I would love to walk my Dog every gday but i go t lost of pitbull in my neiborhood and most of them are uninspected by their owners, and i got a problem I LOVE DOGS IN GENERAL.. but im afriad of other peoples dogs. how can i control others peoples dogs if they atack mine?

HELP CESAR.....

Hello, I loved this episode. I have 150 lb malamute. I did not originally want him as he was extremely violent and had been abused. His only recourse was of course to be put down so after much serious consideration and reading and studying I accepted him into my home. At first he was very violent and reactionary. He tore my home apart and tried to kill every dog and most humans that came within his range even if he wasn't frightened. Every day was an "encounter" and a trial. If Mighty and I were going to make it I was going to have to display "pack" dominance and so that's what I did. During this time I always displayed dominance, down played aggressiveness and violence, and even though I personally "inside" shook, I never let Mighty know that. I staid the top dog in our "pack" and with the help of my good friends who also teased him gently out of his violent fixations, and his "girlfriend" Hannah the Banana Malamute he has now become a love "slut" a far different cry from the days when his nickname was "Satan" and the "Evil One" when I used to try not to cry as he would snap aggressively at me. Literally out weighing me you can see how my need for dominance in our pack was imperative. But if you stick with a Power Breed or any Breed if you stay true to yourself and calm as well as have faith in your leadership abilities you can save any dog and find your best friend...Now I don't even have to give him command for him to do "behaviors" he knows I expect of him. He just does what he should because he loves being a good dog and he knows as his master this pleases me. He's all about pleasing me and that's good. Though I often go many places and leave him on a lead it isn't because I have to anymore. He won't leave my side a far cry from the days he would bolt and take off! All you need to do is be strong and gentle, never harsh, never aggressive but always assertive and remember no animal should ever be foresaken. And unlike humans animals can always be rehabilitated! (People could too if they believed but often people foresake themselves) Best to all. Its not luck its work so get to work!

Cebelina,

What a wonderful tale of success! I love it! Bless you for not giving up!

Juan,

Loose, "unbalanced" dogs, can be a tough one to deal with.

I have a local beach where I walk my dog and also work with my client's dogs. Maybe because I consider it MY beach, (or I'm just "bossy" and confident around dogs!), but I'm very used to stopping dogs while they are at a distance from me and the dogs I'm with, and getting them to back-off or leave. I'm not saying this is an easy thing to do for most people, and it does require confidence and attitude.

Yes, it's unfortunate when people don't obey the leash laws, and put other humans and dogs, (plus their own dogs), at risk. If the owners are vilating these laws, I would report any dangerous situation before someone gets hurt.

On the topic of consistant leadership, even when we're tired:

I don't look at "training" or "rehabilitating" a dog as something you do in small scheduled segments, only when we can fit it in. It's an ongoing process, just like raising kids. Kind of like when Cesar mentioned a period when he was not functioning as part of the "home-team" with his family, after working all day with a pack of dogs, so he and his family made some changes for the better. :)

Opportunities to teach, interact, and lead, pop-up all day, everyday. Taking an opportunity to interact as the leader and teacher as the situation presents itself, is ideal. Even if it means putting off dinner or putting your feet up, for a few moments.

When a situation arrises naturally, the teaching becomes part of the natural flow of the day-to-day interactions. I love it when everyday activities provide us with a chance to co-mingle leadership, teaching, and bonding with our loved ones, including our dogs.

I don't look at "it" as something you just turn on and off, when dealing with family members. I would hate to miss an opportunity which could save me a lot of effort later, just because I was too pooped to address an important learning/leadership situation which happened naturally.

Walking our dog after a long day at work, is also a great way for us to unwind, too!

Deb

Cesar's blog for today repeats his "exercise, discipline, affection" mantra, and "exercise" emphasizes the 45 minute (minimum) daily walk. Is a 25 minute walk in the morning and a 20 minute walk later in the day as effective as a single 45 minute walk? Or is there a significant benefit from one, continuous long walk?

HI Richard I think you had asked me about why I prefer to play with them before our walk.
I find they are calmer when we do take our walk, and the reason is just like last night when they went to pull away-they were more tired and not as anxious to persue whatever was in the woods. My routine is as follows-as soon as I get home I let my 2 girls out, I put up something to eat and then I play frisbee or ball with them for a bit. After I eat I take them down to my basement one at a time where I put their leash on and we do obedience drills for a while, after that I play frisbee with them again, and then I let them have free time playing with a hanging tug while I lift weights.
After I give them both time alone with me, I take them for a 1/2 hour walk, sometimes longer. I find that I spend about an hour and half total with them before I can relax.
I think every dog is different, just like people and if you break your walks up that should be fine. I would add in some play time before or after their walks. I find with my 2 german shepherds, they are so high energy that the more I do with them the better for them-they are calm and satisfied for the entire night, and thats better for me so I can relax and enjoy petting them and cuddling with them.

Hi Vic- I found that if I see behavior I don't like I can step in front of my dogs and block them from doing what they want to do, with that I usually snap my fingers and point at them. When I do this they immediately sit and look up at me. Alot of being the pack leader is an attitude and your body language and the energy you exude more than anything else I could describe to you. My dogs are also obedience trained and they know I will correct them on leash or by grabbing their scruffs if I see behavior I REALLY don't like. However the walk is important for bonding and practicing being able to let your dog know you are the pack leader-like if he goes to pull away and you put a stop to that right away. After a while the dog will learn you are the pack leader.

Hi Sarah,

For smaller dogs yes the walk can be shorter. They are definetaly taking a lot more steps than say 60 pound dog would be taking.

To Vic,
Other ways to show you are the leader is to work with Discipline with your dog. So basically just work with rules, boundaries and limitations with your dog. If your dog wants you to pet him, you have him sit for you or have him atleast do something for you first. You never let your dog control you. You are the one to decide when you play, where he sleeps, when and where you walk, where he can goto the bathroom.
It's basically just making sure he's always doing something for you if he wants something. Remember as the leader the dog always comes to you, the leader never goes to the follower.
When you first come home, ignore the dog for 5-10 minutes, first that'll keep the dog calm and second you'll be able to walk in with a calm assertive energy and the dog will be able to feel that and he'll know that you are the leader. Remember by you walking in and the dog greets you and you greet him back, then you are just giving the dog what he wants on his terms. AFter 5-10 minutes or when the dog is calm/submissive you call the dog over to you and you greet him that way.

*Just remember your dog must earn everything. Never just give him what he wants w/o doing anything for it. It might seem harsh but remember this is Dog Psychology, NOT HUMAN PYSHCOLOGY we are working with here. In the end it'll make you happy and most importantly your dog well-balanced.

God Morning!
Yesterday my daughter called me on my way home and I told her to take the dog for a walk because I was exhausted (bad idea!lol)....I get home in about 30 minutes and there they are at home, I asked/remarked that she did not spend very much time with him and her reply was that as soon as he starts yanking on her she turns around and comes home.
Welp, that got me ruffled as I have been spending a lot of time AND money on what is supposedly "her" dog to train him and she has not taken the time to read and work on the information we have been doing with him.
So I take off my heels, throw on some shoes, and tell her come on I'm going to show you how its done (another bad idea!lol)....she of course is whinning while I am walking as fast as I can (2 back surgeries) and is behind both me AND the DOG!grrrrrr!lol I stopped and told her to catch up, and told her when she complained about her "knee" and that I shouldn't be walking so fast because of my back, that it's not about her or me, but the dog....that we are going to have a 180lbs dog in about 6 months and if he doesn't get what he needs now, it will be a deadly situation later! That if she can't do what is necessary to learn or put forth an effort to learn, then don't undo what I've been working so hard on doing (My daughter is 21 by the way and VERY lazy!), as the whole time we were "power walking" he didn't yank me once but stayed right next to me the whole time. I asked if she saw how I was doing it, she said yes, I told her to go home as she is making the experience a bad one for all of us, and I continued on.
When I came home at first, the dog was being a nut case...out of control and just not the dog I am used to him being when she is not around!....when I walked back through the door the dog was frothing panting and I had worn him out some and me for sure!lol
It's so hard to get the balance I have when my daughter is home that I have when she is....how do I fix that??? KathyB

Kathy,

Well, my daughter is 12, which I think it old enough to walk at least one of our three dogs, but it's always hard to make her do it. I guess when the kids see that moms will do all the work, they will avoid it, coming with a million of excuses. No matter how tired I am after work (I don't have a sedentary job), I will walk my dogs (three of them, separately), because no one else will.
My husky mix walks very well when she is just with me (except that she tries to charge at some dogs, while she is fine with others, we are working on that). However if my kids join us for a walk, she pulls constantly, and generally is not the same dog. Why is it? I am teaching my kids to walk, not run around or jump, but Ruffy is still not calm.

Ewa,

Since you are the Mom, you can assign any chores that need to be done and done properly (that's why you are the Mom). Walking the dog(s) should be high on the priority list. I'm sure your daughter was begging to have a dog and now that you have 3, it seems that you are the only Pack Leader - she wants to be a follower. What's wrong with this picture. I hope your daughter re-thinks this out and understands that dogs are not here forever and they love unconditionally. She should be wanting to walk her dog(s) with a proud look on her face and there will be a look of total devotion on the face(s) of your dogs.

Good Luck.

If humans are always supposed to be the pack leader, why in some episodes does Cesar allow the dogs to run in front of him? In one episode after just meeting a very shy brown down, the dog runs in front while Cesar is pulled on roller skates. On other episodes he runs with the dog next to or behnd him to tire the dog out.

Hi Julie-SInce he's on leash-try either using a chain collar or pinch collar and when he doesn't comply with you give him a quick correction on the leash-tell him to "heel" while he is walking and praise him-when he pulls this sitting down business tell him "no" while giving him the correction and then tell him to heel. The correction is a quick snap with the wrist, it simulates the "touch" that Cesar talks about when a dog is misbehaving his touches the dog with his fingers simulating a dogs mouth. You can also try a side step with your leg-it's the fartherst from your dog, sweep your across and touch him with your leg-you use the opposite leg so the dog doesn't see it. Any touchor correction refocuses your dog. I hope this helps........

Cockers x 3
Thank you for your comment. I think pointing to my daughter that the dog will not be here forever might work. All my kids love the dogs more than they love me (I have no problems with that), but when it comes to work, that's a different story.

Julie,
My chow mix used to do the same thing. If she didn't want to go somewhere, she just stood without moving, giving me the look saying: I don't want to go there. In the beginning, since I didn't care where we would walk, I just let her choose. But now I know better, and I don't let her be the leader. Since Blackie is a very well behaved dog, instead of pulling her I take her leash off for a moment and go where I want to go. She follows me immediately, and I clip the leash back on her. It's only when she's on the leash she would object to a certain direction. She ALWAYS follows me off the leash. Does your dog follow you off the leash?

Hey Everyone,

I have been having a hard time. My dad wants me to get a small dog, but it's so hard to find small dogs at shelters, and the right small dog. Personally I want a BIG dog like a Samoyed (that would be awesome!) but of course I live under my dad's roof with his rules. The only small dogs that I have seen have been beagles at Humane society. I don't know much about them but my dad...ya, you know the rest. My dad is picky but I guess it's for my own good. I just want to find the right dog through Humane Society or other rescues and shelters. I'd be good with any dog, but my dad. hehe. I guess when the time gets closer to get my dog (this summer) I'll find the right dog. I'm just worried that's all, this being my first dog.

~Chantel

Hi Chantel!

Due to your interest in Cesar's work, would you and your dad consider a medium sized, young adult dog?

I personally think adult shelter dogs are a breeze, due to their need to belong. Even when they've had a bad start.

You may not want to begin with an unsocialised dog with a lot of issues, but there are a lot of wonderful, small to medium sized dogs with minor behavior problems from their last environment, which would love to have a wonderful young leader such as yourself.

I am so impressed with your passion for dogs. I wouldn't be surprised if you continue with this as a vocation. If this is where you think you may be headed, tell your dad this. Most parents are thrilled to have a daughter passionate about anything...other than boys! Ha-Ha!

I never had kids of my own, yet seemed to end up "rehabilitating" a lot of teenage boys, thanks to my stepsons and their friends! I know helping a young person find their passion, and turning it into a lifelong dream can be the key to a more fulfilled life. Even when their start may have been a bit rocky at first.

I'm glad you are here on this blog, and always enjoy reading your posts. You are a very caring, compassionate, and wise, young person.

I was lucky myself as a young girl, to have a neighbor who ignited my interest in dogs at a very young age.

What can I say?...You go girl! :)

Deb

Thanks Deb!

I am very passionate towards dogs, and animals. I am glad to talk to you. You seem to be very passionate about dogs also. I love reading your entries. You give very good advice.

I think my dad would consider a medium sized dog. He has actually become more open to other dogs now that he knows about Cesar and his work. He is more comfortable now that he knows any dog can be a well trained dog no matter what background. I am trying to teach him and my entire family how to be a good pack leader so we can be a balanced pack (my brother is going to take a while. Heeheehe). It's funny, every time I start to talk to my family it is usually about dogs so they are fully aware of my love for dogs. I think they are getting sick of it :). It seems that all of my siblings are very strong in one subject that they will constantly be talking about. My oldest brother is so knowledgable about cars and is constantly talking about them. My other brother is extremely smart when it comes to computers, and that's all he talks about. Me, I am just crazy about dogs and Dog Whisperer. My cousin and I are both crazy about dogs and have a ball just talking about them when we get together.

I am hoping to volinteer at Humane Society or another shelter when I turn 16 in two years. Some poeple working at those places need to be educated. The volunteers who walk the dogs are being dragged this way and that, and I think it would be a great way to help the dogs and spread the word about Cesar.

I have been thinking alot about my career when I get older. I was thinking of starting a rescue program. I don't know. Any ideas? I don't know if that would be a proffeting career, but it would be fun and rewarding.

All I want right now is my dog. Sence I can't wait to come to the rescue of a dog and make him balanced and happy.

Thanks for the comments Deb, your awesome :D

~Chantel

Hey Ewa,

My cousin had a beagle. Of course she was in first grade I believe and did not train her. She told me she will never get a beagle again because of so many things:

Daisy(her beagle) howled alot and would charge at you.

She ran away alot and had to be captured.

Once my cousin took Daisy for a walk while roller blading and she saw a cat and started dragging my cousin on the ground.

All those problems can be trained out of a dog, but it would be hard and take persistance.

~Chantel

Chantel,

The dogs on Petfinder are all rescues...some of them are in foster care and some are in high kill shelters. The prices vary from $100 to $200. If you get your dog from a rescue that has non-profit status, then you can use that as a tax deduction. You can find rescues right in your neighborhood and they always want volunteers to help walk the dogs. I found my first cocker spaniel that way. I was a volunteering at a local rescue and was walking this beautiful blond cocker and it was instant love. Being a volunteer, you get to see all the dogs that come from the pound first and it's almost like getting your pick of the litter. All the dogs listed are available for you to see and in rescue situations, the people running the rescue will have observed the dog's behavior and can tell you something about it. The only thing they can't tell you for sure is why the dog was taken to the pound in the first place. Most of them have been abused or abandoned. People move and take their precious pet to the pound on the way or they buy a puppy and once it's older, they take it to the pound and get another puppy. Some people are really sick.

I have been volunteering at a local rescue for 15 years and it's the most rewarding thing I have ever done. To see families come with or without kids and sit down and choose a family pet or they bring their dog with them so they can get a companion for their dog (actually they leave it up to the dog to choose who it likes).

Shelter dogs need to be rescued but the only problem with that is you don't know what you are getting, temperment-wise. At a rescue, all dogs have been bathed and evaluated and are ready for placement. Either way you go, you really can't loose and it's a win-win situation for the dog and you'll have a wonderful family companion in the end.

I look forward to hearing how it turns out.

Good luck.

Good Morning All! :)
Welp....I had a short day yesterday, so I loaded up my "basket" of water bottles, water bowl, some toys, and off we went to the park!....all I want to say at this point is DUMB DOG!lol
I have an SUV and it took some training to get him to jump up in the back as my ex never trained him to jump up in the back of his truck, but would litrally pick up his back end and hoist him up....seems a little rediculous that a man would help a 90lb Rott up into the back of a truck, but thats another story!lolol
ANYWAY.....took the dog to the park and walked around the entire walking/running area (probably a mile?) and you would have thought I took the dog on a 100 mile run!!! He was panting like crazy and acted like I ran him for 5 hours! Gave him some water, let him cool down for about 15 minutes abd then I said ok, time to go home...he would NOT jump up into the back of the SUV to save my life!!!!!
I finally had to let him into the back seat and even THAT was work!!!!.....what the heck????? He is great getting in when we go somewhere, but is a complete turd when its time to get back into the car!!!!! WHY???????? HELP!lol

I didn't want to push/force him too hard because to be truthful, I am not sure how hard to "push/force" him to do what I want...I don't really feel like getting bit, or pushing/fgorcing him to do what I want when he seems stressed!
I was so aggravated, and it makes me not want to go to the park again as it took 30+ minutes to get him back into the truck! And that is just flat out rediculous in my opinion!!! Why in the world would he not get back into the car?????lol
I can say for sure he did get a great walk!lol
KathyB

Hi Linda P.!!!
hahahhahaaaaa....I tried that!
He just would NOT get in!grrrrrrrr
I know he can jump up in the car....he's done it 20 times before....I am beginning to think he isn't doing it because he doesn't WANT TO!lol
He did it to me at the vets too....then the two tech's came out, got him excited and BAM, up he went!

To be quite honest....I have only had him here with me for about a month and I am a little catious of him....he is HUGE (97lbs) and he is displaying signs of trying to be dominant at times (just turned a 1 year old 2/27)...I of course always win and when I am with him he would never know I am a little afraid of him, but I also do not know how far I can "push" him to get him to do what I want. OK....so there's the truth of it!lol

I would like to think he was worn out and just too "tired" to jump up, but thats flat out rediculous and while he was walked long & hard he could have jumped up in the back. He even tried to lay down when I was trying to get him in the back of the SUV which got a very strong check by me, as he was laying right down in nothing but dirt!lol
He is just flat out stubborn!lololol

Heeeeeeelp!lololol
I am more than willing to take MY lazy, get out of the office chair, 2 back surgeries, go to all the effort to go to the park self, but after yesterday......I would like to figure out a solution to that problem before I go and do it again!lol
Maybe I should bring a blanket and just chill for 30 minutes after our walk?????
I throughley enjoy reading yours & everyones posts also!!!! :) KathyB

Hi i recently bought a seberian husky he was about 6 months old when i got him, the other owner had him in a kennel all day everyday with his brother, he (the original owner) got rid of both of them. when i brought him home i thought for sure i'd have a hard time getting him use to being in the house after all i was getting a pet to be kept outside, right? that's just non sense to me. anyways once i got home much to my surprise he didn't seem to mind the house at all the only thing i found was that every little noise like a cupboard being close or something of the matter he got scared and he still is? he seems very jumpy to me. should i be concern or is there anything i can do to help him get use to it? i tell him it's ok when i notice he seems to be a lil frightne by something but that doesn't seem to help.

Re: Playing before walks
I, too, used to play fetch with my Aussie before walks because it would make him calmer during the walks and he would not tend to pull. It wasn't until I noticed he was "expecting" to play ball before our walks that I put a stop to it. One day it had been raining heavily so I decided to skip the ball throwing so as to not to tear up the lawn. (I usually will throw in intermittent jogging in our walks if he doesn't get ball fetching in). As soon as he saw me going for the leash, he had a spaz. He nipped at my heels, displayed what might be considered play bowing except he was showing his teeth. I suspect this is more like challenging behavior. He has done this before inside the house when he wants attention and I'm busy doing something else.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with challenging behavior?

I am working on not engaging myself emotionally. Cesar's post in the past re: correction/punishment helped a lot in this respect.

It is hard, though, to detach myself emotionally when he exhibits this challenging behavior.

KathyB,

Didn't even occur to me that he could have been real over heated, especially since he was not used to being walked regularly. You really have a big job ahead of you! I know when my dog gets that way, he won't do anything but lay down on the spot, whines and yips cuz he wants to play but is way tooo winded. I commend you for giving it your all to get your rottie calm submissive. Like alot of people here have been saying, other people just don't have a clue as how to take good care of their dogs. Good Luck with training!!

I'm glad that you have found Cesar, he is truly remarkable. If you have cable or dish you can watch Cesar's show on the National Geographic Channel. It is broadcasted on fridays in the evenings. I just barely got done watching Dog Whisperer (3 episodes of it). The newest episode was great. If you are not able to watch it on TV, can buy last year's episodes and Cesar's book and DVD. (Book:Cesar's Way, DVD:People Training For Dogs) Just look around on this sight, you'll see it.

So this is your first dog. I have never even had a dog, but I am very passionate about them and will be adopting one this summer. I can't wait!!! I will let you and everyone else how it goes. I am very excited because I have been saving my money for over a year. It will all be worth it soon. I am trying to get prepared for it by studying Cesar and his wonderful technics.

I'm sure that any problem with your dog can be solved. Good luck

~Chantel

I wanted to know if anyone could give me some advice? I have a yorky/chihuahua cross,his name is max. He is such a great little dog!I take him to work with me every day,their is a golden retreiver there who is his best friend.He loves people and other dogs.Now to get to my problem,when we are home in the evening and someone knocks at the door he barks none stop!When the person comes in he is still barking,he dosnt stop ussually until I pick him up and introduce him to the person even if he already has met this person before.When I take him on walks and he sees another dog across the street or a person he barks up a storm then to untill he is introduced to them.How can I get him to not bark so much it really makes people nervous and other dogs also.I dont think he is doing this in an agressive manner he is just trying to say hey look at me!

Hi Everyone!

KathyB... I am the school teacher from last night's show! First, thank you for watching it and sharing in what was an amazing and powerful experience in my life! As I watched the show last night I was reminded of just how severe Jake's problems with the hair dryer, etc. were. I am so pleased to share that the techniques Cesar taught me that day REALLY WORK! Jake, Nugget and I have come such a long way. Life is so much better now. I think, too, that Cesar really nailed it when he spoke and wrote about those of us who give so much in our jobs and then we want to come home and just relax... We do! But we owe it to our dogs to come home and still be the pack leader. Like the way you do, KathyB, when you limit your dog to the invisible line by the door. (That is so cool!) Once I understood that I needed to be the pack leader at home, too, Jake, Nugget and I gained a balance in our lives that we had not had since Jake arrived in our family. That was all a real eye-opener to me.

Anyway, hope everyone got a lot out of the show last night. I am hopeful that the things I learned can be shared with others with similar situations. I will try to check-in to this blog if any of you have any questions.

All the best,
Megan

AHHHHHHHH Megan Trevor!!!!!!!!
You celeb you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

The show rocked and I learned alot from it! It must have been AWESOME to actually work with him!!!!!!! He seems so mellow and sincere and it blows me away to watch him work with dogs!

I am so glad to hear your doing great with the two furry ones!!!!! I loved the show! :D KathyB

Aussie Owner,
I just kicked my ex to the curb right after Christmas so Thanks but no Thanks!lol :D

I think our dog see's me daughter the same way, however my daughter also see's me as the leader so when I tell get get up and do this, stand straight when doing this (all when it comes to the dog) she "obeys"!hahahahhaaaa Kinda like havin two puppies!heehee :D
She is doing better I guess, but I am still the one who has most of the responsibility with him and thats fine by me actually, because she is never home and when she is, she doesn't spend hardly any time with him, so basically he is turning into my dog. And if she thinks she's taking him when she graduates she's CRAZY cause I have totally fallen in love with my boy and think he deserves a good balanced life, and at this point she does not have the time, ability or desire to give him any of that.
Good luck with hubby....I've talked with my trainer about my issues with my daughter...kinda the same as your hubby, and they say to not worry about it. That as long as he knows I AM the pack leader then thats all that matters. KathyB

Chantel, KathyB.... It is so crazy to me to realize that there were people out there really watching the episode I was on! It is just a bizarre concept - even though I understand how popular the show is!

As for Cesar... I just don't know where to start in describing him. He is so calm, down-to-earth, gentle, loving, sincere and authentic. For how popular he is, I just couldn't have imagined that he would be so real, genuine and kind. He is truly passionate about his work in helping people and their dogs. And he has found his niche! He is just as amazing in person as he appears on the television show. He has a gift and he is sharing it with all of us - and we are so lucky for that!

Katie - I am feeling a little concerned about the shock collar you got. I believe that you can train your dog without it because there are other ways... You just need to dedicate yourself to the other options. You know Cesar's "rules, boundaries and limitations" saying? Well, it is true - even if you are just in the yard with your dog. Keep your dog on the leash and teach him how to behave - even if it is in your backyard. Also, your dog sounds like he needs a lot more exercise. That might help him to get rid of some of the energy he is expending in the backyard.

Just a couple of ideas. Hope they help.

Megan

For those battling dogs who bark a lot...One training method I've seen used successfully and have tried a couple of times on my own dogs is to create a 'shaker' can. Take an empty can (soda, vegetable, fruit, dog food, etc) and put in a few pennies then tape up the top so the pennies don't fall out. When your dog does unwanted behavior give the can a shake. Don't yell anything, just shake the can once or twice, just enough to get the dog's attention. The noise is meant to break the dog's focus and break that escalating frenzy so that he/she momentarily stops and looks at you with a 'Huh?' look. At that split second when they stop doing the unwanted behavior you then reward the dog. I've seen this method used in person and on some other tv shows geared towards solving behavioral problems. And I've used it in certain situations with my own dogs.

Kathy B,

I am eagerly awaiting the day Cesar offers a seminar for trainers and rehabilitators. I would LOVE to get together with other canine professionals who use Cesar's techniques. It would be great if it was a two day event, near his center, so those who attend could all have an evening to hang out and share stories and experiences, after the first day.

I bumped into one guy on the net who really "gets it". He is a dog rehabilitator and trainer. There are very few points we don't agree on, and even then it's more an individual perspective and the difference between a male and female point of view. He also supports Cesar's work, and had the same reaction as I did, when I first saw Cesar's show...well, I don't know if he actually jumped up-and-down going "YIPEEEE!". :)

Chantel,

You're welcome and thank you back!

Have you checked out Cesar's seminar schedule? Maybe he will be coming to a city near you. He was here in WA, but I went to the one in Paso Robles CA last April 30th, because I also wanted to meet his friend, Cheri Lucas. She is the lady who runs the Second Chance at Love Humane Society. She was featured on the episode with the Katrina dogs. She was very kind to me when I first found Cesar's show and just HAD to talk with someone about it.

Take it easy!

Deb

Casey,
I am SO SORRY to hear about your baby!!!! My heart goes out to you so much!
I do not know anything or anyone I can direct you to, but I did want to offer my sympathy for what you are going through!!!!
The sad part is your right...its not the dogs fault, but it is the owners and I think they should be held responsible!

I swear I think EVERY large dog owner (myself included!!!!) should HAVE to go through training!!!!!!
Again I am so sorry to hear about Summer. :(
KathyB

Our thoughts are with you and Summer tonight, Casey. I am so sorry to hear about what happened and for what you must be going through right now. I will keep my eye out for information on your pup's condition.

Casey,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Summer.

Legally, the owner of that dog is responsible for all the medical bills. If you know who the owner is, present the bill and if he doesn't pay, you may have to go through small claims court (but you will win). If the owner owns a home and they have homeowners insurance, then that should cover all of your vet bills - ALL OF THEM. I would also report him to the local animal control center so he can be fined for having his dog OFF LEASH. You do have some level of protection here and I hope you will avail yourself to it. That owner does not deserve to have that dog. He is doing it a great disservice by not protecting his own dog from doing harm to another dog or person.

I hope you both recover from this and the owners get what is coming to them. It is illegal to tether a dog (either by rope or chain).

Stay strong, Summer needs all the help she can get.

Peace!

Good Morning Chantel! :)

Firstly I commend your parents for having you buy the things you want on your own, as you have a greater respect for how much it really costs to live and buy things then most. May I suggest...(if your as awesome with your school and stuff as you seem on this blog :) )maybe you could ask if you could take that day off and have them pay for it (the seminar) as an early birthday present???? Just a thought!lol KathyB

Hello. I just recently started watching cesar's show this past friday. I was in tears. I just thought about all those dogs that could have been saved from death. The show, with that dog Wendall in it....well, im alot like that women that was always crying because she was afraid of what her dog may do. Except, mine arent mean or anything. My Chow is very submissive naturally. I know, a chow being submissive? lol. And shes almost 5. I have a lab mix that 14 months. I have had her since she was 5 weeks old. And when i have them out in the yard, and Princess doesnt want to come in, and Layney does, Princess will purposly start playing with Layney to get her to not come to me. Also, i just got one of those halti's...but i have read that, some will learn that when that collar isnt on..that they can do what they used to do.

awesomeness!

I think that was one of the best ideas I gained from the show -- taking long walks with the dogs, while maintaining a "leader's" role. I can see the difference in my two Shelties.

Speaking of which, what tips did Cesar give in helping Megan (the sheltie owner) when it came to the vaccum and hairdryer?
Thanks in advance!

Hello, I have a very devoted and friendly 9 year old Maltese. I am disabled and am not able to walk him each day, although he does get alot of exersise in the yard and the huge house we own. He is always busy playing and following me around. My problem is that he barks very aggresively whenever there is a knock on the door. He will charge whoever it is like he is going to bite them. It frightens people including my little grandchildren. How can I correct this behavior? He is such a loving little dog to me. Seems to like only one person, me! He does tolerate and play with my husband alot. I dont want him to hurt anyone and dont want anyone to hurt him. Thank you for any help.
Stormy McDonald
wetumpka, Alabama

Sorry Myrna forgot to add, that after a couple of weeks lengthen your time away for the house each week. See how this works. I'm sure its frustrating for you and your neighbors but ask them to be patient with you. Your trying.

Dear Angie,

I think what Cesar meant in that statement was, that Megan and Jakes owner had restablished her sense of pride and self esteem and no longer felt sorry for Jake (her rescue). Jake's owner always seemed to choose men who were needy and needed a mommy figure. No longer would she put herself in that position. There's nothing worse than putting yourself in the position of being someone's backbone and keeper. If he can't take care of himself, how in the world would he be an asset in your life?