"There are no Bad Breeds" Just wondering if the same can be said about all the other preconceived notions of other breeds? You know, the ones that say certain dogs get seperation anxiety, are harder to train, bite, chew, bark too much or dig holes? Are these really traits of certain breeds that are true or are they all a matter of the pack leader truly leading?

IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO EDUCTATE PEOPLE THAT THINK THERE ARE BREEDS THAT ARE PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT OR "BAD". I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH CESAR'S RESPONSE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS THE OWBNER'S BEHAVIOR & DEMEANOR THAT IS KEY AND AS AN OWNER YOU MUST CHANNEL THE DOG'S ENERGY PROPERLY. I RESCUED A 5 YR. OLD GREAT DANE NEARLY 2 YEARS AGO AND IT HAS TAKEN THAT LONG TO EDUCATE PEOPLE THAT HE ISN'T STUBBORN OR UNTRAINABLE- HE NEEDED THE RIGHT KIND OF PACK LEADER AND THAT'S ME. I AM THE ONE IN CONTROL & NOW HE IS WELL TRAINED BECAUSE HE IS COMFORTABLE IN HIS ROLE AS BEING PART OF THE PACK AND HE KNOWS THAT I AM THE LEADER. HOPEFULLY MORE DOG OWNERS WILL REALIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A PACK LEADER FOR ALL BREEDS. DON'T WORRY CESAR-I WILL CONTINUE TO EDUCATE PEOPLE ON THIS SIDE OF THE COUNTRY!

This is a very touchy subject for me. I am a proud pack leader to my 6 year old rottweiler, Baxter and 2 year old english mastiff, Isabella. When it was just Baxter and I, when I took him on walks, I always found myself saddened that people would do this huge circle around us. Come on, folks, if my Baxter was a killer, you think I would be walking him in PUBLIC!!! Or taking him to the Petstores to greet other people and their dogs. Or allowing him to trot beside me on my bicycle off leash-- please, he is more concerned in keeping up with me, than taking a arm off. I'm VERY frustrated right now, I'm in the Air Force, military police, getting ready to move to Atlanta, GA and as of 14March06, I have found not one apartment to let me keep him. I cried myself to sleep last night, because I am having to actually comtemplate him no longer being in my life and it's breaking my heart. literally. I don't know what to do anymore, I feel like I'm being punished for owning a "bad" or "not- cool" breed when I have done everything RIGHT that he is good citizen, a good neighbor, well trained and well balanced mentally, and just because he's a frigging rottweiler, that means he wants to kill or maim something????? GIVE ME A FREAKING BREAK!!!!! Well, I'm venting and I apologize, I am just extremely frustrated and to think that I actually serve a country and am willing to die for my country and that same country won't let me keep the dog that I love... Unbelievable.....

was listening to a morning talk shoe during my drive to the metro this morning, and the DJ was talking about how he wanted a dog for the show. So, next thing you know people are calling in telling him how great their own dog is and how he should get "this" over "that". Anyway, after a lot of calls the DJ comes out and says that there is no such thing as a "bad" dog, just bad owners. He also says that all dogs can be trained to be aggressive, but, with a good owner can be trained to be very gentle and kind.

Now here is where I want to add an opinion. Yes...I agree that a good owner can train any dog to be very gentle and kind. But, I do feel that a dog that is naturally aggressive (Pitbulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers...etc) is still more likely to have a dormant (extremely) aggressive side that can come out at any moment. I'm pretty sick of hearing owners say, "But he was the sweetest thing and wouldn't hurt anyone". It sickens me that there are so many people out there that go out and buy rotts, pitbulls and other naturally agressive dogs because it's "cool" to have a "mean" dog. It kinda makes the possible laws banning these types of dogs have more backing when there seems to always be an article in the paper about some family pittbull that attacked one of the kids in the family...bad owner? Maybe, but probably just a naturally aggressive dog that has been trained to be nice up till that moment....hopefully I won't be around for "that" moment.

This too is an interesting article which a friend sent me from The New Yorker.

http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/060206fa_
fact

I have six dogs, one full APBT and one Bully/Chow-Chow. Both rescued. The Bully/Chow-Chow is aggressive toward one other male in my house, and so far that is it. He came from a home of neglect. My APBT is a puppy, unwanted and headed for a high kill shelter before I got her.

I love Ceasar... I hope he will continue to support all dogs being target for killing. It is outrageous and a sign of our confused time.

I also believe there are no bad breeds but there are definitely breeds that have more energy than others and need more exercise. I have a German Shepherd and a Terrier/Basset hound mix and both dogs need regular walks but my Shepherd isn't even winded after I'm dragging the other dog around. As we have seen on Cesar's show some of the most aggressive dogs are very small but they aren't going to do a lot of damage where as a St. Bernard could literally take a kid out with one bite. High energy, powerful breeds need more exercise and discipline because of what they can do if they are pent up with excessive energy. I think about dogs that were in my neighborhood while I was growing up and the ones I was terrified of that threw themselves against the garage door barking ferociously anytime anyone walked by or the ones tied up struggling to get free. I didn't know better than, I just thought they were mean dogs but now it makes me really sad and angry at those people that made those dogs live like that.

Linnea,
Let me first say THANK YOU! Thank you for serving our Country and risking your life, so we may be free and safe to live ours!!!

NEXT....Try to see if you can rent a house maybe? I own a Rott also, but rent a house (it also helps that I am best friends with the owner). Might you also try contacting veterinarians, shelters, animal activists, ANYONE in the area you are going to move and start looking for a place to move into that way? People who own dogs, or are around dogs all the time or are activists for dogs will have connections like no others!!!

Also...I would talk to the Manager of the apartment building and have a heart to heart with them when looking at the apartment of interest. If they have a pet deposit, then that means they except pets!....Tell them basically what you just said here and talk to them from your heart....you may be surprised what reaction you will get!
Too Bad you aren't moving to Florida.....lolololol I don't even know you and my heart broke reading your post and would say come on, bring em all and you got yourself a room-mate! :o)
Please keep us posted and DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!! I'll be praying for you, that you will find a PERFECT place to live, just when you need it! God Bless you Linnea! KathyB

Linnea,
I hope your situation ends the way it should; you should not have to give up your dog. Just an idea for you alls future, I'm not 100% sure, but I don't believe they can say no to a service dog. Have you considered getting him cerified as a therapy dog? I know there's not time right now, but it could be an approach to these close minded landlords.
Best of luck, and if you neeed a short term home, I live in NC, am a professional dog walker and have a rott named Rose with a balance state of mind, we'd love to help out any way we can.

Vivian,
Are you (and your mom) sure your dog is not in pain? Please have that checked. She is sick, and suffering, crying would be normal. How can someone even think of throwing away a sick, suffering puppy is beyond me. If you really can't keep her, please contact the Humane Society, your vet or a local dog rescue organization. Believe me, there are people who are willing to take care of a sick dog.
Kathy,
It is not bad to hire a dog walker. Remember, Cesar was a dog walker before. I think it's a great idea for people who cannot provide the necessary excercise. I wish more people would do it. I see too many dogs that are locked inside for 10-12 hours each day, and then when the owners came home, they are too tired to walk their dogs.

Hi T-

I am not agreeing or disagreeing with you on the subject of
some breeds being "naturally aggresive". I am just really curious. I suppose this could be true when I think about the realization that professional breeders make it a point to study breeding for temperment, etc. If the breeders do this, there must be a reason behind it I guess. You never hear about scores of "Beagles" suddenly going on the attack.

For example: when I was researching Terriers, I heard over and over again true or not, that the "Wire Fox Terrier" was prone to biting. I kept thinking that it was something that I could deal with if it came up along with a professional BUT I was not willing to take a chance with.

Maybe there are breeds prone to cetain behaviors that hopefuly have the right owner to step in with behavior modification before problems begin or once they show up.

Help ASAP!!!

I have a very aggressive dog and her aggression is getting worse everyday and I fear for my family's well-being. A week ago some one gave me some advice on Cesars blog and we communicated back and forth untill the blog was erased. Can anyone else PLEEEAAAAASSSEE help me?

Thank you!!
Jackie

Jackie,

Have you got Cesar's DVD yet?
Are you applying the principles of ownership that he advocates; EXERCISE, discipline, affection, in that order?

Have you contacted a trained professional yet?

I would suggest getting Cesar's DVD asap and contacint a professional trainer.
Good luck and let us know how it's going.

Hi all,

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for the extremely sincere posts on my situation. Before I got on this site, I started looking at homes for rent(today, March 15) in the area, and have already found 2 that will take them. One of the homes has a lake in the backyard-- yea, Isabella will LOVE that since she likes to swim and Baxter, well, he wades cause he sinks like the freaking Titanic... lol.. (I had to jump in a canal in Miami to save him cause he slipped and just started to sink... I had to laugh after words, but I almost had a heart attack at the time.) So, basically, a huge weight just lifted off my shoulders after I talked to these two people and am feeling SO MUCH better knowing that I won't have to give him up, although he would have gone to my grandparents, who use to breed and train german sheppards back in the day, but it wouldn't have been the same cause they are in Texas and well, I will be in Georgia.

Kathy, I am down here in Homestead, FL right now.. If you are in Dade County you may have saw on the news last night about our base being in a huge terrorist EXERCISE... I will be in "camping" mode through Sat due to the exercise, (baby wipe baths, ugh), but if you live in Dade County, I'll be more than happy to come by, see him and how his energy level is. If you have a fenced back yard, you can always throw him a rope toy and let him wear himself out. I walk mine a minimum of twice a day, and even then, they both still have low indoor energy.

Anyway, thank you all for your support!! I'll keep ya'll posted!!

Linnea

Linnea,

So glad to hear the good news!!
And I just wanted to add my sincere appreciation for your service!
Of all the people that deserve a break, it's the people in our country's uniform!
You're a credit to responsible dog ownership and our nation. So, double thanks!

As an owner of a Chow Chow I totally fell apart when I found out that I would have to pay double for home owners/renters insurance because of my dog. Found out the hard way that she is on the bad-breed list. That is just sooo unfair! Wish Cesar could talk some sense into the insurance companies and rental property management companies!

Interesting though...my BF has a Siberian Husky and although she does more physical damage to the home and surraoundings with her propensity for landscape design and recycling (LOL) she is considered to be not a problem to the insurance company. She is actually more snappy and aggressive to strangers than my Chow! Geez!

This topic bugs me very much, because it is usually the people that are all uninformed and have no knowledge about dogs that label breeds. I wrote a huge long article in a local newspaper about "pit-bulls" and other "so-called" vicious breeds. I wrote how it's not the breed that is vicious it's the individual dog that is vicious, but it's not the dogs fault. It's most likely the owners fault who didn't give the dog what it needed to become a well balanced dog. So I just defended the breeds and etc....

WEll I have a bullmastiff who is 1 1/2 years old. He's a rescue from ABA Rescue. He's had multiple homes and people quickly returned him because they said he would fight with the other dogs and knock over the kids. WEll I have him now and he's fine with my Beagle. My bullmastiff only wants to play. (Granted he does play a little rough. He doesn't have give inhibition biting skills.) At training class he likes some dogs and doesn't like some dogs which is normal because you can't expect animals or people to like everything it meets.
I give him Exercise, Discipline and Affection and he's turning into a brilliant dog. He's passed to training classes and is now officialy certified to be a Therapy Dog. I can definetaly see how if he didn't get what he needs how he could become unbalanced and be hard to control, but that wouldn't be because he is a bullmastiff. That would be because it would be an ANIMAL, DOG that is unbalanced.

Now my older brother has an American Staff. and a Pit/Rot mix, both of those dogs are the most loving dogs in the world. They just love to give kisses and are little babies. They are nothing like the terrible pits that you hear about. Which goes to show it's not the breed. I might add that my brothers pits don't really get all that they need, with exercise , discipline and affection, but they are very good dogs, and are very obedient.

Remember dogs live in the moment. They don't wake up everyday and say,"I'm gonna kill a person today." Yes even vicious dogs don't wake up and say that.

Go Dogs!!!

Through watching Dog Whisperer I have stopped discriminating in my mind against pit bulls. I now see them as dogs, powerful dogs, but just dogs. Not hopeless born-to-be-killers. However, I will be honest and say that when I am out walking my two standard poodles with my 5 year old daughter, if there is a pit bull coming on a leash I still cross the street to avoid the meeting. This is not because of the pit bull like it used to be...it's because I have no idea if the owner is the pack leader. And if the owner is not the pack leader, by the time I find that out it may be too late. So I guess I've just transferred my discrimination to the other end of the leash.

sbp in Florida,
I have grown up or had Pitts most of my life and now I have a Rott (totally new experience I tell ya!lol).
I just wanted to say that I do not think you are being discriminitory by crossing the street! When I am walking mine I cross the street when I see someone else...not because mine is vicious or mean but because he is a HUGE puppy and would want to play!
You do NOT know what the owner of the other dog has done as far as training and wisdon on your part shows by your comments. Your right....its not the dog, its the owner, and the OWNER has the other end of that leash!
I live in a neighborhood where we have Pitts all over the place....and they are raised all wrong! Raised with all the wrong techniques and to be mean!
I will be going to by some pepper spray soon as I now have a Rott and not a pitt, so my situation is now different if I get charged by a full grown pitt.
Stay smart, use wisdom and I am happy to hear that you realize that Pitts are actually some of the very best dogs in the world to own!!!! KathyB

Just a question for some people here.

A few of you say you walk across the street to avoid a situation when another pit-bull is coming towards you. Do you walk across the street when any other breed like a Golden Retriever, Labrador or Beagle is coming towards you?

If you do, then you aren't discriminating. If you don't then you are discriminating against the pit bull.

*Anyway it's a VERY VERY smart thing to just walk across the street and avoid the situation no matter what breed the dog is. Like you all have been saying, you just don't know if that owner is a responsible owner and the leader in his pack. There's no need to have two dogs meet when walking. Don't take the chance.

John,

While walking with my husky mix,who is unpredictable, and likes some dogs but shows agression towards the others, I walk on purpose by the dog, so I can correct and teach my dog if she tries to charge. If I walk away, she will not learn proper behavior.
I don't care what kind of dog it is. I never had any bad experience with a dog, and I am not afraid of them, even pit bulls (there are many here, and not all are well trained).

I want to add that this same retrained Rottweiler that I own was the feature animal at the school show and tell with at least 10 kids touching him at all times. It was a very cool victory for a lost cause dog that nobody wanted.

I now write a short newsletter for my vet on dog care and short training tips.

Hi John R.,
I was one of the people who said I walked across the street when another person is walking their dog. To be more specific...Its ANY dog. I am not afraid of pitts and have had some of the best dogs in my life that were pitss.
I walk mine across the street as he wants to "play" and most people see my dog and freak!lololol KathyB

This is an answer to T about the bully breeds. If you know the animals, the conditions in which they live and their humans, believe me, you can see the attack and the tragedy coming. All the signs are there, you just have to be honest and knowing enough to recognize them. I have had Dobermanns and Rottweilers for 25 years. Owners who say "I never saw this coming." are in denial before and after the fact.

First, and very basic, is that one does not let ones dog run at large, period--gentle or aggressive. Dogs are said to have the IQ of a 2-year old child. Any one who allows a 2-year old "child" with sharp teeth, bite strength that exceeds 200 pounds, and claws, with animal strength that exceeds a human being's strength pound for pound, exceeds adult weight, needs to be incarcerated in an asylum.

Second, allowing ones dog to run loose in the neighborhood leaves the dog open to being hit by cars, attacked by other animals/humans, and or getting poisoned by getting into garbage/trash. That is neglect and abuse of an animal.

Dogs and the neighborhood should be lovingly protected by placing ones dog behind a tall locked fence, with the bottom of the fence covered to prevent the dog digging out or another animal digging into the yard.

The very act of keeping the dog protected, protects the neighborhood.

A good short read is at www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library/alpha.htm, entitled "Who's In Charge Here". Or, you can watch and really listen to Cesar Millan.

MAM

To Rottie Rescue Mom,
Thank you for your post about bully breeds. My daughter just adopted a 5 mo. old female pit bull and we just had another news report in our area where a pit bull jumped a fence at an apartment bldg and attacked a 52 yr. old lady. The dog wouldn't stop even after being shot by the police. We never hear anything on the news about the background of this dog, previous problems or the owners lack of responsiblity. Wouldn't there be warning signs to the owner? The news makes it sound like the dog just snaps and all of a sudden does this. We love Cesear's show and take our dog for walks daily, my daughter will be taking her to traing clases and she will be spayed next week, but I still worry.

I live in a townhouse community with 11 other townhouses and in all, there are 5 dogs. Three are pit bulls, one chihuahua and my beagle/lab mix puppy. My pup is in the midst of learning how to behave (11 weeks old) and my favorite dog, a pit, just loves her. Sierra, the pit, lets my Roxie nip her ears and nip her and she just paws her silly and holds her with her mouth. Her owners have a 8 month old and I have an 8 year old and 6 year old and when my daughter wants to go see their baby, my son has to go to see the dog. She is a wonderful dog. One of the other pits is VERY well trained and one is very hyper. It all depends on the training and how they are raised.

I watched the episode with Emily, and Bully Breeds and i am so greartful that someone, well respected and know, is being the voice for Pit Bulls and other bully breeds. I myself have had 2 and they are my babies, would not kill a fly. A bad dog is a result of a bad human, it is refreshing to know not all the stories on T.V. are about pit bulls and them "locking" their jaws and hurting other dogs and people. You are a result of your environment, people are, and so are dogs. Thank you Cesar for what you do for all the dogs you have helped and boosting the reputation of dogs that are unjustly feared.

I am not a "pack leader" I am an independent human being and I have no interest in having to control dangerous animals. You want pit bulls? Visit them in a zoo. Or take a picture and get them fixed and get rid of the breeds. They serve no useful purpose. I equate your radical view of dangerous dogs being ok to the NRA's position on assault weapons, like it's ok to own them. It isn't.

To Promytius syl:

So, let me get this straight, are you saying I'm a bad owner because I have a "dangerous" breed of dog? Where are your stats on pit bulls? Do you know what the leading cause of deaths last year was? Cigarettes, 440,000 people died of cigarettes... Do you know how many people died from pitt bull attacks last year? 4... 4 people died... More people died from car accidents, secondhand smoke, gun shots and heart attacks last year than ALL the dog bites and people killed combined. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!!! Do I feel bad for these people who were bitten/killed by dogs? Of course, but if YOU also did your research, you would have saw that alot of the dogs were homeless, scared, abused, hungry, frightned. For you to say that a pitbull, german sheppard, rotteiler, doberman, akitas, chow chows, wolf hybrids are "dangerous" breeds is WRONG because ANYBODY can make ANY BREED AGGRESSIVE!!!! That's just like saying all arab people are terrorists-- are you also saying that? The underlining problem with you is, you are lazy, you don't want to take the time OR pride in training a dog, especially a dominant one and so you choose to blame THE DOG for your issues. So, you aren't a pack leader or you don't want to be a pack leader, you don't need ANY dog... Plain and simple... Take of gardening or something...

to promytius,

I wish we could get rid of people who are like you, not pit bulls. Have you ever had contact with a pit bull? They are the sweetest dogs on earth, it's people who make them agressive. Why not get rid of these people?

Linnea,
Great post, thank you.

Shawna,

I am sorry about your Rott. I can't understand why was he put to sleep. The guy trespassed with all bad intentions. How come the criminal has so much power! I agree the dog should get a medal.

I got my Rottie pup about two months ago and he is doing wonderfully. I also have a Jack Russell (11lbs)I adopted from the Humane Society. Problem is that the Rottie is great but my Jack has started becomming aggressive. I have done dominance training and it works for me but my boyfriend and children are unable (or I think unwilling) to assert themselves appropriately. They tend to just yell. I have told them that it is only natural for the puppy to have energy or the Jack to dislike being teased but I work evenings and rarely see them interact. I just wanted to say that my Rottie is an angel and it is my smaller dog who has the issues. I used to have a Great Dane and it would always amuse me to see people get out of the way, the worst he ever would have done is sit on somebody :) If anyone has any recommendations for my Jack I would be appreciative. Both dogs are male and that may be an issue. The Jacks aggression isn't with the pup though, just my daughter and her father...wierd.

Hi! I honestly believe that it is the owner, not the dog, also. However, I have a 5.5 month old pit mix(adopted from shelter...was told was an Aussie mix but vet says it's pit which scared me at first til I researched) who is NOT getting it. I am asserting all the pack leader traits and she still thinks she is boss. Sometimes she is sweet and she knows all her commands...very smart. But her aggression is getting worse. She growls at everything lately and any dominance training I do she gets worse. Is she coming into her first heat soon? She will be spayed in 2 weeks. She has always been very mouthy and seemed to get better for awhile and is now worse than ever. I walk her a lot and have her on a routine. I had a trainer evaluate her and he said she was friendly ,smart but a pushy pup. We put her on a prong collar and she is great on it. But, off...forget it. Any suggestions? Maybe I have been TOO dominant and she is defensive. Is this possible and how can I turn it around...or is it posssible for her to respect me and the rest of my family? My one child is heartbroken over the dog's behavior. It would break my heart to give the pup up...someone help.

To promytius

I have a nine year old pit bull who before i got her was a fighting dog and yeah i will admit when i first got her she tried to attack every animal in sight but a simple smack on the back and a no maybe two times ended it. It's just like teaching a puppy how to be house broken. Now i had three cats and when my dog gets to close to the older one the cat will swat her face with nails out and guess what the dogs does... WALKS AWAY!!!!!!!!! She cuddles and baths the other two cats and chases them when they fight. BUT DOES NOT BITE!!!!!! I also have a seven month old daughter and little brothers and sisters and out of all the years i had her and out of all the times she has gotten her ears pulled, tail pulled, legs pulled, sat on ect. She has NEVER bite of growled she just walks away and goes into another room. And if you look into it PITBULLS are the forth from the bottom to attack.
And another thing while my little brother was drowning in a river guess who pulled him out.... HIS PIT BULL.

Now if you would please look at this and tell me who the real dangerous dogs are???
Click here: the pit bull problem (what is man without the beasts?) - flash

I'M A LOVER OF THE PITBULL, BUT MY WIFE GOES ON THE LOVE THE NEWS TO LEARN ABOUT THE BREED. IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO EXPLAIN TO HER HOW THE PITBULL IS THE BEST BRED DOG OUT THERE, BUT BEING THAT IT'S BEEN IN THE WRONG HANDS IT'S NOT EASY. I USED TO OWEN A COUPLE APBT'S AND I'M STUDING THE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF THE APBT TO HELP EDUCATE MY WIFE. I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD AT LEAST TRY TO LEARN THE BREED BEFORE THEY START LABELING IT. I'M LOOKING FOR A APBT NOW, BUT MY WIFE WANTS ME TO PROVE TO HER THAT THE ONE I PURCHASE ISN'T GONNA EAT OUR EIGHT, AND FOUR YEAR OLD.

Dear Cesar,

I have recently become very fond of bully breeds even though I don't own one. As a dog rescuer, I really appreciate your efforts by taking on the difficult and frustrating tast of educating people about power and bully breeds (and other dogs as well).

MK

I never thought I would be an owner of a pit mix breed puppy but we fell in love with one from a rescue. I have two children 5 and 7 . We have always had dogs in my home and know how to raise and train them. ,but I'm a little concerned about this one. He has shown signs of aggression to my son who is 5 , too many times for me!!! I do not give up easily! I had a trainer come and tell me he is trainable. That is in the making. But for now I can not get him to stop biting when he gets in his playing mood,tornado mode, I call it.I have tried many things, turned him over on his back, in the crate for the settledown, u name it. He's a little rough around the edges!!! Please help with any suggestions anyone! He is neutered and 3 months old.

I really think people that have no experience with any breed of dog don't have the right to stereotype someone elses dog. It is unfair to the dog and to the pack leader. I have successfully raised and trained 3 bully breeds ( as they are called ) and as the pack leader, have had no negative experiences. Cezar is 110% correct. Show the dog that YOU are pack leader and also show any dog you are in CONTROLL of any situation. Problems arise when the dog or dogs feel they have to step-up to the plate and confusion along with tension between you and the dog compromises pack status. Especially after that cute little pup grows and hormones kick in overdrive if not spayed or neutered. All dogs of all breeds and mixes have good and what I call MISUNDERSTOOD traits. Educate yourself and your family. Take the time to do your homework, stop in at a puppy class and observe and learn all that you can BEFORE adding a dog into your family and be prepared. Talk to a vet beforehand. Any dog can do and be anything you desire, BUT it does take dicipline, patience and controll. Just think of a little Chihuahua jumping on your lap and running all over the house, cute? YES. Now think 100lb. Rottweiler doing the same, cute? NO. Research the breed. Look at your lifestyle. DO NOT GO ON IMPULSE. There is a breed of dog for everyone who desires a packmate. If you cant controll yourself, how will a dog feel in your pack? Confused, and a sense of a nonstable pack leader will entice the dog or dogs to take over. End result, what humans call "BAD DOGS". Be confident, dogs see that, and always take Cezars advice.

Help me!!
I have two bassets. A brother and sister. We got them at 5 months old. They were crate trained but not house broken. They are now 10+ months old and destroying my house. When can I expect that the puppy stage will end and they will mellow out? They listen when we yell but if you leave them alone for even a second to run upstairs to get laundry or to go to the bathroom they tear something up, carpet, cabinets, linolium flooring, couches, in the yard they dig, eat plants, shrubs, bulbs. I can't have them unleashed. I walk them and they have free rein of the kitchen and sometimes the wreck room when we are home. When we go out we crate them. They come when I call them, they sit, they do down, they are obident until no one is around. What am I doing wrong? I don't want to fix anything in the house until this stage is over. When can I expect that?

that is soo true my friend is a bad owner and i have told her to practice training her dog and taking it for walks she never listens. so when she is out of town i get stuck watching it ,it is soo aggressive that i just can't go by it . and she made the misstake of getting another. she pretty much negects them so they are not social so i took them for walks not scared but one atacked me and i got a deep cut in my arm. and i did take them back to my house and put them in a area and fed them and scolded them. they are Border Collies. i am watching them for spring break and don't know what to do. how can i keep them under control?

Gina:

It sounds like our pups are siblings except mine is older so I guess not. Ours was the same at 3 months. It seemed to get better and now she is a tornado again as you say. the biting got better, now the jumping aggressively has taken its place. I am putting so much into this and feel as though it isn't paying off. I am stressed.
Kiki

To Danny E. - Wonder if promytius.syl has taken your advise yet? If not, what a shame, the world is a sadder place with him in it. Is this guy for real? Since watching Cesar, it has opened a whole new world for me. I too am cautious around certain breeds, but I have also learned that untrained and unsupervised dogs, no matter what their breed, can be dangerous. I certainly hope this guy gets a life, and real soon.

To John R. - Why in the world would you keep your mouth shut and not speak up at training class for your Mastif?

You've paid good money to be there, and to not get what you paid for is a shame. What a disservice to you and your puppy. Your nicer than I would be under these circumstances. The main reason you are there is to get support in training your dog; not be told to go to the wall. You are not being given the opportunity to accomplish what you are there for. This situation reminds me of a placque I have at my work station. It says "STAND UP FOR YOURSELF". Do I sound like I'm learning? 5 or 6 years ago I would have never written a letter like this to anyone. I'm a work in progress and your situation is upsetting me.

Apparently you are one who appreciates Cesar's teaching or you wouldn't be on this web site. I'm afraid I would have to take issue with the trainer. I would have to speak to him regarding is lack of support in your case. His obvious inability to help you shows "he's not much". I would also speak to the individual members of the class. Ask them if they would have a problem going along with your request to be a viable member of the class at all times. When this particular exercise is to take place, ask the class members if they would separate, to make a larger area between each one, so you can walk thru with your Mastif. I'm sure they would accomodate you. Use the teachings of Cesar during this excersice. If the trainer wants to know what your doing. Tell him your traing Cesars Way with his help and the help of your fellow classmates. Hope things go well and good luck.

Remember - STAND UP FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR PUPPY.

I have a question for pit bull people. I have adopted two females bully pups that are now 4 months old and have begun to get into fights. I was advised to seperate and told that female siblings are the worst senario and I should find another home for one. I am now crating & rotating and wonder if anyone has ever had success with two females from same litter or is this an impossible situation. They are both beautiful, well behaved & real sweeties otherwise and both get along fine with my male lab mix. Thanks for any advice.

dose anyone know were I can find the backpacks Cesar uses when walking dog's. XLarge one's Thank's

My daughter owns a very nice 4 year old pit bull. He's very playful, but wouldn't think of biting anyone. Anyway she's looking for a place to live, (closer to work), and the 1st place she likes and wants to rent, the owner says they need to look at the pet before renting. Needless to say he takes one look at Riff-Raff and he says "Nah, that's a pit bull", she tries to show him he's well mannered, and controllable, but it's no go right from the start. The next place she stops they only want to know if she's had him for awhile, not caring what breed, but they decided on knowing what they could see about her. If there's a moral, i guess it would be to not give up. If you can't find a place to rent that'll let you keep your pet, maybe it's time to look somewhere else? This was a recent (yesterday) experience!

Allun,

I don't know... This is one thing I can't figure out, but I don't try to hard in this area either... My rott, Baxter, will kiss/lick a complete stranger if he really, really likes the person. And while that turns alot a people off, those same ones said that they would rather have him kiss/lick them to death than bite them to death... It maybe just me, but I don't see the harm in him kiss/licking people... Sorry I couldn't help at all...

Ceaser you are sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo HOTT you are just a doll.

Ginny C. & Linnea,
Thanks for the replies. Like you say it isn't a big problem, but she's like that with everyone. We go to the park for her daily walk, and someone will say "What a pretty dog, can i pet her?", and i usually let them knowing her penchant, and she'll just lick them so much they back off. I will start attempting to leash her when someones coming in the house, as that's the most intimidating. (She's always on the leash on walks already, but i hadn't attempted to discipline her licking. It just seemed counter-productive, as most people have the opposite kind of problem. :)

Hi everyone! All the tips here very helpful. I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me. I have an almost 1 year old Min. Dachshund, female, spayed. She is a pretty good dog. She loves meeting new people. However, she does not like other dogs. She is unsocialized with dogs. We were in a puppy class when she was 8 wks old, but she got very sick and missed a bunch of classes. We didn�t know any dogs so we were rarely around them. Every once in a while we were and she got more and more uncomfortable around dogs as she got older. Whenever she sees another she wants to run after them and bark. Now my Brother-in-law has a 8 month old Jack Russell, female, spayed. We are trying to get them to be able to be around each other. My dog just goes nuts when we are around her. She barks and screams like crazy. We cannot really contrrol her when she does this. She doesn�t touch the dog or bite or anything. Just barks and sometimes growls. The Jack Russell isn�t scared, she just runs after my dog and wants to play. Should we just let them go and not interact with them as long they don�t hurt each other? Should we do something else to take it slower? Does anyone have any experience with this? Any ideas? Thanks.

Melissa,
Did you see Cesar's show (don't recall the title), that had 2 dating people who's dogs couldn't stand each other?
IIRC, Cesar had mentioned it was a good idea to introduce dogs by walking them side by side. He also (in several shows), dealt with dog aggression by the walk, and with the discipline of changing the dogs focus (correct timing is important here), with a mild leash yank, or a tap on some sensitive part of your dogs body...just when your dog starts his first level of attention/focus on another dog. This has done great things for my pup. I now make her sit in front of arch enemies and ignore them. I don't think "just letting them go at it" is a useful idea. Try watching more episodes of the Dog Whisperer. Cesar's made a believer out of me!

I have worked with all types of dogs. I have done behavorial testing at humane society's and owned a dog grooming shop, vet tech etc. I personally loved the pitt bull breed. Lots of energy, smart and loyal. I was always an advocate for the breed and placed plenty up for adoption (mixes as well)and contacted rescues for those I that did not pass the behavior testing. Sadly there were alot euthanized because of aggression.

I had a Schnauzer, Jake, 13 yr old but now gone from Cancer. Jake survived an attack from 2 pits, an intact male and a female running loose. Jake was on a leash. They came from no where with a mission. To kill my dog. I grabbed their collars and would not let go. I would not let them kill my dog. They even knocked me down but I did not let go. Finally neighbors came out and started swinging bats. I would not let go. The neighbors watched my injured dog and my son while I dragged thise dogs back to their owner since there was a boy who knew where they belonged.

2 years later I have Jake on a leash to put him into my car. A neighbor had a stafishord terrior who pulled from her leash and grabbed my Jake in the neck. 4 of us held her because I yelled "do not let her shake him". A neighbor grabbed a pipe and wacked the dog after a few solid hits she let go. I rushed my bleeding and in shock dog to the vet. You could see Jake's juggler vein pumping through one of the huge gashes. He survived that too.

I feel that there are dangerous breeds! I also believe that owners are responsible for their dogs actions. BUT...I have seen the completely unpravoked attack's from these "strong dogs", never did they stop to sniff my dog they came right in for the kill. They were so powerful that it took the efforts of several people and weapons to get them off. If you are going to have one train it. If you have a dog that causes harm, be prepared to pay the price.

I will not be an advocate for the breed any longer. I truly think that Cesar is a dog's angel and I watch his show faithfully but I will never like the pitt bull again.

Robin,

I first want to say, I'm sorry about hearing your dog was attacked by pitbulls... truly, I am... however, I don't agree with you on "certain breeds being more dangerous than others". I would also like to tell you that I don't own a pitbull, but I've met plenty of them, and I even fostered one in my apartment in Miami for a month and I've had wonderful experiences with them. I just I want to say, try not to let one or two bad seeds ruin in for the whole breed in general for you, because there are tons of them out there that need our help. I have included a link of a list of 18 dogs most likely to bite a child(not kill). There's three things I want you to notice or take away from this list.

1- Where is the pitbull sitting on this list?
2- What breed of dog is sitting at Number 6?
3- What are you noticing of 10 of the 18 breeds on this list?

I will agree with anyone on the saying that when big dogs bite, it does more damage, but it has also been reported that small dogs attribute to more dog bites than there larger conterparts but sometimes go unreported because the damage "isn't that bad" and I would not go there, that large dogs are the only dogs that can kill, because I did find a report were a pekinese KILLED a baby while it layed in bed, severing it's throat.(NOTE- if I find the article, I will post for proof, found it a few months ago.) ANYWAY, the point I'm trying to make is, that any dog can bite, any dog that's not properly socialized can bite/attack another dog and any dog whether small or large has the potential to kill a human being, and it's the human/owners responsiblity to work, train, and socialize their dog of ANY size to be a well-behaved citizen.

Linnea

http://foxnews.webmd.com/content/article/119/113374.htm

I was wondering what advice Cesar has for someone who does not have control over the problem dog. I have two small dogs, one terrier and one miniature poodle, both are rescues and live next door to a very aggressive pitbull mix who has attacked or bitten other dogs and people on the block, but all have been too intimidated to do anything about it. The pitbull mix has ripped holes in our wooden fence trying to get at my dogs, and sometimes I find him running unleashed out front of his home. It is a nightmare. It has even charged towards me unprovoked, so now I drive my dogs 5 miles away for their daily walks, just to avoid any problems. The funny part is that I work with dogs all day long at a dog-daycare facility and can handle many dogs and breeds with no problems, but this one neighborhood bully has got me hostage!! What should I be doing to prevent my dogs from initiating any kind of negative reactions, and how should I act when I confront this dog again?
Please help! Thanks!

Dear Pitbull Neighboor:

The problem you are having with your neighbor's pit should be settled BEFORE something serious happens to your dogs, regardless of your relationship with your neighbor. It's not right that no one has filed a complaint as yet.

I lost my cocker spaniel, Berkeley, last year when a rott/pit mix chewed through its leash and charged at me and my dog, killing him. I was seriouosly hurt but after the attack, I had enough nerve to write out exactly what happened and drove over to animal control and filed a complaint. It turned out that dog had bit someone earlier in the year. It had also been reported but animal control never seized the dog. The idiot owner is someone I saw frequently in the neighboorhood but never seen the dog off leash before. Animal control had a file 2" thick on this person and dog and they went over to his house and took the dog away. It didn't save my baby boy from being killed but it did take a dangerous dog off the street. They fined the owner and advised him that he could no longer own a dog, especially a pit or pit mix.

I don't know if this helps but you must be proactive to protect your pups.

Good luck.

I believe that there are a lot of great pit bulls out there, and a lot of terrific owners, but... I can't ignore the fact that these dogs were originally BRED to fight other animals. Just as herding dogs tend to nip at heels when not really well trained, and terriers tend to dig...well you get the idea. Isn't it is deliberately ignorant to ignore breed tendencies?

An untrained lab or golden will be annoying and jump all over you with its muddy paws, but hey, that's about as bad as it usually gets.

How can I know that any particular pit bull owner has carefully trained his dog not to grab mine in its powerful jaws and shake? I have certainly seen many lunging aggressive pits with "bad" owners. My friend lives next door to 2 pits that terrorize her children, leaping and snarling at the fence (will it hold??) when the owner is not home. I would rather these bad owners had a toy poodle! I am very leery of these powerful dogs.

My own experience is that I once adopted a cute little (20 lb.) male terrier mix who turned out to be aggressive to other males. I was very conscientious and tried to train him out of it, but I was unable to succeed. I'm sure Cesar could have done it! Now I have a female herding type dog, and she is friendly with all, so I do not need that level of skill and knowledge just to keep everyone safe.

Unfortunately, uneducated people get pets for the wrong reason. They see Paris Hilton with her tiny dog and guess what, they want one too, or 101 Dalmatians, same thing. Do you have any idea how many Chihuahuas are in local shelters - thousands, Dalmatians - hundreds. Go online to Petfinder.com and list dog, by breed and the site will take you from the west coast to the east coast, with heartbreaking pictures of dogs in high kill shelters or are safely rescued by a group.

The cycle always repeats itself. If you can't manage a dog on your own, make it your responsibility to find it another home, don't "dump" at a shelter. It's against the law here in California to do that. If a dog is turned in by the owner, the owner must give specifics about the dog so the dog can be evaluated and put up for adoption. Most dogs (older then 7 or 8) are put down by the next day if no one shows interest. You'd be blown away how great these older dogs turn out to be. The sad part is the owner is told that the dog will be destroyed that day or the next day and they just leave. No feelings whatsoever. Why did they get the dog in the first place if they weren't going to live up to a lifelong committment. How do they explain this to their children? What does this teach their children. Will they grow up to be as irresponsible as their parents? The shelters do post "Caution" signs on the dogs that may not be safe for adoption but people are encouraged to walk them to get a feel for the dog. There are great GSDs, Labs, Rotties, even Pitbulls, who get the worst break of all. Every rescue I know here that has a pit or two, have turned them into (or they already were) excellent dogs. It's true, it takes a special person to adopt a pit but well worth it.

Every dog I have rescued from a "high Kill" shelter has been fabulous and has taught me something. Each dog has its own message.

Take care all.

it's not the dog's fault, owners are suppose to be responsible. Can you please send me a website that has the 20 most likly breed to bite?

To Joy:
Here are two ways that might stop playful biting. Both worked wonders on my new pup. She is the only puppy I know that kids can play with without getting their hands shredded by those needle-like puppy teeth.

One is to push down with your fingers on the back of her tongue when she starts to mouth you. This will be unpleasant for her, and she will try to get those fingers out of there!

The other is to yell OW! and pull your hand away as soon as she puts her teeth on you. Pretend it really hurts. She will get the idea that humans are just so, so sensitive! Dogs actually do this when they play fight. If one gets hurt because the other is too rough, the hurt one will give a high pitched yip or a sudden snarl, and all action will immediately stop.

Hope this helps.

hello i have a story may not be a good one but my question is still the same my sister has a bit bull one day they were leaving to go to disney world they went to put the garage door down and something fell in front of the eye and it went back up simmon the pit got out and went to a near house and got a cat and killed it, my question is can you ever stop a dog from wanting a cat or a cat from wanting a bird or mouse does there animal instinct ever realy leave simmom although he knows the differnce between people and animals should he be put to sleep for this they seem to be fighting a loosing battle willing to do whatever needs to been done. this was not the dogs fault i dont think he should pay the price of death, im a animals lover of all kinds but in this case i wonder can they ever realy resist unless brought up with a cator a bird or do they ever like them? simon is a good dog and i feel that pits rots german shep and other dogs get a bad rep because people make them that way. but if he has never been agressive to humans does that make him dangerous?

http://photobucket.com/albums/e23/stafford-edition/

I am having a difficult time accepting pitbulls. I knew a guy who used to raise them and sell them. He had a female for years and she went with him everywhere. Whenever you saw him, the dog was on the seat next to him. Then one day she just turned on him. Clamped down on his face. Took a year of surgeries to make repair his face. Why would this dog have done this, it was his best friend. The reason this is really bothering me now is two weeks ago my nephew was bit on his face and in the same day a pregnant women in the same neighborhood is now missing a chunk of the back of her thigh. The dog was supposed to be in his backyard but somehow escaped. These were 2 DIFFERENT dogs in the same neighborhood. A week later a 12 year old boy, not the same town but 50 miles away, was attacked and for the first two days they didn't know if he was going to live. But thankfully they have upgraded his condition. Kids have been killed but more often just hurt really bad. Where I live they used to have ordinance only allowing pitbulls with approval of a secure area by a police officer and building inspector. I thought that was great but that since did away with that. I realize people say the owner is responsible for their behavior and they are only mean because the way they are raised, but is it worth the danger it is putting other residents? I mean I have two border collies that for awhile they figured out how to jump the fence. But never NEVER did I worry about them hurting someone. I know there are good owners who raise good dogs but it is obvious that these dogs require alot of attention, much more than other dogs, and realistically how many owners probably do this?

Hello,

I am a first time blogger, first off I love the show. It is really insightful and has helped me to see different approaches to training my future dog. I am hoping to get an English Mastiff onde I move into my house. I have done countless hours of research on the breed and have even went to a breeder to see them in person.. Let me say WOW!! They are some HUGE dogs. I am curious as to why cesar hasn't had any shows with a Mastiff in it? Hopefully, it is because they are wonderful dogs haha. But, I think it would be cool if he did a segmant on an English Mastiff. Just trying to see if he really can train ANY dog...

Joanna,

I am getting tired of the ignorance of people who feel that certain breeds are more aggressive than others. My mother, who is a nice person, has a black lab who tore off one of my dad's good friends leg(hamstring area), blood was everywhere, my dad almost killed that dog on sight... He now lives in a fence and rarely leaves it. I have a friend, who has a golden retriever, who is soo dog aggressive, that dog is not allowed in my presence when my dogs are present. The dog almost got my rottweiler's ear tore off, and my mastiff's leg broke. You will be surprised, that RESPONSIBLE pitbull and rottweiler owners will have BETTER trained, more people friendly and tons better dog friendly dogs than your owners of "America's dogs" (labs and golden retrievers) Enjoy the show, never believe everything you hear from the media, they are basically a glorified barber shop, where gossiping and telling lies to make a story better or a shocker...

http://slideroll.com/show.php?s=0qywsgeq

We are new dog owners. We have a very aggressive lab- blue healer-shar-pei mix. We have been to puppy training and worked with him to try and get him to settle down .We do not want to be abusive but are running out of options . We have young kids and neighbors with small children and we fear of what might happen . We take Winston for walks and try to interact with him , but once he gets involved be begins to bite and scratch like he is trying to take control. I want to be control, Any ideas ???

how can i teach my rottweiler to stop biting? please let me know thanks

I have a dog and want second. ButI think that of my dog was out of control I personally wold call Cesar. He is the BEST dog trainer ever .I think that he can handly ANY dog.

Very best site. Keep working. Will return in the near future.

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