Owner Couldn’t Believe What He Saw After He Placed A Camera In The Room To Monitor His Dog

You must agree with me when I say that dogs are the best… because they truly are. If you ask me, they are the most loyal, smart, and loving creatures in the world that bring us immense joy. 

And, they never cease to amaze me, just like this beautiful Golden Retriever girl named Nala. She is one goofy dog whose viral videos became a daily dose of serotonin we simply can’t live without.

She became famous for doing dance-y butt stomps, but now she has learned another cute trick that left everyone in awe. Thanks to the security camera that her dad put up, we can now look at this video over and over again… I know I have.   

Adventuring With Nala

Chris Lindamood, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, got Nala when she was still a small pupper with little legs and big, cute ears. He has been sharing Nala’s content on his social media ever since.

He describes Nala as a goofy and sweet dog with a bit of a sassy personality. The videos of those two just having fun, going on adventures together, and doing silly little things have taken over the Internet. 

“Nala is a goofy little dog and I love that I can capture her personality on video”, says Chris. 

Nala became a viral sensation with a video of her stomping dances. She does this adorable thing — she dives between her dad’s legs and stomps her back legs while she receives some butt scratches. 

Tail waggin’, leg stomping, cheerful singing, and lots of happiness — that’s what this beautiful furry influencer is all about.   

She Flop, She Flop… She Do The Nala Flop ♫

Nala was always good at learning new tricks, but when Chris wanted to teach her to do a trust fall, she couldn’t really learn it, so he didn’t force her. 

But then, a couple of months after that, she did it all on her own. 

“A few months ago, first thing in the morning, she woke up, sat up, and she fell backwards all on her own. Then, it was my mission to try to get that on video”, says Chris in one of his posts. 

He still doesn’t know what prompted her to do it, but he’s very happy she did it. 

“I was shocked, but it also made me smile from ear to ear, and I couldn’t stop laughing. She flopped and landed right next to me, so I laid there and cuddled with her for a while, laughing and smiling the whole time.”

She knew it brought him an endless amount of joy, so now she has refused to stop. However, it was difficult to film it since it seemed every time he wanted to film it, she wouldn’t do it. 

If you have pets at home, you know that’s usually the case — it’s like the moment you press record, they stop with whatever cute thing they were doing. 

“I knew I needed a camera to be constantly recording to catch the moments on video”, explains Chris. 

So, he did what every sane dog owner would do — he bought a security camera to capture the precious thing on tape.

That turned out to be the best decision ever. Sure enough, as soon as Chris got into bed, Nala sat up and did one of her famous flops. This time, the camera filmed everything, and now we are blessed with this adorable video. 

She trusts her dad so much that she does this all the time now, sometimes even at inconvenient moments or when he least expects it. 

“This might be my new favourite thing she does. She’s done this every morning for the past week. One day, she did it before I was fully awake and it completely startled me”, says Chris.

But, he wouldn’t have it any other way.  

First, it was — she stomp, she stomp, she do the Nala stomp — but now, the song has its remix… she flop, she flop, she do the Nala flop, and everyone loves it!

A friend once told me something that stuck with me forever: “Dogs are the best teachers of love in the world!”

Nala, to me, is the true embodiment of everything that sentence represents. She teaches us how to love and how to trust deeply, and it’s amazing. 

Are you team Nala stomps or Nala flops?

If you’ve ever noticed your furry friend trembling or hiding during fireworks displays, you’re not alone. Dogs’ fear of fireworks is a common concern among pet owners, and understanding the reasons behind this anxiety can help you support your pup during these stressful times. The loud noises, bright lights, and unpredictable nature of fireworks can trigger a range of fearful responses in dogs, leading to behaviors like whining, pacing, or seeking refuge in hidden spots around your home.

As a seasoned dog trainer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact that fireworks can have on our canine companions. It’s essential to recognize the signs of distress in your dog and take proactive steps to help them feel safe and secure during fireworks events. By delving into the root causes of this fear, we can develop strategies to ease your dog’s anxiety and ensure they stay calm and comfortable when fireworks light up the sky.

Understanding Fear in Dogs

The Canine Hearing Range

Dogs have a remarkable ability to hear a wide range of sounds, well beyond what humans can perceive. This acute hearing range is a double-edged sword for dogs when it comes to fireworks. The loud explosions can be particularly distressing for them because they hear the high-pitched whistles and bangs that are often muffled to human ears. Imagine hearing a firework go off at close range; it’d be quite overwhelming, right? That’s how it feels for our furry friends, making them anxious and fearful during fireworks displays.

Fight or Flight Response in Dogs

When dogs encounter a stressful situation like fireworks, their primal instincts kick in. The fight or flight response is a natural reaction triggered by the brain’s fear center, the amygdala. In the case of fireworks, dogs find themselves in a challenging situation where they perceive the loud noises as a threat. This response is hardwired into their biology and served as a survival mechanism in the wild. So, when your pup cowers or tries to escape the booming sounds of fireworks, remember, it’s not misbehavior but a deeply ingrained instinct to protect themselves from perceived danger.

The Impact of Fireworks on Dogs

Loud Noises and Suddenness

Fireworks produce incredibly loud noises that can startle even the calmest dog. The suddenness and unpredictability of fireworks explosions can trigger anxiety and fear in dogs, as they have heightened senses compared to humans. Imagine hearing a loud bang out of the blue—it can be very unsettling for your furry friend.

Smell and Smoke Sensitivity

In addition to the loud noises, dogs have a keen sense of smell, making them sensitive to the acrid odor and smoke produced by fireworks. The strong smell combined with the lingering smoke can overwhelm your dog’s senses, intensifying their discomfort and fear during fireworks displays.

How Fireworks Differ from Natural Loud Noises

Predictability and Dogs’ Routine

Fireworks differ from natural loud noises for dogs due to their unpredictability. While thunderstorms or loud traffic noises may follow a pattern, fireworks come without warning, disrupting your dog’s routine. Dogs rely on predictability in their environment, so sudden loud bangs can cause confusion and fear.

Duration and Intensity of Fireworks Displays

The duration and intensity of fireworks displays also set them apart from natural loud noises. Fireworks can last for hours during celebrations, with continuous loud blasts and flashes of light. This prolonged exposure to intense noise and bright lights can overwhelm dogs, heightening their anxiety and fear.

Managing Your Dog’s Fear of Fireworks

Creating a Safe Space

During fireworks, help your dog feel secure by creating a safe haven. Choose a quiet room where your dog feels comfortable, close the curtains, play calming music, and provide familiar toys or blankets. Ensure your dog has access to this space during fireworks events.

Desensitization and Counterconditioning

Gradual exposure to recorded firework sounds can help desensitize your dog. Play the sounds at a low volume while engaging in a positive activity, like playing or feeding treats. Over time, increase the volume gradually as your dog becomes more relaxed around the sounds.

Professional Help and Medical Interventions

If your dog’s fear of fireworks is severe, consider seeking professional help from a certified dog behaviorist. They can assess your dog’s behavior and create a tailored desensitization plan. Your veterinarian may also prescribe medications or supplements to help calm your dog during fireworks displays.

Preventive Measures for Firework Seasons

Preparing in Advance

When preparing for firework seasons, it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure your dog remains as calm as possible. Start by creating a safe haven in your home where your dog can retreat during fireworks displays. This area should be comfortable, quiet, and away from windows to help muffle the sounds of fireworks.

Alternative Celebrations for Sensitive Dogs

For dogs sensitive to fireworks, consider alternative ways to celebrate that won’t distress your furry friend. You can opt for indoor activities like interactive games, puzzle toys, or a cozy movie night with your dog. Additionally, playing soothing music or using calming aids like thundershirts or diffusers can help keep your dog calm during the festivities.

Conclusion

So, next time fireworks light up the sky, remember that your furry friend might not enjoy the show as much as you do. Understanding why dogs are scared of fireworks and taking steps to help them cope can make a world of difference. Creating a safe space, gradually exposing them to firework sounds, and seeking professional assistance when needed are all ways to support your pet during these loud celebrations. By being aware of their fears and taking proactive measures, you can ensure that your dog feels secure and relaxed, even when the fireworks are booming. Make sure to show them love and comfort during these times, and you’ll both have a happier, stress-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are dogs afraid of fireworks?

Dogs are afraid of fireworks due to their heightened senses, especially their acute hearing and sense of smell. The loud noises and bright lights can cause distress and anxiety in dogs.

How can I help my dog during fireworks?

You can help your dog during fireworks by creating a safe space for them to retreat, gradually desensitizing them to firework sounds, using calming aids like music or pheromones, and seeking professional help if needed.

What are signs that my dog is distressed during fireworks?

Signs that your dog is distressed during fireworks include trembling, pacing, excessive drooling, hiding, barking, and panting. It’s crucial to recognize these signs and take appropriate action to help your dog feel safe.

How can I prepare my dog for firework season?

To prepare your dog for firework season, create a safe haven in advance, engage in desensitization training, consider using calming aids, and provide distractions like toys or games to keep your dog occupied and calm.

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