ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — In conjunction with National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month in October, Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company, has announced a national program to provide discounted training services to those who adopt a dog this month from a local shelter.

This program, provided through Bark Busters' nationwide network of dog behavioral trainers, is designed to further Bark Busters' mission to promote responsible dog ownership, enhance the enjoyment of our canine friends and reduce the possibility of abuse and euthanasia of companion dogs.

With nearly 10 million animals entering local shelters annually, Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month helps focus attention on the growing pet population problem in the U.S.

According to research at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, many pets brought to shelters are surrendered because of behavior problems that their owners believe to be permanent. Approximately 70 percent of these animals end up being "put to sleep," making death from behavior problems the leading cause of pet mortality, ahead of trauma and disease. This means thousands of dogs are euthanized every year — the vast majority unnecessarily.

"October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month and we suggest that people looking for a canine companion visit local shelters across the country," said Liam Crowe, COO and Master Dog Behavioral Therapist at Bark Busters. "But adopting a dog comes with the responsibility of pet ownership, which requires more than simply taking an animal into your life. Adopters must make a commitment to care and training that will enhance the lives of both the human and the animal."

The Bark Busters Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Program is available to those who adopt a dog from a shelter during October. Training arrangements must be made with a local Bark Busters therapist within 60 days. Program details and discounts vary by market. Contact a local Bark Busters trainer for more information by calling (877) 500-2275 or visit www.BarkBusters.com.

"With more than one of every three households owning a dog in the U.S., thousands of people are looking for help to solve their dogs' behavior problems," added Crowe. "Because of a lack of knowledge about dog training, some people become frustrated and give up their dog — or worse. We want to help give shelter dogs another chance. Teaching dog owners about pack behavior and how to communicate more effectively with their canine companions is the key. This is an integral part of the Bark Busters mission."

Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists are renowned authorities in the area of correcting dog behavior. The Bark Busters training system can successfully train any dog, including puppies. The company's natural training technique leverages the same communications methods — body language and voice control — that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality.

About 80 percent of Bark Busters' clients require only one two-hour home visit from a licensed dog behavioral therapist, if they continue with just 10 to 15 minutes a day follow-up exercises for several weeks. All training takes place right in the home where the problems generally occur. Bark Busters' training is the only service of its kind that offers a written lifetime guarantee.

Bark Busters started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000.