July 4th Safety Tips For Dog Owners

June 10, 2009 - PRLog -- With the commotion and fireworks during the upcoming Independence Day holiday, Bark Busters offers helpful tips for more than 43 million U.S. dog owners on how to keep their dogs safe and calm.

“Independence Day celebrations are great fun for people, but the loud noises and bright lights can be traumatic for dogs,” said Gerard Raneri, Pima County dog behavioral therapist and trainer for Bark Busters USA. “A dog’s sense of hearing is acute—far more sensitive than human hearing—so fireworks explosions, excited voices and visual stimulation can leave your dog confused and afraid.”

“Animal shelters report that the July 4th holiday brings record numbers of terrified runaway dogs to their doors,” Raneri continued. “By being aware and thinking ahead, we can keep our dogs safe and make them as comfortable as possible during the revelry.”

Raneri 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. You might even consider hiring a pet sitter.
• If you do take your dog to a holiday event, never leave him or her in the car. Even if it is a relatively cool evening, 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. If your dog isn’t micro-chipped, talk to your veterinarian about implanting one. If your dog is chipped, make sure that your veterinary clinic and the local Animal Care Center 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.
• 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.
• If your dog is not already crate trained, DO NOT crate him on July 4th! It could lead to self destructive behavior.
• 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. Dogs under stress can injure others or dart out the door and get lost.
• 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.

“These tips are just as useful during southern Arizona’s dramatic monsoon storms,” advised Raneri, “so apply them during any period when loud and unexpected noises and flashes of light may occur.”

Raneri stated, “July 4th is a time for fun and celebration. By taking these precautions, you and your dog can have a safe and happy holiday experience.”

Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists, such as Gerard Raneri, are recognized 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. If Bark Busters clients continue with follow-up exercises just 10 to15 minutes a day for several weeks, many require only one home visit from a Bark Busters-certified dog behavioral therapist. 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.

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. The company’s goal is to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. 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 in Pima County, visit Gerard Raneri’s website at www.BarkBustersTucson.com. Dog owners can complete an online Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs' behavior.