Hi All:

I have 3 rescued cocker spaniels and each came with some sort of baggage. Cesar says that we should not treat them differently, that they live in the moment, but if they have some sort of behavior problem, you might want to address that so you can have a calm, balanced family. My oldest cocker spaniel who is a 12 year old female, was badly abused. She would not let us pet or touch her for several months. She would growl and snap at us. When we first brought her home, we left her in the kitchen so my other dogs could hear her and smell her. They would be walked together but I didn't leave them alone for several months. Dogs need to be observed for signs that you can interept which is why the book "The Dog Listener" in conjuction with Cesars's programs and DVD are such valuable tools.

I am happy to report that Harley is now a calm and balanced little girl who loves affection, my other 2 dogs and always comes for a snuggle when invited. It truly takes several different forms of information when adopting a dog since you don't usually know the backgroud and you have to start fresh and give the dog a fresh new start in life.

It's the most rewarding thing to do and a win-win situation for everyone. I have adopted dogs for 20 years and will continue to do so :)

I know you always say the first thing you need to do when bringing an adopted dog into its new pack is to take it for a walk. Just to clarify, do the existing dogs in the pack go with or do I walk the new member by itself?

I meant to add this to my other post - sorry.

About the past history contributing to current behaviors, I wonder if a discernment in definitions, might be a factor here, in that what happens (within my experience), is the dog reacts as a "learned-coping behavior to a trigger" rather then as "baggage - like that we humans carry". Another-words, dogs responding as sheer energy rather than the emotionality of the human race with judgements/hatreds/condemnations/fears, etc.

In many episodes, I hear Cesar saying that the owners must practice, practice, practice, to re-inforce the introduced changes that he makes. This is about a human behavior that breaks my heart alot with people I know when they go to a dog training and come back expecting that the dog will be "fixed and they dont have to do anything further instead of practicing every single day even for 5 minutes (or even just eliminating conflicting messages and behaviors in ourselves)!

My rescue with cancer, a collie chow called Foxie was badly abused. It tool almost 5 years for her to stop flinching whenever anyone would reach over to pet her head, but it only took a few hours for her to learn that pets always felt good, especially in the secret spots and to place her head under our hands demanding more when we would stop. (rof- more dog manipulation we succummed to before Cesar!!! because it was soooo cute!).

For me there is a clear difference - but it took your posts to bring the insights about this difference!

My beautiful, well adjusted, friendly miniature schnauzer Abby becomes very upset when it thunderstorms. I live in Ohio where severe thunderstorms are very prevalent so I am desperately looking for solutions to help Abby with her issue. I would greatly appreciate your insight. Thanks!

Our relationship with the dog with the walk. After that we invite them into our home. We go first. They got invited.
Our 5 year old male spent several hours with us walking around the animal shelter we rescued him from. THEN we allowed him into our van. THEN we walked him around our neighborhood. THEN he was introduced to our little one, on neutral ground, down the block. THEN he got to come into our home. Again, after being invited. This took HOURS and HOURS. But it is well worth it.

Dom-

I think that what cesar is communicating is that dogs can have past scars, but they have the ability to live in the moment so long as the pack leader is projecting calm, assertive energy. They are quicker at overcoming these situations than humans are. I had an experience with my current dog which can relate to this theory. Three months ago, I got Inuki, a german shepher/husky mix at the pound. The first thing that I had noticed about him is that he was a scared dog. He was scared of kids and men, and obviously was abused or had a traumatic experience. I knew that feeling sorry for anyone never helped them to face their fears and become stronger. Animals pick up on instinct and energy. Emotion is unnatural to an animal. Unnatural energy is frightening, intimidating or overly exciting to them. I realized that my dog was picking up on my energy when he first met the kids in my neigborhood, and 3 of them kept walking up closer to him looking him directly in the eyes while Inuki had a fearful look about him and his tail between his legs, he hid behind me, which is when I noticed that I was nervous, and afraid for him, and that just was nuturing his fear, because if the pack leader is afraid or nervous, the follower will obviously feel twice as insecure and nervous. I walked away and thought about how I will approach this situation next time and I knew that I needed to remember that I need to project calm, assertive energy because I am the leader in which he places his trust. Our next encounter with the same kids I immedeatley chose to not feel nervous. I saw that they repeated the same behavior as they previously had, walking towards Inuki with their eyes on him. That is where I decided to stop thinking of Inukis "fear of the past" and live in the moment with him and step up to the kids and say "stop! I do not allow my dog to be petted until you kneel down and let him sniff you first." I further explained to them why, and they became calm, submissive, and followed my directions, in which a natural reaction came out. Inuki approached instead of cowering from them, he sniffed, and he was calm, submissive. All of this was making more and more sense, and I felt Inukis trust in my decision to let him meet kids, and I learned that not only dogs, but humans have the ability to live in the moment too. He is still learning, but he has come a very long way. So, if the pack leader is not projecting calm, assertive,"in the now" energy, the follower continues to feel insecure about where he is being led and what he is being led into doing. So, you are correct that a scar does not go away, but obsessing and feeling sorry about how it was created instead of moving on has always failed in just about any situation. You must accept that for your dog to live in the moment, you need to live in the moment with him, which creates trust. I found that the same kids now every time they see my dog, they knowingly get on their knees and put out their hands for sniffing. This has amazed me to see that I have trained the kids to be calm and submissive. This has not only been a learning experience for my dog, but it has been a learning experience for me, and for the children. Be it A puppy or a senior, dogs are ALWAYS learning.

Garret-

Does your mini have a crate (a.k.a. safe den)? In nature, when an animal is frightened, they run home, or to a safe spot, be it a den, a hole in the ground, a hole in a tree, a nest, whatever. If a dog has a crate, it serves as a safe den (kind of like the comfort of your own bedroom as a kid) and if it is in an open area (like the living room) it allows the animal to go through the motions without feeling the need to run. Eventually she may realize that thunder is just a bunch of noise and nothing more.

a fellow dog trainer friend of mine has been trying to re abilitate a male neurtered german shepard he is about 3yrs old he became to un stable to do his job and was given to my friend who is a pretty good trainer she has trained search and rescue dogs amoung other types of working dogs she welcomed the chalange but feels she can get no futher with this dog he is very aggressive and un safe still she feels there is no alternative than youthinasia for this rescue dog

I have had the same problem as Garrett - two dogs, one a shep/lab mix (female, 7 yrs) and one shep/rottie mix (male, 10 yrs) - they are both afraid of thunder and fireworks. I don't think that there's anything to do to make them NOT afraid, but I've learned that it's best not to try to comfort them or baby them during the noise. Let them retreat to any spot where they feel safe - their bed, a dark room, a corner - and go on about your business. If you're calm, they may not be comfortable, but they will be less likely to panic.

Ex-cop dog,
It breaks my heart to see a dog put down because of being given up on.
Has the trainer employed any of Cesar's techniques? Perhaps it's a different kind of training between what Cesar does and what a search and rescue dog goes thru?

I hope no one gives up on this dog before at least viewing Cesar's DVD and giving his techniques a fair chance.

Cesar has rehabilitated the worse of the worse, and if one professional can do this then so can another.

Sending my best wishes for this wonderful creature, hoping he gets to live.

Re: fireworks and thunder -- don't do what I did!
I personally dislike fireworks (but love thunderstorms!)
We live on a waterfront, and you can just imagine in the
summer the number of parties on the lake with intoxicated people shooting off fireworks.
When my dog was a puppy, I would sigh and swear and
complain every time fireworks would go off, because I
don't like them. I simply find them annoying, not to
mention dangerous, especially at midnight at the end of
a long day of partying on the lake! Unbeknownst to me,
6 years later, I now realize that I projected that energy
onto the dog. When he hears fireworks, he sits as close
to me as possible, usually on top of me if he can (he
weighs 80 lbs!) and claws at me incessantly. He can't
get close enough. Because this usually happens late at
night, and he will not go to sleep for HOURS afterwards,
I would set up a sleeping bag on the floor and grab a
pillow and sleep with him. I even went so far as to go
to my office, about 5 miles away, and sleep there overnight
on the 4th of July with the dog! I am not kidding!!!
Since watching Cesar's show, I now know that I was doing
is all wrong --coddling the dog's fears and reinforcing the
negative reactions to the fireworks. BTW, he's not so
bad with thunderstorms, because I like thunderstorms, and
project good energy when they come along. He does get a
tad upset, but nothing like with the fireworks. It will
be interesting to see if I can break US of this habit when
the fireworks begin in a couple months. So, there's my
advice for what you SHOULDN'T do. I think you should
project positive energy, and act like nothing is wrong
when the storms and fireworks occur. Just act normal, and
give him something fun to do like chew on a rawhide bone
or play with a ball or something to distract him. That's
what I'm going to try.

Hi AshGotti,

I commend you on your tender heart. :)

It takes consistent application of being calm and assertive and saying "shhh" or "down". You say it works, but it sounds like you're un-doing your progress by continuing to stay with him and calming him down.

Puppies take time to learn, so in actuality it's not been that long. He's just left his mother and everything familiar.

You did't mention how long he stays in the crate, is this at night only? Dogs of any age get very bored staying in crates for long lengths of time. Are you working on becoming the pack leader? Have you began to leash train him and get him out on walks...Cesar's way, with you exiting the door first and not allowing the puppy to walk out in front? You might try taking him for a walk before putting him in the crate. I do this with my dog and he has adjusted to the times he has to be in the crate. I put him in there when we can't take him with us and we have to be gone for several hours, otherwise he does not have to stay in the crate. And as Cesar says, even though the home is larger than a crate, it's still a crate to the dog and nothing can compensate for time spent with our dogs on a good structured walk.

Dogs are social animals, they require a certain amount of time each day with us for as long as they live.

Good luck with the new addition to your family.

Virginia,

I don't know how to desensitize a dog not to be afraid of thunderstorm, as my chow mix is terryfied of them. But for the other reactions there might be hope. My husky mix is not afraid of thunderstorms or fireworks at all, but she is afraid of almost everything else. You name it, she will run from it, with the vacuum being the ultimate monster (I can't vacuum with her around).
However I found out that with some sounds that she was terrified of before, she got used to them when there was no option to run. Since she and my chow mix fight, I have kept them separate for the last year. I gated the kitchen off, and one of the dogs stay there for some time. Ruffy (the husky mix) was afraid of the microwave, the sound of silverware taken out of the dishwasher, computer keyboard (the computer is right next to my kitchen) and other things that you could never think of as scary. She would run away from them, either going outside through the doggie doors, or going upstairs and hiding in a small bathroom. When the gates went up and it was her turn to stay in the kitchen at first I didn't know what to do. I tried to take my forks and spoons without making any sound, I told everyone to wait with the microwave untill Ruffy can leave the kitchen etc, but it wasn't practical. I couldn't do much. One day I just started doing these chores, and at first Ruffy jumped, but she realized she couldn't go anywhere, and after a moment she relaxed. Now I have no problems unloading the dishwasher or typing on a keabord. She's used to the sounds, so maybe if your dogs can't run from the sound of wind, cracking doors etc, they can get used ot them.
Good luck!

I need some advice too. As I mention a few times two of my dogs have been fighting, and I have kept them separate for the last year, which made the things even worse. Cesar's blogs inspired me to do something about it, as four different trainers couldn't help me, and I thought they will have to be separated for the rest of their lives. Watching Dog Whisperer I learned that the best way is to start with walking your dogs together, so they don't go face to face. My husband and I have been walking them for some time now, and they have adjusted to being together, almost next to each other on a walk. Both dogs are on leashes, and one sniffed the other's face once withour any signs of agression. My question is what is my next step? How do I go from walking them together (I am still afraid to walk them by myself) to leting them be together without the leashes? Especially at home, because it's the place where 99% of the fights happened. I would appreciate any thoughts.

Ewa,
Thanks for your input. I have seen Cesar eliminate fear and agressive reactions to some of the things you have described (vacuums come most readily to mind), but not some of the larger environmental things like wind and rain. For my dog, there doesn't seem to be any "flight to avoid" reaction as he only wants to be as close to me as possible when he is afraid. I am his "safe place". And, sadly, for most of his fears, there is nothing concrete in a specific location to run from. But, I am so glad your solution worked for Ruffy!

As for your fighting dog problem: This I learned before I ever discovered Cesar. First, be sure you are the pack leader. Then, notice which of your dogs tends to be the dominant one over the other. Once you discover that, always treat the dominant one as dominant. Feed, greet, give affection to, and in all ways treat that dog as number one. I know that in Cesar's pack, he is number one and all the dogs are number two, but that doesn't seem to work in all cases. Maybe because we don't have the touch and background that he does. Most dogs are just trying to figure out where they stand in the social order and are usually happy where they are if we remain consistent. I am not surprised that most of the fights happen in the house. They are both trying to share this territory. Anyway, you might want to try this method. I have described it to several friends with the same problem and they have had positive results. The toughest one was two female litter mates that were constantly fighting and have now worked it out with consistent support from their owners. Good luck to you!

AshGotti
I don't know how old you puppy is now, but when I got my pup about a year ago I got what is called a Snuggle Puppy. It is a stuffed dog with a heart in it that sounds like the mothers heart beat and I never had any problem with her going to sleep. Try this. it might help.
www.snugglepuppy.com

"Once you discover that, always treat the dominant one as dominant. Feed, greet, give affection to, and in all ways treat that dog as number one. I know that in Cesar’s pack, he is number one and all the dogs are number two, but that doesn’t seem to work in all cases."

I think you are missing something important here: Cesar is number one, for sure, but ALL pack have a heirarchy of dominance. They are NEVER *all* #2. In fact, in one of his recent show he was telling someone visiting his Psychology Center that a little French Bulldog of his was the dominant DOG in his pack!

And for those with dogs that have storm phobia..something has recently popped up as a suggestion that does seem to be working for SOME dogs: put a T-shirt on them! On some of the mail lists I'm on owners have reported success with the dog calming down, others have seen no change...but it can't hurt, and it's worth a try.

" I do remember Cesar telling a client that he was #1 and all the dogs were treated as #2 by him."

Oh sure, but that doesn't mean they are all #2 to each other...there is, indeed, a "pecking order" in a dog pack. It does make you wonder though...or at least, it makes ME wonder...how Cesar would react to the advice to "treat the dominant dog like a dominant dog" and give it food and attention first.

I don't have an opinion on it, one way or the other, because it isn't something I've yet had to consider doing.

Virginia,

Thank you very much for your comment. I remember Cesar saying about the little dog, that he's the boss of the whole pack. Wasn't that the show with two roties?
But then you see Cesar feeding the calmest dog first, not the French Bulldog.
I treated all my dogs equal, making sure that if one gets food first, the other one will get it first next time. I think it was a part of the problem. Someone else directed me to a site talking about this issue, and saying the same thing that you wrote above. Make sure that you are the leader, and then favor the dominant dog. I started doing that a few weeks ago. Since my dogs are separated I can't say if it's working, but I have noticed much less "looks" from my agressor (Blackie) towards Ruffy, and it seems that Blackie doesn't pay much attention to Ruffy anymore.
We are taking all the dogs to the park soon, and if they are calm I will try to drop the leashes down and let them close. It scares me just thinking about it, but I know I cannot be scared, so I am going to act calm.

We have a 5 month old maltese, I don't know what happen
but he does not like to eat his food any more, I took him
to the vet nothing is wrong with him. He is teething I try everything possible to make him eat...he refuse to do it
PLEASE SOMEBODY HELP ME ... we spoild him giving him table food. HOW CAN I FIX THIS PROBLEM?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP

SJ-
I shoud add that there is no need to feel bad if he skips a meal or two. do not give in to manipultion, which he may try to whine, or beg, anything for human food. You cannot give in, or the procees will start over. He is young dog,and he will come around surely.

I have a 2 1/2 year old spinger spaniel named maggie,when she gets excited she pees or when she meets someone new she pees or poops. what can I do.
thanks kyle

Ewa,

Congratulations! What a great day in the park with ALL of your dogs! I wish we all could have as much success with our dog issues.

We just had thunder and mine was calmer than usual. I didn't change anything this time but I'm going to try Doggone's t-shirt idea. I will try anything to help him get his fears under control.

Wishing continued success to you and your pack.

My experience has been that although dogs are easily retrained because they "live in the moment", they also remember their past and are forever grateful and thankful and appreciative that they have been rescued from an unhappy life. They don't forget that they have a better life now, and they show it each and every day.

Hi All-
I've enjoyed finding this blog and reading all of your problems and helpful advice and now am hoping some of you can help me. We have a Golden Retriever named Cinnamon who is 16 months old. We got her at 8 weeks and she is a wonderful girl. We made the mistake of "spoiling" her too much in the beginning, letting her up on the couch, the bed and laughing at her antics. I have been faithfully watching Cesar's show and have been putting into practice many of his techniques. She is taking pretty nice walks, but my husband is a lot faster than I so she needs to learn to slow down with me. My biggest problem right now is that she is so agressively barking when the mailman comes, when people walk by the house, or when someone comes over. She is fine if it is someone who she knows and even if it is someone she hasn't seen in awhile she will settle down. But we are soon having our son home from Iraq with our daughter-in-law and 1yr old granddaughter coming and I'm so worried about how this will all go. If the adults come in and absolutely pay no attention to her, she will eventually sniff around and maybe start to feel comfortable. But she seems so skiddish of everyone and everything-noises outside, buses, cars, horns, bikes, etc. We don't have many kids in our neighborhood, but I'd like for her to get comfortable with children. Gosh I know this is long, but can someone help? Thanks a million--Jan

I think Cesar is great, but there are some things like this that I do not agree with totally.
How would you explain my German Shepherd Ginger aging before our eyes and not being the same dog she was before my other shpeherd Chris passed away? I swear three years later she is still grieving and missing her. I think dogs retain certain things long term.

Hi New ADopted Mom,
Sounds like your new puppy doesn't trust you yet. You need to be willing to spend a lot of time with your new little one. Keep a pocket full of kibble then....brush the dog and give a piece of kibble (just one), walk a few steps and give a piece of kibble when he walks with you...see if you can walk the puppy to the food dish and hold the dish while feeding. This might help to get the dog moving forward into "trust" with you. Handle the puppy a lot. By this I mean just matter of factly move his legs, tail, ears as if examining him like the Vet. Touch means so much to dogs and it's a good place to start the trust. Use the leash a lot. Try to entice the dog to come to you for brushing. You can extend the leash and show him the brush as you call him over to you. Eventually the puppy will learn that being with you is a good thing. Don't feel sorry for him! Good Luck!

To All of the Dog Adopters and potential Adopters:

The main problem, when adopting a dog, is that not enough research goes into the process. People need to find the right fit for them. It's one thing to go with a dog that steals your heart, it's another thing to get a dalmatian when you live in a one bedroom apartment and work 8 hours a day.

I've seen many people get dogs when they know they can't have them in the apartment and have to give it up, or the puppy gets to big for their living conditions. This is a lifelong commitment so think it through. Having the right dog for the right environment is the best thing in the world. Adopting a pet it such a good feeling because you are giving this pet its chance at a well cared for life and a loving companion in return.

I have volunteered at a local rescue shelter for 15 years and I have seen it all.

Peace!

Shari-
Cesar has mentioned that animals do greive over lost loved ones. The fact that dogs live in the moment is somewhat stating that dogs are always learning. Animals and humans alike, can never 'learn' to just get over the loss of a loved one. Traumatic experiences naturally stick with us and no being can ever learn to forget these experiences. We can, however, live in the moment without forgetting the past, but still focus on our natural ability to follow the now. If our leader is still dwelling, we will dwell. If our leader keeps leading us with a plan, we will move forward with her. Death is part of the natural order of things, and it is also natural for animals to greive (dogs, cats, elephants, seahorses). Animals are also aware that these things happen, as thay have the ability to accept death as a part of life. Canines can greive and at the same time retain their natural ability to adapt to what is current, so long as they have a calm, assertive leader to follow. So, I agree with you and you are right that dogs do not forget traumatic experiences. I also know that Cesar is right and that dogs, while remembering the past, are still happy with living in the now. I can only imagine that if she is not living for the moment, she would have died soon after. Truly, it sounds as though she is living a nice life for a dog, considering that she has aged before your eyes, she sounds very strong willed;)

I can't agree with the statement dogs, "don't retain the past..don't live in the past..." I adopted a small female Rottweiler last year who was very timid and skittish. She was found roaming the 'hood in poor shape, well underweight and required surgery to remove the chain collar embedded in her neck. One evening while we were driving home, I pulled to the side of the highway to allow her to relieve herself. As I beckoned her to exit the truck door, she became frightened and jumped into the back of the truck shaking. It was then I knew how she was abandoned. Another time I had to raise my voice to get her attention and she cowered in a ball, curling up in fear. This dog remembered well what were her circumstances prior to my care. Before I adopted her, she would not allow anyone at the clinic to place a collar on her, but on our way home together for the first time, she licked my neck the whole way. She knew I was going to save her. They all know. My male Rotty who is now 10 1/2, remembers his mother who died 8 years ago from cancer. When I ask him, "Rommel, where's Samantha...where's mommy?" He growls and then barks loudly. He remembers his mother as if it were yesterday. If you spend some quality time with your dog you will see they have emotions and they remember more that you ever would expect. For that I am grateful.

Cockers X3

Thanks so much for the advice for Cinnamon. We did not get her out as much as we should have when she was little, at least not to public places, winters in Wisconsin can be uncooperative at best. We previously had a golden "Molly" for 14 1/2yrs and she was the typical, friendly golden. We will use everything you suggested during our visit with our son and family and go from there with her socialization. I think I am overly excited and nervous with the upcoming visit and I need to take a deep breath and just enjoy it all and let Cinnamon enjoy it from a distance-at least to start. Thanks again for the great ideas. I knew I came to the right place to find the answers!!
Jan

SJ, regarding your 5 month Maltese:
Maltese are notorious for being picky eaters, what happens is you give in and change food, usually SOFT food. They are prone to bad teeth and NEED the "crunchy" food. You have to understand you have a small dog who still needs exercise! Also, at 5 months their food needs will change as they go through "growth spurts". Let her self-regulate; she is teething also which sometimes means she would rather have an ice cube than food. You have also made the mistake of feeding her "people food", so she will probably "hold out" longer. Believe me, when she is hungry,she will eat. Give her the feedings at the same time every day, she has 10 minutes to eat, then remove the food. (Make sure FRESH water is always available.) Give her walks and exercise and DO NOT project sympathy. If YOU make a big deal out of all this she will also... Just because HUMANS worry if their kids don't eat does not translate that DOGS need to eat everyday. I think if you calm down a bit and don't stress or become more and more anxious regarding her eating, she will feel the change in "energy" from you and respond positively. Hope this helps.........
I have been the local "dog whisperer" in my town for years, and have always had a connection with dogs andd understood them instinctively. Its nice to see Cesar come along and affirm "my way" of dealing with dogs...... My pack has always followed me without the need for training and because my "pack" is well-balanced they have helped many a dog that comes to stay with me find peace......

Hi,

I have a 10 month old yorkipoo (Chloe) who quickly decided she was the leader of the house and when outside barks at passers by and other animals from within our fenced in yard and/or chases birds/rabbits in our yard.

I started training her the treat reward way after we got her after I went to a local training class. I went to the class because it had been a long time since I have raised a puppy and I wanted to train her correctly. I have never liked that method though because I see it similar to the counting method with kids, they know how long they have before they have to obey, so I abandoned that and began trying Ceasar's methods. I don't get the chance to see every episode, but I have taken many notes on the ones I have. We have begun a twice a day 20 minute walk for Chloe and Ragan (our 13 year old shepherd mix). Ragan is very calm and seasoned and she seems to help some with giving a good exampled to Chloe, but I am still having a great deal of difficulty getting Chloe's attention out on the walk. She is very jumpy and very afraid of people although she seems to have no fear at all of other dogs and very interested in chaising any wildlife she sees. I have tried the "finger nip", stepping in front of her, tugging on the leash, tap on the backside with my foot, and even laying her down on the sidewalk; but I can't get her to look at me or to snap out of it. It is a little easier to get her attention when she spots another animal she wants to chase, but I can't seem to get her attention at all when she sees people or hears strange noises. Is there something else I can try that will help her snap out of it when she jumps at or away from something?

Also, is the best way to handle meeting strange people out on our walk to just ask them not to look at Chloe or try to talk to her or touch her until she settles down? What should I look for as an indication that she is ready to accept their attention? I just need to know if I am on the right track or if I am causing more problems with my efforts.

Cheryl

Shari-
Aww, It pulls at my heart strings to hear about your dog missing her companion. In a way, it is also touching to think that and realize that we have that sensitivity in common with dogs, and that we have the capabilities to communicate with them as well. I a have a cat named Zero, and he used to have a companion named Tama. The two of them would give eachother baths, sleep while hugging, chase eachother, it was love. Tama had a heart mumur, which gave him a short life. He died on the way to the emergency vet, which broke my heart thinking that if we lived closer, he might have been saved. As soon as we brought Tama home in a shoebox, Zero had serious interest in it and he knew something happened so he lay next to the shoebox where his buddy was in. Zero is a compassionate cat and he loves dogs and other cats, but I swear that he has never been the same since his first buddy died. We have 2 other cats now, and they both love Zero, and he loves them, but he spends more time away from us than he ever used to. Well, I hope the best for you and your dog and its nice to see people like yourself and others who watch the dog whisperer care about their dog's needs.

TO Cheryl: I was taught that the best way to get a dog's attention on a walk is to start walking backwards using a series of small jerks on the leash when he stops paying attention to you. As soon as he turns and starts to follow you, praise him.

If he is paying attention to you, he will turn with you and avoid the jerks on his neck. I start walking backwards as soon as I see a squirrel or anything distracting. My dog knows he better look at me when things get exciting, because some directional change is about to take place! This method works great. Dogs learn much, much faster this way that it is their responsibility to follow you, than by the constant pulling back on the leash as you continue walking forward (that never worked for me.)

I even trained my friends husky mix who pulled like a maniacal sled hound from hell using this method. One step out the door, the dog lunges forward hard enough to dislocate my arm, and snap, I'm walking backward. Took about 10 of these in a row, but she finally GOT it , and what a relief to care for her the rest of the week.

we got a maltese from a breeder he always feed him dog
food, but you know as soon he came to our house we spoild
him by giving him table food (small/cutie) know he does not want to eat his food and I'm afraid he will suffer
from hypoglycemia(low blood sugar) I went to the store and got all for my picky eater(can food,chicken,you named i got it) still he want table food..(he is healty and playful) PLEASE SOMEBODY HELP ME I'M DESPERATE AND SCARE THAT HE NEVER WILL LIKE TO EAT DOG FOOD AGAIN.......

Hi Suzy- The best thing for you to do is obviously stop the table food and just put down the dog food. Don't worry, your dog won't starve, when a he sees there are no better options he will eat his food. You can't cave in and feel guilty and give him little nibbles from the table-it could take a few days but if you offer nothing but dog food the problem should be taken care of. I know it's hard but you have to be stern in this if you want the behavior corrected.

thank you karen dog w; for your comments, well i spoke to the vet and he told me for the moment boild some plain chicken and mixed with his dog food, i did it and he eat
some of it, i can't take him for long walk because he is
only 7pounds and he get tired (is our first pup)
please understad me .................

Dear SJS:

Tosas were banned from coming into England in the late 1980's and into this country in the early 1990's and I'm sad to say they are here. They are the most dangerous dogs bred for fighting and they are not here to be someone's pet. Be very careful around this dog. The people who get them are only getting them for the "thrill" of owning and trying to control such a powerful dog.

Be safe.

Hi Susy- You're welcome, I've had the same problem with all of my german shepherds.
We do give them table scraps, but only after my husband and I are done eating and there are leftovers-not enough to keep for another meal.
So we are guilty of this ourselves but when we have nothing to give them, they wait to eat their dog food until they see there is no chance of getting anything else and they eventually eat. it's still wrong but we have confidence that they will eat when they get hungry enough.

Thumper is in very caring, good hands-keep up the good work!

Oh a note to everyone- I just started reading Cesar's book- "Cesar's Way"- it's excellent I can't put it down.

I was taught that general obedience training is helpful to calm aggression. Two reasons: 1) if your dog is in a solid sit-stay or down-stay when meeting someone, she cannot be lunging and biting at the same time. 2) When the dog learns to walk at heel, sit and lie down on command, she feels that you are in charge. This calms her down, and makes her less fearful in the first place.

It did work for me. I adopted a shep/husky mix who was totally sweet and mellow. After about a month he became territoral and protective, charging and barking frightfully at visitors. I was told that he thinks HE is in charge, and he should be obedience trained. He completely turned around. Anyone can walk in my house when I am home now and be greeted by a wagging tail. In a down-stay he is completely relaxed, not tense and restrained.

Who knows what this little terrier's issues are, or whether they can be easily overcome, but a good obedience class seems worth a try, with special attention to sit stay, down stay and walk at heel, of course without people to distract her at first. The first thing is to get the commands really solid, then you try them under fire!

Our vet recommended we give our 10m old Pitt Bull/Dalmatian benadrl to calm him down sometimes, has anyone ever heard of this and is it safe?

Hi acw,

It is important for you to get some hands-on help within your home. I'm sorry you could not find a bahaviorist/trainer in your area through Cesar's site.

The reason I still bring this up, is anytime a dog, even a puppy, gets "put on the ground", it must be done correctly. This is a physical disciplinary manuver, where things can go wrong. If the pup is accidentally hurt, you are bitten, or even if you pull back and give-up, the whole situation can be made worse.

"Do not attempt these techniques yourself, without consulting a professional" appears on Cesar's show for situations just like these.

The best thing for you, is to really analize and work on yourself and anyone else who lives with, or interacts with your dog. What personality type are you? Are you nervous, hyper, or fretful? Do you have a "high-pitched" voice? Do you baby talk and cuddle your dog? Does the dog sleep in bed with you? Does anyone play "biting games" with your dog...Think about anything which may communicate you are not a leader, even indirectly.

Does the dog act differently with your trainer? Maybe she could give you some lessons within your home. If she is indicating you are not in the dominant position, ask her to be specific about why she feels that way, and what she recommends YOU do to change the situation.

Sorry, I'm not much help!

Hang in there, and keep watching Cesar's show for more tips on how to show your dog, YOU are the leader. :)

Deb

Just got Ceasars book, can't wait to read the whole think.

Yeah when you make a dog submit the best way is to not even use any touch.
My Beagle i can just stand there and make him submit when I want to.
My Bullmastiff on the other hand I have to use some force to get him down and then hold him down until he calms down, since he is a dominant type. Eventually my bullmastiff will submit w/o any touch. You just have to keep reinforcing you're the leader EVERYDAY.
I happened to read a section in Ceasar's book that said basically the same thing on what to do.

I adopted a dog from a shelter who was very fearful and almost emaciated - she had evidently been hit by a car and also been abused, and was 7 mos to a year old. I read Cesar's website advice along with that of other sites, and implemented the "pack leader" approach from the start. She was very quick to learn and affectionate, and I took her everywhere with me. She was quick to learn how to heel, and also, miraculously, learned not to tug on the leash when we went for our walks. She had to be taught how to play. The pack leader approach was working very well. Alas, she had a severe case of separation anxiety along with a tendency to growl/snarl at people she knew to be my friends as they had been in my house and car and had met her. I tried some of the methods for dealing with separation anxiety, but over time I found they weren't working well since I was trying to deal with it by myself...we had no "social network" to help us. Had I only had one issue to deal with - separation anxiety OR being overprotective of me/growling/snarling at others, I probably would have been able to handle it, but both together were outside my abilities. I ended up contacting some rescue groups who could help her work over her hurdles and socialize her - she is now with one of them. I feel so bad, but grateful to the rescue groups. Although Cesar says dogs "live in the moment", I cannot help but think her terrors are attributable to a miserable beginning in her life. My heart is broken as I bonded well with her, but I didn't want to make matters worse by doing something wrong, so I feel ok about getting her into a different situation [at least she's not in a shelter]. Does anyone have any thoughts about how to figure out if a dog might be prone to separation anxiety and protectiveness? My friends [who were fearful of her themselves] said I shouldn't get another shelter dog. She was an Aussie mix.

Re: beagles. My husband's family used to raise beagles (for hunters). Beagles are high energy; they want to track, but any old job will do. The long leashed walk is essential, and if it's possible, an unleashed walk through a park, wooded area. They love to howl - when they're part of a hunting pack, that's how they communicate, but again, they don't save it for special occasions. If it's disturbing you or your neighbors, consult a trainer. If you're going for a walk, wait until they're quiet before you put the leash on; if they're barking at feeding time, wait until they're quiet until you put the dish down, and the quiet one gets fed first.
One trick for the persistent howler, the barker who charges the door (or charges generally) is the "coffee can". It's not 100%, but it's worth a try: put about a dozen nickles or quarters in a metal coffee can and when the dog barks or charges inappropriately give it (the can) a good shake. Works so well with the shep/lab (the smart one) that all I have to do now is say, "Coffee can" and she backs off. The Dumb One (shep/rottie) just gives me the "So?" look.

I have been wheelchair bound for 2 1/2 years. And I became fond of the pets I have had.But just as the wheelchair came into the picture.My home and pet were taken out of the picture from me.I guess what I am getting at is.
How is a person who is on a limited income supposed to be able to afford a dog or a cat when the shelter around here is charging $100 for adult dogs $110 for puppies or $80 for adult cats and $100 for a kitten?
I was just wandering if you had any words of wisdom or suggestions?

Thank You
Fred A

as for the dog and cat prices I would sayjust look in the news paper and thigs like that geese If you want one I hve a cat that just had kittens and you can have one. As far as going to a shelter Ithe ones here in Michigan they are like $50 for a grown cat and well I think that you should just keep an eye out for a FREE KITTENS sign.

I have a nine year old rescue dog ...she is so sweet. I got Sophie from a drug house and I have had her for 2 years. She has her weird moments she is scared of hadr wood floors and latley she is terrified of my boyfriend!!!
He has been in my life for a year now and she was fine with him until this last month. I don't know what happened to her but she shakes, shivers, hides , wont eat when he is near and we have tried everything we know, treats,bones, love, etc...
HELP. I have another dog, Mia she is 8 8 and wonderfull with him. I don't know how to break this and make it possitive again. There is nothing that I have found in research books,internet,that help me . What do I do?
Tammi

I can't help but wonder if some people confuse living in the moment and not dwelling on the past, with not remembering things from the past. Dogs have excellent memories. And memory plays a roll in how all creatures at times, might respond or react to a situation.

To new adopted Mom,

8 years ago we adopted a collie/retreiver mix and she was afraid of everything. We would take her out in the yard and she would just lay down cowering in a corner, or try to get under the porch. My husband and I would sit on the floor and pet her and for the first week or so hold her down while she would shake and try to get away from us. My husband worked with her everyday outside to get her to play, he would walk around and she started to follow him, he would pet her and keep walking around the yard more and more. After several months she would start runnig and "Herding" he and I which was pretty funny. She has come a long way, but will never be a happy go lucky non fearing dog. We have worked to get her a routine, and she seems to do better when she knows what to expect. She still will hide if a stranger enters our home, but after they are there for a while she will slink around to see what we are doing. Our understanding is that she was tossed into the woods as a puppy with het Littermates and was not scooped up by animal control until she was about 5 months old, and our Vet told us she will probably never be a " regular " dog because she missed the time in her life to understand that humans were not to be feared. She is such a sweet dog, we tried taking her to traing as a puppy, (which we had to carry her in and out of), but she did it, which for us was a big deal. So don't give up on your puppy, just don't expect her to be the most friendly dog to all she meets! She will be loyal to you and your family in familiar surroundings, and you should feel good about that.

Now my question for those who have had a dog like mine. Do you know of any training methods that might work on eliminating/reducing the fear in a dog like this? We have tried reinforcing positive behavior, unfortunatly, she has zero food drive, I could hold a piece of roast beef in front of her nose to encourage a behavior, and she would go the other way. Please send any suggestions you have, she is great, but just not as socially adjusted as we would like her to be. I would love to get Cesar's personal advice on this. One last thing is so is a beautiful dog, so people come up to her and want to pet her and she just shakes so we tell people to please not get too close.

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I adopted my boxer from a boxer rescue here in Greensboro(GSO SUCKS!!!!!) anyway, my boxer baby who is 13 months old came from an abusive household where a woman's live in boyfriend was abusing him(she decided to get rid of the dog instead of the idiot, lucky for me)however, as sad as his story was, that has not stopped me from giving him discipline when necessary. If he does something wrong, he gets punished. It is still my house, he lives with me. I set the rules and limits to what he can and can't do, i.e., sit at the dinner table when I am eating. HE knows what no is. Just because he came from an abusive household, doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants. Even with the boundaries, rules, and limits I give him, he's still one happy spoiled lazy boxer.