September 03, 2008 // Franchising.com // Englewood, Colo. –– Bark Busters — the world's largest, most trusted dog training company—today announced the launch of the Bark Busters Dog Safety Program™, a unique program designed to help employers keep employees safe and dramatically reduce costs associated with dog-related injuries.
"We understand that dog attacks are serious and expensive," says Liam Crowe, CEO and Master Dog Behavioral Therapist of Bark Busters USA. "The Bark Busters Dog Safety Program will help employers keep their people safe through a better understanding. It is the most effective system available for preventing dog bites, because it combines on-site, in-person training with ongoing web-based support."
Each year, 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs, and almost 800,000 – one out of every six -- of these incidents require medical attention. Such startling statistics add up to big dollars, especially for American businesses. In 2005, 65% of dog-related injuries that occurred while on the job resulted in 1 to 5 days away from work, and 35% required more than 5 days away from work. Most incidents were not bites but other injuries, such as sprains and strains, caused by actions to avoid dog aggression.
Developed specifically for service and delivery organizations, the Bark Busters Dog Safety Program, presented by dog behavioral experts, offers an easy-to-understand and easy-to-apply curriculum with an effective mix of theory on pack law and the canine psyche combined with practical techniques that help employees who encounter dogs as part of their daily routines to stay safe on the job.
Based on the same sound principles that have made Bark Busters a worldwide leader in dog training, the Bark Busters Dog Safety Program teaches simple, effective strategies for avoiding dog attacks. Without the use of complicated or aversive techniques and equipment, the program teaches sustainable ways to discourage dogs from developing fearful or aggressive responses to household visitors.
"The Bark Busters Dog Safety Program delivers a tremendous ROI by reducing the medical, insurance, legal and training costs associated with dog-related injuries," adds Crowe. "The Program is based on 20 years of practical field experience, and has delivered proven results for numerous companies and government agencies."
Country Energy, one of Australia's leading providers of energy services, undertook the Program as a trial in one region. This region experienced only one reported dog-related injury in the subsequent three-year trial period, compared to 68 attacks during the same time in Country Energy's other region. With an average cost of $21,200 per dog bite injury (Insurance Information Institute), this translates to a savings of over $1.4 million.
For further information about the Bark Busters Dog Safety Program, contact Brenton Secombe at 720-259-2388 or brentonsecombe@BarkBusters.com.
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, nearly 400,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 250+ franchised offices in 42 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.
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