What a fabulous idea, Cesar working with people to reahab dogs, it's a win win situaiton. The women gain skills and confidence and the dogs gain balance and new homes!
I keep gaining more and more respect for Cesar.

Well, just want to say I LOVE your show. I try to pick up any tips I can to stay leader of my dog, and my grandma's dogs. Her dogs have some problems though that I hope you could maybe help with? They are hisky mix siblings. Female Natasha is alot smaller, but way more dominant over male Boris. If he tries to come in the room she literaly atacks him. She growls and snarls at first, but if he doesnt leave she will bite him. Because of this he has become very... Jittery. He runs away if you come close to fast and he wont come down the hallway at all for some reason. They both jump around and 'howl' when sombody (including me) comes over. Well, anyway I hope you can maybe give me some advice on what to do about them... I do think Natasha recognizes ME as dominant, because if she is doing somthing and I approch her she backs down, but I'm not so sure she thinks of my grandma (her owner) as dominant... anyway... hope you can give me some tips,
Sam (13 years old)

I love the show, I Tivo it everyday.

Dear Cesar, How far awya do you make house calls? Wisconsin? Have tow wonderful dogs, Brittany and Springer. Both think that they own the hose, furniture, beds etc. I kknow it is our fault. One is very overweight, she likes to eat and eat. He is very nervous,barky and bad behavior on walks. Her also. I watch your show and know what we have done wrong, please help me understand it though.

Thanks Barb

CJ Anderson, I could've sworn Season 1 DVD is being
released a month from now (May 23rd) not 4 1/2 days.
I pre-ordered thru Amazon, and it will be shipped to me
on the day it is released. I thought their site said
May 23rd.

Rita & Jack,
Are you the owners of the beautiful Shiba Inu from
last Friday's show? She is gorgeous!! What a beautiful,
beautiful animal!

Susan

Your statement shows your lack of understanding. Your lack of understanding is sad. Your warning is unstable propaganda.

Susan,

Unfortunately, many animals have suffered at the hands of brutal people. There are no doubt still dog trainers out there, who are also of a brutal nature.

Cesar is not one of these people, from everything I've seen him do or say. His philosophies are valid and accurate based on every dog I have ever observed, trained, interacted with, or rehabilitated.

There are also those trainers who are completely unable to set a boundary, correct a dog, provide stable leadership, or do anything except attempt to manipulate and condition, without clearly communicating with the dog, as their Pack Leader.

These "Positive Only" methods, are based on the training of performing animals, within a controlled environment to perform "tricks" for a food reward. That's it.

Positive reinforcement and operant conditioning are a valuable asset in any "trainers" toolbox, and are extremely useful and effective when applied appropriatly. Food rewards have their place, and are a valuable asset in many training situations. I use them myself.

However, the "Positive Only" training movement is based on fulfilling the needs of the human, and is filled with human psychology. It is skewed in the belief, that being the dog's "friend", (not his leader first), will gain you a "happy" dog. Most submissive body language and behavior problems are viewed as "fear", and many dogs become excited, mouthy, pushy, and out of control through the constant and excessive use of food rewards.

This entire philosophy is designed to make the human "feel" good, and puts the true needs of the dog, last. "Positive Only" methods are not reliable when the dog is not in the mood to cooperate, and the owners are not provided with any "tools" to control their dog in a difficult situation or in an emergency, by many of the trainers who call themselves "Positive Only".

IMO, Any philosophy and method which is to be deemed valid, needs to be based on the psychology of the animal, usability at the owner level, and results. Not blatant bashing and inflamatory emotional rants against other philosophies or methods, based on fear and ignorance.

If all you see in Cesar's methods is the brutal domination of the dog, rather than removing the burden of instability from the dog through calm/assertive leadership, and fulfilling the needs of the dog as nature designed them, you clearly do not "get it".

Cesar, My husband & I watch your show all the time. We put alot of your skills to use with our hyper 1 year old boxer, Tinkerbell. We desperatley need help with her. We have 2 daughters, Jessikah age 12 & Jaymee age 3. Tinkerbell jumps on everyone that comes over our home,(our daughters friends, family & us, we have to hold her down when the doorbell rings, she will also run out of the yard & down the street every chance she gets. We have to chase her & trick her to come back because she doesnt come or listen when she runs out, she smacks other dogs with her front paws to play & neighbors & their dogs dont like that, she loves to nip at everyone. She is hard to control because she does not listen. This is the first time my husband has ever owned a dog. It was hard to convince him to get a dog for our daughters & I just want this to be a great experience for him, my daughters & myself. Can you PLEASE help us???

Vanessa,
I have two boxers and they are naturally a bit more rambunctious than other breeds. Exercise is ESSENTIAL and it needs to be structured walks and runs the way Cesar demonstrates. About the smacking with the front paws, I'm not sure if you can break her of this b/c that is what boxers do, hence the name of their breed (they box!). Mine do this in play with other dogs and my youngest has even taught my mom's golden retreivers to play this way!:) I would suggest trying to find a fellow boxer for her to play with. They can drain energy very quickly with another boxer, as long as you are monitoring the playing.

My older male boxer has aggressive issues that we are working with him on. Becoming Tinkerbell's pack leader will help, trust me! Good luck and keep watching Cesar's show and read his book, it's great!

Chantel,

Very well said! That's going to be one lucky dog, who has you as his Pack Leader! I'll bet you can't wait until next month! I hope all is well with you. :)

As Cesar has pointed out, many times, when a dog does not know his place within his social group, they can become unstable if there is noone in charge, and try to run things. Cesar reminds us of this in this blog.

Lack of leadership can be bad enough with a dog of a more "dominant" or confident nature. But when the dog is insecure and/or fearful, I've seen things get far worse.

To use unbalanced "Positive Only" training methods to manipulate a dog's behavior, and attempt to gain their compliance through the use food, does not provide a dog with leadership.

In fact, some of these methods can actually reinforce the dog's confusion as to their proper status, even more because these methods require the dog to make the decision to comply. The excessive use of treats, has the owner constantly giving up the food in their possession, to the dog. During the walk, the dog is often allowed to move ahead, because setting a boundary or correcting a dog is not part of the "Positive Only" method.

The use of the excited, high pitched "happy voice", is great for getting a dog "up" for activities such as agility, but does not help keep an unbalanced dog become calm and submissive.

Just a few things I've noticed.

Deb

K2 - on the whole I agree with what you said, but you are clearly confusing "dominance" with "dominate"...dominance, as Cesar means it, is: "a : the relative position of an individual in a social hierarchy "

Whereas dominate means "To control, govern, or rule by superior authority or power"

Cesar's "pack leader" methods are to use "dominance" properly, but not to "dominate" the dog. You don't overpower the dog, which is what Vanessa is mistaking his methods for...you influence the dog to accept your position as pack leader, to accept your dominance in the pack hierarchy.

I don't think we'll be hearing from the likes of Susan again. People like her who have no real facts, no true understanding of dog psychology, and have done no personal research of canine history, and how dogs really live...Do just what she did, make a false uninformed statements, then run away.

i realize that this is a little off-topic, but anyone familiar with Corgis, can you please let me know if you know of a muzzle that will work on a Corgi? Mine takes his off in a matter of seconds with his paws.

"i realize that this is a little off-topic, but anyone familiar with Corgis, can you please let me know if you know of a muzzle that will work on a Corgi? Mine takes his off in a matter of seconds with his paws. "

There isn't one. Once a dog learns how to get a muzzle off, they can get them ALL off in a second or two! What I do with my racing Whippets is "lace" the muzzle strap into the collar. That seem to make it more difficult for them to get it off...but no impossible.

Why are you muzzling your dog?

Nightsun,

Perhaps an interesting "dog behavior" term for these folks might be "fear biter". :)

I'm trying to keep 2 of my dogs from fighting and hurting each other until I can get them re-trained not to fight. I can't afford any more vet bills in the immediate future and separating them only works for so long....i
I'm reading Cesar's book and DVR all the shows, I am trying to learn as fast as I can, but I'm looking for help in the mean time.

Leslie
How about sharing with us the details of these fights. How old are the dogs? Are they fixed? How long has this been going on? When do the fights occur? What is your responce to them?

Muzzling is not the answer, seperating for now may not be convenient, but it's better than muzzling. You may want to bring a professional in.

K2, THis would not be the same thing as The View, which is live. I happen to know that the segment on CNN was a taped piece and what probably happened was that it was bumped for some other news. This is very common in live newscasts. Often if there is a breaking or developing news story, they bump other stories to make time. This was most definitely NOT political. I can almost guarantee you that (as someone who worked in live news).

i am triing to find some information out from cesar about my greyhound. i think he may be the only one who can help me i am at a loss as to what to do. my dog when he goes for a walk with me if he sees another dog he comes back at me so i muzzle him so he doesnt get me he doesnt bite but he only seeems to do that to me and noone else what am i doing wrong i just wish i could take him anytime of the day and he would be normal and not come back at me. i am at a loss for what to do. so if cesar could help me with that that would be great cuz it is often very dishearting to even take him i have to take him certain times of the day and always have to look around the whole time and wonder if i am going to see another dog so please help thanks shelley higdon

Shelley,

"my dog when he goes for a walk with me if he sees another dog he comes back at me so i muzzle him"

When you say he "comes back at you" I presume you mean he tries to bite you (since you muzzle him). What you have is a displacement biter (he bites you because he can't get at the other dog), and he IS a RED ZONE case and you NEED professional help.

In the meantime, you need to get Cesar's book and his first video, and when it becomes available - the first season of shows. One of his early shows involved a dog that did the same thing to HIS owner.

That your dog will bite you, or even try, is proof you are not the pack leader and you need to work on that. In the meantime I would suggest keeping him muzzled when you walk him, because then YOU will not be afraid that he will bite you.

Don't use the muzzle as a crutch though...your goal is to get him calm and submissive, so you don't need it anymore. But if it helps give you the confidence to help you become the pack leader, then use it.

Ruso was spotted stranded on a sandbar in the middle of the Kentucky river. It was December, and there was ice in the river. By the time animal control finally arrived, his feet were bloody from the frozen sand. They spooked him and he fell into the river then went through a lock. When pulled from the river he had almost drowned,and weighed only 35 pounds. We adopted him a month later. He appears to be a Borzoi/collie mix. After living with us for over a year, he now weighs 55 pounds and the vet says he is healthy. He will not go outside if he hears thunder or an airplane overhead. He will go more than 24 hours without relieving himself. He eats irregularly, often going several days between meals. He will not drink water in our house. He only drinks outside or on our screened porch. He is gentle, quiet, appears never to have been abused,is good with children, the disable, and other animals. He rides long distances extremely well. Our main problem with him is that he asks to go outside and then he does not relieve himself. We wish we knew his history so that we might better understand him. I'd appreciate any insight into his idiosyncrasies ? Thanks

Here's a funny story in the paper I read. Well it's funny, but goes to show how little dogs can be very mean too.

A guy is walking his pit-bull down the street and a little Pomeranian comes running up to him barking and started to attack his pit-bull. The Pomer bit the pit-bull on the paws and drew blood and also was able to bite the pit on the top of the head. While the only thing the pit did was pick up the little dog in it's mouth and threw it off to the side, kinda like how they do with ragtoys. The Pomer wasn't hurt by it, the pit just wanted to get the little guy away from him.

Also that wasn't the first time that Pomer has attacked that pit. See it goes to show that any dog, whether your big or small can be dangerous if the dog isn't well-balanced. Clearly the Pomeranian isn't well-balanced and has some aggression issues. It's just nice to see in the paper a story about a different breed of dog attacking a Pit. Usually you only hear about the Pit attacks and nothing else.

Remember, it's Animal, Dog, Breed, Name. Not, Name, Breed, Human.

I do not have a dog. I have never had a dog. Someday, I will have a dog and when I do, Cesar's knowledge will come in very useful.

I started to learn by going to dog shows and asking questions. It did not take long for me to discover a local no-kill animal shelter. They offered an orientation class for volunteers and I signed up to become a canine companion. There were many evenings when I would stop by afer work to walk dogs (and I really, really really could have used Cesar's information on how to walk dogs, among other things!).

Eventually, I became an animal care attendent as a second job and spent four evenings per week at the shelter. I left the shelter after a few months and became involved in a German Shepherd rescue organization. All along the way, I came across dogs with issues. If I had only known the key words: exercise, discipline and affection... starting several years ago.

I just bought a copy of Cesar's Way and am reading it through for the second time. It is my hope that more people will discover this website, The Dog Whisperer show and devote more time and effort to discover what dogs truly need and want.

HB, That is awful. How sad. I recently shared a story
about a dog I had seen at our local animal control
department's kennel (which you can see from the road as
you drive past). Since it was school vacation week here,
I contacted them and suggested that this dog, who had
been in the kennel for TEN DAYS might have been owned by
a family on vacation. Thankfully they informed me that
our animal control dept is a no-kill facility, and that
the dog needs a home. They gave me a full description of
the dog, and I passed the word to everyone I knew. A
woman who works for me may adopt the dog for her 12 year
old son. I am so happy that dog will not be euthanized.
On a news story last night on our local channel, they
reported about a cat who had been tossed out the window
of a moving car and onto a playground where a bunch of
children were playing in the middle of the afternoon!
Someone adopted the cat, but can you imagine how traumatized those poor kids were to have seen that?!
When they interviewed the animal shelter people, the
camera panned on about 6 or 7 cats, at least half of
whom were left behind in their homes or on the doorstep
of the shelter just because the family was moving away.

lj, Thanks for the info about the news broadcast. There
weren't any really breaking stories yesterday -- in fact
there seemed to have been an awful lot of "filler" type
stories. But what-EVER! Maybe it will be shown at
another time.

Kay Yount, my "step-daughter" had a dog that she had found
abandoned and starving, and he behaved exactly the same
way as you describe. He would not eliminate for 24 hours, or even longer. He would not eat if she was not present.
And he would only drink out of one water bowl, and only
if it was in a specific place. They lived with us for
6 months, and he behaved this way the whole time. We have
no idea of his background, but assumed he was abused and
abandoned. When she found him, he had heartworm really
bad and only weighed like 30 pounds (purebred Collie, so
he should've weighed a LOT more!) He also rode long
distances very well (she would drive back and forth
from Chicago to Boston frequently) and he was the sweetest,
gentlest dog I've ever known. He loved everybody. She
ended up just living with his idiosyncracies and
accommodating his special needs, much like someone would
do with a special needs human.

Question Please!!!!!!
I just walked Roman with my new walking buddy (I posted about it on the "Cesar in Washington, DC This Weekend!" blog & had a BLAST!) & her and her hubby will be getting married in June.
We plan on walking our dogs together every evening AND on the weekends, so we will get to know each other and our dogs VERY well by June I believe.
Since her dog is a Mastiff and a male (he will be nuetered soon but isn't yet) and is only 10 months old....do you think that by June our dogs having walked as a pack together AND playing together almost every day it would be safe to dog watch for her when they go on their honeymoon, if she needs someone responsible???

Missy,

Most methods like hitting your dog give instant results which is why many poeple do these things. The problem is that even though the dog shows submission to you now, and stops the behavior she was doing, hitting the dog is only going to create different problems. Such as: aggresion or fear. Hitting the dog will show that you are an aggresive pack leader and therefore you are imbalanced. This may show your dog you are not a good pack leader for your pack and may try to take over. Your dog could also rebell against you when you least expect it. Your dog will not trust you and become imbalanced. This "wacking with the newspaper" idea may not seem like a big deel, but your dog is always watching you and expecting a good pack leader in EVERYTHING you do. You are an example to your dog, and when you slip it will be like a chain reaction to your dog.

I see hitting your dog as punishment and not correcting. Yelling or hitting a dog through anger and frustration, is punishment. Correcting your dog is just expecting, and just straightening him out when they don't follow the rules that you set. A firm nudge is a good indicater that they're doing something they aren't suppose to.

It's funny how little things that we do can effect our dogs, so always make sure you are being a calm and assertive pack leader.

~Chantel

True^^about the extension of the arm. Remember the last episode I believe where Cesar used a long stick to get the dog where he wanted him to go. (With the old lady and her daughter) that episode. Cesar say he was only using the stick as an extension of his own arm.

But if you also pick an object and hit the dog with it, the dog will learn to fear that object everytime you pick it up, and we don't want the dog to have fear. So I wouldn't do that. Dogs in the wild don't hit each other with objects, do they? Exactly. Pinch (prong collar) collar are suppose to mimic a bite, a natural act in the wild. Anyway another way you can stop the dog from jumping is just use the leash and everytime it gets ready to jump you correct it. So you have to anticipate it and stop it before it happens. You can also stop it before it happens w/o a leash too.
There's more than one way to do things, even Cesar agrees with that, but I think we can all agree hitting shouldn't occur.

Anyway,
Chantel, if you get a Border Collie, you'll be getting a very very very very active breed of dog. Since they were bred to herd, they need lots of physical and mental challenge.
I had a client who had a Border Collie and I had to help with the dog, because when the little kids would play, the dog would herd the kids, the dog would stay on the outside of the them and occasionally nip at them to keep them close together, it was quite a sight to see.

So if you want a border collie, I hope you are very active. If you don't give them what they need, you'll get most likely an aggressive dog, a frustrated dog, etc...That's also true with any dog though.
So give it Exercise, Discipline and Affection ,etc.. blah blah blah and that should make everything a lot easier.

I have a 10 week old Yellow Lab pup, she is a doll. Only one problem so far. She bites. Just playing but it hurts. She has many toys lots of play time and lots of love. We have grandchildren and don't want her to hurt one of them. What should we do ???? Rita

I appreciate all of your replies. I am still kind of at a loss as to what to do the next time some one comes over. Nightsun, you are right about the fact that the amount of swatting was light and probably wasn't as forceful as Cesar's mimic bites are. (My mom weighs about 92 lbs.) Also, John R. I was concerned about Beulah being fearful of the newspaper everytime I picked it up, but I have actually been reading it when she is around and shaking it (not at her) to get the creases out and she never moves. I don't know if it was because she was about to jump on my mother and the sound and paper startled her or what, but I still haven't decided what to do next time. The only problem with using the leash when some one comes over is that she doesn't wear a collar and the only time I put one on her is when we walk so she gets so excited about her walk I would hate to put it on her and not walk and just use it to correct her. As you can tell I am an undecided pack leader at the moment and I need to have a game plan next visitor. Let me say that I would NEVER hurt my dog.

I just found this site and the synchronicity of it makes me smile:) I have currently moved to the south and have been approached to manage an animal control facility. These shelters have a high kill ratio that I'm hoping to change.
I will take a look at inmate programs available a possible option for the dogs.
Thank you so much for your show!!!
The lives you touch allow others to learn and effect change as well..
Blessings and Light to you!!!

Chantal,

I completely agree about Border Collies being an active breed...almost too active. I have a few friends who own them. One lives on a farm and he THRIVES. However, another friend lives in down the street from me (I'm in a major city) and their BC had been through 3 other homes (this is his LAST, thankfully). The story was the same...cute puppy, too much for the people to handle. He energy is absolutely unbelievable. While he is a fantastic dog, he is the energizer bunny. I mean, seriously, 2 hours in the dog park continuously fetching, herding the dogs, etc...and he's ready for more. They are a TON of work. That said, they are also a considerable investment and you never know how much you'll be spending b/w vet visits, monthly heartworm treatments, flea and pest treatments, training, unexpected expenses. I'm not trying to discourage you, but I can tell you this...you WILL spend more than $300! :) Have you considered adopting a senior dog (7 years/older)? They tend to have less energy and from what I researched when we were looking for another dog is that a lot of the time, these dogs are given up because their families had to move or someone developed allergies? They tend to be fantastic family pets b/c they're so happy to have a nice home in a mid-to-late part of their lives. Check it out! :) GOOD LUCK

I have noticed that other Canine Behaviorist people to label their methods as "POSITVE REINFORCEMENT training" on their personal websites are making a point to FLAME Cesar and his methods. One of these people happens to call him self the Original Dog Whisperer.

In my opinion, these people are very unhappy at the notoriety that Cesar is getting, and are jealous at his huge fan base. Their monthly incomes are most definately taking a hit I'll bet.

Rita,
As the owner of a Yellow Lab-mix, I can't count the number of fellow Yellow Lab puppy owners who say their puppy
bites. I think it is indicative of the breed! None of
my other dogs has ever been a biter, but my Yellow sure
was! He eventually outgrew his "teething" -- I still have sweatshirts & pants that are as old as he is (6 years!) and are full of holes from his teething on my arms and
grabbing my butt in a nibble! He would nibble my arms like an ear of corn -- not good, but I didn't know that at the time. And sometimes he'd grab my butt if I was
walking past him -- not hard, just a little teensie nibble like he was playing. He still does a tiny
nibble here and there, if he wants my attention. (LOL all in FUN, I can assure you!! and it doesn't
hurt). I think what lj said is sound advice. Try to get
your dog something to teethe on, other than the humans in
your pack! We are lucky that our Yellow outgrew his
biting, and we now know that we shouldn't have encouraged
or allowed it in the first place. Re-direct his attention to something positive. That will do the trick.

Nightsun,

Thank you for the correction. I guess it does depend on how hard and in what state of mind if through "correcting" or "punishing".

Thanks to everyone who commented,

I am actually wanting a dog that I can run with. Obviously Border Collies are very energetic, and I'm not sure if I'd be able to tire one out, but they are so smart and good obediant dogs. I haven't really thought of getting a senior dog. I guess it's because...I don't know. I just want to have my dog for as long as he lives. I hate losing a pet. When my cat Salem died two years ago, I was so depressed. We had had him for over 6 years. He died in the morning before I went to school and it was terrible. I never cried but I was holding back tears all day. It's truly sad when you lose a pet, but now that I look back it was worth every minute. I'll still look into a senior dog though. They are usually less active.

But, anyway. I'm sure that any dog I get will be wonderful, and I'm sure that I will be able to give any dog enough excersise because I am bound to get in shape before I have to run the mile and a half in ninth grade this coming September. :D

~Chantel

"In my opinion, these people are very unhappy at the notoriety that Cesar is getting, and are jealous at his huge fan base. Their monthly incomes are most definately taking a hit I’ll bet."

Jaemie,

You hit the nail on the head. Their checkbooks are taking a hit and rather than make room for Cesar in the world of dog behaviorists they're letting their greed stand in the way of more dogs being trained properly.
Cesar is unique as his approach is directed in a large way towards the dogs who have been labled agressive and are on their way to death row.

How many of these beahvorists have rescued the number of of dogs that Cesar has and then rehabed them and found them good homes?

Cesar makes it a point to say "his way" is not the only way and I've never heard him "flame" any other person in his business.

A dog's best hope is that NG will not give into the pressures being exerted now that Cesar has risen to the top and cancel his show.

He should be on tour via the media promoting his book, I was looking forward to seeing him do just that, yet his TV appearences keep getting canceled.

All true dog lovers would welcome Cesar's success because it equals the lives of dogs being spared as well as dogs getting to live balanced lives.

Regarding positive-only methods:

I signed up for an "advanced" obedience class at Petsmart. At the first session I was told that I was "cheating" by giving a light tug downward on the leash when my dog didn't obey a "down" command (she was a bit leary of lying down next to all those strange dogs, many of whom were bouncing around.) I was told that Petsmart uses only positive reinforcement, i.e. food.

Well in this advanced class almost no one was even able to get their dog to sit. They kept waving treats over their heads and helplessly saying that the dogs weren't in the mood - even the guy with the chihuahua. The instructor would say, "I'll come back when he is ready."

Wow, I love my dogs and would never harm a hair on their furry little heads, but this is pathetic. THe dog only obeys you if he is in the mood for a treat? How can this be justified as training?

Missy,

Very interesting what a response you got from using a newspaper for correction! What I love about the show is that you can SEE the dog's and handler's behavior and reaction, which is not possible here! I am positive that in one episode that Cesar himself said something about some older people (don't let your mom see this, lol!) feeling more assertive with a rolled up newspaper in their hand when addressing a dog's behavior, which may be exactly what happened in your case. That is, the dog was responding more to your mom's energy than the correction (which certainly sounded mild). Cesar doesn't say you should hit your dogs (and neither do I) but as far as the dog becoming afraid of whatever they are corrected with, that's not the case unless EVERY time you pick it up they get hit. Cesar's dogs aren't afraid of his hands, are they? You will have guests that simply won't want to be armed with a newspaper anyway, lol, so the answer is to get the dog to the point where you are in control no matter what. If you can't use blocking behavior like Cesar (it takes lots of practice) or the dog won't obey a stay, then you will have to start out with a leash every time a visitor arrives. Just don't keep constant tension on the leash or the dog simply learns to wait for you to drop the leash before it pounces. Only let visitors reward calm behavior. It takes time, but with determination and commitment, you can do it.

"I am also curious as to why the breeder told them (my walking buddy) to wait until as close to a year as possible to nueter him as the more testosterone he gets, the more dominant he will try to behave (I have heard). "

That's not much of a reason...the testosterone levels start falling as soon as the dog is neutered. I prefer to wait until they are over a year for 2 reasons: I want them to look like males and I want to be ABSOLUTELY sure their growth plates have close and the bone has firmed up. I would think that is especially important for a large breed.

In my breed (Whippets) it has to do with growth patterns. It has been proven that dogs neutered young, and especially if they are neutered VERY young, grow up to be taller and narrower than they would if allowed to develop normally. In Whippets that can mean the difference between a dog that can compete in the many running sports - because it measure "in" to the heights required in the breed standard, or one that cannot compete because it is too tall and it measure "out"

Doggone/GA,
Thank you!!!!
I kind of confused the question with what "I" have heard...wives tale possibly of "the more testosterone he gets, the more dominant he will try to behave"

I know Roman being a German Rott was nuetered VERY young, so the possibility of him being the size of his sire of 180 is pretty slim then??? He has not really gained any weight since I have had him for the last 3 months, but my vet is VERY happy with his weight, so I'm not going to worry about it I guess.lol

Their breeder told them what you just said about the bones and stuff! Thanks again!!!!! :)

btw....I offered to dog sit for them when they go on their honey moon, but if he is not nuetered yet, I don't think it would be a good idea, as he will be a year old when his owners get married and my gut is telling me two male gladiators together and one being un-nuetered would be a bad combination!lol

Missy

You are missing the point. Cesar also talks about extentions of you. You should read al the post before passing judgement.

Think we are on the right track with Gracie now, thanks to all of you for your good advice. Pushing a finger in her mouth when she bites. Freezing the rag soaked in chicken broth for her to chew on. Thank You All SOOO very much. You have made our lives with our Gracie more fun.

Tianna,
I have to agree with Doggone/GA. He has very valid points! If a dog is spayed or neutered too soon their over all health and developement can be adversely affected. Small breeds and large breeds develop at different rates. When I own large breeds I usually wait 2 years before neutering and until after the first heat before spaying. With smaller breeds the surgery can wait ubtil sometime between 8 months to a year for the males and after the first heat for the females.
It is important to realize that along with everything else, this type of surgery can have an adverse affect on the dog's urinary tract system if done too soon.
It is very possible to own intact dogs without them being dominate, aggressive, obnoxious and breeding at will.
Both of my dogs are "fixed". Both of my daughter's dogs are not. She works harder at being a responsible owner. I don't want to work that hard! (LOL)

Tianna,

Even though I see Doggone points, I agree with you. There are not too many people like Doggone, who is a very responsible dog owner with lots of knowledge. But I know that the average dog owner doesn't spend as much time, energy and effort to keep their dogs balanced and safe. I know many owners, who get their dog (or dogs) as cute puppies, and basicaly lock them in the backyard, never worrying about neutering (because the dog never goes anywhere). More than half of the dogs in my neighborhood I only see through the fence. And with males, I can say many are untouched. But they can escape.
I volunteer with animal rescue. Maybe that's why I so agree with you. Unless you are a very responsible owner, you definitely should neuter your dog, if only to prevent unwanted puppies.

I have been working with dogs for some 25 years now. And I'm here to tell you, there are more irresponsible dog owners than responsible ones. The amount of shelters and rescue groups in this country proves that. That being said, every dog owner has the the right to make their own decision.

Doggone

You say you've had dogs for 30 years now, and have never had a problem. Well...good for you. But the fact is, most male dogs can be a problem when they smell a female in heat (which can be up to a mile away). *Most* male dogs will, and some can, try to escape their back yards. You being very vigilant in controlling your pack, is not the norm for most dog owners. Also,who knows, you could have dogs with a low drive, or it could even be a combination of both.

Owning dogs for years, doesn't give one the same picture as one who's been working with thousands of dogs for years. I see a very different picture. Perhaps someone can share a reason (other than breeding) to *NOT* get their dog fixed. To me, the only reason I can see, to NOT get a dog fixed, (which will never be bread) is ego. And how fair is it to a dog, to not fix them, not let them mate, but let them live with the frustration of wanting to. Because if one thinks their not frustrated, one is fooling themself.

Thank you Doggone!!! As the proud and OVERLY responsible leader of two intact males who are no longer puppies, I have been struggling with the question of whether or not to neuter them. They are always home, they never wander, even on the RARE occasion when they are let loose, and they are never aggressive. We've never had one fight between them. They are devoted to one another, and are very attached to each other and get along really, really well. My only problems with them is that they chase other animals, and are very powerful. One is 6 y/o the other 4 1/2 y/o. I don't think that neutering them will change their prey instinct or their powerfulness -- they are just big boys, and have a lot of energy. I have worried about testicular cancer, and it was really nice to hear that you've never had a dog w/testicular cancer in 30 years! I feel so much better having learned that from you.
I found it very helpful to know about the lower members of the back who do not breed -- that's all my boys are -- pack members who don't breed! You're right, in nature, dogs are not neutered or spayed. As I've mentioned before, the only reason I didn't neuter is because I've never had a problem with the dogs wandering or trying to find a mate or anything. They don't mount other dogs or people. They don't seem to be sexually frustrated. I keep them exercised and they both are very content and happy. The un-balanced-ness was happening with their chase/prey instincts. Perhaps this is a sign of sexual frustration. I don't know, but as long as I exercise them and keep absolute control over them they are not participating in the chase/prey stuff. My dogs are my #1 priority, since I have the time to devote to their care, so I'm very responsible -- almost to the point of being TOO responsible, like sometimes I just need to give it a rest! ha ha

Tianna, no you did not offend (me) with your post. I felt it was informative, and it really made me think!

I have a vet appointment in a two weeks from today, and I plan on talking to the vet about neutering them. I have talked with him about it in the past, and he has never pushed me to do it, leaving the decision up to me.

So now I'm worried that I have done something bad to my 7-month old yellow lab. Was it wrong to neuter him at that age? Will it stunt his growth or adversely alter his health? I know people who neutered at 5 months. Our vet says that 7-mos was a good age to do it! He was never going to be bred (i'm of the "there's too many unwanted dogs camp" and I thought neutering was actually healthier for them. Very confused. Please advise!

lj,

Btw, read post #90, you've spared your boy of prostate disease and testicular cancer.

Dear lj,

Please stop beating yourself up over having your puppy neutered. Your Vet, Cesar and other enlightened folks have not and will not steer you wrong regarding this proceedure. As Sarah said you have spared your puppy from diseases that could very well shorten his life. You will now have a more calmer and stable friend to enjoy for a long period of time.

Congratulations on being a responsible pet owner and enjoy your happy, healthy puppy.

Now to something that speaks to the subject of spaying and neutering. While reading my daily newpaper last evening I came across the ads for people breeding and selling dogs. I WAS HORRIFIED!!!!

There were 95 individual ads for puppies and dogs people were trying to either sell or find homes for. If we have this many can you imagine how many there are throughout the country?

What are these people thinking. We have enough unwanted pets in our Shelters to fullfill anyone's dreams of having a pet. It makes me wonder how many of these "pure breeds" that people just have to have, wind up in our shelter's because they aren't exactly what owners wanted because they didn't take the time to research the breed that was best for them.

Doggone,

Your opinions are that of most breeders I have talked to.

Personally, I am in favor of reducing the entire dog population, including purebreds.

I am 100% in favor of spaying or neutoring any dog that does not need to be bred, unless a vet advises against it for serious medical reasons.

If you will watch Cesar's DW episode with the Katrina dogs, you will hear a few of his opinions on this matter.

To discourage the readers of this blog from taking the responsability to insure their dogs don't produce "accidental" litters, is not something I would do.

But that's just my opinion, and I am not a breeder.

Deb

Hey Shouter, I have adopted mixed breeds from shelters all my life and neutered every dog I ever owned. Still it seems extreme to say ALL breeders should cease having any litters at all. That would eliminate all the breeds. Do you think there is any sense to having a dog that is bred to be a water retriever or a herder or a tracker?

I think it might make enough of a difference if there were a crackdown on purely commercial outlets like puppy mills and pet stores that sell puppies in malls and such. People should have to go to a breeder or a shelter to get a dog. There's no reason puppies should be available for impulse purchase on the way from the shoe store to the burger palace.

I agree that every dog should be neutered before it is adopted out from a shelter!

"So now I’m worried that I have done something bad to my 7-month old yellow lab. Was it wrong to neuter him at that age?"

Don't give it a second thought. The problem with "early neutering" means VERY early neutering, like 8-10 weeks. At 7 months your puppy is pretty close to the end of his growthy cycle anyway. At most, he might end up a bit taller than he would have if you'd waited...but all bets are he'll be perfectly healthy and normal.

[quote]And if that ever happens *I* for one would sue. What if my dog was stolen and turned loose? Or someone broke into my house and let him out? Or what if a tree fell on my fence and pulled it down? Why should my valuable dog be neutered willy nilly for an accident?[/quote]

Since you brought it up. How do we answer the question...of accidents. On one hand, we should expect people to be responsible and take *reasonable* steps to secure their animals. But just what exactly...is reasonable? If someone has a human or dog aggressive dog, and..."by accident" gets out and harms another human or dog, should the owner be responsible? After all, it was an accident that the dog escaped. IMO...yes, they should. They should have taken steps to account for "accidents". Like getting professional help for a dog that is known to have aggression issues.

So if someones *intact* dogs escapes by "accident" and mates with someone elses dog, who's responsible? Know one? Do we just say...oppsy!?

I find the question enteresting myself, as even I...am somewhat unclear as to the correct answer. First there's the "reasonable precautions", what's considered reasonable? And thens there's "accident". And after all, an accident is an accident, it's not an *on purpose.

Comments?

Nightsun wrote: "An accident is an accident, it's not an "on purpose."

Good Point.

After reading though the dog boards, and the many threads of "Oh help! My dog is pregnant by accident, it happened so fast...and, she's going to have puppies tomorrow! What do I do?!"

(At which moment some of the breeders on the board give the ignorant owner a real education on how they feel about the birth of "mutts", while at the same time they are popping a cork over their latest litter.)

This defonately seems to be an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, situation.

Spaying and neutoring is about improving the odds against those "accidents" from ever happening, and reducing the number of unwanted dogs, (including purebreds), which die in shelters ever day.

If you want to breed your dog, fine.

I just don't see discouraging the regular dog owner from doing their part to control the unwanted dog population, in order to help stop the deaths of millions of unwanted pets, to be the best advice.

A dog is a dog. Every dog which is born, adds to the dog population, and also to the statistics, period.

"This is the kind of statement that drives me nuts. If 80% of unneutered male dogs develop prostate problems why do *I* who has ONLY had male dogs for about 25 years NEVER had a dog with prostate problems?"

You'll have to ask the researchers and statiticians.

Instead of being driven nuts, just be greatful. Because the facts are a neuterd male dog runs the lowest health risks of deveolping the above mentioned diseases.

"Just how many dogs have you owned? Perhaps you just got lucky. I will say, that only you know your dogs energy level, I’ve never met them. But it is odd at best for an intact male, to NOT seek out a female who is in season"

I've owned 25 dogs in 25 years. But you never heard ME say my dogs won't seek out a bitch in season, I said they don't sit around worrying about it. In a way I'm very lucky, I live in a county that ENFORCES it's "leash laws" and we have very few - almost NO - wandering dogs. Male dogs have to know a bitch in season is in the neighborhood before they get worked up about it, and in my neighborhood there are no wandering bitches around.

I did bring in a puppy bitch that was littermate to one of my dogs just for company for her brother once. They were both about 9 months old and wouldn't you know it, she came in season within 3 weeks of getting here - all that testosterone I guess! Anyway, the DAY I took her home was THE DAY that ALL the guys (and I had 9 intact males at that time) KNEW she was in season. Good timing!

"Sorry, but that’s a cop out. *All* of us have our *reasons* for doing or not doing something."

You could interpret it that way if you choose. I con't actually HAVE to have a reason YOU consider to be a better one. But there are other reasons that I also consider and I listed them in another answer: I like to give my young dogs a chance to prove themselves as pets, as performance animals, and as show dogs. When *I* decide they lack something that makes them less than satisfactory as breeding animals *I* choose whether to neuter them or not. It isn't something I rush into, and I tend to wait until my vet has a discount on neutering - which he does annually. But if they don't get done one year, I can do them the next...it's just not a big issue for me.

"Neutering is dangerous??? where are you stats backing that claim."

Ever had a dog die on the table during elective surgery? I'd call that dangerous. Remember, I have Whippets and like Greyhounds and Collies they can have problems coming out of anesthesia, or with going into hyper(something, can't remember the word) where they have a serious and damaging temperature spike. So I try to keep elective anesthesia to a minimum, though as you were about to point out it HAS gotten a lot safer recently, with new procedures, new protocols, and new anesthetics.

" Um…I’ve seen allot of ridiculous, stuff come out of “Europe”, so I’ll not be following their lead anytime soon. And so there…a dog owner is pretty much “forced” to keep their dogs intact. #1. It will be interesting to see the results of that law in about 10 years."

Well, Europe has different attitudes towards dogs in a lot of ways - for instance they are allowed in restaurants in a lot of places. So yes, it will be interesting.

"Perhaps you just can’t see their frustation."

Hmmm...I think not. Dogs that are frustrated can't hide it. They show SOME symptoms...they get frantic, or do repective actions, or they self-inflict wounds, or they have temperament problems. If they didn't, Cesar wouldn't have a job.

"Again, what study are you going by?"

Why does it have to be a study? I'm going by what I SEE here, at my home. Happy, healthy, normal dogs with no instances of frustration relieving behavior. What else do I need to see?

" Also, If you read what I wrote you’ll see, that I never stated, they [”sit around all day plotting on how to get some sex.”] I specifically brought up their responce to a female in heat."

And *I* never said my dogs don't respond to bitches in season. Some of them have been BRED, for heavens sake. Of COURSE they respond to a female in season...that's one of the MANY reason I don't have any bitches.

" And NO…the female doesn’t have to come close to them, as I stated before, male dogs can detect (smell) a female in heat, up to a mile away. And finally, “you” the human… regardless of your “energy”,have anything to do with how your dog feels about a bitch in heat. Sorry, but that’s in their genetic make up"

Did I say I did? All I said is my dogs are not exhibiting any signs of being frustrate because most of them are not bred, even though half of them are intact. If there were bitches around that came in season OF COURSE they would begin to exhibit more tense behavior...I'd be shocked if they didn't.

And what it all boils down to is what I said from the very start: if "you" don't feel capable of properly managing intact dogs, then BY ALL MEANS GET THEM NEUTERED. But my pack shows that dogs can be happy, healthy AND intact - PROPERLY MANAGED.

That is not a blanket condemnation of neutering - I have 5 neutered dogs, after all. Nor is it a blanket sanction for keeping dogs intact. It is an example that shows it can be done and that the dogs can remain sound, sane and happy. That's all it EVER was.

"Thank you to those who do agree with and understand where I am coming from on this issue."

I'll tell you MY take on it: after living for many years in a county with NO leash law, and then moving to a county 18 years ago that has steadily gotten stricter about THEIR leash laws...I have come to hold the opinion that THE best law for preventing unwanted pregnancies in dogs is an ENFORCED LEASH LAW!

That still doesn't address the issue of wanted pregnancies by irresponsible breeders, but it's a START.

I am, as I'm sure you will have gathered, just a bit touchy on the subject of purebred dog breeders and the condemnation they come in for. I know SO MANY who are loving, caring, careful breeders who are INCENSED if one of their puppies gets "lost" because the owners simply couldn't be bothered to get in touch with the breeder when they could no longer keep the dog. That's how good bloodlines end up in puppy mills.

With all the best will in the world, NO breeder can be 100% certain that ALL their puppies are going to good homes...but they TRY their absolute very best.

It's lumping them together with "those other breeders" that gets my goat. The ones the breed just for money, or who are just careless and let their intact bitches get bred over and over and then dump the puppies.

But I would like to see more liberal system of free and low cost pet care for less fortunate people. There are LOTS of people out there who love dogs and can find the funds to keep them fed and well cared for, and even for shots and things like heartworm medicine, but who simply find it difficult to gather together the extra funds needed for neutering or for other more expensive vet costs.

I've been there where you live from paycheck to paycheck and you can JUST make your expenses, but there's nothing extra left over to save. I don't see why people like that couldn't be given a little exra help to get them over those occasional financial hills so they can keep their beloved pets.

What I just do not like is whole groups of diverse people being lumped together and then judged by the worst among them. As I've said in other posts, it's the good, caring breeder who are the easiest to find...they're at agility, or dog shows, or any one of a number of working events depending on their breed. They go to the vet regularly.

THEY are the ones that would be hurt by draconian breeding laws, which would do nothing to those "breeders in name only" who don't obey what laws there are NOW and who are careless with their animals, and who give away or dump litters instead of having the courage to, at the VERY least, have them humanely killed.

So limiting GOOD breeders in ways that won't affect the BAD ones just means that the good breeders will get fewer in number and their good dogs will get fewer in numbers, and the BAD breeders and the puppy mills WILL fill in the gap. Because you can trust this: they WILL fill it in. There will always be a demand for dogs and if dog lovers can't get them from good breeders, they'll get them from the bad ones. And yes, "getting them from bad breeders" includes getting them from shelters and rescue groups.

No, I don't have the answer to the shelter problem, except to say again: EVERY dog in a shelter HAD an owner and THOSE are the owners that are the problem, not the general run of pet owners. The question is: how to control them without ALSO hurting the rest of us. At this point in time, my best answer is: start with ENFORCED leash and confinement laws. Good owners and breeders ALREADY do that anyway, so you won't be hurting them...and maybe you can make an impact on the others.

In 18 years of living in this county I have only ONCE had to pick up a stray dog and, in that case, take it to the vet. Only ONCE. I think that speaks well for how well enforced our confinement laws are.

[quote]John R.
Yes you are right the dogs aren’t afraid of Cesars arms/hands or a pack leaders teeth even though those are used for corrections.
What you are missing the point is that, those corrections they are doing AREN’T putting any pain on the dog.[quote]
LOL Your kidding right? I'm missing nothing my friend. Does Cesar Hurt or injure a dog? NO! Do some of the corrections he gives reach the dogs *ouch point* OF CORSE! If something makes *me* say, ouch! Did I feel pain? Most likely. does that mean I'm actually hurt? no.

[quote]My point was if you hit the dog with a newspaper and say cause a little pain, then you’ll have a problem where the dog will flinch when you pick up the newspaper. If your dogs flinches when you pick it up, then the newspaper is seen as a negative.[quote]

Actually...that's incorrect. It's all about the correction. Was the correction fair? Was the owner calm at the time of the correction? Is the only time a dog sees a news paper, is when it's being corrected with one. And...I'll ask you this! do you believe for a split second, that a swat of a news paper hurts even close to some of the leash corrections Cesar must give at times when dealing with a red zone case?

[quote]Just like if you hit a dog to correct it and you cause pain , well guess what? Then next you try to pet the dog and it sees your hand coming towards it the dog WILL flinch, I gaurantee it.
So my point is don’t cause any pain and everything should be alright. In the wild they don’t have to use pain to teach one a lesson. Cesar doesn’t use pain with his hands and the teeth of the alpha’s aren’t used for pain either.[quote]

Wow! Um, where do I even start here? While I don't hit dogs with my hands, I'll point this out yet again. But before I do, I have to ask, have you ever actually watched one single wild life program about dogs? Have you done any study of wild or domesticated dogs? Fact; Pack leaders at times are NOT gentile in their correction of wayward pack members. You can bet that some of the corrections they deal out are quite painful indeed.

And finally, let me ask you this. Do you think when you see Cesar put an aggressive dog down on it's side, and he talks about the pressure he is applying to their neck with his fingers...that those dog are *comfortable* at that moment? Or *uncomfortable*? Being uncomfortable, usually indicates...*some*...pain. Again, that doesn't mean their being injured or hurt.

I've worked with more dogs over twenty something years than I can count. I've given plenty of leash corrections, always stopping at the ouch factor, (becuase I don't feel the need to injure a dog to teach it.) I have yet to see a dog act afraid of the leash or it's collar.

Tianna
You are so right. There are far too many irresponsible owners out there and it is the dogs that are suffering because of it. And because of them, responsible good dog owners will be paying when Breed Specific Laws are passed! The list of breed specific laws include Labs, Yorkies, German Shepherds and all the Bull type dogs and mixes including Boxers and Boston Terriers!
If these laws are passed all of us will have a very sad future. Just think about the Service Dog owners and how their lives will be adversely affected!
Irresponible people should not own dogs, but how do we legislate that?!?!

KathyB

Your completely right, when he first placed the dog down and held it there, he talked about the force and pressure he was using. He will only lighten the pressure, once he can feel the dog relaxing. It is a HUGE mistake, for anyone to think that at times a correction, (depending on the dogs actions) shouldn't reach the dogs ouch factor. It's what they understand, and it's what they will, on occasion...do themselves. Nature created them that way, and we are not smarter than nature. To make a statement that dogs don't correct harshly at time with their teeth, is incorrect. And anyone believeing other wise should do some...research.

"Thanks for your responce. I would like to point out one little fact. You’ve had 25 dogs over 25 years. What’s the percentage of that compared to…the number of dogs in America alone? Having 25 heathly intact male dogs, shouldn’t be so…suprising. "

It isn't surprising to ME...but it might be to whoever it was that said 80% of male dogs WILL get prostate problems. So *IF* that is a true figure (personally, I don't believe it) what are the odds that in 25 years and 25 dogs I've NEVER had one with prostate problems? If 80% of male dogs will get prostate problems I should have had *20* dogs with that problem!

"While the there are responsible owners like yourself, there is an outweighing number of people who aren’t responsible, yet they continue to own more and more pets as the litters continue to arrive. Very sad."

Of course it's sad. But MY point is that darconian breeding laws that adversely affect the GOOD breeders are NOT the answer. Nor are breed specific laws as they target good AND bad owners. The trick is to come up with laws that don't hurt the good breeders and owners, but can HELP stop the bad ones.

Are we ever going to get them all? No, we are not, but as a society we need to try to catch the bad ones without hurting the good ones. The question is how to do that.

Doggone/GA

"Are we ever going to get them all? No, we are not, but as a society we need to try to catch the bad ones without hurting the good ones. The question is how to do that."

There are organizations out there trying to get a grass roots movement going to block breed spacific laws. Unfortunately I don't think that will happen. The list of breed types might be reduced and that is the best I think we can hope for.
It is because of the incidents like in San Francisco, the Cane Corsos killed a woman...the Pit Bull killed a 12y/o boy, that this legislation will be passed.
In the area I live the shelters are over flowing with Pit Bulls that will not fight. Good dogs, non-aggressive and obediant. But Pit Bulls strike fear in the hearts of the general public because of the sick-o's that are now breeding them to be fighters. And because people think it's cool to own a tough looking dog without researching the needs of the breed. And because people don't know their own limitations when it comes to picking a dog.
I own a lab and a collie mix because I know that I could never handle a Rottie, Pit, Boxer...etc. My dogs are also very low energy and mellow...they fit my ability to provide for their needs.
My father hates Greyhounds and Whippets because he views them as aggressive...a pack tore up and killed his toy fox terrier.

WE NEED OWNER/BREEDER SPECIFIC LAWS!
WE NEED THE EXISTING LAWS TO BE ENFORCED!

I think the bottom line here is money...it would cost too much to enforce these types of laws.
Most of our legislture and law enforcement are dealing with heavier problems....or what they like to call real crimes. Animal cruelty, neglect and irresponsible ownership is all low priority for them.

In the end the Good will be punished with the Bad.

Doggone
I agree that there should be more low cost spaying/nuetering available, we have a mobile service run by a rescue group in our area that does an excellent job. I also am against any laws forcing owners to nueter their animals as this will only punish the responsible breeders and not solve the problem of unwanted puppies. We live in the country, on 14 acres, with no close neighbors, no stray dogs, and I thought I was a responsible dog owner. We had a female Doberman who never left our property and as I work at home, I was around all the time. She became pregant and we never even once saw the father. I thought it could never happen. She had 14 puppies. I was not able to find homes for all of them and taking them to the (no-kill) shelter was one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever had to do. I cried and cried. As I am not a breeder, I don't want ANY chance of this happening again and now have a female spayed puppy and 2 male neutered dogs. As I am not a breeder, I will never have unaltered dogs again.

Cesar’s Training saved our puppy’s life!!

I generally take my puppy out in the mornings, and my wife walks him in the afternoon. It was a rough start - the first few weeks, he balked, and would not be walked (he sat down). We took him to be trained, and last week, he’s passed the Canine Good Citizen Test. Now, he’s a model puppy - he sits at the door when he’s leashed, and waits for the command to go outside. There are many frustrated dogs in our neighborhood, and our walks raise a chourus of protests from the various frustrated dogs, both big and small. Sometimes, they escape their prisons to meet him, and he reacts with fear - not a good thing! Regardless, these walks have also erased his separation anxiety, and “cured” his chewing habit. For that alone, we have lots to thank Cesar.

Fast forward to this morning. I got up at 7am, dressed, and got started on our walk. I took the long way around. Our walks are now up to about 50-60 minutes in the morning, which at our heathly pace, is quite a bit for this little dog. We were in the last part of our walk, when my worst fear was realized - two big redzone dogs were loose, and waiting for someone to come by. One was the “American Staffshire Terrier” AKA the pit bull, and another was some other mixed breed dog that I did not recognize easily. My attention was focused on the pit, and on my puppy’s reaction. If he did what he normally did when two big dogs like this came up to him, this would have been a story in the newspaper about a man horribly mauled trying to save his puppy from being eaten. Last night was the episode with the incarcerated women and their dogs. One of them was a chihuahua, and Cesar was able to get this aggressive/fearful dog into the pack by picking him up by the scruff of the neck, and getting him to show the submissive posture. So, I grabbed my dog by the scruff of his neck, picked him up, and “shssed” the other two dogs. Confused, they backed off, and started walking behind me. I continued my walk, with those two behind me for quite a while. I then saw a neighbor, who I asked to call animal control. His presense, and my attitude of “King Lear” kept the stray dogs at bay, and they decided it was not worth a showdown with such a show of authority.

Nobody was harmed, but I was quite shaken, knowing how these dogs have seriously hurt others when they’re loose and have formed a wild pack. I finally was able to put my puppy back down on the ground, and we finished our walk as if nothing happened. He’s curled up beside me as I write this, blissfully unaware of the extreme danger he was in this morning.

Thank you Cesar!
Thank you MPH!

Doggone/GA
Yes, I know! Whippets, Greyhounds...etc are all sight hounds and a small dog looks like something they should run down and kill. I know all dogs have it in them to be biters and killers. Heck, if a Lab is not properly trained he will never bring back the bird! Even Goldens can be aggressive. The point is this.....people don't usually research the breed or assess the dog or puppy before they take it home. They don't assess their ability to own a dog and provide for that dog's needs. They aren't like the owners on this blog site. They just see a dog/puppy that is cute and take it home.
Each time a movie is released, like 101 Dalmations..etc people go get that type of dog only to find they can't handle it. How many people would like to own a sweet loving dog like the one from Spanky and Our Gang? A Pit Bull...or the RCA Dog...or General Patton's dog...or even President Bush's Scottie? They will go get these dogs and never know what they are in for and not have a clue as to all the effort it takes to train the dogs.
Then we end up with Breed Specific Laws and all dogs suffer.
Phychologists have know for years that kids and adults who are cruel to animals are likely to become involved in heavy-duty crimes. THE CONSEQUENCES FOR ANY CRIME DON'T MATTER TO THESE TYPES OF PEOPLE.
My concern is that the changes needed to avoid Breed Specific Laws will be to slow, to late. Then people like me and you and the rest of the bloggers here will be faced with having to give up their dogs.
Heck...Labs and Yorkies are on that list....the list of dogs will surprise all of you...if the law is passed I will have to give up my Lab!

I'm that "someone" who said 80% of unneutered dogs develope prostrate disease.
Obviously I can't give links, but here's a copy and paste from just one such site:

MALES
Statistics prove that neutered males are healthier pets. Many diseases and health problems are caused by the effects of testosterone, a hormone produced in the testicles. By removing the source of testosterone, neutering reduces and eliminates the risks of many cancers and other hormone-related medical conditions. None of the behavioral or medical problems caused by testosterone are rare.

Neutering eliminates the chances of developing:
• Testicular tumors and cancer. Testicular cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in older intact male dogs. There are several types of tumors, both benign and malignant, that can arise within the testicles.

Neutering greatly decreases the chances of developing:
• Prostatic disease. Over 80% of all unneutered male dogs develop prostate disease.
• Infections and disorders of the prostate glands. Prostate conditions such as prostate enlargement, cysts, and infection are all related to the presence of testosterone.
• Perianal tumors—These are tumors whose growth is stimulated by testosterone these are commonly observed in older, unaltered dogs. Perianal gland cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in older intact male dogs.
• Serious types of hernias. These are commonly observed in older, unaltered dogs and can occur on either or both sides of the anus. One of the long-term effects of testosterone causes the group of muscles near the anus to weaken or atrophy. The surgery to repair hernia complications can range from $300 to $1500, depending on the severity.
• Infections and disorders of the prepuce (the outer covering of the penis).

To believe the stats or not doesn't change the fact that the health beneifits of neutering and spaying are real.

MODERATOR'S NOTE: SJS -- PLEASE DO NOT POST OUTSIDE LINKS.

Everybody interested in Breed Secific Lwas should read this....IS YOUR DOG LISTED HERE???????

What You Can Do:
 HB189 was recently assigned to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and will be heard on Wednesday, May 4th at 8:30. Please contact the committee members below and urge them to support the repeal of Ohio's breed specific law and the opportunity to further develop a non-discriminatory, enforceable dangerous dog bill for the state. Your voice is especially important if your representative sits on the committee! To find out who represents you in the Ohio House of Representatives, visit:

(a) Legislative findings. -- The breed of dogs commonly known as pit bulls and other breeds of dogs have been selectively bred for the purpose of dog fighting. The characteristics selectively bred into or otherwise commonly found in pit bulls and some other dangerous breeds include:
1. A strong fighting instinct and a low level of fighting inhibition which make these breeds of dogs hazards to humans as well as to other animals.
2. A strong chase instinct which experts believe causes these breeds to be dangerous around children.
3. A tendency to attack even those persons that exhibit no provocative behavior.
4. A diminished tendency to bark, growl or otherwise warn their prey of an intent to attack.
5. A tendency to fight to the death and never quit a fight once engaged, which results in more severe injuries then those inflicted by other breeds.
6. The ability to withstand great pain, which makes it difficult for a person or animal to fight off a pit bull or other dangerous breeds during an attack or to prevent an attack.
7. Powerful jaws capable of crushing bones and hanging on to victims notwithstanding infliction of injury or pain to ward off an attack.
8. A tendency to tear flesh, which has resulted in grotesque injuries to human victims.
9. A combination of agility, stamina and strength, together with a genetic predisposition to aggressiveness, that makes pit bulls and other dangerous breeds uniquely dangerous, even to their owners, among all breeds of dogs, especially where improperly trained or raised.
There has been an alarming rate of attacks by pit bulls and other dangerous breeds against humans nationwide. Many jurisdictions have found that these breeds of dogs are so dangerous that special legislation restricting or prohibiting their ownership has been enacted. The General Assembly declares that pit bulls and other dangerous breeds, as determined by the Department of Agriculture, to be dangerous dogs per se.
(b) Determination of breeds. -- The pit bull, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of these breeds or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the characteristics set forth in subsection (a) and for which justification exists based on the number and severity of attacks, as determined by the Department of Agriculture are dangerous dogs per se. This determinations of breeds, including those specifically enumerated in this subsection, shall be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin at least once per year by the Department of Agriculture. (c) Special licenses. -- It shall be unlawful for any person to breed or possess any dog whose breed is listed or described in subsection (b) unless the person has a special license. A person who wishes to breed or trade any dangerous dog per se shall obtain a license in the same manner provided in Article II. A person who wishes to own or possess a dangerous dog per se shall obtain a license in the same manner as provided in Article II.

Dogs currently affected by BSL in the United States

This list is specifically named in ordinances

American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Bull Terrier (Monticello, Centerville, Alburnett & Hiawatha Iowa)
(Grandview MO) (N Little Rock, AR) (KY & WA)
Akita (Ulyssas, KS)
Alaskan Malamutes (Fairfield, IA)
American Bull Dog (North Little Rock, AR) (Aurora CO.)(Akron OH)
Belgian Malanois (Fairfield, IA)
Boerboels (Fairfield, IA)
Cane Corso (Aurora CO)
Chow Chow (Travelers Rest, SC), (Newport, RI) (Lynnville, TN)
Doberman Pincher (Fairfield, IA) (Sisston, SD), (Westfield, IL),
(Travelers Rest, SC) (Lynnville, TN) (Buffalo Center, IA)
Dogo Argentino (Aurora CO)
English Mastiffs, (Yale, IA)
Fila Brasileiro (also known as the Fila, Brazilian Mastiff) (Aurora
CO)
German Shepard (Fairfield, IA) (Lynnville, TN)
Great Danes (Fairfield, IA)
Irish Wolf Hounds (Fairfield, IA)
Mastiffs (Fairfield, IA)
Malamutes (Fairfield, IA)
Presa Mallorquin (also known as the Ca De Bou) (Aurora, CO)
Presa Canario (Lanett, AL) (Aurora CO)
Rottweiler (North Little Rock AR) (Buffalo Grove, ILL) (Fairfield,
Conrad, Lake Mills & Lockridge IA) (Walkerton, IN) (Inman, KS) (Carl
Junction & Salisbury MO) (Binghamton, NY) (Velva, ND)(Pawtuckett, RI)
(Travelers Rest, SC)(Lynnville, TN)(Smithville, UT)(Neah Bay, WA)
(Buffalo Center, IA)
Scottish Deerhounds (Fairfield, IA)
Shar Pei's (Smithfield, UT)
Siberian Huskies (Fairfield, IA)
Tosa Inu (Aurora CO)

NOTE These are breeds that are typically over 100 lbs according to
UKC & AKC Standards. If your dog is over 100lbs in Fairfield, Iowa it
is considered a restricted breed.

Italy - has just introduced tough new laws targeting 'potentially aggressive' breeds, but has steered clear of out and out breed specific bans. However, the new laws are flawed, branding breeds such as Border Collies and Corgis as 'dangerous'.

Ireland - Leash and muzzle laws apply to the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Bull Mastiff, Dobermann Pinscher, Bull Terrier, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler and Staffordshire Bull Terrier and crosses of these breeds.

AIREDALE TERRIER * AKITA * ALASKAN MALAMUTE * ALSATIAN SHEPHERD * AMERICAN BULLDOG * AMERICAN HUSKY * AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER * AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER * AMERICAN WOLFDOG * ARIKARA DOG * AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG * AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD * BELGIAN MALINOIS * BELGIAN SHEEPDOG * BELGIAN TERVUREN * BLUE HEELER * BOSTON TERRIER * BOUVIER DES FLANDRES * BOXER * BULLDOG * BULL MASTIFF * BULL TERRIER * CANE CORSO * CATAHOULA LEOPARD DOG * CAUCASIAN SHEPHERD * CHINESE SHAR PEI * CHOW-CHOW * COLORADO DOG * DOBERMAN PINSCHER * DOGO DE ARGENTINO * DOGUE DE BORDEAUX * ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL * ESKIMO DOG * FILA BRASILERO * FOX TERRIER * FRENCH BULLDOG * GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG * GOLDEN RETRIEVER * GREENLAND HUSKY * GREAT DANE * KEESHOND * KOTEZEBUE HUSKY * LABRADOR RETRIEVER * MASTIFF * PRESA DE CANARIO * PUG * ROTTWEILER * SAARLOOS WOLFHOND * SAINT BERNARD * SAMOYED * SIBERIAN HUSKY * STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER * TIMBER SHEPHERD * TOSA INU * TUNDRA SHEPHERD * WOLF SPITZ *

Animal ownership and use is under attack in the USA as never before in its history. All practitioners of animal husbandry are in jeopardy. We take on the challenge of protecting all animal ownership and use. From fighting breed specific legislation to NAIS, and beyond. We must save our great pet/animal/agriculture industry. Cats are named in vicious animal laws. Dogs are prohibited by breed. Breed Specific Dog Laws have no stopgaps to prevent the addition of all dogs. They set legal precedent that could ostensibly allow the addition of all domestic species of animals. We recognize that we must stand together as one. We support Responsible Ownership Laws. We will let these breeds stand as a monument to the truth. Banned or restricted breeds, plus any mixed breed that contains as an element of it's make-up any of these breeds;

Airedale Terrier - Akita - Alaskan Malamute -Alsatian Shepherd -American Bulldog - American Husky - American Pit Bull Terrier - American Staffordshire Terrier - American Wolfdog - Arikara Dog - Australian Cattle Dog - Australian Shepherd

Belgian Malinois - Belgian Sheepdog - Belgian Tervuren - Blue Heeler - Boston Terrier - Bouvier Des Flandres - Boxer - Bulldog - Bull Mastiff - Bull Terrier

Cane Corso - Catahoula Leopard Dog - Caucasian Shepherd - Chinese Shar Pei - Chow Chow - Colorado Dog

Doberman Pinscher - Dogo De Argentino - Dogue De Bordeaux -

English Springer Spaniel - Eskimo Dog

Fila Brasiliero - Fox Terrier -French Bulldog

German Shepherd Dog - Golden Retriever - Greenland Husky - Great Dane

Keeshond - Kotezebue Husky

Labrador Retriever

Mastiff

Presa De Canario - Pug

Rottweiler

Saarloos Wolfhond - St. Bernard - Samoyed - Siberian Husky - Staffordshire Bull Terrier -

Timber Shepherd - Tosa Inu - Tundra Shepherd

Wolf Spitz.

MODERATOR'S NOTE: ALL outside links will be deleted.

Sorry Sarah.
I just thought the link was very important to ALL dog owners who may not know who to contact to let their voices be heard. It will be very sad if the legislation is passed.

Sarah,
I do support and believe in Cesar's mission to rehabilitate dogs and train people. I do believe in this blog as a place to discuss Cesar's way.
I also believe that no breed of dog can be considered safe as long as legislation is pending to ban them. This legislation includs any dog that is a MIXED breed of any of the specific breeds mentioned. MUTTS WILL NOT BE SAFE.
THIS TYPE OF LEGISLATION COULD END DOG REHABILITATION.

I'M OUT OF HERE!

Sarah,

I'm with you on this. Everytime this blog takes a "political" swing, or gets too far off topic with emotional personal debates, I get a little concerned.

Yes, these are all important and passionate topics. But, this blog is a gift, where we can come to discuss Cesar's philosophies and methods, and share personal stories, information, and experiences, with other people who also support and use Cesar's methods.

If I want a debate, there are tons of dog boards out there I can go to, and address all of these important topics. Anything from puppymills to animal testing, can be discussed in those forums.

This is only my personal opinion, I am not trying to start a debate. :)

Deb

"To believe the stats or not doesn’t change the fact that the health beneifits of neutering and spaying are real. "

Certainly they are real...and so are some of the health problems CAUSED by neutering, such as bitches that "leak" urine and are cured by reintroduction of female hormones.

And you are quite right. I do not believe the numbers quoted. Of all the list of male dog problems that can occur if the dog is not neutered, I have only had to deal with *1* of them in 25 years. I had 1 dog that developed an perianal tumor and yes, he was immediately neutered, and the tumor stopped growing. He live to be nearly 16 years old.

And no apologies for being as sceptic, but if that 80% for prostate problems is true I should have had 20 out of 25 dogs with prostate problems and in 25 years I have had NONE.

So, being a human being, and as most humans do, tending to trust my own experience I will continue to decide for MYSELF when and whether my dogs should be neutered. If I ever experience that 80% prostate problem level...I'll let you know.

Doggone,

I don't recall anyone asking for any apologies, believe what you want.

I'll stick with the scientific data..you're certainly free to do otherwise.

KathyB,

This was not hard to predict. Many folks get lax after an initial exercise, and things become out of control.

Cesar's techniques must be practiced on a constant basis, and the dogs are only allowed "free time" when they've earned it, at the end of the walk, IF they have behaved during the walk, and only for brief periods. And, not on every single walk.

There should be some walks, which the dogs do not interact at all, and only practice calmly following their leaders.

Not much fun for the humans sometimes, but this is in the dog's best interests

I recommend getting back to Cesar "basics", and not letting the dogs interact for the next few walks.

Deb

Hi KathyB,

I think I would have both you and your friend approach the walk as a serious "leadership" exercise, and as a way to get the dogs energy level down. Walking briskly and the addition of a backpack, (for your dog, ha-ha), will help.

Avoid anything which increases the dog's excitement level, including happy talk about "Let's go see your buddy!". Head out to meet your friend, and join up calmly, and move together in the same direction. Move like you have a purpose. Remember how Cesar uses his body posture, attitude, and energy to project who he is and what he wants from a dog, as their leader.

After you are a half an hour into the walk, give the dogs a relaxed break, where they are allowed to interact a bit, but use a boundary word, just enough tug on the leash, to redirect the dogs, and calmly head off again, if your dog starts even thinking about getting excited. Remember, this is a serious exercise, no goofing off.

Practice taking these short breaks along the way, and allow the dogs short moments to interact, as long as they stay in "on the job mode". Then move off again.

Practice stopping and not letting them interact, but make them sit and ignore each other, while you and your friend stop and chat.

Using the walk this way will help you learn to keep control of your dog, and his focus on you in other situations, too. You want your dog to be under your control and paying attention to you, anytime he even sees another dog. So, this will be a big help towards handling your dog in general.

I'm not there to see how the dogs are interacting when they play, but your dog sounds like he may be being very pushy with the other dog. As leader, you must let him know this overly excited behavior is not wanted by you.

Practice the walk with no play sessions at the end for a couple of days, then allow them to play some at the end of the session on the third day, as long as your dog doesn't get pushy with the other dog and both dogs have remained calm/submisive throughout the entire walk that day.

Without being there to see how your dog is "playing" with the other dog. This is about the best I can do online!

I'm glad you have a friend to practice leadership skills and the walk. I think the buddy system is great and wish more people would do this, too.

Of course it helps if both of you are watching the DW shows, so you are both on the same page!

I hope this helps.

Deb

KathyB,

Yes, focus on the walk and follow my instructions in the above posts. Read them through again, and try to stick to what I've recommended.

These guys are young, of course they want to play and interact. It's good for them. Just make sure you are listened to and respected anytime you ask them to settle down, and break it off.

Deb :)

Great KathyB,

The only other thing which I've noticed is regarding certain dogs, and dog parks.

Sometimes, if a dog doesn't get to walk with other dogs, in structured "leadership" walks, and only interacts with other dogs when they go to a dog park or in play sessions, they can get frustrated at the sight of other dogs.

With some dogs, it's like they become "conditioned" to become excited, because anytime they see another dog, they think it's a "playtime" free-for-all. This can lead to frustration while on leash, that can eventually become dog aggression, IMO and experience.

Cesar did a segment on dog parks, and I believe he mentioned he always walks his dogs before allowing them to interact at a park.

Remember to stand tall and keep your eyes ahead, and off of your dog as best you can during the walk. Your dog should be paying attention to what you are doing, not the other way around. Doing turns and changing direction, is also helpful in keeping your dog's attention on you.

Give your friend a hug for working with you to help your dogs become calm/submissive pack members, and the two of you calm/assertive Pack Leaders! :)

Deb

To all those posting comments, DO NOT POST OUTSIDE LINKS. They will be deleted.

K2,

Maybe it has to do with this face to face position, being the most likely to become confrontational, because it requires a dog to make a decision. Leaders make decisions, followers go along with the decisions made by the leaders. Leaders are in front of followers, so the followers can see them.

Part of this may be due to what we create as humans, when we project human psychology into dog interactions.

Remember, they have their own forms of communication and methods of figuring out "who is who" and "where do I fit within this group?".

Dogs don't walk up, shake hands, and then decide the person they just shook hands with is okay, or not okay based on what they then reveal about their character during the insuing conversation.

IMO, with a dog, pack positioning and the sorting out of status, happens within seconds. I've heard Cesar say this takes less then 10 seconds, for a dog.

This is why the parallel position, which we initiate as the Pack Leader, takes the decision away from the dog, establishes our leadership position, and by moving together in the same direction, helps reduce conflict because we have joined up as a pack, and are now co-operating.

This might sound complicated, but a dog's world is so simple. It's all leader and follower, decision and compliance, and action and reaction.

GRRR, I am SO frustrated! Doggone, Debbie RBW, Nightsun, K2, does any one out there have advice for me?

I just got back from a beautiful hike in the hills where for the 3rd time this week my 2 dogs took off on me for over 10 minutes.

They are so respectful in all other ways. THey walk beautifully on lead, don't jump on people, go thru doors and gates after me, drop bones on command, hold nice stays even with lots of distractions... I feel like I'm doing everything right, but this is just not working!

The friends I hike with have lovely but UNTRAINED dogs. They jump on people, pull on their leashes, etc, BUT on the trail they just galumph along and never run away!

My 2 dogs always ranged more widely, (I thought Hey they're in good shape!) but now they are going farther and farther. They come when called...until they just bolt.

I can leash walk them, or even tell them to "Heel" off lead and have them walk behind me, but it just isn't the same fun or exercise, especially when the other dogs are free to explore and zip around.

Is there ANY way I can have my cake and eat it too? According to Cesar, if I am "Pack Leader" they should follow me. But while they are totally deferential to me in all other ways, they are getting bolder and bolder in their excursions. What do all my laidback non-training friends have that I don't?? (Dogs that don't run off obviously!)

HEy Doggone, thanks for all the ideas. I will check out my library for Koehler - I have read the Monks of New Skete, but not K.

I have trained my dogs in basic obedience, and fun stuff too like fetching over jumps, rollover, leg weaves etc. I do make them sit and stay calmly before taking off their leashes. I even call them from behind trees so they have to find me in the woods.

Sometimes on a hike they just go into this other mode where they are more bonded with each other and the woods than with me. This never seems to happen with the dogs of my hiking companions, even the ones that generally ignore the come command. THey just naturally stay with their people! Sheesh! I'm so jealous! This is putting a big dent in my favorite activity.

I am really afraid to let a line drag in the woods. The dogs are FAST and even a long long line disappears quickly. I once lost a dog in the woods this way and searched for hours til I found her, wound around and tangled up to her neck of course. Yow! She could have died. Ever since then I only use the long line in a fenced area, unless I am holding the end of it (which quickly gets tangled and caught on roots and rocks when I try to do this in the woods anyway.)

I wish there were some way I could cause them to feel anxious that they are lost, like with your dalmation, or BAD when they come back from a jaunt. I know you can't correct them for coming back! It's like, hey they had their good time and there is no unpleasant consequence at all.

Well I will take your advice and read Koehler. Most obedience books don't say too much about off leash ventures, but maybe there will be a halo effect!

When i took one of my dogs to obedience class, they had us get a long thin rope, & let our dogs wonder away while we walked, as they got used to, say, 10 ft, we lengthed it about every 2wks till it got to about 30ft. after that they didn't go more than that far even without the ropes.

I just want to say about neutering/spaying that both of my unspayed dogs in the past developed mammary cancer & had to be put down,eventhough they were both past 10yr.old. with my newest female(now 16mo.) we had her spayed asap when we got her, so she won't have to go thru that.

Ann, DW is on at 8:00 pm Friday nights -- that's the regular time slot. Then, repeats are shown at other times, mornings, afternoons, and on weekends. Walking the dog without having him pull is "Cesar 101" -- the Season 1 DVD will be available in a couple of weeks. Get it and watch! Get Cesar's book, too. There's tons of postings on this blog about the very problem you're describing. This is the most basic thing Cesar teaches -- he calls it "mastering the walk." Two quick pointers: put the choke collar right under the dogs ears, like "show dog" style (this will stop him from almost passing out from choking), and hold the leash "like carrying a purse". There should be no tension in the leash. It takes a while to get the feel of this, but it can be done! My dogs outweigh me by 20 lbs, and I was able to do this with just a couple weeks worth of practice. You are already on the right track by walking him 2X a day and having your husb run him. I've personally put a lot of postings recently about making the leash slack, so if you just read the most recent blogs, you'll see some of mine, and of course everybody else too -- like Doggone GA who is very knowledgeable about this particular topic (and many other topics). There are a lot of knowledgeable people blogging here, so read as much as you can, and above all practice, practice, practice. Oh, P.S. just TODAY a man asked me, "are they walking you, or are you walking them?" I usually just laugh (cause they're walking ME ugh). But today, I said, "A little of BOTH!" I felt so triumphant! And this is because I practiced for weeks on end to get them to stop pulling me. They no longer pull (and neither do I, which is also part of the problem -- the human pulls back). It is like a dream come true to be able to walk with slack leashes!

To Doggone/GA,

I can't tell you what a relief it is to see your postings regarding responsible owners keeping their dogs intact. I have been slammed, insulted and generally made to feel guilty about not having neutered my puppy yet. I may if it's best for his health, but so long as no problems arise I don't plan too.

It seems like everyone in this country has been brainwashed into thinking all dogs should be neutered and to have it done as young puppies. I too have nothing against people who want to do this with their dogs but I wish more people could understand why I want to make my own choice in the matter.

Thank you for your posts.

ANY ADVICE OUT THERE ON HOW TO STOP MY NEIGHBORS' TWO BEAGELS FROM CONSTANTLY BARKING (DAY AND/OR NIGHT)???

I'm a cancer patient on chemo with an irregular sleeping schedule. Dogs have an in/out door so there's no keeping them inside, and every time neighbors travel, they are out all day. Husband and I have tried all "kind"s of things in past five years with little or no results -
* Ask neighbors nicely in person
* Knock on door and ask
* Call the neighbors and ask kindly
* Call and ask police to stop it (they can't unless they hear dogs barking and someone is at home), dogs "miraculously" shut-up when cruiser parks out front, or neighbors "ar not home."
* talked with prosecutor who sent letter (things got somewhat better for awhile).
* called and left message with humane society that dogs were out barking all day while neighbors had been gone all week. No response.

Example of neighbor's response to us:
* he waddled over to our yard, Scotch glass in hand, and said if we would just keep "our rabbits" out of sight, the dogs wouldn't bark! I explained we don't have any rabbits, we all live on a ravine - and so do the rabbits.
* after a non-stop barking day, my husband called and the wife said they were trying to do the "humane thing" and trap the rabbits to release in a park. My hubby asked if they could do the humane thing NOW and stop the dogs from barking so his sick wife could get some rest.
* Dogs bark at any sound, sight or movement - it ain't just the bunnies!

I really don't want to take the next step advised by prosecutor (tape the dogs for 20 minutes and get other neghbors to corroborate), then take to court. I'm afraid the first time after that when we have guests on our deck, they dog owners' will call cops on us (they seem to be those type of people). I want to vengence on either side. I just want the dogs to SHUT UP.

PLEASE, PLEASE HELP! Does anyone know of a device (soundless) I could play out of my window tho get the noise to stop? Or any other tricks?

Thanking you in advance (and hoping you can send help soon!)
-Suzanne

Dear Suzanne,

Have you ever suggested bark collars? OKAY - WAIT EVERYONE - I DON'T MEAN THE BATTERY/SHOCK ONES. I've seen some that spray a solution whenever the dog barks. Does anyone know about them? Are they any good?

Your right "Beagles" will bark at anything. I HAVE ONE. They don't just bark they have a baying park. I wouldn't trade her for anything, but I don't think I could stand owning more than one either. Mine spends most of her day outside when the weather permits. But she doesn't start barking until late afternoon and once the sun goes down there's nothing in the world that will keep her quiet. She will not stay in the yard after dark by herself for anything. I wish I could offer some wisdom but I'm fresh out. I JUST THOUGHT OF SOMETHING!!!!! What about a dog whistle? It would get their attention. But then you would have to blow it. Oh well, I tried. Good luck.

hellow there all! greetings from richmond ca. i just wanted everyone to know that in this episode my beautiful & missed sister theresa was teamed up with the dog named etta. i just wanted to thank whomever had this great idea for this show! pure genius! not only does it help some much deserving quadripeds out but it keeps some wonderful bipeds buisy on the way to rehabilitation. so... thank you whoever you or yall may be. and on a side note if anyone wanted to ya know commensary donations to the lovely THERESA M WORTMAN is allways welcome! baby gotta eat yall! anyways much love to all dog owners and all rehabilitation hopefulls! one day at a time folks! one day at a time. big brother justin richmond ca. {the city of no pitty}

HI, this is Kijana Adamson, and I've only seen your show a couple of times, but I absolutly LOVE it! I've tried some of your techniques with my dog, and they have really helped. She likes to pull on her leash when I'm walking her, and now she doesn't. IT's a lot easier to handle her.

We have a 4 month old Great Dane that is doing pretty well with obedience and housetraining. My husband wants him to remain "intact", and I want to get him neutered because of previous experience with male dogs that cannot control their urges (i.e. jump fences, spray in the house, bother visitors in inappropriate ways, etc.) This pup is expected to get to be nearly 200 lbs. Can we train him to not do these things - even when there is a female in heat in the area?

Thanks Kate. I figured there must be a way to train them to control their urges - I mean, aren't there show dogs in the ring that are still intact? Maybe I'll make a deal with my husband that we hot wire the fence with the surgery money we're not spending -- as well as keep working dilligently on the pup's training. He has been an excellent trainee so far. Much easier than our first dane. But perhaps we have learned a lot since then too.

Oh,what a beautiful blog! I like it very much! I'm agreeable to your point of view!
my name is 整形 I hope to make feiends with you !

Today - Zoey, a beautiful 9yr greyhound in Mesa AZ was forced to go over the rainbow bridge. She was turned in to the animal control by her owners due to so called agressive behavior and she so called bit other dogs and people (no reports were made prior to her being turned in). Despite efforts of local greyhound adoption/rescue groups and despite support of greyhound owners from coast to coast, the Country Atty overruled the shelters agreement to turn the dog over to the rescue group and she was forcefully taken from this world. Things like this should not happen. Greyhounds are bred for the entertainment of people - once they are retired and living in a home - AND PRIOR- they do not deserve to be treated like this. They - like most animals - only know what they learn from people - people who are suppose to be the intelligent breed. "The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
Mohandas Gandhi Run Free Sweet Zoey.