“Independence Day celebrations can be great fun for humans, but the noise and visual stimulation can be traumatic for dogs,” said Liam Crowe, president, COO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “By following a few precautions and being aware, we can keep our dogs safe and as comfortable as possible during Fourth of July revelry.”
Crowe offers the following Independence Day pointers for dog owners:
• Understand that dogs don’t like fireworks. The bangs, explosions and bright lights – accompanied by screams, sirens, and other howling dogs – create confusion and fear. It’s not uncommon for dogs to run away from home after being frightened by fireworks.
• Don’t leave dogs outside. Bring your dogs inside to protect them. If this is not possible, cover the crate or kennel with a blanket to offer them a little protection from the bright flashes and loud bangs. Always remember a dog’s sense of hearing is acute – more than 10 times more sensitive than humans’.
• Keep your dog away from doors. Your dog may be under significant stress, which could result in unnecessary injury to others or cause your pet to dart out the door and get lost.
• It’s always best to create a special area or “den” where your dog feels safe. A properly introduced crate or kennel can be a great den for your dog.
• Keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes.
• Turn on a TV or radio to distract your dog from loud noises and help him or her relax. Classical music is the most calming.
• Try to stay with your pet during the majority of the fireworks, if possible. A dog often reacts more intensely to loud noises and flashing lights when you are not there.
• Always have identification securely on your dogs, in case they get out. Consider talking to your veterinarian about implanting a universal microchip in your pet and make sure that your veterinary hospital and animal shelter have current information in their database.
“Independence Day is a time for joy and celebration,”
Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists, such as Liam Crowe, are renowned authorities in correcting and managing dog behavior. Bark Busters’ natural training system can successfully train any dog, even a puppy, by leveraging the same communications methods – body language and voice control – that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality. About 80 percent of Bark Busters clients require only one two-hour home visit from a licensed dog behavioral therapist, if owners continue with follow-up exercises just 10 to15 minutes a day for several weeks. All training takes place right in the home where the problems generally occur. And Bark Busters’ training is the only service of its kind that is guaranteed for the life of the dog. In every market where Bark Busters is established, a majority of veterinarians familiar with the technique recommend the company’s services. For more information about Bark Busters’ training approach, 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.
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 350,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural method. With 220+ franchised offices in 40 states and more than 325 offices in 8 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 a written lifetime guarantee. Therapists will provide future sessions free of charge if problem behaviors recur, or if any new problems develop. For more information, 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.
