for the long-term health and well-being of the breed itself. At Moonlit Acres, we prioritize health testing, temperament, and responsible placement, ensuring our dogs are raised in loving home environments rather than kennels. At Moonlit Acres, every dog is part of a family through our guardian program, receiving individualized care, socialization, and attention while contributing to a thoughtfully managed breeding program focused on sound structure and sweet dispositions.

If you are considering adding an Australian Labradoodle to your life—or are interested in becoming part of a guardian family or learning more about their stud services—now is the perfect time to connect with Moonlit Acres. Our commitment to raising well-socialized, healthy puppies with intention and care sets us apart.

Reach out today to learn more about available puppies, the guardian program, or upcoming opportunities, and take the first step toward welcoming an exceptional companion into your home.