Bark Busters Home Dog Training

Orlando, FL -- Nearly five million Americans are bitten by dogs on average each year, and almost 50 percent are children bitten by the family dog.  Nearly 800,000 require treatment in a hospital, and dog-related injuries resulted in over 30 deaths in 2010 alone.  It’s time for everyone to take responsibility for preventing these tragic incidents.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is sponsoring its annual National Dog Bite Prevention Week from May 15-21 to raise awareness and help people understand that many bites can be prevented. 

Many of the tips we give our clients are pretty straightforward and appeal to one’s commonsense, but they have proven very successful and are based on what we have experienced and learned over our years of training dogs.  For example, under no circumstances should a baby be left alone with a dog, and young children should never walk or feed the dog unsupervised.  Parents should never allow a young child to discipline their dog, pull on the dog’s collar or play aggressive games with them. 

Of course, dog bites are not restricted to children.  The following tips can help reduce the chances of adults being attacked by an approaching dog:

• Don’t try to make friends with a dog;
• Stand still, stand tall and don’t move a muscle until the dog loses interest in you – don’t try to run away;
  Allow the dog to smell you but don’t put your hand out – let the dog come close to you on its own terms;
  Face the dog at all times but don’t make eye contact with the dog or stare – it can be perceived as a sign of aggression;
• Back away slowly, watching the dog from the corner of your eye;
• If the dog knocks you down, roll up into a fetal position with your arms covering your head and neck and play dead; don’t fight back.

Dogs can be wonderful, loving companions.  To keep yourself and your dog happy and safe, act responsibly.  By following the above tips, you can help reduce the risk of your dog biting others, or getting bit by a strange dog yourself. 

© copyright 2009 Bark Busters USA All Rights Reserved

Tips on Introducing a New Dog to Your Household "Pack"

By Jodi J. Lishinski

Bringing a new dog into the family is an exciting time for the human "pack" members, but can create stress for the non-human pack—whether dog (both new dog and resident dog), cat, bird, or other small pet. Understanding how to manage pet introductions can help ensure a lifetime of harmony for everyone.

General Tips:

Set reasonable goals when you bring a new dog into your pack. Knowing the dogs' backgrounds as to how well they were socialized will help you manage what might happen. Remember and respect that your resident dog and/or cat may perceive the new dog to be encroaching on their established territory, which can be very stressful.

Proceed slowly and calmly. Slow-paced introductions may help prevent any fear-based or aggressive reactions from developing. If bad behaviors are not reined in from the start, they can become habit and be very hard to change in the future.

Never leave new pets unattended, even if a pet is caged. When two pets meet, it is imperative you watch them at all times. The situation can change suddenly.

If you have more than one resident dog, introduce each dog one at a time to the new dog to prevent them from overwhelming the newcomer.

Stay in control of the introduction. If you are not sure how your pet will react, take the necessary precautions to keep him (and you) safe.

Be patient and adaptable. You will need to teach your new dog to trust you while communicating to your resident pets that you will continue to keep them safe. Building good relationships takes time.

Dog to Dog
Before you bring the new dog (or puppy) home, bring home his scent so your resident pets can be introduced to his smell first. Rub the new dog with a cloth or use a blanket he has slept on and bring it into your home and place it where he will be sleeping.

In addition, be sure both your resident dog and the new dog are up to date on their vaccinations to avoid any risk of infection.

Introduce in a Neutral Location
Introduce the dogs in a neutral location that is unfamiliar to both dogs, such as a park. This prevents your resident dog from feeling his territory is being threatened.

Each dog should be on a loosely held six-foot leash and handled by a separate person. Try to stay relaxed so the dogs don't pick up on any tension you might be feeling.

Don't force an interaction between the dogs. Just walk near each other for a few minutes. One or both of the dogs may ignore each other, which is fine. Just stay upbeat and give the dogs time to get comfortable with the situation.

Now, allow the dogs to sniff each other for just a few seconds, with the handlers offering high-pitched, happy praise if there are positive signs from the dogs. Then lead the dogs away from each other. Do several more sets of brief introductions, which prevent the dogs from focusing too hard and escalating to an aggressive response. Refocus each dog's attention with obedience commands or short walks.

There are two goals with this exercise:

Watch the dogs' body language. Things are going well and you can proceed to the next step if you see:

--Loose body movements and muscles
--Relaxed open mouths
--Play bows or other playful posturing

However, take caution if you see:
--Stiff, slow body movements
--Hair standing up on the back
--Tensed mouth or teeth-baring
--Growls
--Prolonged staring

If you see any of these types of reactions, quickly lead the dogs away from each other and try to get them to focus on you. Then you can try a very brief introduction again, at a further distance. Only proceed to the next step when you see the dogs are tolerating each other.

Managing the New Dog in Your Home
Pick up all pet toys, food bowls, beds and the like before you bring the new dog into the house to prevent any tiffs over prized possessions. You can return the resident dog's toys to him in a few weeks, and give the new dogs some new toys of his own. In the meantime, give the dogs toys only when they are in separate areas or their crates.

When you bring the new dog home, put your current pets in a separate area of your home; then, walk the new dog around your home on a leash to show him where he will sleep and eat, where the other pets sleep and eat, etc.

Establish boundaries in your home by using baby gates and closing off rooms and areas while all the pets acclimate to the new situation. This way they can see and get used to one another. Allow the resident dog to roam the house, while confining the new dog behind a barrier at first.

Keep the resident dog's areas for sleeping and eating separate so he doesn't feel his territory is being threatened. Feed the dogs in separate areas, and pick up their food bowls after feeding time is done. Keep the dogs confined in separate areas of your home any time you are away or can't watch them.

While your dogs may enjoy each other as playmates, supervise their play to prevent them from getting over excited, which can lead to injury of one or both dogs. Interrupt their play if one dog begins to bully or growl at the other, and separate them for a few minutes. Praise them when they are playing well together.

Remember to devote plenty of time to each dog individually for both training and play. If one dog is much older or less energetic than the other, be sure you give him time and space to himself so he can rest and feel secure.

Dog to Cat
The prey drive in some dogs is exceptionally strong. In order to ensure your cat or other small pets stay safe, you must get your dog to look to you as his leader so that his desire to please you overcomes his desire to chase another pet.

As with a dog-to-dog introduction, take things slowly, calmly and cautiously. If you can, bring home an item with the new dog's scent on it so the cat can learn about the dog through his smell first. Plan to place the cat's things somewhere the dog can't reach (such as up high) and be sure there is always an escape route so the cat can get away from the dog and feel safe.

While holding the dog on a loose leash, at first allow the dog and cat to see each other. If you fear the dog may get away from you quickly and hurt the cat, use a muzzle if necessary.

With the dog in a down-stay, let the cat wander and come to the dog, if she chooses, for a sniff. Then call the dog away to get him to redirect his attention from the cat, and then allow them to greet again.

Remember, you also need to keep the cat from getting afraid and then running away, which will only trigger the dog's desire to chase. If the dog begins to fixate on the cat or lunges to get at it, quickly give him a command or just lead him away from the area for a few minutes.

Your goal is to help the animals learn to trust each other, as you yourself work on building a relationship of trust and leadership with the new dog.

In the meantime, don't allow your dog to chase any type of small animal, but do let him chase a ball or other appropriate toys.

If your dog begins to chase the cat, do not run after the dog. Instead, try to get his attention with a loud hand clap or command ("Leave it!"), or even a shake of his dog food bin. Redirect his behavior so you can leash him and allow the cat to get to a safe place.

Dog to Other Small Pets
If you are not sure of your dog's background with regard to being around small pets, plan the introductions carefully to avoid risk of the pet being harmed. Introduce the animals as you would dog to cat. If you must hold the animal in your arms, take care not to let the dog to get too close. Just let them sniff each other's scent and learn to tolerate one another's presence.

Some dogs get jealous if they see a small pet such as a hamster or bird perched on your shoulder. The dog may see this as an unfair advantage and therefore feel challenged and want to harm the pet. Other dogs, however, may be totally accepting of the pet and its perceived higher status.

Always keep small pets in a secure, sturdy cage out of the dog's reach, and always supervise your dog even when the pet is caged. When you're away from home, do not allow your dog to be loose in the same area as the caged pet.

Puppies to Adult Dogs
Not all resident dogs will welcome a new puppy into the home. Puppies are notorious for looking for attention from adult dogs (and everyone else), and so must be supervised when they are with other animals. Very young pups may not pick up on an adult dog's body language that says he's had enough playing. A well-socialized adult dog may growl to tell the pup to back off, which is appropriate behavior that helps the puppy learn boundaries.

However, an adult dog with poor social skills may present a danger to the puppy, as he may only know to bite rather than growl. Thus, do not leave the dog and puppy alone together.

Respect the adult dog's need for puppy-free quiet time, and be sure to spend one-on-one time with him as well.

Handle the puppy-to-dog introduction as you would between dogs. Keep both animals leashed, carefully watch their body language, allow brief sniffs, and offer praise when they behave well.

Know When to Get Help
People keep household pets because they enjoy their antics and companionship. However, if your dog doesn't get along with other pets, this only creates tension and disharmony in your home.

A qualified dog trainer such as a Bark Busters Dog Behavioral Therapist can help resolve conflicts your dog may be having with other pets, and can provide ways to help you live in a peaceful, happy household of pets and people.

Jodi J. Lishinski is a dog behavioral therapist and trainer with Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company. Bark Busters trainers, who have trained more than 500,000 dogs worldwide, are renowned authorities in correcting dog behavior with all-natural, dog-friendly methods. Bark Busters training is the only service of its kind that offers guaranteed lifetime support. For more information, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com.  In Central Florida visit www.dogtrainingcentralflorida.com

© Copyright 2010 Bark Busters USA All Rights Reserved

Apopka, Maitland, Orlando, Winter Park, Florida -- Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, offers tips to keep dogs safe on Halloween. Based on the expertise of Bark Busters' network of dog behavioral therapists, who have successfully trained nearly 500,000 dogs worldwide, these guidelines for dog owners help ensure the safety of pets during fright night.

Throughout our network of 250 franchises nationwide, we hear about more dogs dying or straying during Halloween than any other holiday.  Halloween is intended to scare and startle us—making it a spooky holiday for dogs, too. By being more sensitive to dogs' fear-driven ‘fight or flight' instincts, we can help keep our furry friends safe this Halloween.

Halloween brings a fun time for most of us, but for some of our much-loved four-legged family members, Halloween can be a nightmare.  Dog owners may not be able to control external surroundings, but they can care for their dog's safety and well being by observing the following tips:

Bring your dog indoors. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where he cannot be harmed or overwhelmed by little ghouls and goblins. If he is an outside-dog, bring him in a few times before the big night to get him comfortable with being indoors. Remember, it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be plenty of strangers. 

Keep your dog restrained. If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, put him in a separate room away from the front door. This will limit his excitement, aggression or chance of running outside and getting lost or injured.

Reassure your dog. If your dog seems to feel unsettled by Halloween activities, just act as normally as possible. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him extra attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that there must be something to worry about.

Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may regard his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. Keep masks off while your dog is around.

Check your dog's ID Tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog's collar—just in case.

Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies—especially those containing chocolate or xylitol, an artificial sweetener—are toxic to dogs. Problems can range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death. For your dog's safety, be sure to keep all sweets and their wrappers well away from him.

Protect your dog from candles and pumpkins. Agitated or excited dogs (and their swinging tails) can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Keep such items out of your dog's reach, or consider using a battery-powered candle that does not burn.

Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs do enjoy being dressed up, many don't. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If he shows any resistance, don't do it. Tie a fun bandana around his neck and he'll be happier and safer.

Consider carefully and be prepared. Think carefully about taking your dog with you on trick-or-treating rounds. You may unintentionally instill a new fear of strangers in him, creating a wariness that could last long past the holiday. If you do take your dog, keep a firm grip on his leash. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner's consent.

Jodi J. Lishinski is a dog behavioral therapist and trainer with Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company. Bark Busters trainers, who have trained more than 500,000 dogs worldwide, are renowned authorities in correcting dog behavior with all-natural, dog-friendly methods. Bark Busters training is the only service of its kind that offers a written lifetime support guarantee. For more information, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.dogtrainingcentralflorida.com or www.barkbusters.com

Apopka, Maitland, Orlando, Winter Park, FL -- While thunderstorms may cause fear, dogs can be trained to manage their reactions and feel calmer through all the noise and bright flashes. Bark Busters -- the world's largest dog training company -- offers 10 tips for managing your dog's fear of thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms are a common fear in dogs, causing many to panic and run away, become destructive, or even hurt themselves.  Dogs can sense that a storm is on the way, and they often begin to show signs of anxiety even before the storm can be heard.

Here are some tips to help your dog learn to be relaxed during storms, fireworks or other loud disturbances that may be frightening to your pup.

1. Always keep proper identification securely fastened to your dog's collar in case he gets out. Consider talking to your veterinarian about implanting a universal microchip in your pet for lifelong identification. Remember to update your veterinary clinic and animal shelter with your correct contact information.

2. Give your dog a safe place to stay during storms. Inside your home, create a quiet den-like area where your dog can feel secure. A properly introduced crate or kennel can be a calming refuge for him. When a storm is brewing, lead your dog to his special place to help him feel calm and protected.

3. If your dog lives outside, cover his doghouse or dog run with a blanket to shield him from the bursts of lightning. Outside dogs can get lost or even injured if they escape their fenced yards in fear during storms.

4. Dogs can pick up fear or discomfort with storms from their family pack members, so it is important that you develop a calm, matter-of-fact attitude. Let your dog stay close and try to distract him with activities like play or brushing. Do not try to reassure him in a sympathetic voice—this will sound like praise and may increase his nervousness and confusion.

5. Some dogs become destructive when frightened. A crate is always the best way to keep your dog safe and your belongings intact. If you don't use a crate, remove any items in the room your dog could destroy or could hurt him if he chewed them.

6. During a storm, keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Turn on a TV or radio playing soft music at normal volume to distract your dog and help him to relax.

7. Keep your dog away from doors that lead outside. Your dog may be under significant stress, which could result in unnecessary injury to others entering your home or cause him to dart outside and get lost or injured.

8. Your dog may become incontinent due to his extreme fear and the rush of adrenaline he experiences during a storm. Be prepared for this, and don't react if it occurs.

9. Dogs that continue to panic in thunderstorms may have to be reconditioned by creating an artificial storm with environmental recordings. While reconditioning can be a time-consuming procedure, it can have a high success rate. A qualified Bark Busters dog behavioral therapist can help your dog be calmer during storms.

10. In the most extreme cases, medication in conjunction with training may be the best solution to help your dog cope with his fear of storms. Consult with your veterinarian about possible treatments.
Your dog's phobia about thunderstorms won't get better on its own. Help him learn that it's just noise and is nothing for him to worry about. When he learns to relax and remain calm, you can relax and not worry about your dog during future storms.  

Jodi J. Lishinski is a dog behavioral therapist and trainer with Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company. Bark Busters trainers, who have trained more than 400,000 dogs worldwide, are renowned authorities in correcting dog behavior with all-natural, dog-friendly methods. Bark Busters training is the only service of its kind that offers a written lifetime support guarantee. For more information, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com.

© copyright 2008 Bark Busters USA All Rights Reserved

As stories of Barney the White House Dog biting a reporter surface, Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, sheds light on the incident. Bark Busters explains why Barney bit the reporter and how you can prevent your dog from doing the same.

Dogs aren't born aggressive -- but when aggression occurs, especially toward humans, the problem must be dealt with firmly. For both safety and liability reasons, aggression is among the most serious issues dog training professionals are asked to address.

        Nationwide statistics underscore the potential danger of dog bites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly five million Americans suffer from dog bites each year. On average, 800,000 people are injured seriously enough each year to require medical attention. Sixty-one percent of dog bites occur within pet owners’ homes and forty-three percent of all dog bites involve children bitten by the family dog. These numbers are both staggering and alarming, highlighting the need for public awareness and education.

        Dog aggression is a behavioral pattern, not a personality type. This means one breed is not necessarily more aggressive than any other. By and large, aggression is situational, and more than 90 percent of the time dog aggression is a reaction based on fear. Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists have treated all breeds of dogs for aggression and found that the diminutive Chihuahua can be just as aggressive as the much larger Rottweiler or German Shepherd. Clearly, the larger dogs can instill more fear and potentially cause more harm because of their size and strength. But the root causes of the behavior are the same – and nearly all can be addressed with proper training.

        Unfortunately, many dogs are euthanized for behavior problems that could have been corrected. Dogs may bite for many reasons – most bite out of fear, but there are other types of aggression. Whether a dog has bitten a family member or a stranger out of fear or to show dominance, the problem is serious. If your dog displays any of the following behavioral patterns, seek the advice of a professional immediately.

        Fear-based aggression is most common. Typically this will happen when a dog misunderstands a threat in its environment. This triggers its “fight or flight” instinct. Dogs that bite and growl out of fear tend to be under-socialized, or have had bad experiences and negative memories. These canines feel uneasy when approached by strangers or when little children run up to them. Although they'd prefer to run away, they may feel cornered – and that’s when bites may occur. Also, people who try to break up fights between dogs are often the victims of misdirected aggression. This is a common situation, resulting in accidental bites from dogs that are otherwise wonderful, loving pets.

        A dog exhibiting dominance aggression is most likely to direct its inappropriate behavior to its family members. A dominant canine thinks it is the head of the household. To show this, it may refuse to get off the couch or bed. Should you attempt to remove it, it will growl and bite.

        Does your dog growl or snap if you get too close during feeding or when it’s playing with its favorite toy? If so, it is displaying possession aggression. Canines exhibiting this behavioral problem do not trust anyone with, or even near, their favorite toy, food or person. A dog that does not allow you near it while it is eating must be corrected. If a dog is overly possessive of a person, that person must be the one to correct the dog.

        Predatory aggression, often seen in herding breeds, stems from an instinct to chase prey and bring it down. Some dogs may go after cats, squirrels, or livestock — especially if these animals are on the move. In worst cases, dogs exhibiting predatory aggression may go after small children. Be aware if your dog routinely becomes intensely fixated on an object as fixating can result in a chase or attack.

        Any dog can exhibit pain-induced aggression. Some dogs that experience chronic pain from a number of medical or physical conditions can develop aggressive tendencies as a way to protect themselves from the pain caused by handling. Be aware if your dog displays any kind of physical discomfort. Dogs suffering from trauma may also bite their owners. If your usually mild-mannered dog has been in an accident, do not trust that it won't bite.

        A dog that growls, barks and bites at joggers or cyclists near its home is exhibiting territorial aggression. This behavior can also be directed at anyone new to the house, such as mail carriers or guests. These canines are fine once the potential threat has left their territory, but they can be especially tough on visitors. Typically a dog will bark to warn of an intruder, but if a dog continues to feel threatened, it is more likely to attack to defend itself.

        If your dog has a problem with aggression, call a professional trainer or animal behaviorist. Bark Busters also recommends enrolling your puppy in an obedience class or bring it to a supervised small group play session. This will expose your dog to other people and other dogs. And, most importantly, it will learn to follow the commands of its pack leader — you.