Bark Busters of NW Broward

When traveling to visit family and friends for the holidays, more and more pet owners are taking Fido and Bowser along too. Whether you travel by car, truck, plane or train, help ensure a safe and pleasant journey by taking these safety precautions.

General Travel Tips

• No matter what your mode of travel, the single best safe practice you can employ to keep your dog safe during the journey is to keep him restrained.

• Affix current identification to your dog. Even better, have him microchipped, which provides a permanent form of I.D. to help ensure he is returned to you if he becomes lost.

• Carry a recent photograph of your dog to make it easier for others to help you look for him if he gets lost during the trip.

• If your dog is prone to anxiety or motion sickness, consult with your veterinarian about using pet tranquilizers for your dog appropriate for the particular type of travel you will take.

• Feed your pet his usual meal one to two hours before travel. (If your dog is prone to motion sickness, feed him two to four hours before travel.) Do not give him food or water during travel as it may spill, forcing him to lie in a mess during the trip. Dogs can go 8 to 12 hours without food or water.

Cars and Trucks

• No matter how long or short the journey, your dog should be restrained. An unrestrained dog is dangerous to himself and others. He can become a flying projectile that can injure you, your passengers or himself.

• Secure your dog in the back seat (dogs riding in the front seat can be seriously hurt if the airbags deploy) with a pet travel safety harness or car seat, or in a pet carrier fastened to a seatbelt. If you drive an SUV, install a pet barrier to keep the dog in the back area of the vehicle as well as securing him in his harness and attaching it to the hooks in the floor.

• If you must transport your dog in the bed of a pickup, use a crate or carrier secured to the truck bed to prevent him from being thrown into traffic at a sudden stop.

• Do not allow your dog to ride with his head out the window. Road debris and other flying objects can injure his eyes.

• Before you set out on your journey and after arriving at your destination, give your dog plenty of exercise. This will help him be more relaxed and able to acclimate to his new surroundings.

• When stopping for a break and before you open the car door, attach a leash to your dog's collar so he can't escape. Even the most obedient pet can become disoriented when traveling. Always use a leash to walk your dog.

• On a long car ride, stop every four hours or so to allow your dog to relieve himself (be sure to clean up after him), stretch his legs, refresh himself with a small drink of water, and help him understand that he's going to another environment.

• Watch for temperature extremes. Your car is like an oven under the blazing sun and a freezer in the bitter cold.

Airline or Train Travel

• Whether he will go in the cabin with you or in the cargo hold, your dog will need to travel in an airline (or train) -approved carrier. Check the airline (or train line) website for requirements.

• If your pet will travel as cargo, check for restrictions on any health/immunization and other requirements.

• Use direct flights to avoid mix-ups during transfers or the possibility of delays in getting your pet off the plane. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded into the cargo hold.

A happy, well-socialized dog that knows you will always be there to keep him safe and secure will enjoy traveling to new places with you.

About 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. Bark Busters South Florida has trained over 3,000 clients to be the "leader of the pack" right in the comfort of their own homes. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the "Best of the Best" in category. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBustersSouthFlorida.com

Cute and cuddly and oh-so-sweet, puppies are eternally appealing. And while a darling puppy might seem like the perfect gift choice for your child, remember that many such presents end up at animal shelters. A 2007 study at an animal shelter reported that 54% of the dogs surrendered to the shelter were six months to three years old and 15% were less than six months old.

"Be absolutely certain the gift recipient wants a puppy or a dog," said said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA, dog behavioral therapist, Bark Busters USA.  "A pup is not some battery-operated toy you can play with, then store away in the closet."

If someone on your gift list wants a dog, consider giving a gift certificate for one instead. Wrap a can of dog food or a fancy collar and include a note saying a puppy (or dog) of the recipient's choice comes with the gift.

Adding a puppy to your life is, on average, a 15-year responsibility. Raising a happy, well-balanced puppy requires an enormous time commitment and so a young pup is not a suitable choice for every dog-lover. Dogs of other ages also make perfect companions. For example, most senior dogs tend to be calmer, have more predictable behaviors, and are already housebroken.

If the intended recipient seems ready for a puppy, be sure s/he is also ready to participate in training and managing all aspects of the responsibilities of dog ownership. "If it's your child who wants a puppy, you as parents must be realistic and acknowledge that the bulk of dog care will invariably fall on you, not the kids," said Crowe. Most children are simply not ready to apply themselves to taking care of a dog until they are of high school age.

Whoever ends up taking care of the puppy, give your pup the best chance for a long and happy life with his family by following these tips.

• Do your homework. Learning about what to expect during a puppy's stages of development over the first 12 months will help you understand and manage his—what may seem as—strange behaviors.
• Understand that a puppy needs leadership, boundaries and consistency—all to come from his human family members.
• Hold a family meeting to discuss house rules about caring for the dog. Decide together how your family will integrate him into your home.
• Plan a budget. Food, veterinary care, training and other necessities can add up quickly.
• Use a crate. A crate is an invaluable tool for housebreaking a puppy and keeping him safe from household hazards. It also provides your young dog with a sense of security when you are busy or away. Your dog will welcome his crate as a safe haven throughout his life. Note: A puppy should not be crated for more than 5 hours at a time; his small bladder may have trouble holding on for that long.
• "Puppy-proof" your home. To keep your curious canine from hurting himself during his explorations, move out of his reach household items such as electrical wires and outlets, plants, and anything cherished or breakable. Also, lock away toxic items such as antifreeze, fertilizers, detergents and tobacco products.
• Use baby gates. Baby gates are a smart training tool to block off restricted areas of the house to help your puppy learn what areas are off limits. Gates also prevent his access to dangerous places like pools, balconies and open doors.
• Give dog-appropriate toys. Toys like the puppy-sized Kong™ are best for your little chewing pal. Never give old clothing or shoes as toys, because a puppy cannot differentiate between old and new items.
• Start training early. Dogs are pack animals and seek authority and reassurance from the pack leader. Providing this leadership is key to managing a dog's behavior. Plan to participate in puppy school and other training from a qualified trainer such as a Bark Busters dog behavioral therapist.

To read all of the Puppy Care tips please visit, www.BarkBusters.com/news/Puppies.cfm.

"You owe it to your new puppy to give him every opportunity to develop a long-lasting, loving relationship with his family," said Crowe.  "Be prepared, patient and consistent. Puppies learn through experience and association. The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn and the happier he—and you—will be."

About 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. Bark Busters South Florida has trained over 3,000 clients to be the "leader of the pack" right in the comfort of their own homes. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the "Best of the Best" in category. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBustersSouthFlorida.com

 In planning for this season's holiday festivities, it is important to keep your pets in mind. While most of us welcome the sights, sounds and smells of the season, holidays can also be chaotic—especially for dogs. Holiday festivities can interrupt a dog's routine and present a potentially unsafe situation. But by following a few common-sense tips, the holidays can be cheery for everyone—including the family dog.

Holiday foods can be harmful
•Many holiday foods are harmful or even toxic to canines. These include fatty or spicy foods, bread dough, fresh herbs, alcoholic beverages, and sweets of all kinds—especially those with chocolate or xylitol, an artificial sweetener.
•Particularly dangerous are cooked poultry bones. Cooked bones easily splinter, and the bone shards can cause choking or get stuck in your dog's gums. Instead, give "dog bones" specifically designed for dogs to chew. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.
•Discourage your dog from foraging in the garbage—secure lids on all trash cans.
•It's natural that you'd want to share holiday treats with your dog. While a little taste of turkey or sweet potatoes can make your dog happy, don't overdo it—too much of a good thing can make him sick.

Decorations are not playthings
•Keep your pet away from holiday plants, many of which are poisonous, such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and amaryllis (a type of lily). Also be sure all potpourri is our of your pet's reach.
•Snow globes can contain antifreeze, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Keep any antifreeze products away from your happy, tail-wagging dog. If there is an antifreeze spill, send your dog out of the room while you clean up the liquid. Dilute the spot with water and floor cleaner to ensure your dog does not lick the area later.
•Keep electrical wires and batteries out of your pet's reach. Chewing or biting anything electrical can cause him shock or burns.
•Don't leave lighted candles unattended.  A lit candle knocked over by a swinging tail can burn your pet or cause a fire.

Christmas trees can be hazardous
•Anchor the tree to the ceiling or wall to prevent it from tipping over.
•Hang non-breakable ornaments near the bottom of the tree.
•Avoid putting tinsel on your tree. If ingested, tinsel can twist in your dog's intestines and be deadly.
•Don't let your dog drink the Christmas tree water. The water may contain preservative chemicals, which can trigger severe indigestion in dogs. Stagnant plain water can breed bacteria and cause nausea or diarrhea to the pet which imbibes.
•Regularly sweep up fallen pine needles, as they can puncture holes in a dog's intestines if ingested.

Help your dog feel safe and relaxed
•Most dogs get very excited when guests arrive. To help your dog be calmer, exercise him prior to the festivities. After 30 minutes of walking or playtime, your dog will more likely be relaxed or want to nap.
•As a general rule, don't allow the family dog to greet unfamiliar guests since unusual activities and commotion can cause him extra stress.
•Give your dog a break from the hubbub by putting him in his crate or in a quiet room with his doggie bed. Allow him to rejoin the festivities after guests have arrived.
•Pets stressed by unfamiliar events typically pant more, so keep your dog's water bowl filled with fresh water.

Pets like presents too!
•Help your dog stay busy and out of the holiday trimmings by giving him fun, safe gifts.
•The Buster Cube™ and Kong™ are virtually indestructible puzzle toys that reward your dog with treats and keep him well entertained.

Please don't give a pet as a surprise gift!
A cute puppy might seem like the perfect gift choice, but many of these holiday presents end up at animal shelters. Owning a dog takes a genuine commitment of time and responsibility, and adoptive owners must be ready to participate in training and other activities. If someone you know seriously wants a dog, consider giving a leash and collar, or a dog training certificate from Bark Busters along with a note saying a dog of the recipient's choice comes with it. This helps ensure the lucky person gets just the right pet to bring into the family.

Following these simple tips will help make the festivities safe and happy for your whole family, including your canine companions.

About 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. Bark Busters South Florida has trained over 3,000 clients to be the "leader of the pack" right in the comfort of their own homes. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the "Best of the Best" in category. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBustersSouthFlorida.com.

Keep your dog safe on the most dangerous holiday of the year for dogs. 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.


Visit our website at www.BarkBustersSouthFlorida.com
Contact us by phone at 877-500-2275
Or email: nwbroward@barkbusters.com

In support of Baby Safety Month in September, Bark Busters—the world's largest dog training company—offers tips to help families ensure a smooth transition for their dog when bringing home a new baby. If you are expecting a baby and you have a dog, take time now to prepare your dog for the day you bring home your new child.

Dogs can feel rejected and become confused or stressed when parents suddenly shift their attention from dog to baby. A dog doesn't understand why a baby is being elevated above the dog in the pack. In trying to regain his pack position, the dog may seek attention through behaviors such as barking at the baby's cries, jumping up, or chewing on baby's things.

Bark Busters offers the following tips to help reduce bad behavior, ease everyone's stress, and help keep baby safe.

Set new rules before baby arrives. For instance, if you decide to keep your dog out of the baby's room,
start this new rule several weeks or months before the baby arrives. Thus, your dog will not associate baby's
arrival with exclusion from the room. Also, begin to introduce an erratic schedule so the dog does not know 
when he will get walked, fed or played with. 
 
Prepare your dog for baby's arrival. Accustom your dog to the new sights and smells he will soon
encounter. An easy way to do this is to buy an inexpensive doll that makes baby sounds. Wrap it in a blanket
and hold it in your arms as you walk around the house. Apply to the doll the same baby products (powder, 
shampoo, lotion) that you will use on the baby. After the baby is born, bring home the newborn's blanket prior to your baby's arrival home to allow your dog to become accustomed to the scent of the newest member of the family. 

Make introductions on the first day the baby arrives home. Your dog will need to "touch scent" the baby 
to find out what it is. While another adult controls the dog on a loosely held leash, hold your newborn up high
and let your dog sniff the baby's bottom or feet. If the dog misbehaves or is too exuberant, correct his behavior.

Allow frequent, supervised visits by your dog. The more the dog and baby are together, the better behaved
and less stressed your dog will be. However, neither newborn nor toddler should ever be left unattended in the 
same room with any dog.

Teach your dog the difference between his toys and your child's things. If and only if you catch your dog chewing on something  unsuitable, interrupt the behavior, then give the dog an acceptable chew toy and praise him lavishly when he takes it in  his mouth. Dogs can be possessive about their food, toys and space.   Although this is normal, it is NOT acceptable for him to growl or snap at you or your child. At the same time, children need to learn to respect their dog as a living creature that is not to be teased or purposefully hurt, and that needs time to himself. If your dog is growling or snapping at your child for   any reason, the situation needs IMMEDIATE attention.

visit our website at www.BarkBustersSouthFlorida.com
contact us by phone at 877-500-2275
Or email: nwbroward@barkbusters.com

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," said Tracy Nick, dog behavioral therapist and trainer, Bark Busters USA. "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."

Nick offers these tips to help your dog learn to be relaxed during storms, fireworks or other loud disturbances that may be frightening to him or her.

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.  

About Bark Busters:

The world's largest, most trusted dog training company, started in in 1989 and came to the in 2000. Since inception, over 500,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. Bark Busters South Florida has trained over 3,000 clients to be the "leader of the pack" right in the comfort of their own homes. 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 offers guaranteed lifetime support. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the "Best of the Best" in category. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBustersSouthFlorida.com, where dog owners can rate their dogs' behavior.

 When kids go back to school, the stress can be huge on the family, including the dog. This abrupt change in routine can seriously affect our furry friends, who are creatures of habit. But with a little understanding and preparation before the first day of class, families can avoid many of the back-to-school behavior problems their dogs might display.

Separation Anxiety

With everyone gone to work or school during the day, dogs left alone can become stressed, often resulting in destructive behaviors and endless barking. These tips can help reduce the potential anxiety of separation.

• Pay less attention to him: While your dog may be the center of attention when the kids are home all day, you need to change this scenario before they return to school so that he can adjust more quickly to the quiet time. About a week before school starts, pay increasingly less attention to your dog each day.
• Start early: A few weeks before your children return to school, get your dog used to being alone. Begin by separating him from the kids and the rest of the family. For example, if you frequently take your dog with you to run errands, leave him at home.
• Practice leaving the house: Go through the motions of leaving the house, go out the door, but then come right back in again. The dog will cease associating the routine of your leaving the house with your departure. This will help him to be more relaxed when you actually leave.
• When you leave: As the last person leaves the house for the day, don't confuse your dog by saying in a sweet voice, "It's okay, Buster—we'll be home soon. Be a good boy." If he is feeling concerned that you're leaving, your happy, high-pitched voice can make him think it's okay to feel anxious. Dogs are pack animals and so they expect their leaders to be strong when they leave the pack. Therefore, ignore your dog for about 10 minutes before you leave.

Boredom

Dogs sleep a lot during the day, but when they wake up, they want something to do. It doesn't take much to entertain a dog, even when you're not at home.

• Toys: Dogs love toys, but they can quickly get bored with or destroy them. Buy high-quality, virtually indestructible puzzle toys that your dog will always enjoy, such as those that hold treats like the Buster Cube™ and KONG™. Every few days, rotate what toys are available to him. This gives your dog something new and fun to hold his interest.
• Scatter food: Dogs are natural foragers who enjoy looking for food on the ground—and will literally spend hours doing so. Scatter a variety of foods—such as bits of raw vegetables, dog kibble, and other foods that won't attract wasps—around the yard when you leave. Try hiding a few treats so your dog spends extra time looking for them. And always provide lots of fresh, clean water to keep your dog well hydrated.

Shelter

Dogs need to have their own "home," a place where they feel secure and comfortable. If your dog doesn't already have a place of his own, create one for him.

• Crate: Most dogs love the safety of a crate. Because they are descended from animals that live in dens, a crate is a natural shelter for a dog because it has the same characteristics of a den. If your dog hasn't been crate trained, don't start training him the day the kids leave for school. That's too late and can actually add to his stress. When your dog has become accustomed to his new crate, do not leave him there for extended periods of time. If you plan to be away longer than 10 hours for a dog and 6 hours for a puppy, ask a friend to come by to let your dog out to toilet during that time.
• Laundry room: If your dog will be inside all day and you are concerned about him toileting in the house, enclose him in a small room (which inhibits the tendency to toilet) and has an easy-clean floor of vinyl or tile (in case he has an accident). Place a soft bed and toys in the room for him too.
• Doghouse: If your dog will be kept outside while you are gone, be sure he has shelter in which to get out of the weather. Dogs are more relaxed when they are covered and in familiar surroundings. Place the doghouse next to the house so that he feels like it is an extension of the larger "den," and provide a blanket or other comfy bedding.

Unusual Behavior

When dogs are stressed, they can begin to exhibit unusual behaviors, such as jumping up or even biting. It is not uncommon for children to come home from school and be greeted by the dog in an unnecessarily rough manner, even knocking a child to the floor. After being left alone all day, the dog has pent-up energy—and when he sees the kids, his excitement might cause him to overreact.

• Train the kids: Parents need to train their children to avoid going right to the dog's area as soon as they get home. Kids should ignore the pet for five minutes or so to allow him to settle down. With young children, it is always best to have a parent present to reduce the chance of a problem. Once your dog learns the routine, he will relax.
• Train your dog: It is amazing how quickly dogs learn what is acceptable and what is not. Dogs have a language of their own and once we understand it, we can easily control them by "speaking their language." Bark Busters specializes in using dogs' natural, instinctive communication methods as the way to train them. It's simple, and it works.