Ep. 55 🎆 Holiday Fireworks & Dogs: Calm Through the Chaos

Season 1 Episode 55

If your dog shakes through fireworks or hides during thunderstorms, you are not alone. In this ProblemSolvHer holiday special, Chloe and Dagmar bring back master dog trainer Jeff Nelson of Palm Beach Dog Academy to talk about dogs, holidays, fireworks, and how to keep everyone calmer – including you.

You’ll hear simple, practical ways to prepare your dog before the chaos hits, what to do when you’re caught off guard, and how your energy as a dog mom shapes your dog’s behavior. Think of it as nervous-system regulation… for both species.

Topics We Cover:

Dogs and holiday stress: what’s really happening
How to prepare your dog for fireworks in advance
Using sound (and YouTube) to desensitize your dog
A simple “metal bowl” test for noise sensitivity
What your dog’s “guilty look” actually means
Why consistency beats “hoping for the best”
Crate training and house training during the holidays
Thunderstorms, leashes, and keeping control
Guest etiquette: how people should greet your dog
Dangerous holiday foods and what to avoid

In this episode, you’ll hear:

The difference between proactive and reactive dog parenting
How your stress level directly affects your dog’s behavior
Why rewarding fear makes anxiety worse (and what to do instead)
Jeff’s favorite “leave it” and “place” commands for busy homes
Why calm, steady communication builds canine confidence

Timestamps & Chapter:
00:00 Intro & holiday check-in
01:25 How holidays and fireworks impact pets
03:40 Preparing your dog for fireworks with sound training
08:10 The metal-bowl test: is your dog noise-sensitive?
11:20 Desensitizing fearful dogs with obedience + noise
13:40 Thunderstorms, leashes, and staying calm yourself
17:30 Giving yourself grace as a pet parent
24:20 “Guilty” dogs, house accidents, and timing
28:50 Crate training and house training in two weeks
33:10 Phones, leashes, and safety on walks
36:10 Calm breeds, herding breeds, and anxiety
40:10 Dog-proofing your home for the holidays
42:30 Holiday food safety: chocolate, grapes, and more
44:20 Final tips: rewarding calm & bringing calm energy

Podcast Guest:
Jeff Nelson is a master dog trainer and founder of Palm Beach Dog Academy. You can find Jeff on Instagram at @muttsandjeff and on TikTok at @DogTrainingMastery.

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Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It reflects personal experiences and opinions, and is not intended as medical, mental health, legal, or financial advice. Please consult a licensed professional for advice specific to your circumstances.

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Published on 1 week, 1 day ago

Podcast Episode Details

Ep. 55 🎆 Holiday Fireworks & Dogs: Calm Through the Chaos