I have taught Dalmatians & Germand Shepherds to play tug of war...but I *always* ALSO teach them to release on command and I *never* allow them to "win" the game, it always ends when I say so.

I also played a form of "hide the ball" with my Welsh Springer Spaniel and he quickly learned to search for it. He would even look above his head for it...a concept not all dogs easily learn. In this case, I always made sure he "found" it...even if I had to show him where it was, and he was rewarded with praise, or a treat, or some play time with the ball.

Like any other training tool...games can help you attain alpha status - done right, or they can make you lose status - done wrong!

I think CM is referring to games you play with your dog that by losing, he gains status in the pack. I play tug with my puppy all the time, but I make sure I win 9 times out of 10. Hiding the ball doesn't seem that bad, unless, I suppose you're taunting him with it. I also use the kong for him to find, but use peanut butter in it as a reward.

I also wanted to add the comment that I find Caesar's techniques useful for training my house cats and dealing with my quarterhorse mare. It's hard to establish "rules, boundaries and limitations" with your pets, but if you don't, you might just have to move out of your house and let them take over.

People also need to take into consideration that playing tug-of-war and keep-away with your dog is also a great way to build prey drive for performance dogs. I have flyball dogs and to build prey drive I have someone hold my dog while I shake a tug toy and run away from my dog to encourage them to chase me. This exercise builds a fast dog with great prey drive - *essential* for a good flyball dog. I also allow my dogs to *win* and have their reward when the game is over. However, when I am ready to work again I give a firm out command and they immediately drop the toy and prepare to work again.

I think once you have established WHO the pack leader is is perfectly acceptable to play games with your dogs such as tug-of-war. People who encourage this behavoir yet never establish the pecking order within the family family are the ones that end up with difficult dogs later in life.

Once your dogs realize that YOU are the boss - you can really play any kind of game with them.

I have a 4 1/2 month old boxer and we are trying to master the walk. She does fairly well during the walk ( we are still learning though!) but the problem is getting the leash on her. She goes CRAZY when she sees it. I can get her to sit but when I try to put the collar on she wiggles and bites and plays like a maniac. It takes about 10 minutes of me and her wrestling to get the leash on. I have tried to be calm but you get the picture and I am sure my energy is anything but calm!!! Do ya'll have any suggestions about getting her to sit and be still?

CJ, thanks for the help!! I will try tomorrow and see if it helps. I do stand there until she stops but as soon as I move, like you said she is all wiggles again. I know my energy is not calm and I will try to bring it down a few notches!! Thanks again

CJ

Thanks, I joined the group, but I still have to learn how to navigate it. I saw a picture of Signal, what a cutie!

Hi CJ,

For some reason, some people think it's "cute" to get a pup all riled-up by encouraging them to bite by lightly slapping them on their muzzle, and then trying to keep their hands out of reach of the bites.

Usually it's kids, who don't understand what they are doing, might not be such a good idea. But, occasionally I've seen adults do this, and then just expect the pup to "shut off" their riled up state, when the human has had enough.

I definately consider this "teasing" a dog, and also teaching them it's okay to put their teeth on people.

Until, of course, the game goes too far...

Deb

One of sisters dogs like to pull my sister and me around on the leash and gets way too distracted when we are walking the other puppy how do we become more dominant??

I have another question: I do not live at my parents house but my dog does. the problem is my dog who just turned a year old this month likes to dig holes, tear things up and sometimes likes to leave the yard. I feel like its my fault shes digging holes and all the other stuff because im not there because im like 50-60 miles away working so I can get my own place for her and whatever new comers that come and my dog shes a big part of our family now and I dont want my parents having to get rid of her. Everytime I leave her (because I visit her) it seems like she keeps getting worse.. so what should I do??

I also have one more question How do I help my parents make our female German Shepherd become more protective of the family. Because she does not bark at people who come to the house or anything. They would like for her to become more of a guard dog as the other two are getting way too old.

k2,

Regarding comments about Cesar's book, I think this site is hosted by National Geographic to discuss the Dog Whisperer episodes and share personal stories and experiences.

Cesar's book is a separate project, and although it's contents will come up in discussions, it may be crossing certain lines to turn the NG blog into a book discussion.

Deb :)

Actually in Cesar's book he uses a few of his episodes of The Dog Whisperer to give you an example of what he is talking about. So in the book he mentions his clients from his show. So by talking about the book we are in turn giving a plug to to NGC.

So the two are working hand in hand with each other.

"I definately consider this “teasing” a dog, and also teaching them it’s okay to put their teeth on people.

Until, of course, the game goes too far…"

I have played this game with every dog I've ever owned and after 25+ years of dog ownership I have never had a dog that turned out a biter. Puppies play the same game with each other. I have 2 young dogs right now that are litter brothers. They are 18 months old and they still play the "mouth game" with each other.

As with most things concerning dogs it's all in how you handle it. I always teach my puppies that playing the mouth game is Ok, but they have to learn the limits of how hard they can play...just as they do with each other. And the game ends when *I* say so, not when they say so.

As Cesar says - you have to teach your dogs the rules, the boundries and the limitations, and that applies to play just much as it does to other aspects of their lives.

My Personal Opinion on teasing dogs: It's just plain cruel!
Dogs are loyal loving creatures and don't deserve to be teased or mistreated. Playful muzzel slapping is just plain stupid!
Some people think that just because they are having fun the dog is also. How foolish to use yourself (human) as a guide for another species.
I become so dissapointed in people who own dogs and do not educate themselves about dogs (or any other pet).

We have just adopted a greyhound two weeks ago. We take him for a call each morning around the block. All of a sudden he will stop and not move, head down ears back and I have to try to distract him. Biscuits help. It is confusing to me. I am wondering why he is behaving like this. Does he not want to walk or does he know when the walk is over we head to work. He is always excited about going out slips his head right through the collar. We hide 2 biscuits for him to find during the day and he loves to play with toys (we leave 2 out) and bones for him to chew on while we are gone. Also the radio (smooth jazz) is left on.

Sheena,

It sounds like your 1 old is not getting enough exercise.
I found this quote of Cesars in an interview on another site, it may help you gain more insight on what's going on with your dog:

“The frustration, panic builds up and there’s a lack of release for energy. … When symptoms are ignored, the traits are brought out to the extreme.”

“There’s no such thing as a bad dog. Pit bulls are not bad. Personalities are created by humans; dogs are not born that way.”

"Sometimes the answer is as simple as giving an animal more exercise. At other times it’s wise for owners to seek retraining."

“My way is not the only way,” Milan said. “It’s worked for 80 percent of people (on the show). The ones that don’t, it’s because they don’t follow through or keep focused.”

And do Millan’s dogs always listen to him?

“Now I’m insulted,” he said, bemused. “Of course they do.”

Since your dog does not live with you your parents will have to learn to take your dog on daily structured walks.

There are many things you can do to insure your dogs know you are the pack leader, the best way is to walk your dogs daily, the way Cesar teaches. Make your dog sit and wait until you have exited the house first, keep the leash short and your dog at your side, or behind, never in front.
Correct any behavior on the walk with a quick yank on the leash and a "no" or "shhh", directing your dogs attention back on you.

Being the pack leader is a 24/7 job. I would recommend getting Cesar's DVD, "People Training for Dogs" and his book, "Cesar's Way". The other things you can do to enforce that you're the pack leader are detailed in the book and DVD. Watch his show on Fridays...the lessons learned from this are invaluable.

I also agree with the other who have said not to train your GSD to be agressive/protective, dogs instinctivly know when to protect.

Good luck.

Dog Whisperer Moderator,

Thank you! I started Cesar's book last night. I'm enjoying him sharing his early childhood observations of both mother nature and pack interactions.

Doggone,

I respect the fact you are experienced with dogs and understand certain things through the study of Koehler.

However, I have seen this "game" go very wrong, one situation involving a dog getting hurt by the owner after this game went too far, and the owner had had enough. Not the dog's fault.

The bottom line for me, is to keep people and pets safe and to not encourage anything I personally consider contrary to what Cesar teaches.

No debate, ego, or posturing intended. :)

Deb

We have a 4-year-old poodle who did not have an aggressive bone in her body until she had her first litter this past December. She was a gentle, attentive, loving mother while the puppies were nursing. She warned the other animals in the house one time to stay away from the puppies box and they all honored that warning and kept their distance.
But since she has weaned the puppies when they were about 5 weeks old she has become very aggressive, even attacking the other dogs/cats in the house very viscously (sp?) if she feels they are infringing on her space or her attention from us. She even attacks her puppies and our Old English Sheepdog! She will also growl and snap at us if we do anything she doesn’t like now. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO HER??? Has anyone ever heard of this abrupt personality change following the birth of a litter? And what do we do to get our previous mild-mannered poodle back?
Thank you for any info/ advise anyone can offer.
Barbara

Barbara,

The first thing I would do is take your dog to the vet to eliminate any physical reasons for her behavioral change.
Having eliminated any physical reasons I'd start studying Cesar's philosophy by getting his DVD, book and watching the Dog Whisperer faithfully.

You don't mention if you've mastered the walk or if you and your family employ Cesar's rules of; 1. exercise 2. discipline 3. affection, in that order. Or if you're making sure your dogs know you are the pack leader?

It's hard to comment without knowing these things or seeing what's going on in the home.

In the meantime, I'd keep her seperated from any other animals she could possibly seriously hurt then consider getting her spayed.

Good luck.

We just aquired a pit bull puppy from our neighbor. He is a police officer, and rescued her from people who were going to have her put to sleep. She is about 3 months old and is very sweet. We love her very much. My husband is concerned that she my grow up to be mean to our boxers. She already growls and shows her teeth at them if they come close to a rawhide that she is chewing on. I think this is normal but I'm not sure. She seems to love our other dogs, and they play alot together. One other thing she does is bites on their thoats and leaves gashing sores (her baby teeth are very sharp). I try to stop her from being so rough but, I'm not always there when she does it. Our boxers just jump back at her and continue playing with her. Are these some signs I should be concerned about? I sure would appreciate some advise.

Thank you
Robin

I'm watching The Dog Whisperer, but not having a lot of luck walking my dogs. They still buck like a bucking horse. I'm trying to work on it. I will work at it some more tomorrow.

Robin,
"She already growls and shows her teeth at them if they come close to a rawhide that she is chewing on. One other thing she does is bites on their thoats and leaves gashing sores (her baby teeth are very sharp). I try to stop her from being so rough but, I’m not always there when she does it."

Your puppy is showing signs of aggression that will only escalate if not handled properly. Can you ask the police officer about her background? Was she being trained to fight? I think you should contact a training specialist and have her assessed. Is there anyway you can take a week to spend with your dogs for some concetrated training and exercise? I find using a dog back pack with some weight in it settles my dog into his walk. I have also used a pinch collar. A pinch collar will not hurt the dog unless you misuse it. It works by mimicking the bite of the Alpha at the throat.
Your Pit will grow to be very strong and have a very high pain tolerance. They are also very smart and independent which can make training frustrating.
Cesar exercises the principle of using a hand bite at the dogs throat and neck and then forcing the dog down close to the dog(s) that it bit until the aggressor has submitted.
You might be interested in getting his book and CDs so you will have access to more indepth info.
I find the commands "leave it" or "quit" work best to teach the dog where it can not put its teeth or mouth.
Remember this....A TIRED DOG IS A GOOD DOG!
Good Luck!

Robin,
SJS is right...a tired dog, well exercised is a much easier dog to control and teach boundries and limitations.
Get your new dog out there and walking on a leash, Cesar's way.
And then please consider getting his book and DVD, I can't tell you how much you will learn. Cesar has rehabilitated the absolutle worse behaviors imaginable. His dogs are so well balanced and from what I'm reading in his book it all starts with exercise and ALOT of it, especially for the powerful breeds. I don't know that your puppy requires the same amount now as he will when he's grown, but now's the time to start.
I would also look for a trainer/behaviorist that employs Cesar's techniques or ones like it ASAP.
Heaven only knows what kind of a start this puppy had, but no dog is born agressive dominant.
Your puppy needs to learn you're the pack leader, and by employing Cesar's techniques consistently he will learn that.
I can't recommend his book enough, I'm only half way thru and though I've been watching his program since the beginning it's all falling into place now.
Good luck and thanks for giving this puppy a chance at a decent and well balanced life.

Doggone/GA:
BRAVO! I couldn't agree more.

Deb:
I can not in good conscience bring myself to believe that Cesar would consider play between a dog and its owner inappropriate behavoir as long as it is on the owners terms!

Can you honestly tell me that you've never played a game of fetch with your dog? Is that not a form of play that YOU control? YOU decide when the game will be played, where the object will be thrown, and when the game is over. Not your dog.

Playing is healthy - it just needs to be on YOUR terms.

I beleive that dogs in their natural state play fight with each other and that it is entirely healthy. Even dogs that are in the adolecents stage do the same. I have a Dogo Argentino that is a very powerful breed and a high energy dog. She loves to play, but not no mater what will not bite me when I'm playing physical with her. No complaints here, even though I do like to play fight with dogs that are willing to play bite me back. Back to my point is that I think its normal for dogs to play fight with each other. My question is, does the alpha dog every engage in with this behavior. Obviously this is the role that I try to be 24hrs a day and dont want to be seen in their eyes as anything else.
Thanks for any knowledge, opinions, comments, ect.
Andy

HI Jeannie,

Yes, I've played fetch a lot of times. I think my comments were regarding "teasing", not playing fetch. You're right, the "winner" should be the owner, and the game is on the owners terms. Did I indicate otherwise? I better go back and check...

Cesar has shown in several episodes how to play and end a game. He controls the ball and says when the game starts and stops.

What I'm getting from Cesar's post on this blog, this is about not getting a dog frustrated.

I have never seen him try to increase a dog's excitement level, before he throws a ball, though. And his dogs can chase the same ball, together.

I'm just as curious as everyone else to see where he draws the lines. Looks like another great episode!

Deb

I do not know if this is true with all cases, but I have found that playing "fetch the toy" with my dog seems to satisfy his "prey drive". So in turn, this has helped him learn that my cats are off-limits. He ignores them, and when they walk by him while he is eating, he walks away from his food. So I know that my dog respects my cats now, but he still sometimes wants to chase them, but I think that it is in a playful manner. I still don't allow him to treat them like toys.

All this talk about playing with dogs is interesting.
Some dogs are allowed to win the games they play because the games become their jobs later on. Service dogs are taught their jobs through games. Retrievers are good service dogs for the handicapped because they love to play fetch and through this game they learn job skills. The gladiator breeds love tug-o-war and through this game learn to be good police dogs.
Most all of the dogs I have owned I have played with. When I find a game they like I use it to give them a job.
Years ago I had a collie. Because of her herding instints and desire to "work a herd" she became the perfect backyard babysitter for my kids!
I have seen people play fetch with their dogs and during the game "fake" a throw of the ball. The dog becomes disappointed. The dog refuses to fetch. The dog was teased and the people blame the dog for not fetching!
If dog owners don't know how to play appropriately with their dogs they should own goldfish!

To Robin,

Just a thought--How old are your boxers and how many of them do you have? I adore boxers yet know how overwhelmingly "off the wall" they can be in play mode. The best playmate for a boxer is usually another boxer!!! If yours are older and all over this 3 month old, no wonder she may feel threatened or overwhelmed. Boxers have a tendency to not know when to quit, they just keep going back for more and are all over the other dog(s) and seem stunned when no one wants to play with them anymore....

Also, was yours a "balanced pack" before you brought this puppy into it? I also think you need to find out exactly why this puppy was going to be put to sleep. MORE IMPORTANTLY, how did you go about introducing this puppy to her new pack and new home/territory?

Last night's show also had a Beagle who needed some direction for his scenting ability. I have a Basset I am training as a tracker. If the Beagle's family happens to read this, I would strongly suggest you get involved in tracking with your dog....he looks like he could be a real champion! Go to the AKC website to find out more about tracking and find some tracking clubs in your area.

People often don't realize that hounds really must have a direction to take their scenting abilities....it's in their genes to track.

"If Doggone can control it, I think it’s perfectly OK. I don’t do it with my puppy because she plays with many children, and I don’t want ANY misunderstandings"

And that, of course, is a totally different issue. I have no children in my life, so that doesn't come up. And, in addition, I do NOT allow others to play the same games with my puppies that *I* allow them to play with me. I want them to get a consistent message about how to play with people.

And I don't even have a problem with people who prefer the "a dog should never put it's teeth on people" way of training. I just like to point out that it IS possible to train them differently...to play properly and SAFELY with people.

My dog plays tug-of-war with his other dog buddies (freind's dogs) and he seems to really enjoy it because they both try to put the toy in the other dog's face so that the dog would be encouraged to try and grab it. They are both wagging tails and they seem to be having fun. I play frisbee with my dog. I rarely play tug-of-war with him because I like his toys in one piece while they last. I play with him on a daily basis, but there is not a moment where he won't drop eveything and obey any order I ask of him, even in the worst of distractions. He is never dominant. I do not think it is wrong to play some games with your dog, and yes, as Doggone has said, there are ways to play properly and safely with your dog.

I have two questions for anyone,how do you leash train a chihuahua puppy? Also she is just over 5 months and has not barked yet,not even at the door. These dogs are considered yappers they normally come out barking, could their be something wrong? if not I certinally will not complain......Thanks Donna

I have never leashtrained any puppy,from what I have observed with others, I'm guessing the problems I am haveing are the typical,jerking around fighting the leash,unless I leave her alot of slack, but then I'm not leading her & that is my goal.Other then that she learns quickly has been very easy to train.

Doggone,Thank you so much for your help, I will work on that process.. Donna

Janet,
My black Lab didn't play ever until I started taking
her to the ocean beaches, and threw a ball in the water
and she actually went after it. This was after years of
showing her toys and her having no interest. No interest
in sticks, toys, anything -- and that's unusual for a Lab.
Her favorite pasttime was "fishing" in the lake. She
would just walk back and forth for hours trying to catch
fish with her mouth. I guess there are dogs who don't
play, but I always felt like maybe I did something wrong
during her developmental months -- like maybe I didn't
take the time to play. Sounds like you are trying. Are
you walking the dog on a structured walk first? Play time
is affection time, so the exercise has to come first.
Exercise (a structured walk only), discipline and then
affection (play time).

Dee Long,
My dogs do the same thing (in addition to a host of other
problems ha ha) -- I learned from watching Dog Whisperer
just last Friday that you have to "claim" the window or
door when it happens. Cesar did this with the large
Akita that was sitting (standing!) on the couch going
crazy in the picture window whenever anyone walked by,
especially with dogs. Cesar got the dog off the couch,
and then stood between the dog and the couch (window) and
would not let the dog go there again. Then he opened
the door and stood between the door and the dog, while
two of Cesar's calm, balanced dogs stood just outside on
the steps. It was fascinating! Well, I started using
this right away. Now, when my dogs see another dog out
the window or door (or a person, a car, etc.) and they
let out their incredibly fierce-sounding incessant
barking, I stand up, walk over to the window (or door)
stand right in front of it, making them back up into
the room, and I calmly say "no". I used to YELL at
the top of my lungs "NOOOOOOO!!!" from upstairs and
stuff! ha ha ha Now, I walk over to the door or window
and "claim" it as my own, and tell them no calmly. They
stop in two seconds, or less! If you can catch the
rerun of last Friday's show, Cesar does this in the first
segment with the Akitas and in the last segment with the
Shiba Inu who keep escaping from the house. It is so
awesome how quickly these techniques work! Oh, I have not
yet tried the same technique when company comes over, as
I haven't had any company since Friday, but I expect to
step in front of the dogs at the door and make them back
into the room and sit down. At least that's what I plan
to try next time someone comes over!

Hey K2 That is awesome that you were able to use the claiming technique so quickly and effectively. I guess there really is a universal hard-wired set of signals for canines. I always though stuff like this took lots of training over time.

I too have a few friends who always encourage the dogs to jump up on them (my 78 year old dad is one.) They greet effusively, face kissing, wriggling dervishes. I have given up on trying to control it. It is too happy a scene, and the dogs seem to know who's who.

Hi! I got a female lab mix from our local humane society. She had been neglected. Her foster parents got her pretty well socialized and leash trained. She is 2 years old. Since I have had her, she has regressed. I am trying to establish myself as pack leader but the walking is non-existant right now. Not for lack of trying. Every time I put the leash on her, she lays down, and I can not get her to stand, let alone walk. It took 2 of us to get her out to the car and lift her in it. Had to go for shots she got out of the car ok...wanted out of it!! When we were ready to leave the vet assistant ended up draging her on the leash as she refused to stand or move. Again it took 2 people to lift her into the car. She just layed on the floor and was ready to bolt out of the car when I got her home. She is very strong and has the ability to drag me where she wants to go. I know she is frightened of things but according to the foster home she was leash trained, loved walks and going in the car.HELP!!!!!

how do you up date this thing. Not too computer savy

JohnnyCat,

You need to get Cesar's book and watch as many of his shows as you can. You MUST discuss this with your family and familiarize them with his techniques. You must ALL be on the same page about how to treat this puppy before your problem gets worse and he gets bigger. There's no other way...you, your children, and your wife must ALL treat the puppy as #2 in your pack. ALL the humans must be #1 to the puppy.

Dear Dee,

You have an alpha personality female? Cat can't walk past the drawer with marrow bones in it? Other dogs won't cross her line, even if called by you? DON'T LET HER ANYWHERE NEAR THAT DRAWER,"EVER". YOU BETTER OWN THAT DRAWER. When you want your other puppies to come - MAKE HER MOVE TO ANOTHER SPOT OR ROOM AND TELL HER TO STAY - and then call them to you. If she comes towards you while you are interacting with them, put her back where you had her. Then go back to doing whatever you were doing with the other dogs. When you decide you want her to be a part of the interaction with the other dogs, then invite her into your circle. STAY CALM & ASSERTIVE. BE THE PACK LEADER.

Something else you might do with the marrow bones is move them to another spot. Every week of so, move them again. Get a cookie jar to keep them in on your counter. Put them in the frig or freezer. Put in zip bags and put them in closets around the house. KEEP HER GUESSING. Just make sure you make a note so you remember where you put them on the frig. Jack Russells are and intelligent breed - they learn quick - I don't think you'll have any trouble correcting this problem.

I know this sounds nuts, but it just might work - give it a whirl.

We had an interesting version of the tug-of-war games with our shepherd, which we called push-of-war.

From the time he was a pup until he died 14 years later, whenever he would bring a toy over for tug-of-war, instead of pulling on it, we would push it back into him (not hard, just a little), which made him want to give it to us more, so we would push it back, he would come back with it, we would push it back, and so forth. He loved this game. We also taught him "drop it" and "leave it" from an early age.

When he hit puppy adolescence and tried the usual "can I be in charge now" stuff, like seeing if he could guard his food or treats, he lost the item. With proper behavior, he got it back. We taught him that everything was ours and he could have it IF and for as long as WE allowed it. Anytime we wanted it back, it was ours.

Actually, having spent my early years on a farm and growing up with pets, I was better at consistency in this area than my spouse, who would give into the "big brown eyes". Gradually, the dog's behavior to my spouse took the expected turns, up to an "air-bite" followed by a "dent-the-skin" bite when the dog was ordered off the bed by my spouse. The latter event FINALLY convinced my spouse that consistency and pack leadership was important. I had been away because of work for some months while things gradually worsened and came home the night of the dented-skin incident.

For 2 weeks, I ignored the 2-year-old dog and everything came from my spouse...food, water, petting, playing, exercise, potty-time, everything. And every activity required the dog to sit until released prior to that activity. From that day forward, as long as my spouse was consistent (a few minor setbacks early on, grin), there were no more problems over the next 12 years of the dog's remaining life.

Is my spouse still a soft touch? Yes, but not as much as before and not enough to let the dog get leadership status. Getting scared can make the game much more important.