How to Create an Emergency Preparedness Plan for Your Dog

It is recommended that every family have an emergency preparedness plan in the event of a natural disaster or something that forces them to leave their home in a hurry. For the human members of your family, an emergency preparedness kit could include important documents, extra cash, non perishable foods, and an agreed upon meeting space.

If you have dogs in your home, your emergency preparedness plan should extend to them as well. This includes having all the items that you will need for your dog readily available, a plan for their safety, and some basic training where possible to help keep your pet as calm as possible in the event of an emergency.

What Your Pet's Emergency Toolkit Should Include

An emergency can strike many different times and take different forms. Depending on where you live and what natural disasters are present in your area, you may find yourself confined to your home or forced to flee. To be prepared for anything, you should have all the following ready for your dog:

Extra Food - Having an extra bag of food on hand in case you are unable to get more can provide valuable peace of mind. Make sure to change out the bag if it expires.
Go Kit - You may want to consider creating a bag that has all of your pet’s essentials in it - enough food to last a few days, a leash, collar, medications, poop bags, and a familiar toy or blanket. You will be able to grab this bag and go quickly when you need to get out in a hurry while still knowing that you have everything your dog will need.
Veterinary Records - Keeping your dog's vaccinations up to date will ensure that your dog is always ready to go. It also increases the chances that your dog will be safe if traveling to a new area and that your dog can be checked into boarding facilities. You should make sure vaccination records are easily accessible if you need to grab them quickly or consider storing them digitally where they can be synced with your mobile device.
Crate Training - Having your dog crate trained means you can secure your pet while traveling, in emergency shelters, or in other chaotic situations. This will help keep your pet both calm and safe.
Socialization - Although you likely cannot imitate the conditions of an emergency, you can take steps that will make your dog more comfortable in a hectic environment. This includes getting your dog familiar with riding in the car, meeting new people, experiencing loud noises, and taking them to locations outside of your home.

An emergency situation will likely be a stressful one. But knowing that you and your pets are prepared will make it far easier to deal with and help make sure that every member of your family stays safe in any situation.

Calvin and Colleen Sheehan (Assoc. Producer - The Oprha Winfrey Show)

Marc Goldberg with Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer"

Our Philosophy & Goals

Our philosophy is simple. Improve the life of both dog and family. All too often, unruly dogs do not fully enjoy life because their families constantly become upset and frustrated with them. This is difficult for both family and dog.

Our mission is simple. Make both dog and family happy.

What does is take to make your dog happy? He will thrive when you give him leadership and attention.

Making the family happy is a bit more complex.

Families typically want their dog to:

Come when called, every time, on or off leash
Walk nicely on a loose leash without pulling
Sit until released
Down until released

Families also want their dogs:

Not to jump on people
Not to charge through doors
Not to dig in the garden
Not to bark and chew inappropriately
Not to climb on furniture you prefer they avoid
Not to sniff and eat off the table and counters.
Not to be wild and uncontrollable
Not to ignore you when you want their attention