Is your pet or neighbor’s animal driving you crazy? If so you are not alone. National estimates are that eight million animals are relinquished and euthanized every year due to pet behavior problems. A new series of programs by a California animal behaviorist offers help to the owners of doggie delinquents, badly behaved birds and felonious felines.
“Help is really just a phone call away…” according to animal behaviorist and author, Diana L. Guerrero. She has launched a series of animal behavior teleseminar classes on a wide variety of topics for dogs, cats, and birds. The unique courses allow people to call in from the comfort of their homes (or offices) to learn about topics such as toileting problems, clawing, digging, separation anxiety, feather plucking, and many more.
Guerrero has been involved with wild and domestic animals since 1978. Throughout her career she has enabled zoos, domestic animal facilities, and pet owners to better understand the creatures under their care. Her many contributions to the industry include the development of innovative strategies and insights toward animal training, care, management, and behavioral therapy. Guerrero has authored several books and publishes arkanimals.com, a website dedicated to issues affecting both wild and domestic animals.
“Industry estimates are that 50% to 70% of animals in shelters are there because their owners couldn't or wouldn't deal with their behavior problems. This is really unfortunate since most behavior problems are easily solved if they are addressed early enough.” Guerrero said.
She continued, “Pesky pet problems can be solved quickly with the right techniques and guidance. The problem is that most people don’t know where to go for help, don’t have the time to go get help, or get archaic advice from the wrong sources.”
Guerrero commented on a recent blunder on television, “A popular series dealt with a dog’s house soiling issue in the wrong manner. Although many people still use those archaic methods, a large number of savvy viewers were angered by the inappropriate methods shown…and rightly so.”
The teleseminars are classes that are conducted over the telephone and available to anyone with a phone and a long-distance carrier. Pet owners reserve their space and then are directed to fill out a questionnaire or to email their questions to the moderator. Prior to the seminar they receive a pass code and the conference phone number. They then call in on the assigned date and time to listen in.
“People learn some of the causes and solutions to their pet’s problems and enrollees are invited to submit their questions and questionnaires. When businesses or manufacturers sponsor the programs, the companies often offer specials to the participants at the end of the session. We also direct people to the best support products for the topic.” Guerrero said.
Special reports and recordings of the sessions are available to students. The hour courses range from $19.95 to $49.95. Callers are responsible for paying their phone charges.
Guerrero said that pet businesses and other companies often co-sponsor the events so they are fee free to their clients and customers. Pet owners are invited to visit www.arkanimals.com for more information. Interested sponsors can call Guerrero at (800) 818-7387.
