From Dog Trainers to Dog Rescuers: Professional Dog Trainers Turn Focus to Saving Shelter Dogs

/PRNewswire/ -- According to the National Animal Interest Alliance, about 1.8 million dogs are surrendered to animal shelters each year by their owners. About 300,000 of these relinquished dogs are turned in to be euthanized, and the remaining 1.5 million are surrendered for adoption. Although it is challenging to track exactly why all these dogs are being surrendered, it is clear that behavior problems are a primary culprit. This means that behavior problems are one of the leading causes of death in dogs in the United States.

Animal Behavior College (ABC), a Los Angeles-based vocational school for professional dog training instructors, has launched a national campaign to save the lives of shelter dogs. As a part of the solution to help reduce these shocking statistics, ABC has created "Students Saving Lives," a program that requires all of their dog training students to volunteer at least ten hours of training time to local animal shelters or rescue organizations.

To date, approximately 2,000 ABC Certified Dog Trainers have donated over 31,000 volunteer dog training hours to animal shelters and rescue groups all throughout North America in an effort to help save lives. The dogs are taught basic obedience lessons as well as problem solving for inappropriate behaviors.

"Since we started this program, 'Students Saving Lives' countless dogs have been rescued from death row at shelters because they were well-trained by an ABC dog training graduate. Those dogs that were only a few days away from euthanasia are now living in loving, permanent homes. This program has caught the attention of animal shelters and rescue organizations all across the country," said Debbie Kendrick proudly, Vice President of ABC and creator of "Students Saving Lives".

It is proven that the chances of adoption increase tremendously once a dog is well trained. The dog is more likely to be noticed at a shelter and adopted. Once home, they are less likely to have behavior problems which often results in being returned to the shelter.

Animal Behavior College has enrolled thousands of students all over the United States and Canada who are looking for a great new career that is not only fulfilling, but helps make a difference in the lives of dogs.

More information can be found at www.AnimalBehaviorCollege.com

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Save Pets from Stress During the Holiday Season

(ARA) - ‘Tis the season for holiday cheer with Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching quite near. End-of-the-year festivities may bring friends and families closer, but with all of the season’s hustle and bustle, many pets may become overwhelmed and confused or exhibit negative behaviors resulting from unfamiliar sounds, smells and visitors that surround them before the New Year.

“Holidays can be a hectic time for everyone, including the family pet, which is why it’s important to make sure pets receive the attention and care they need amidst this busy time of year,” says certified veterinary technician and dog trainer, Gayle DiMenna. “Providing consistency for your pet by maintaining the same feeding and exercise schedule will lessen your pet’s stress and confusion.”

“During the holidays we always have friends and family over, which is difficult for our dog who is very shy and tentative around strangers,” says Jill Diffendaffer, pet parent to beagle-dachshund mix, Gracie. “We’ve found over the past couple of years that by planning ahead for guests and setting aside some play time for Gracie, the holidays are much more enjoyable for everyone.”

To ensure your pets have a happy, safe and low stress holiday, take extra care for your pet and plan ahead with these simple solutions:

* Try to maintain your pet’s usual routine, including consistent feeding, play and exercise schedules.

* If possible, try to exercise your pet, especially dogs, before guests come over to help decrease any hyperactivity and stress.

* Consider leashing your dog before opening the door for visitors to ensure greater control over your pet and to prevent escapes.

* Dogs tend to pant more when they become stressed. Be sure to keep water readily available to prevent dehydration.

* Prepare a quiet place for your pet to use as a retreat when holiday activities and guests become overwhelming.

* Try a pheromone-based product, such as Comfort Zone with D.A.P. for dogs and Comfort Zone with Feliway for cats, which can calm and soothe pets having trouble coping with holiday stress.

* Never leave your pet alone with unfamiliar children, regardless of how well behaved your pet is, to avoid potential incidents.

* Make sure your pet wears his tags at all times in case he escapes from the house or yard.

* Do not let guests feed your pet food from their plates, which can be hazardous to your pet’s health. Instead, leave treats out for your guests to give to your favorite furry friends as a reward for good behavior.

Pet parents looking for additional tips and advice can visit www.petcomfortzone.com for more information.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

---

Your Pet May Be Missing You

(NAPSI)-Veterinarians want dog owners to know that changes in routines and extended owner absences can sometimes bring on unwanted behavior. If your dog has soiled your new carpet, attacked the door molding or shredded your favorite pair of shoes, he could be suffering from canine separation anxiety. Fortunately, he can be helped.

Canine separation anxiety is an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition in which animals become so upset by their owner's departure that they resort to what is considered bad behavior to cope with the situation. It is estimated that separation anxiety may affect up to 10.7 million dogs, or 17 percent (Lilly Market Research) of all dogs in the U.S.

"Separation anxiety is triggered by the owner's absence," according to Barbara Sherman, DVM, a noted veterinary behaviorist at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. "It usually occurs when the owner leaves or immediately after. Because dogs are historically pack animals, the dog views the family as its pack and experiences distress when separated from that family." That stress leads to problem behaviors, including:

• Excessive barking, whining, howling;

• Destruction, chewing, clawing or digging;

• Urinary or bowel accidents indoors;

• Depression/inactivity;

• Constant pacing, circling;

• Excessive licking, drooling.

Separation anxiety is a treatable condition. Most veterinarians choose to use a combination of medication and behavior modification training. Medications have been introduced recently to help ease the pain of separation anxiety for dogs and their owners.

If your busy schedule leaves your dog home alone and triggers bad behavior, talk to your veterinarian about canine separation anxiety, diagnosis and treatment.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page