This may help some of the YT'ers with new puppies.
We had a mini schnauzer that was scared to death of thunder (and fireworks). Part of this was MY fault. Whenever it was bad weather, I would hold her and cuddle her and "baby" her. This would make her think that something awful was happening .....
When we got Shelby, I was going to try and prevent this shyness. Just before a thunderstorm, I would take her outside and play (not paying attention to the thunder in the distance). Sometimes a dog will sense if you are nervous about storms and therefore get nervous, too. We also have sat on the covered patio in a thunder storm before when she was little.
We have done the same with Seymour. Both are not scared of thunderstorms.
We have had several fireworks displays in the area already. Shelby gets a little nervous,
but I always try to gain her attention by offering a toy or treat to get her mind off from it. I DO NOT baby her so she associates the fireworks with a reason to be "protected". It has worked well. OF course, I would never let them outside alone, just in case they do get scared and run. MANY people lose their pets during this holiday.
Good Luck everyone!
OH..... don't forget... the piercing loud "cracks" that sometimes are at fireworks may hurt their ears.... make sure that you are a good distance away.