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Volume 5, Number 7
Publisher: Guerrero Ink
Online: http://www.guerreroink.com
Copyright © 2007 Diana L. Guerrero. All rights reserved.
Content may not be reproduced without permission.
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July News & Tips
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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
2. Question(s) for the Month
3. Critter Chronicles
4. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
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1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
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Gosh, can you believe it is now July? Amazing. The weather here is hot, hot, hot and I am busy with some new projects but it is too early to reveal any details yet. Needless to say I made more work for myself but this should be a good learning curve to cut down on the work load in the future.

New York was fabulous. If you have not taken a look at the photos visit the blog at http://www/blessingoftheanimals.com for the pics and short summary.

On the flip side, I lost a beloved family member and heard about it right upon my return. I’ve been having a tough time of it…being busy helps me avoid dealing with it but when I stop—sheesh. Anyway, my students told me to take some time off so I am.

Puppy school is just about the most fun I have. They are so goofy! I have some great clients who are working really hard. In case you don’t know, puppies have no attention span. Training is easier in some ways but harder in others--but I am not going to get into that at the moment.

I am going to convert this newsletter into html format soon. This is an alert to those of you who signed up on Author’s Den—I am going to move you onto a new system. If you do not want to be on that list, do nothing. Otherwise you’ll have to click on a link to move over to the new list. I’ve had reports of a few glitches so bear with me.

The new list is going to better since I can easily get you special announcements and insider information and target the different interests of everyone. Some people want blessing of the animals info, others training, career, or writing. It is taking a while to sort out but I am almost getting it.

Be sure to read my tips and hints below for the 4th of July. Have a great holiday.
Have a great month and thanks for your continued support.
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2. Question(s) for the Month
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The concern this month has been about noise phobia and the 4th of July.

The 4th of July increases the risks for pets and is especially horrible for those animals with noise phobia. The following article is one I did and hope you find useful.

Does your pet cower, quiver, behave frantically or become destructive in response to noise? Behavior problems triggered by fireworks, garbage trucks, and thunderstorms are noise phobias. Pets suffering from phobias need behavior modification. If the holiday or event is right around the corner you’ll find some tips and hints to help you in the short-term.

Many pets respond to noise phobia differently, in addition to the reactions listed above, some critters hide under furniture but all negative responses come from certain triggers. During the Fourth of July it is the noise from holiday fireworks. Pet may become live versions of Velcro--and stick closely to their owners.

Many pet owners want to ‘comfort’ their pet, but although this is done with good intentions, it can actually reinforce the fear and panic. This "training by accident" often escalates pet problems so pet owners should only verbally reassure their pets. Pet owners should avoid cuddling, petting, holding, and trying to physically relieve the stress.

The age of your pet, socialization, experience, and breed can also influence their reactions. Animals with an established history of problems will likely worsen. Elderly animals may get better simply because they lose their hearing.

Animals are fine-tuned for survival and their senses are distinctly more acute than humans. Smells, rumbles and sudden bursts of light can illicit escalated reactions in pets. They are more sensitive to their environment than humans.

There are ways to work through noise phobia exhibited before earthquakes, during thunderstorms and throughout firework displays, but it takes time and preplanning. In the meantime use some quick tips and tools to address the problem behavior, which escalates annually during the Fourth of July holiday.

Emergency tips for July 4th noise phobia in pets:

Keep your animals inside during July 4th and for a few days to a week prior to the holiday.

Make sure you have a tag with current information on your pet during this time.
If you take your animal outside for toileting or any other activity, make sure they are under physical restraint via a collar and leash.

Leave your pets safely at home instead of taking them to picnics or other holiday events.

Play music or turn on a radio station with soothing music to help mask outside noises.

Buy a plug-in Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) dispenser. This permeates the air with a calming scent and reduces fear and anxiety.

Keep your pet busy with activities or chew items before the height of noise making occurs.

There are some other strategies you can use. For instance, visit your veterinary medical professional and ask for melatonin. This oral neuro-hormone often provides help for sensitive animals. Use with the veterinarian’s dosage recommendation and don’t try to do it yourself.

Flower remedies work on an energetic level. Five Flower® or Rescue Remedy® mixes may help reduce your pet’s anxiety.

Create a safe haven. If your animal is habituated to a crate you may want to provide access for security. Other options include the bathroom, laundry room, garage, basement, or any other den area. The room to choose is one where there are no windows to jump through, or where windows can be blocked off and are too high and narrow to access.

Some animals want to hide and will feel safe in a favorite spot, like under the bed. You can create sleeping bag tunnel or similar option for them.

Plan a party and play instead of participating in other events. Making new traditions can be fun and helpful for your pet.

Consider boarding your pet at a professional kennel for the holiday.

Pet owners should always check with their veterinarian or behavior specialist before using any drugs or tranquilizers. They should also watch guests--since an open door can provide an opportunity for animals to bolt outside.

Finally, use simple steps to get your pet through the crisis. If your pet has noise phobia problems you should start your behavior modification problem right after this holiday. Don’t delay.

Click here for audio tips for July 4th: http://www.arkanimals.com/podcast/ark_animal_answers_pet_noise_phobia.mp3

Have a question? Drop me a line for the next issue.
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3. Critter Chronicles
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Although I work with a lot of different clients, it is the ones who work the hardest and the toughest cases that are most rewarding. This month I’ve had three clients totally reverse unlivable and intolerable situations into amiable relationships. Of those, one of my aggression cases has moved to the next level.

In my opinion, you never get rid of aggression—you just manage it. So, it requires 100% compliance to the program and diligence for the remaining lifetime.

Over the last two weeks the “double trouble” case has met in public areas with people and dogs of all types around us. Some of my other students helped out by bringing their animals down for desensitization, while others also dropped by to help one of the dogs get over her fear and defensive aggression reaction to new people.

It makes my heart happy to see the progress. There are few things that are as rewarding to an animal professional.

So, if you are working wit your animals—keep doing what your trainer and/or behaviorist outlines and you’ll see the results.
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4. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
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Group dog training, puppy preschool, kitty kindergarten, and pet parenting classes will begin each month through September.

Puppy Club & Canine Club schedules are not included here as the times and dates change. Please sign up for the client list or call (800) 818-7387 to make your reservations.

Our teleclasses launch this month—don’t miss the calls which will be free to those subscribed from the website.

If you miss one—don’t fret—they will be for sale online shortly.

Want to get the latest on the book? Visit:
http://www.blessingoftheanimals.com/blog_book_buzz.html

July 11, 2007
Puppy Group (6:00 pm)
Special Topic: Chewing
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

July 12, 2007
Dog Group (6:00 pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

July 18, 2007
Understanding Animal Behavior & Training
Prerequisite to All Training Classes (6:00pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

July 25, 2007
Training Class 2 (6:00pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

August 1, 2007
Training Class 3 (6:00pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

August 8, 2007
Training Class 4 (6:00pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

August 15, 2007
Training Class 5 (6:00pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

August 22, 2007
Training Class 6 (6:00pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

August 29, 2007
Training Class 7 (6:00pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

September 5, 2007
Training Class 8 (6:00pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

September 5, 2007
Understanding Animal Behavior & Training
Prerequisite to All Training Classes (7:00pm)
Bear Valley Pet & Animal Supply
Big Bear Lake, CA

Thanks for your continued support and suggestions
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Have a great month and stay tuned!
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Copyright © 2007 by Diana L. Guerrero
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40729 Village Drive Suite 8
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