One of the problems is that there are ordinances in place, but are rarely ever enforced. A problem in our area isn't the 4th of July, which you can prepare for, but the random shooting off of fireworks from Memorial day through Labor day. Having a 15 week old pointer we were very prepared for the events of the 4th. What stung us was taking him outside around 7 pm on July 3rd when about a half block away someone started having their celebrations early and launched a series of large mortars. It took us several minutes to get the puppy back out from under the deck, finally coaxed him out with a treat.
May or may not have ruined him for life. Going to keep him away from all loud noises the best we can for the next couple months until we simultaneously introduce him to birds and primer pops this fall when he is at 6 months old. Will have to take it real slow with him.
When things were really going on the 4th I sat with him all evening inside making sure he was distracted with a chew toy or whatever. With a few of the biggest booms he would look up at the patio door, but went back to chewing after a few seconds. Didn't attempt to get up and hide or start whining at the noise. Hopefully it's a sign that he wasn't too scared from the night before.
