Bark Busters, World's Largest Dog Training Company, Offers July 4th Safety Tips for Dog Owners.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- With the annual celebration and commotion of Independence Day approaching, Bark Busters, the world's largest and most trusted dog training company, today offered helpful tips for the estimated 36 million U.S. dog owners on how to keep their dogs safe and calm during July 4th festivities.

"Independence Day celebrations can be great fun for humans, but the noise and visual stimuli can be traumatic for our dogs," explained Brett Silk, National Training Manager for Bark Busters USA. "With a bit of awareness and by following a few precautions, we can keep our dogs safe and as comfortable as possible during Fourth of July revelry."

Silk offers these Independence Day pointers for dog owners:

--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, covering the crate or kennel with a blanket will give a dog 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 that may result in unnecessary injury to others or cause your pet to dart out the front 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 noises and bright flashes.

--Turning on a TV or radio can distract your dog from the loud noises and help him or her relax. Classical music has shown to be the most calming.

--If possible, try to stay with your pet during the majority of the fireworks. A dog often reacts very differently to loud noises and flashing lights when you are not there.

--Always have identification securely on your pet, in case your pets get out. Consider talking to your veterinarian about micro-chipping your pet with a universal micro-chip. Make sure that your veterinary hospital and animal shelter have current information in their database.

"Independence Day is a time for joy and celebration," commented Silk. "By taking these precautions, you and your pets can have a safe and happy experience."

Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists, such as Brett Silk, are renowned authorities in the area of correcting and managing dog behavior. Bark Busters' natural training system can successfully train any dog, even puppies. The techniques leverage the same communications methods -- body language and voice control -- that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality. About 80 percent of Bark Buster clients require only one two-hour home visit from a licensed dog behavioral therapist, if they continue with just 10 to 15 minutes a day follow-up exercises 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 1-877-280-7100 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 250,000 dogs have been trained worldwide. With 126 franchised offices in 34 states and more than 200 offices in six countries, Bark Busters mission is 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. For more information, call 1-877-280-7100 or visit www.barkbusters.com.