Looking first at his age – is this behavior something he has done allalong during his life or it is relatively new? If new, I suggest a full geriatric physical to rule out anything medical that may be exacerbating this. Now, gradual desensitizing involves getting the dog used to the sounds gradually at various volumes as well as making him associate them with OK things. So, get a sound effects tape of fireworks – or check out these sites: http://www.sound-effects-library.com/categories/categoryf.htm http://www.musicbakery.com/sfxcdrom.html http://cheerleading-cheers.com/sound_effects.shtml What you will do is play the sound effects quietly and start playing with the dog. You never want to punish the fear (can make it much worse) nor do you want to inadvertantlypraise him for it. But redirect him to another activity- a bone to chew, games, playing with you, etc. When he ignores the sounds, end it. Each session try to get the volume a bit louder (do many short sessions a day) and work on getting him to ignore it. What you are doing is instead of bombarding him with sound all at once, you are gradually getting him used to it. Basically, the Little Albert study from basic psychology. It is behavior modification and was written and studies by Watson. http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Watson/emotion.htm http://mentalhelp.net/psyhelp/chap5/chap5e.htm (scroll down to learning behavioral theories) And talk to the vet about some calming herbs or medications that may be safe for a geriatric dog to take to help take the edge off the fireworks as you are working to desensitize him to them.