DOGS Trust Manchester is running a Fireworks Fear class to help dog owners prepare their pooches for Bonfire Night.

The charity is holding the event at their regional headquarters in Denton on September 14.

They say it can take months to train a dog to cope with the loud sounds of fireworks and action should be taken sooner rather than later.

Emma Armitage, head coach at Dogs Trust Dog School Manchester, said: “Fireworks can be incredibly distressing for dogs, with the combination of bright lights and loud, unexpected bangs causing negative and often lasting effects on our four-legged friends.

"Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than humans, and they can hear much higher frequency sounds than we can, so a firework bang for a dog can seem terrifyingly loud.

“To avoid the unspeakable distress and anguish many dogs will go through during fireworks displays, it’s so important that owners plan to help them and their dogs feel prepared and comfortable when 5th November comes around.

"Now is the ideal time to do this as people often have a bit more time on their hands, and it’s far enough in advance of fireworks night for consistent training to have a big impact on dogs when it really matters.”

They also have a host of tips on their website at www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk/behaviour/noise-fears/.

The Sounds Scary programme helps teach dogs and puppies firework noises are nothing to be scared of and is available to download for free at www.dogstrust.org.uk/fireworks.

To book a place at the Firework Fear class at 6.30pm you can e-mail manchesterdogschool@dogstrust.org.uk, call 07920 658671 or visit www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk.