APR 2014

Don't be an April Fool!

Spring is here, the snowbirds are returning, and it's time to remind everyone to test their smoke alarms and security systems. And speaking of security, we want you to take a few minutes to think about home security as it relates to Identity Theft.

Approximately 7% of all adult Americans are victims of Identity Theft each year, and it's much worse in Florida. Florida leads the nation in reported cases - more than twice that of the second ranked state! In the first article below, we talk about ways to protect yourself from this growing trend. On a lighter note, our second article gives you some tips on "Clicker Training", our recommended method for training any dog.

We're working like the proverbial dogs to bring you the Bewaggle Pet Expo, on October 4th, at the Central Florida Zoo! We've launched the website, so you can get the full scoop at www.BewagglePetExpo.com. And if you happen to be a business professional, interested in showcasing your company to hundreds of consumers at the start of the holiday season, this very prestigious event could be the perfect place to do it.

There's always something fun and exciting going on at Bewaggle, and we're excited to share our news and information with you. Read on and share in the excitement!

At your service,

Marianne Carlson, Co-Founder
Bewaggle, LLC

386-956-0256

Identity Theft Prevention Tips

In 2013, approximately 7% of all American adults were victims of Identity Theft, and in Florida, the numbers are much worse! If you are one of them, you know how devastating it can be and how much time, effort and money can be lost in regaining your financial footing. The following tips can help you protect your private information, so that you don't join the growing ranks of Identity Theft victims.

Think before you share. If someone asks you for your credit card number, Social Security Number, birthdate, or other identifying information, be certain they are, in fact, who they say they are. If someone calls you, or sends you an email, assume that they are not the authority they claim to be.
Use a shredder - a lot! Shred your receipts, credit offers, credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks, bank statements, expired charge cards, and similar documents when you don't need them any longer.
Think about your mailbox, because the bad guys do. Take outgoing mail to post office collection boxes or the post office. Promptly remove mail that arrives in your mailbox. If you won't be home for several days, request a vacation hold on your mail.
Never leave the documents in your home or office accessible to anyone when you're not there. Cleaning crews, pet sitters, maintenance workers, and home health professionals have free and unfettered access to much more than your baseball card collection.
Choose wisely. If you must allow someone into your private space when you're not there, make sure they are bonded, insured, and carefully screened. And make sure there are safeguards in place to protect your interests in the event of an emergency.
Learn more. For more tips and information, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website here.

Remember that all pet sitters (except the ones that work for Bewaggle) are independent contractors, with the legal right to subcontract. Bewaggle Pet Services is the ONLY pet sitter solution that protects your house keys from falling into the wrong hands. Just one more reason it makes sense to Be Wise... Bewaggle!

Clicker Training

At Bewaggle, we love the clicker as a training tool, because it is a simple way to provide positive reinforcement for the behaviors we're trying to teach. The concept is simple, but it takes a little practice to use it effectively. The idea is that you first associate the sound of the clicker with your dog's favorite treats. When he hears the click, he gets a nibble. Pretty soon, he'll understand that that sound is something he WANTS to hear.

Using the clicker (in connection with a yummy treat) we're able to reinforce the behavior we're trying to teach. If the dog does what we ask of him, he hears the click, and gets a treat. If not, we say, "Oops", and he knows that means "no treat".

We add in lots of happy praise and pets to help reinforce the clicker sound, and show him we love it when he follows our commands. If you'd like to try your hand at some clicker training, the ASPCA has a good introduction to the technique on their website. Click here to read that article.

And if you'd like some personalized help with training your dog, give us a call. Our trainer can come to your home, where you'll get the individual attention you and your dog need. An investment in dog training will pay big dividends for years to come.

Mark Your Calendars

A fun day for pets and their people! Shop, adopt, learn, and play at the first annual Bewaggle Pet Expo! Lots more about this crazy event will be coming in future editions of the Spotlight. But mark your calendars now because this is gonna be a Bewaggle blast!

If your company would like to get in front of hundreds of animal-loving consumers, exhibitor booths and sponsorships are available. Click here for more information.

Visit our partners on the web, and tell 'em Bewaggle sent you!