Do you worry about your daughters safety in high school or their college campus? Or maybe your wife (or you) work late at night or run an early morning jog through dark streets. We all know danger is out there when you least expect it. But with 5Star, if they fee they are in danger they simply press the device’s button and they will be in touch with highly-trained Certified Response Agents who can:

• Identify them and their location,
• Conference in family or friends,
• Dispatch 9-1-1 emergency service,
• Access a nurse;
• And provide any additional assistance, as needed.

You can also use the device to contact 9-1-1 directly if needed.

Already the 5Star Responder is getting a lot of praise online, receiving a 5 out of 5 rating. The 5Star Responder is a small, stylish, mobile communication device that’s available in silver and black.  Users can conveniently attach the GPS enabled Responder to a keychain, purse, or backpack. The 5Star Urgent Response service is also now available as a downloadable smartphone app for iPhone on iTunes.

Learn more from John Walsh:

5 Star is available for purchase now at www.greatcall.com or by calling GreatCall directly at 800-650-3946. The responder is $49.99. There is a one-time activation charge of $35. The monthly service is $15.

One reader will win a 5Star responder with 1 month of free service. (Prize given in the form of a gift certificate that can be redeemed) – $65 Value

FIRST: MANDATORY ENTRY:

Just chat to me about why you would like to win the 5Star Personal Security Sensor.

SECOND: EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED/MANDATORY entry. But for extra entries, you can do the following – leave a comment for each:

• Connect with Great Call on Facebook
• Watch the Video from John Walsh above – tell me something you learned and liked from his video.
• Add theMomBuzz to your Twitter
• Share this contest on your Facebook page – Link it to @theMomBuzz – Here is the text:

Win a 5Star Personal Security Sensor @theMomBuzz from @GreatCall – Give-away ends 2.29.12 http://themombuzz.com/?p=20567

• Tweet the following – can be done daily:

#win a 5Star Personal Security Sensor from  at #themombuzz from @GreatCallInc – Visit http://themombuzz.com/?p=20567

• Stumble any review or post on theMomBuzz.com (Please don’t Stumble Give-aways). Let me know what you Stumbled!
• Leave a comment on any post here at theMomBuzz – let me know where you left a comment
• Enter any other contest at the Mom Buzz - let me know where you entered.
• Add the Mom Buzz to your blogroll (Feed: http://themombuzz.com/feed/)

Contest ends 2/29/12. This is open to the USA. Please refer to complete contest rules. The entries listed above are the ONLY entries for this contest. Winners will be notified by e-mail (if supplied in the entry or on profile page), as well as on the Winner’s Wall.

This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz was not compensated for this buzz. The Mom Buzz will receive a Job Interview Success Kit for sharing the buzz.

1. Put Away the Smart Phones: Smart Phones increase the distraction thanks to using them to make calls, text and check all your social networks every time you are at a red light. And we know plenty of people try to do those same things when driving! My mom won’t even answer the phone when she drives. She just checks her messages when she reaches her destination, which is just minutes away. If the compulsion is too great, you can also put your phone in your purse (what I do) or even put it in the trunk of your car.

2. Don’t Turn Around When Driving: I know it sounds simple enough, but moms are so used to seeing to their children’s requests. From picking up a fallen pacifier, trying to soothe a fussy baby, getting snacks out, or when your child asks you to “look at this”. But taking your eyes off the road for just a second can cause an accident if the cars around you suddenly brake, come into your lane or a pedestrian crosses, thinking your eyes are on the road – not the child in the backseat.

3. Buckle Up: It was such a no-brainer, I almost didn’t think of it until I saw Esurance’s Driving Tips for Parent’s. But, they are totally correct! Even if you are driving a short distance within your neighborhood, buckle up yourself AND your children. Remember what they say, most accidents happen when you are almost at home. It’s amazing how many children I see improperly buckled, seated or babies in their parent’s laps in the front seat as the car is moving!

4. Leave the House 5- 10 Minutes Early: Or at least try to. If you think you need to leave the house at 2:30, leave at 2:20. Because without a doubt a child will want to run in for one last thing, someone will have to pee, or you’ll forget the cell phone and have to rush in yourself. So by the time you actually leave, 5 – 10 minutes have flown by. If you take into account those last minute extras, you won’t be rushing on the road. And if by some miracle everyone did get in the car the first time, you can enjoy a nice leisurely drive to your destination.

5. Follow the laws of the road: Obey the speed limit, follow the traffic lights, stop completely at a stop sign, and don’t try to race a slowing or stopping school bus. All of these laws are in place for your safety and the safety of those around you. The result is you can teach your children good driving habits and you can avoid paying a nasty traffic ticket yourself!

Those are my five top driving tips for moms, although all drivers can benefit from them. The difference is that moms easily place their children’s safety first, so when in doubt remember if you don’t want your children to be harmed, just keep your eye on the road, your foot light on the pedal and pay attention to your surroundings (not your phone) when driving.

Get more safety tips from Esurance on their blog (blog.esurance.com), Twitter ( @esurance ) or Facebook. You can like them right below!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Esurance blogging program for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Well, lucky us! I was able to surprise my hubby with a wireless Panasonic Camera! (“Surprise! Now go install it!“) With a mixture of know-how and following the instructions, my husband was able to put the little robot eye (what my kids think it is) by our front window within an hour. You don’t want this OUTSIDE. This is a camera you keep indoors by a front window or elsewhere in the house to keep an eye on things. It is motion activated, so if  something goes by the camera it will start capturing video.

For example, right now I went online to my online control panel and typed in my log in and password. Then I chose the link for buffered image – and I can see my husband cleaning his car. He did that YESTERDAY. But the wireless camera captured it. I an keep watching and see when I came home, some random night shots, when hubby left for work and when I left for school and the doctor. And sure enough, I see that my husband came home when I was out … to drop something off and go on his way again. Nothing illicit going on. But I am glad I have an ability to keep an eye on things with my mobile phone with alerts and review things when I get home from my laptop.

Cat woman on the prowl.

So you can check out image quality, I have one picture of a “bad kitty” leaving paw prints on my husband’s car – see photo to the right. (Hey, we got to have fun, right?) And video of a nighttime boogie going on in our front yard. You can see the video above – via YouTube.

I wish I could tell you more, but it’s that easy to use once installed. You just set it down and either set it up for alerts or to record with motion detection using your online control panel. Then you can review the images and video as needed. Not only is it a great way to keep an eye on the front yard, but in the house too. If your house is being broken into, common around the holidays, set the camera up high in a corner of the room to get an alert and call the police ASAP. Want to see what your pets are doing during the day, set it up to watch the pets as they curl up (or you think they curl up) when you leave. You can also leave it on to keep an eye on a sitter when you are out on date night! Or maybe you want extra assurance when your kids come home and you are at work, you can set it up for an alert and video surveillance at that time too for their safety.

Oh – one cool thing is that you CAN control the “eye” remotely. So I can log on from another computer or my mobile phone and have the eye turn to watch another section of the yard. And the camera can detect body heat, sound and motion. You can use any of the sensors separately or simultaneously. They can also be set to be active at specific times of the day.

Since the camera is wireless, you don’t need to plug it into a computer to access the images. It sends the images wirelessly to the network. BUT, you do need to plug it into the wall for power. You can check out the camera we are using here: Panasonic Wireless Network Camera. It records 30 frames per second. You can get the Panasonic BL-C230A Wireless Internet Security Camera (See all Webcams & Network Cameras)
for just $199 and free shipping from Amazon. If you have trouble connecting it, I hear that customer support is helpful! But my husband did it on hos own without sweat or swears.

One winner will receive the Panasonic Wireless Network Surveillance Camera

(Retail $299.00, Model #BL-C230A)

FIRST: MANDATORY ENTRY:

• How would you use the Panasonic Wireless Network Surveillance Camera

SECOND: EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED/MANDATORY entry. But for extra entries, you can do the following – leave a comment for each:

• Add theMomBuzz to your Twitter
• Share this contest on your Facebook page – Link it to @theMomBuzz – Here is the text:

Win a Panasonic Wireless Surveillance Camera @theMomBuzz – Give-away ends 10.12.11 http://themombuzz.com/?p=18140

• Tweet the contest. Here is an example – can be done daily:

#win a Panasonic Wireless Surveillance Camera #theMomBuzz – Visit http://themombuzz.com/?p=18140

• Leave a comment on any other post/contest on theMomBuzz
• On my Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/themombuzz) – leave me a comment telling me what YOU think happens in your house/frontyard/backyard when you aren’t at home. (In other words, what do you THINK you’ll catch on camera with this Panasonic Surveillance Camera?)
• Stumble any review or post on theMomBuzz.com (Please don’t Stumble Give-aways). Let me know what you Stumbled!
• Add the Mom Buzz to your blogroll (Feed: http://themombuzz.com/feed/)
• Put the Mom Buzz button on your site! See code for bottom on footer of theMomBuzz.com (2 entries, leave 2 comments)

Contest ends 10/12/11. This is open to the USA. Please refer to complete contest rules. The entries listed above are the ONLY entries for this contest. Winners will be notified by e-mail (if supplied in the entry or on profile page), as well as on the Winner’s Wall.

This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz received a product sample. Panasonic is not responsible for choosing the winner or promoting this reader give-away.

Because sometimes a picture says it all.

Those two super heroes are protected as they play in their Superman UV 1-Piece Suit. Not just from cryptonite – but dangerous UV rays. Their one-piece sun-smart suits are around elbow length, have a comfortable collar and the length goes around mid-calve. That means I only have to have them stand still long enough for me to apply sunscreen to their faces and ears, arms and hands, and calves and feet. That makes me feel like a super mom, when I am not only saving my children from skin-damaging rays, but saving myself money from having to use a whole can of expensive sunscreen to keep them covered all day as they play at the playground, at the beach or in the pool.

The Superman UV Play and Swim Suit my boys were wearing came with a small towel cape, more for looks than drying capability. I love the added touch, but the real power is in the durability, stretch and style of the 1-piece suit. It comes in a huge range of sizes, so every boy in the family can have one. Sizing starts at size 0 to size 8 and it retails for $39. There is also a 2-piece Superman Swimwear option, long sleeve rash guard and short sleeve rash guard. You can see all Superman Sunwear Options here: Superman UV Children’s Wear

You can google swim shirts, but how do you find the right brand or style. My kids are almost 4 and 5 and my preference right now are the 1-piece suits. They also have board shorts that I pair with a UV shirt. But I just think they look super cute and cool in the one-piece suits, like little surfers. Their vulnerable skin is not only protected from UV rays, but also from gritty sand and little ocean critters as they boogie board and play in the sand at the beach. It has a zipper in the back, with a little cover at the top to keep the zipper tab from rubbing on their neck. The suits I received were a little large, since my boys are between a size 4 and 5 – here they are wearing a 6. But they work perfectly and comfortable, stretching with their bodies and not impeding their beginning swimming style. You can see them in motion here:

Where did these super swim suits come from? SEASONS-UV.com. They have a HUGE selection of cool UV Swimwear for children, tweens and women. They go further than just a wicked-popular design. They also carry color-changing options, helping to remind mom to reapply sunscreen as the day goes on. But the kids just think it’s cool that the shirts change color or design. Prices range from the $20′s for a shirt on up. They also have complementing swim bottoms, hats and other accessories.

SHOP NOW FOR YOUR UV SWIM AND PLAY CLOTHES: SEASONS-UV.com

SOCIAL NETWORKING: I’ve also been following Seasons-UV on Twitter and Facebook and noticed that they had other great give-aways open to follower and fans, as well as valuable Sun Facts that may surprise you. So be sure to follow them and learn more about playing safe in the sun.

One reader will win Summer Package from Seasons-UV.com. This package includes: UV SwimWear, Sun Hat, Sunglasses and Sunscreen.

FIRST: MANDATORY ENTRY:

• Check out Seasons-UV’s Sun Facts. What is a new one you learned, one that surprised you or simply your favorite one?

SECOND: EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED/MANDATORY entry. But for extra entries, you can do the following – leave a comment for each:

• Add theMomBuzz to your Twitter and Tweet the contest. Leave your Tweet Link. (1 tweet per DAY is allowed)
• Like Seasons-UV on Facebook and tell them you saw them on theMomBuzz.com (2 entries, leave 2 comments)
• Share this contest on your Facebook page – Link it to @theMomBuzz and @SeasonsUV – Here is the text:

Win a Summer Prize Pack from @SeasonsUV & @theMomBuzz – Give-away ends 8.22.11 http://tinyurl.com/64736b4

• Follow Seasons-UV on Twitter
• Tweet the following – can be done daily:

#win a Summer Prize Pack from @SeasonsUV and @theMomBuzz – Visit http://tinyurl.com/64736b4

• Leave a comment on any other post/contest on theMomBuzz
• Stumble any review or post on theMomBuzz.com (Please don’t Stumble Give-aways). Let me know what you Stumbled!
• Add the Mom Buzz to your blogroll (Feed: http://themombuzz.com/feed/)
• Take this survey to help make this site better. All information is confidential. (3 entries, leave 3 comments)

Contest ends 8/22/11. This is open to the USA. Please refer to complete contest rules. The entries listed above are the ONLY entries for this contest. Winners will be notified by e-mail (if supplied in the entry or on profile page), as well as on the Winner’s Wall.

This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter  my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz will received the swimsuits shown above. The company is handling prize fulfillment.

Living in Florida, we always have to be on the lookout for Hurricanes and Tropical Systems during Hurricane Season. Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th. And this year might be a tough one, as weather watchdogs like Weather Services International are predicting 15 named storms in 2011, including 8 hurricanes. And hurricanes can spur additional weather emergencies including tornadoes and flooding.

One of the most common occurrences during storms, regardless of severity, is the loss of electricity. When I lived in Puerto Rico we had to go a few weeks without electricity after one hurricane. And in Florida, some of the smallest storms can cause the power to go out. Whether it’s a brief inconvenience or a prolonged outage, it’s good to have flashlights or lanterns that are easily accessible. One that I am trying out now is the Energizer Weatheready Lights that feature long-lasting LED technology. This flashlight line is designed to provide extended runtimes so your family has light where and when it is needed most.

My Weatheready Flashlight plugs into the wall, so it is charged and ready when you need it. When plugged in you can have it on, off or in nightlight mode. When in use, it can last for approximately 3 hours (2 hours and 45 minutes is the claim). And in a power failure, the flashlight will go on automatically in a power failure. When in use, the electrical prongs will fold in for a comfortable grip. The LEDs will never need replacing, use less energy and are virtually unbreakable.

Along with a dependable flashlight, here are other items you will need for your Emergency Preparedness Kit:

• Water: According to FEMA, each person should have a supply of one gallon of water per day for three days, as a normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking, in addition to cooking and sanitation.
• Nonperishable food and a manual can opener
• Antibacterial Hand Wipes for when soap and water are not available
• One change of clothing and footwear per person; toys and books for children
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person
• A first aid kit, including necessary prescription medication and eyeglasses
• Pictures of family memebers and pets, in the event of separation
• Pet Care items
• Extra set of Car Keys
• Vehicle fuel tanks filled
• Credit Card or Cash
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members

Other emergency preparedness tips include:

1. Develop a family plan so that everyone knows what to do in weather emergencies
2. Know where you will go
3. Secure your home whenever you have time to prepare
4. Have a pet plan to ensure the well-being of your animals.

Have these tips helped you out? Or do have some tips or items to include in an emergency kit not listed above? Let us know and one reader will win a Weatheready Flashlight from Energizer.

One reader will win a Weatheready Flashlight from Energizer.

FIRST: MANDATORY ENTRY:

• Do you have an emergency tip or want to add an item to our emergency kit not listed above? Or what is the most valuable tip that you can take away from the above post? Share in a comment below.

SECOND: EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED/MANDATORY entry. But for extra entries, you can do the following – leave a comment for each:

• Add theMomBuzz to your Twitter and Tweet the contest. Leave your Tweet Link. (1 tweet per DAY is allowed)
• Leave a comment on any other post/contest on theMomBuzz
• Add the Mom Buzz to your blogroll (Feed: http://themombuzz.com/feed/)
• Share this contest on any other Contest Linky or Forum – let me know where you shared. (2 entries, leave 2 comments)

Contest ends 7/22/11. This is open to the USA. Please refer to complete contest rules. The entries listed above are the ONLY entries for this contest. Winners will be notified by e-mail (if supplied in the entry or on profile page), as well as on the Winner’s Wall.

Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The sponsor is handling prize fulfillment. The Mom Buzz received the costume for review. AnytimeCostumes.com is also supplying a second costume for the winner.

When the new smart phones came out, I thought they were just “another gadget”. But the more I use it, the more I love it. Mine doesn’t have video capability – but I love that I can take photos of my boys anywhere, deal with e-mail, stay in touch with different social networks … and don’t get me started on all the wonderful apps. There are educational ones for the boys, just time-wasting games that are great if you are stuck somewhere for a while, apps to let you know how long lines are at theme parks, when you can take a bathroom break at the movies, map out destinations and more. The apps range from entertainment to useful.

One app that is FREE and that is practically a must-have mommy app for summer is iTriage. This free app will give you medical information when you need it most. If you, your friend, children or family are having a medical issue that doesn’t require you to dial 911 immediately, you just grab your iPhone and start the iTriage app. There you will see a list of options:

• Call 911
• Find Medical Treatment (Emergency, Pharmacies, Outpatient Clinics and more)
• Find a Doctor (Allergies, Cardiology, Cosmetic, Dentistry, etc.)
• Look up your Symptoms (Abdominal pain, Blue Skin Tone, Confusion with Headache, Shortness of Breath, etc)
• Research Diseases (Ant Bites, Body Lice, Cat Bites, Cataracts – the list is EXTENSIVE!)
• Learn about Procedures (Allergy Testing, Biopsy, Carpal Tunnel, etc)
• Your Health Record (Requires Google Health Account)

Here is a cute video to learn more:

My husband commented on  how excellent this information would have been a few weeks ago, when they had to call for an ambulance at his office. I haven’t had to use it yet, but I’ve looked through the app for some possible summer issues that moms might be concerned about or run into. I found EVERYTHING I could think off.

Accidents Happen

1. Sunburn

2. Sun Poisoning

3. Ant bites

4. Bee Stings

5. Allergies

6. Motion sickness

7. Sprain

I located them under “diseases”. Once you choose your problem, it will lead you to find medical help, a description of the problem and symptoms, tests, images, videos and treatment. So for example, with sunburn it says the best treatment is prevention. But once it occurs (which is why you looked it up) to avoid further exposure to the sun, cool showers and bath, moisturizers and ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The app is THAT EASY to use!

WHY YOU SHOULD DOWNLOAD iTriage:

• It’s Free.
• It’s great to have  IMMEDIATELY when you need it. Don’t waste time downloading it when you are dealing with a minor medical issue.
• It doesn’t take up any room in a diaper bag/carry-on or purse. It’s on your smartphone, which you already carry with you.
• It’s great for traveling abroad, since then you have medical information ready in English.

More Reviews:

• Daily App Show – iTriage
• Healthagen in the News

To download iTriage visit here:

• Android Link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.healthagen.iTriage&feature=top-free
• iPhone Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/itriage-symptom-checker/id304696939?mt=8

This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz was compensated for this review.

It’s never too early to prepare for summer here in the south. Since the weather is warming up, here are items the Mom Buzz thinks you should pack in your Beach Tote this summer!

1. Sand Gone – to get sticky sand off (Read Review)

2. Sunscreen

3. UV Swim Shirts from UV Skinz

4. Kid Sunglasses from EyesCreamShades.com

5. Adult Sunglasses

6. Havainas Flip Flops for the whole family (Read Review)

7. Water shoes

8. Change of clothes

9. Towels

10. Swimwear for Mom (and Dad too!)

11. Sport-Brella Portable Sun and Weather Canopy

12. Hair Shadz SPF 15 Scalp Protection

I’m sure I’ll think of more, so keep coming back! Suggestions and links welcome in the comment area!

Do chain locks offer real security – or is the protection it provides just an illusion. Watch the video below and see for yourself.

I should be a cat burglar. Not…. But it helps to be able to do this when I leave through the garage and forget to take the chain lock off.

** SHARE YOUR HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS BELOW! Together we can make it a safer holiday season!**

When you have kids (and pets), things can go wrong in the blink of an eye. And when you are decorating the house for the holidays, not only are you introducing festivities into your home – but a lot of potential danger that comes along with twinkling lights, tinsel and stockings hung over the chimney “with care”. One personal tip that always comes to mind is to hang the stockings out of reach, especially when using stocking holders. They can be HEAVY and if a child yanks on a stocking, the stocking holder can fall on their head creating a serious injury. Our stockings are hung high on the wall for that reason.

And that’s why theMomBuzz and UL are asking you to commit just a minute of your time to holiday safety (well, maybe a few minutes..). Check out the holiday safety tips here and at the UL site and post them your own holiday safety ideas in a comment below.

Tips for a Safer Holiday:
Water your tree: Dry trees pose a substantial fire risk. After bringing your tree home, make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk before putting it in a sturdy stand. Be sure to water it daily. Additionally, know your trees expiration date. After about four weeks, the tree will stop absorbing water, dry out and should be discarded.

Check your lights, check them twice: Inspect all of your electric lights and decorations for damage or wear. Cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections may pose a fire or shock hazard.

Plan your fire escape: Use the holidays as a good time to practice a fire escape plan with your loved ones. Identify at least two exits from every room in the house.

Be flame aware: Always blow out unattended candles and teach your children to stay away from lit candles or fireplaces.

Give wrapping paper a second life: Don’t burn used wrapping paper as it may cause intense flash fires. And throwing it out adds waste. Consider recycling or repurposing it instead.

Know your lights and cords: Be sure to check the rating on your extension cords and do not plug in more than the recommended wattage.

Steer your tree clear: Your tree should be positioned at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. It should also not block any doorways or exits.

Decorate with a safe eye: Cords should not be run under carpets and lights should not be tacked-up with metal nails or staples. Small decorations can be choking hazards so keep them out of the reach of toddlers.

Look for UL: Only use light strings and other electrical decorations that bear the UL Mark near the plug, signifying that safety standards have been met.

For additional ideas and activities on how to Commit a Minute this holiday season, visit www.SafetyAtHome.com.

** AND SHARE YOUR HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS BELOW! Together we can make it a safer holiday season!**

This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. The Mom Buzz was invited to share these holiday tips from UL and will be provided a gift card as a thank you. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products!

The article below was supplied to theMomBuzz.com from Black Belt Dog Trainer Robert Cabral.

Fireworks are the most thrilling aspect of the Fourth of July for people while at the same time terrifying dogs.  The danger signal fireworks send to dogs — and the reaction it stimulates — can be lethal. Nationwide, animal control services cite a 30 percent increase in lost dogs reported between July 4th – 6th and an increase in chained dogs left outside that have inadvertently strangled themselves in reaction to loud fireworks.

“Loud sounds are a trigger for dogs to run or panic,” says Robert Cabral, a Malibu-based dog trainer / behaviorist known for his “Black Belt Dog Training” and for his national nonprofit organization Bound Angels.org.

Other reactions, Cabral adds, include dangerous stress levels and out-of-control panting. “The reality is that fireworks are part of the holiday celebration so it is incumbent for dog owners to know how to prepare and deal effectively with the situation.”

Here are Cabral’s 10 Tips for how to help your dog cope with Fourth of July Celebrations:

1.      Do not leave your dog alone, especially outside during fireworks displays. If you absolutely must leave your dog, leave a TV or radio playing.

2.      Do not coddle or hug your dog if your dog becomes scared or distressed – this tends to make dogs think that their actions are justified.  Be strong, talk in a normal tone and remain indifferent to the noise.

3.      Do find an alternative to the noise, be it playing an instrument, listening to a news program or playing an entertaining DVD.  This can serve as a positive distraction for your dog.

4.      Do keep all windows and doors closed to keep the sound out.

5.      Do not take your dog for a walk during fireworks celebrations.

6.      Do feed your dog long before the time for fireworks.

7.      Do give your dog a special toy to play with during fireworks.

8.      Do make sure your dog keeps a normal schedule the day of the fireworks.

9.      Do plan to keep your dog away from strange dogs or dogs that may excite him during the fireworks.

10.     Do keep your dog away from unfamiliar people before and during the fireworks.

With proper planning, says Cabral, the Fourth of July can be a safe and fun holiday for pets and their owners.  For more information, please visit www.blackbeltdogtraining.com

Robert Cabral is a professional dog behaviorist and trainer with a background in Japanese Martial Arts.  He applies many of those principles in his Black Belt Dog Training, a Zen-like approach to transform dogs with difficult behavior patterns.  In addition, his passion is the nonprofit he founded called Bound Angels (boundangels.org and boundangels.tv), which is dedicated to giving a voice to animals, in particular those living in our nation’s shelters at risk of being killed: some for bad behavior, some just because they are no longer wanted.  Robert has worked with countless shelter dogs, and as a result of his work, these animals have found loving homes.  He also serves on the advisory board for K9 Connection in Los Angeles where he tests their dogs and speaks to at-risk teens and those in foster care about animal behavior.