[yorkietalkjilly]

Not saying this will work for every one or for every dog but it always worked with mine while I could physically keep it up. I used several white noise machines placed about the house and turned up to help block outside sounds, ramped up Dolby stereo TV sound to rocking work-out music, a Thunder shirt and special home-made treats Tibbe lived for, brought out new toys, kept laughing, playing fun games with Tibbe, unexpected actions to distract him during fireworks, that he grew to really dislike as he aged. Made myself act very happy, very enthusiastic, acting the fool to keep Tibbe engaged and focused on me and distracted as much as possible during WWII-like sounds during outside celebrations. The enthusiasm I showed in roughhousing, playing with him, chasing him, tossing treats and toys around in front of him to bait him, laughing like a wingnut and dancing around, lying down on the floor, rolling around laughing and careful not to reinforce any fearful reactions of his kept him so distracted he couldn't readily focus in on his fear of the sounds. He never knew what I'd do next so he never started shaking or panting, got walleyed, etc., couldn't help but stay engaged with me. Working to stay very enthusiastic and happy wore me out but he'd always look to me any time he heard fireworks, expecting a show!