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June 23, 2009 - July 4th Safety Tips for Dog Owners

BARK BUSTERS OFFERS JULY 4TH SAFETY TIPS FOR DOG OWNERS

Goal of World’s Largest Dog Training Company is to Keep Dogs Safe, Comfortable During Holiday Festivities

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—June 23, 2009 – With the excitement and commotion surrounding Independence Day approaching, Bark Busters, the world’s largest and most trusted dog training company, offers helpful tips for the estimated 43 million U.S. dog owners on how to keep their dogs safe and calm during July 4th festivities.

“Independence Day celebrations are great fun for people, but the loud noises and flashes from fireworks can be traumatic for dogs,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “The explosions, excited voices, and visual stimulation can create confusion and fear. To avoid this, we humans must intervene.”

“Animal shelters report that the July 4th holiday brings record numbers of runaway dogs to their doors,” Crowe continued. “Many of these dogs have been frightened by fireworks. By being aware and thinking ahead, we can keep our dogs safe and comfortable during the revelry.”

Crowe offers the following tips for dog owners to prepare for Independence Day:

•    If you are going to a fireworks display, leave your dog at home where he will be the most safe and comfortable.
•    If you go to a holiday event, never leave your dog in the car. A partially opened window does not supply sufficient fresh air, and it creates an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
•    Always keep proper identification securely fastened to your dog’s collar in case he gets out. Talk to your veterinarian about implanting a universal microchip in your pet, and make sure that your veterinary clinic and animal shelter have your correct contact information in their database.
•    Don’t leave your dog outside. If you cannot bring him inside, cover his dog house with a blanket to protect him from the bursts of bright lights and loud bangs. A dog’s sense of hearing is acute—about four times more sensitive than humans’.
•    Create a special den-like area in your home where your dog feels safe. A properly introduced crate or kennel can be a calming refuge for him.
•    Some dogs become destructive when frightened. If you don’t use a crate, remove any items in the room which your dog could destroy or which could hurt him if he chewed them.
•    Keep your dog away from the front and back doors. Your dog may be under significant stress, which could result in unnecessary injury to others or cause him to dart out the door.
•    Keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes.
•    Turn on a TV or radio at normal volume to distract your dog from loud noises and help him to relax.
•    If possible, stay with your pet during the majority of the fireworks. A dog often reacts more intensely to loud sounds and flashes of lights when you are not with him.
•    Consider hiring a pet sitter to stay with your dog while you are away from home.

“July 4 is a time for fun and celebration,” Crowe said. “By taking these precautions, you and your pets can have a safe and happy holiday experience.”

About Bark Busters:
Bark Busters, the world's largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, over 500,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With approximately 250 franchised offices in 40 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers guaranteed lifetime support. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the “Best of the Best” in its category. No other training company or dog trainer has received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs' behavior.

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