Well, I guess it is back to the season 1 DCD, tapes and books to review. The good thing is that the more I grow in widsom and understanding the more things there are to gleam from the lessons!

If I need a further distraction while I am impatiently waiting (no not excersie/disapline, exercise disapline,exercise/disapline... - g) there is always the Cesarism...animals are mirros for their owners to look at how my patterns are also being reflected in my human relationships from my insights of my dog relationships - g!
I hope Cesar will contune to find a way to post a paradraph or two for us to discuss - maybe exerpts from his books or other experiences!

As always, looking forward to seeing the new episodes!

We love the Dog Whisperer! :)

I just got a Cockapoo who is 6 months old. This is my first dog or pet.

I named him Baby and he is a real joy to have. I am so glad that I found the Dog Whister so that I can learn how to treat and teach my dog.

Please keep the episodes coming, there is a lot of people like me that need the help.

I Love Cesar's way of explaining how to treat the dogs.
Thank you Cesar for being there for us.

I have 3 Shelties, one of which(Boomer) hates both the hair dryer and the vacuum cleaner...Cesar's techniques are working!!! I can now dry my hair in peace, and not wake up my husband! Now, onto the vacuum!!!
One more problem...Our middle sheltie, (Epiphanee) barfs in the car...No matter if we're going to the vets, or the dog park or around the block ... I have to stock my car with rolls of paper towel and disenfectant.. Any suggestions?
Thanks for everything, Cesar...
Sandy

Sandy,

Are you sure the throwing up is anxiety related? This might be a case for the vet as I don't know that Cesar has ever addressed this issue. But, maybe somebody here has experience with this problem, it must be rough.

Good luck.

Sandy,lol there have been some episodes ready made for you!There are natural remedies available: valerain rootre, melatonin, rescue remedy, do a google in yahoo for dog whisper lists or well pet lists for more information!

Grandma, what was said about the exercise is really important with the walk but also there is alot of puppy stage to go through of just high energy. Do you think it is your own pain tapes or what Cesar says are the stories we tell ourselves. Do you have a support system to help you either with objective observations or the physical work of exercising the puppy? Hang in there we are pulling for you!

I Cannot Wait for More New Episodes!!!!
I Anticipate Fri. @ 8!!! Like a Dog waiting for a Bone!!! :)

I am Very Sorry to Read about the Misfortune at The Rehabilitation Center....I Know That Cesar will take Care of it with the Utmost professionalism!!!

Nicole

"One more problem…Our middle sheltie, (Epiphanee) barfs in the car…No matter if we’re going to the vets, or the dog park or around the block … I have to stock my car with rolls of paper towel and disenfectant.. Any suggestions?"

Try ginger cookies, or even just a small amount of fresh ginger. you can grate it and mix it in with a small amount of a tasty meat that they like.

We just watched May 12, 06 episode. Apply much to our problem. We adopted a 3yo neutered male Boxer in Jan. from a rescue organization in Tx. He is wonderful with us, but hates bicycles and we never know how he will react to other people or dogs. We do have one biting incident which was thankfully only a scratch. We have worked extensively with him, and can usually calm him if we get too him before his excitement level is too high, but of course, we can't always. We are the 3rd owners for this wonderful, in most ways, dog, as well as 1 foster Mom 2 different times. We want to do the right thing, but it's hard to know the right thing sometimes. We worked with an animal behaviouist in Tx, but we travel full time in our motorhome, so can't see her now. We are in Idaho. We plan to be at the seminar in Austin on Dec 9, 06. We can't let him approach people until we are sure how he will behave.
Help us please.

Hey how about some cayenne pepper on the poop?

I got a rescue dog who threw up on EVERY car ride, sometimes more than once! I tried to take her in the car a lot on VERY short rides, like 1/2 a block, so she wouldn't throw up. Also never fed her first. Slowly she built up tolerance, and now she can go forever on windy roads no less. It took a few months I gotta admit, but I could see the progress as we went along.

Joanna,

Ha, ha, ha, great story!

Joanna,
Hahahhahaaaaaaaaaaa....I'm sure it was not fun for your friend but OMGOSH I laughed my tail off!!!! :D Thanks for sharing!heeheeeeeee....still chuckling

I have a only one problem with my 4 dogs. also i've seen cesar deal with this only once. maybe someone out there could remind me how to handle the dogs that bark at the doorbell, family that walks in the house, and any little sound that they imagine. besides that they know who is pack leader. Me! please help! thank you

Bridgette, one thing I've been practicing lately is just to be incredibly calm when the dogs "react" to every little sound. I'll just say a very quiet "hey" if they start going ballistic at a doorbell or family member that walks in the house. If they escalate, I make sure that I don't escalate along with them. I'll change the "hey" to a stern, but quiet "go lie down" and I'll stand up and walk towards them (not follow them, you need to distinguish between following them and walking towards them as if you are "in charge"). Just a step or two, and then I stand tall near them and say "go lie down" and point to their "spot" where they're supposed to lie down. It's been working pretty well! If they hear a sound on TV like a dog or cat noise, or a doorbell or even bells on a game show (LOL!) I just quietly say "It's on the T.V." and keep doing whatever I am doing. I don't pick up on their same excited energy. I used to get "as" excited as they did at those times, but now I just stay close to ignoring them, but give a slight correction either in my body language, or with a quiet vocal command.
Hope that helps!

i have heard of dogs protecting their owner or stopping them from getting to far from the phone because they sense a medical condition like a heart attack. this actually happened to a friend of ours he had to call 911. in the dog world would they protect the dog pack leader. just wondering.

Sandy,
I had the same problem. I crated my dog during transport and the problem was solved.

Ugh, many of us have had the 'poop eater' problem at one time or another, but it really is not all that uncommon in the animal world (though disgusting to think about).

It may have started as a dietary deficiency, boredom or curiosity and for some pups it becomes a game "I grab it and my owners all of a sudden want to play chase with me!!! cool!!!".

For puppies that eat their own, check the brand of food you are feeding and consider going to a different food or adding suppliments. (Remember, large breed pups and small breed pups have different dietary needs and some "catch all" puppy foods are just not enough for everyone.)

For litterbox nibblers, consider a new litterbox with a cover or a self cleaning one... or placing the catbox in a place that the dog cannot get to, such as behind a baby gate.

There are also additives you can add to the pup's food that can make the... poop... taste horrible. (I know I know... how could it taste good to begin with?)

For the ones that use it as a chance to play "catch me if you can", instead of running after them or using a shaker can, have a treat handy (the most irresistable treat you can think of) and offer a trade.

Good Luck!

Hi,,, I was wondering about the pug owners over there?!!! my puppy molly, is a good dog, she just get nervous around other people,,,like visitors and my two teens, who are not at home the most, and since other people talk to her like she was a baby, you can imagen how nervous she goes, like the case Of Prada, the Pom Cesar helped,,,, other people think I am mean for not talking to her like a baby,,, and they just dont get it,,, if you give an inch to Molly she takes a mile, believe me!!!!... so since most of the time she is only with me in the house, she is pretty calm, when is she going to settled down? she is just 7 months,,, and other thing, when I walk her at the park and I try to give her a soft jerk when she fixes her ears toward other dogs and birds etc, making her pull, and get out of the zone of walking, I have been told things like: she is so mean, or its just a little dog, God!!!! and making me feel very unconfortable. any thoughts?

Norma,
lololol....If it was ME I would reply with "you worry about you and yours and I will concentrate on training my dog thank you." That's just me though. I've heard a few things come out of people's mouth's, while out walking my dog or at the dog park, that have made me turn my head like a dog does!hahahahahahaa

My thought is two fold: Apply the six month rule...is this going to matter in six months? AND who CARES what others think....you know what you are doing for dog to grow up to be well balanced and happy, so don't let it bother you! You just keep being the pack leader and remember.....more than likely the people making the comments have very uncontrollable dogs or have no clue on how to properly be a pack leader.
Hope that helps!!!!! :) Also....Happy Mothers Day!!!!!

Penny,
Your last comment is EXACTLY why I have not purchased one yet....I want to know EXACTLY how to use it!

Actually yes I have seen Cesar do the backwards leash, but if I am in a situation that he is pulling, I would be afraid of not being able to hold onto the leash. It does not happen often, however when it does he is one strong dog!lol

A 100lb Rott is a lot to handle when he gets excited (which has been rare), and I also have to keep in mind that I have had two back surgeries, so that is another reason why I am a little afraid to try the backwards leash trick.....at least in the past, when he has gone crazy (playing or pulling to get to another dog that wants to play) and pulled, I had the end of the leash to hang on to, until I got him back under control.

Can you give me more info about the "There are all in one lead ‘choke’ combos that you can get at any good pet store"? Thanks for your input btw!!!!! :)

KathyB-
Unfortunately, I cannot post links here and do not think that the Blog will allow me to advertise for any one seller, but you can do a search on the internet, just type "slip leads" (keep the quotation marks, they narrow the search feild) into the search box and you will get sites galore.

Thanks Penny!!!!!
I will google it!!! :)

one more thought on the pinch or prong collars...none of my dogs have EVER got an injury from it, even when it slid down and they pulled me on it, nothing happened, it's not sharp, also it's big enough around their necks that it can be very loose without it sliding down too much, but it being loose, when they smell the ground & their head is down, it also slides back to position, if i see a dog / cat etc. coming, i adjust it to behind their ears. I used it on my rottie when he was a puppy, and he does not pull.you don't give a very hard "snap" on it, just so they notice, u have to experiment to see how hard to pull, also at the pet store someone should be able to show you, when i go back to the choke, or even the reverse loop collar, my dogs pull and there is alot of continued tention on their necks on walks, so i'm sticking with what works for me. I've had dogs where i had to put a harness on them, because they wouldn't stop pulling with a regular choke collar. let us know if you try it. u can also buy extra prongs to add/subtract to get the right size.

I bought a prong collar about 4 years ago, for Blackie, my chow mix. I only uesd it a couple of times, as she learned very quickly not to pull. Since then the collar has just been hanging in the hall. One thing though, and maybe it happened because I didn't put the collar properly (too loose?) whenever she rolled (she likes to roll in the grass) the pieces came apart, and she was left without a collar.

k2,

I like your "revelation". Since now on I am going to go for MY walk, and invite the dogs to go with me.

Bridgette,

The way I saw Cesar react to the dogs going nuts at the doorbell - 2 large akitas - was to use his classic "Tsst!" and cupped hand gesture. On the show the dogs calmed down immediately. One nice thing about this problem is that you can easily do set-ups. Just have a kid come and ring the doorbell every few minutes until you get it right.

"Or can there be some problems? I would like to know what to expect. "

There could be some problems. The best thing to do would be to bring them back together at some neutral place...neither your place nor you friends. Arrange to meet somewhere where you can both - either you and your friend, or you and your husband, walk the dogs together for about an hour. Start by one of you holding the 2 that stay together and the other holding the one that stayed at your friend's.

As you walk, start mixing up the pairs, and for about the last 15 minutes have one person walk all three of them together. Then take them home and walk them all around your house and yard together.

Thank you very much Doggone. I think it is a great idea to start with a walk. Even though the two dogs fight now, the things overall with them separated are going well, and I don't want or need extra troubles.

I am a little worried about my pit bull mix. She is really a people dog, she thrives on human contact (unlike my two other dogs), and she spends most of her time playing with us (mostly the kids). I am leaving with the kids, and I know she is not going to get much attention at all during that time. Is there a way to prepare her for that? I can't just tell everyone to start ignoring her suddently.
Or maybe she's going to be just fine, and I am overreacting? I have never left my doggies for so long, so I worry.

"Or maybe she’s going to be just fine, and I am overreacting? "

She'll be fine. She will still have your odors around and she won't be totally alone. She might be a bit listless for a day or two, but after that she'll just take it that life is like this now.

Hello All,
I just wanted to make everyone aware of Cesar and Illusion's series of seminars across the U.S.

My wife and I, and some friends attended one on Sat 13 May at Bentley College in Waltham, Mass. It was a benefit for the MSPCA.
The complete 2006 seminar schedule is posted at dogpsychologycenter.com.

The content of the seminar is basically the same as what Cesar presents on the DVD (though with many tangential stories, quips and audience interaction that is funny, endearing and spellbinding), but to be in his presence is a whole different experience. Illusion had to be very persistent in discreetly trying to keep Cesar on topic as she was the one watching the clock! I think he could have stayed and talked all night! And we would have stayed with him.
After his presentation he and Illusion stayed and signed copies of Cesar's Way and accomodated everyone's wish for a photo with this beatutiful couple!

Enough gushing! Needless to say, I encourage everyone to check the seminar schedule and make every effort to see Cesar and Illusion for the benefit of a shelter or rescue organization near you!

Stay Calm/Assertive!

Rick

Susanne,
You can put a weighted back pack on your coonhound. This way he will get more exercise on your leashed walks. It might also act as a deterant for scenting because he will have a job, to carry that back pack. Try to keep his head up when you walk him (this might be difficult) to prevent scenting.
He's big enough to pull a cart. Same line of thought here, he will be less likely to scent because he will be working.
There are several good carting wesites out there. Some even have plans to build your own cart.
You should check with your Vet about the amount of wieght he should carry or pull. He will enjoy the job and it will tire him out.
My boy weighs 97 pounds and the Vet told me that 15 pounds would be good for him to carry. He likes his back pack and carries it with his head held high. We have just begun cart training and it is proving more difficult than I thought it would be but I'm the type of person who loves a project!
Good Luck!

Susanne,
we live around a lot of fields. my dog is part lab, my sister's is pure lab and both love following scents in the grass. we walk them first and then they are let go. but we have and still are teaching them the boudaries, how far they can go. it helps a bit that a fence separates them on one side from anyone elses property, but we have established boundaries for them both. they are both under a year old so they don't follow them perfectly but they are getting better. maybe you could show your dog a line and teach him not to go beyond it. just a thought to go with the other good ones that were given.

Hi Norma,

I can relate. I find it very dificult to give my dog an effective correction in public. When I take my pretty little, elegant-looking Belgian Shep to school with me to pick up my son, I just can't seem to jerk on that leash in front of all those little kids saying, "Ohh what a cute puppy."

Loki totally takes advantage of this and pulls me up and down the school steps every time! I finally had to steel myself to do it, looking furtively around to see who was watching this lady be "mean" to her dog, and giving a little explanatory dialogue to anyone who might be listening - "C'mon Loki don't pull, you know how to walk politely...etc.

Rick,
I am so jealous!! I live in MA, and by the time I heard about the Waltham seminar, it was all sold out. In fact, I was just logging into the blog this morning to ask if anyone went to it, and how was it... and there was your post! How awesome! I hope I can go to one either next time he comes to the Boston area, or somewhere else close by.

Suzanne,
I have a Lab/Coonhound mix. He's an intact male, and weighs 80 lbs. He is the SWEETEST dog in the whole wide world. Very sensitive to my emotions, and very perceptive about everything. He has always been able to be loose in our yard and always stays close to home. I've always had trouble walking him on leash because he pulls me down on the ground. But I've made tons of progress since watching Dog Whisperer. He does have a chase/prey instinct, and recently I've had to keep him (and my other dog) confined because they got into a scuffle with a neighborhood cat that cost me tons of $$ in vet bills. I walk him (with my other dog) twice a day for 45 minutes. That seems to tire him out. I don't know if you have that kind of time, most people don't, but I find that it really tuckers him out. The other thing is that he loves to play with toys and balls, so I try to do that as much as possible. He usually starts the game, in fact ha ha. We recently fenced in our yard, which makes it a lot easier because he can just come and go as he pleases and run around out there. I'll leave the dogs out there for 20 minutes in the a.m., and then we go for our walk. By the time we get back, they're ready to eat and sleep while I get ready for work. I like the suggestion that you use a backpack. I've tried that with my guy, and it helps burn off the energy. How come you can't be the decision-maker about letting him be indoors, if you don't mind me asking?

Did anyone else see Regis & Kelly this morning? Jeff Probst was co-hosting w/Kelly and he told a story about how he got bitten by a dog. It was a friend's dog and they had moved from east coast to west coast, and the plunked the dog in the new apartment with a bunch of boxes and left to do errands or whatever. Probst went back into the apartment to get something, and the dog (didn't know him very well) lunged at him and bit him. All I kept thinking about was Cesar's blog from a few weeks ago about acclimating the dog to a new neighborhood by "migrating" and walking with him before bringing him into the new house! Obviously, those people didn't do it!

Just to let you all know that it is so nice to have the civilized blog postings back. This is a free coutry, everyone is entitled to his or her opinions but one great thing about this blog was that everyone was very positive and try to help each other with dog problems.
I cannot wait to see more new episodes!!

"Doggone, we all got a good laugh out of your joke on the other thread, even though it was expunged! Can’t figure out why."

Me either! but thanks anyway!

MODERATOR'S NOTE: While we welcome your comments to the Dog Whisperer blog, please be advised that all outside links, personal contact information, solicitations, and inappropriate comments (at the discretion of the moderator) will be deleted.
Thank you for your cooperation.

forgot to ask...what's a kong, & where can i get one?

lj,
maybe some more experienced people can back me up but, at eight months he's hitting adolescence, right? from what i've seen of labs they seem to go a bit out of it from that time til some time passed a year. i think you just have to hang in there, keep reenforcing what you're doing. sounds like you're doing a good job. anybody else have other ideas? mine will be an adolescent soon and i would welcome comments too.

Hi lj,

I have heard that at 9 months pups enter a newly intense teething stage. It sounds like you are giving him lots of good exercise and play, with a dog walker coming in midday to boot. I'm guessing he doesn't have any particular issues, and on weekends you are just keeping him too busy to chew up stuff.

How about just removing all destructible items from the kitchen and leaving him with a kong, a rawhide knot and a nice long, thick-walled marrow bone (my dogs spend hours on these trying to get out the marrow. I get them from the supermarket and give them right out of the freezer.)

I have also heard that labs in particular are very intense chewers when young. I agree with elbereth, sounds like you're doing great with that pup.

1st time on site. We have a 14 mo. old neutered male Golden. When we take him to the Bark Park, there seems to always be a couple of the male dogs who constantly attempt to mount him. Our Golden is very large for his breed, but is easy going. The first time we went to the Bark Park, one of the dogs was very aggressive with our Golden and then 3 other dogs joined in. Our dog seemed very confused by this behavior. Our dog held them all off for a long time, but finally submitted. This did not stop the aggressive dog's behavior. Our Golden did not express any aggressive behavior and he just gets up and goes back to being his independent self. He is quite strong willed and doesn't seem to be afraid of anything (not even storms.) Why do these dogs want to mount him and attack him?

jan) cant explain the behavior of the other dogs without getting a feel for the whole situation, but at least the problem isnt with your dog

heres my problem: i have two mutts, well my parents do. being the last child to head off for college, my parents are the caretakers of the dogs. they are loving, dogs with lots of energy who listen most of the time. however, they dig. alot. our backyard is comparable to the moon's surface, its terrible. we can never catch them in the act and we dont know how to discipline them afterwards. weve tried stay away sprays, covering the wholes, yelling at them after they dig, and even creating a special place where we prasied them to dig while ignoring any other digging behavior elsewhere. nothing worked. my parents would give up both dogs to a good home if they could find someone who would take them both. this is entirely unacceptable for me. and the only problem they have with the dogs is the digging. any ideas? i cant lose these two members of my family over an issue like this. thanks in advance for any comments.

Rick,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and answering my questions, I really appreciate it.

"My only guess is that those who disagree with his methods do not know the man, have not bothered to learn who he is and how he learned what he knows."

I have found this to be so true. I've yet to encounter someone who disagrees with his philosophy that has taken the time to understand fully what it is he advocates. Most of the critics are usually just parroting what they've heard elsewhere, imo. And the part that he stresses that his way is not the only way escapes most if not all critics too, which I find interesting.

"But being with and interacting with Cesar and Illusion was like a shot of adrenaline, helping us to recommit to the job we have to do for the sake of our dogs."

I'm not surprised to hear that. It's his devotion to the "sake of the dogs" that impresses me most.

Thanks again for sharing.

LJ-
I admire your dedication to the dog's exercise schedule!! One of my dogs was the same exact way. He shredded everything for a few months. Addressing exercise is definitely a big part of the puzzle, but mental disicpline was a large part of my dog's problem. Now we give commands before they eat and also before we leave the house. I'm in the middle of reading "Cesar's Way" and thought I'd share that with you.

We also reward with raw meaty bones (frozen),they're a great source of calcium for the dogs and if you're not too grossed out by chicken or turkey necks you can freeze them and give it to him for snacks.
That could be the answer to "bad breathe" but talk to your vet as it could be an internal message of something else.

Not sure what you're feeding him, but retrievers generally speaking do real well on raw meaty diets if that's something you're open too.

jan/ohio,
I've taken my male 100lb. Rott (he is 14 months old now, and this was when he was about 12 months) to the dog park twice and in both instances another dog tried to start "trouble"...first time was trying to mount mine, the second was a smaller dog in a crowched position in an attack mode...BOTH times I TOOK CONTROL!....not to be rude to the other owners but I want MY dog to have a good experience at the park and if another person's dog is going to act in an unhealthy way towards mine, then I will take control.
I am the one who would be the one to get blamed, since I have the "bad" dog (Rottweiler) so I make sure to stop ANY occurances that may or could turn bad.
Both times, the owners did and said nothing, or made the comment of "all you have to do is tell him no", which is when my dog was trying to be mounted (Roman will NOT allow another dog to dominate him, so I saw the & heard the low growl from him, which made me step in), I of course looked at the lady like she had three eyes!lololol All I did was use the "shsssssssst" noise or the other noise my trainer taught me.
I do NOT think it is unreasonalble for you to stop another dog from doing anything to yours, to create a negative experience for him. If the owners don't like it, tell them to hire a trainer to get their dog under control. :)

Also......mounting is a form of dominance. Mine will try to do it, but he is IMMEDIATLY stopped. KathyB

OMGOSH......I AM SO PROUD OF MYSELF!lol :)
I took Roman for his walk and there is an un-nuetered male pitbull on our route...most of the time the gate is closed and the dog is nowhere to be seen...NOT TODAY!lol
Not only was he around but the gate was WIDE OPEN....I saw the situation about 50ft away, but kept going on our walk/route as normal (I know the pitt is not quite a year yet or has just hit a year, having had a small conversation a month or so ago with the owner) and I stayed calm/assertive while keeping an eye on the Pitt....as we got closer I could see him getting "interested" in Roman and KNEW he would be charging soon (if to play or whatever) so as soon as he barked and started charging I stepped in front of Roman, pointed at the dog and made my VERY LOUD growl noise. Stopped him dead in his tracks! :) He and I kept eye contact and I stayed in my "I AM IN CHARGE AND DON'T GO THERE STANCE", until the owner came running through her front door and started calling her dog.
lolololol...I have NO IDEA what Roman was doing during that time, but not until AFTER the Pitt was behind the fence and barking/chasing the fence line did Roman start acting up, but man it RAWKED being in COMPLETE control!lolol

(Kathy pats herself on the back! :D heeheeheeheehee)

Hi lj,
From my experience with my chewer (yellow Lab/Shepherd mix), I strongly suggest picking up everything you can think of and putting it out of reach. I always shudder at the memory of the DW episode where the dog ate a scatter rug and had to have surgery to have a quarter of the rug removed from its intestines. Scary stuff! The dog does not know any better. When my dog was little, he chewed everything in sight when we left him alone. I never used a crate or a baby gate. I started walking him 1-hour twice a day immediately when I got him (he was 4 months old when I got him). Your routine sounds similar to mine -- and lucky you with the noontime dog-walker! At 8 months, if I remember correctly, he was still chewing up anything he could get his mouth on when we were at work. I'd come home to find hardcover books in teensie, tiny little pieces strewn about the house. He ate my boyfriend's shoes one morning when we tried to sleep late and shut the bedroom door! He'd even tear up socks! Everything!! So, what I did was start picking up everything and putting it out of reach. His way of thinking was, "anything on the floor, is MINE". We also had to make sure all closet and cabinet doors were securely shut, otherwise he'd open them and tear up things! He'd get into the trash, or get ahold of a box of tissue or toilet paper and it'd be in shreds everywhere! He even chewed an ant trap and I had to call the poison control# printed on the bottom of it! (he was fine). He didn't swallow stuff much, just shredded it to bits and would toss the little pieces everywhere around the house! I was lucky that he didn't swallow stuff. Eventually, he simply outgrew it. But I also got a second dog around that same time, so maybe the company stopped him from chewing.

One thought that popped into my head while reading your post -- is there any construction or anything going on in your area? Even down the road or elsewhere in the neighborhood? If there are noises that upset him, he may be destroying things in an effort to escape, thinking he'd be safer somewhere else. These sounds may be happening when you're at work, and by the time you return they're over and done with. Also, the construction guys could be taking their lunch break at precisely the time the dog walker arrives. Something to look into, it's an idea anyway. All of my Labs have had fears of very strange things: balloons, kites, outdoor lighting fixtures that seem to "float" in the sky. Anything in the sky seems to make them really flip out -- thunder, lightning, fireworks especially. And loud noises, too. If you can keep him occupied with the kongs or safe bones to chew on while he's alone, that will certainly help.

Bootsmutt, during DW every so often you'll see the Petco ad where the two Petco employees are "riding" on a big red rubber thing -- that's a Kong. But the real Kong is small enough to hold in your hand LOL!

Sorry I can't help with the mounting thing - my dogs are always the ones doing the mounting (LOL!) Ugh. But at least I am getting better at stopping them. Now, I use the Cesar "foot tap" works like a charm!! Just one teensie little tap is almost all that's required and he stops mounting. Don't know if I'd recommend doing this without the permission of the other owner, though! how to start WWIII at the doggie park!!!

I had another revelation today! I've been using the choke collars on both dogs. Meanwhile, the prong collars that I once used are hanging on a hook in the kitchen, unused. After reading everyone's posts from yesterday, I was thinking about the prong collars, and it suddenly occurred to me that I can use the prong on one dog, and the choke on the other! (Lab/Coonhound is still pulling a lot!) I mean, they're not twins that I need to dress alike ha ha ha.

Yayy! I've been totally hooked on all Cesar's episodes and not too mention the book. Wow, what a great book! I'm learning so much stuff from it. Well, just wanted to say how happy I am with, The Dog Whisperer!

Kim

Kim,
Thank You!!!!!!!
Great site in showing how to fit it correctly!!!! :)

"It sounds to me like you have to remove some of the links"

Yes, you keep taking out links until the collar just lies on the neck, but does not dig in. And it's always going to slip down a little. Unless you keep a light tension on the lead, any collar will slip down. Hence Cesar's "Illusion" collar, which isn't really so much a collar as a neck harness designed to keep the real training collar up where it belongs.

:) lololol....I'm confused again!!!!!

I have been reading up on my new prong collar and keep reading the following: "As a safety measure -- Some prong collar users will put an additional slip or buckle collar on the dog and thread their leash snap through the rings of both prong and the second collar -- so if the prong collar comes loose for any reason, they still have control of the dog."

What the heck are they talking about??? YES....I can be a little slow at times and have read this and another paragraph on another site and STILL can't figure out what type of collar they are talking about and more impotantly how to attach it to the prong collar. I'm VERY confused!lol

Is this other collar they are suggesting even necessary???

KathyB

A trainer that helped me with my dog (17 month old flat-coated retreiver; rescued at 9 mos) said that I should get plastic tips to go on the prongs (available at PetSmart and I'm sure Petco). the tips keep the collar from falling apart. You have to leave on set of prongs without the tips to be able to open and close it.

to all those who were talking about the problem of poop eating. many years ago a vet told me to feed my 3 poop eating dogs (two german shepherds and a golden/irish setter mix) a small amount (somewhere between a teaspoon and a tablespoon) of crushed canned pineapple daily and they would stop...and they did. I recently told a friend whose tiny poodle was doing it, her dog stopped also.

I didn't have to feed it to them forever. I don't know if it made it taste too bad (how could it taste worse??) or corrected a deficiency...but it works and is cheap!

Susanm
Thanks for the info...so helpful!

kim, thanks so much for that link. my sister has one for her lab, but now i see it is sitting too far down. he listens to it mostly, but if it were in the right position he would probably listen better and have less chance of something happening to him.

Great info about the prong collars everybody. I put my prong collar back onto Hector this morning, but it was too far down on his neck, I know. I have to take a couple links out, but man it is difficult to get them off! I used to use the prong collars when the dogs were younger, until a well-meaning friend said they appeared *cruel* and that made me feel bad. After that is when I started being dragged down on the ground! I was thinking this morning that if the prong collar comes apart, then Hector will be loose, and then I came here and saw KathyB's post about hooking the two collars together. Ingenious! Just what I needed, as usual! I learn so much from all of you, and from Cesar! (KathyB, I think they mean to take the clasp of your leash and hook it to both the metal circles on a regular buckle collar and the prong collar. Hard to describe in words! LOL! Did I say it comprehensively?!)

My friend who had to euthanize her dog last Friday has been toying with the idea of getting another dog already. I just sent her an email quoting Cesar's chapter on bringing a new dog into a "sad energy" house -- her family is devastated right now. There've been a couple of DW episodes where out-of-control dogs were added to a family/pack when the family was in mourning and the dog senses that there is no pack leader, and they take on the "job". My friend watches DW, so hopefully she will heed this advice and wait a while. It's too soon, and she is hurting so bad. I feel so sad for them. She said her house is so empty without their dog.

Looks like the poop's really hitting the fan! :D

Grandma: Don't know what issues you're having, but a lot of people think because a dog's little it doesn't need much exercise which isn't the case! It may be that you need to get some professional help with the dog if what you're trying isn't working. The biggest things I can say that works is to remain calm, but keep that assertive attitude. My parents are in a similar boat. They had a really laid back retriever/chow mix, but my mom wanted another yellow lab. They had labs before, but that was over 20 years ago when they got them as puppies and so they grew up and matured as my parents got older. Well I helped pick out a really cute puppy from the shelter, but I felt guilty later as we found she was EXTREMELY hyper (and this is coming from one who owns labs!) I suspect she was the product of a puppy mill (dewclaws were removed). I've never seen a dog with seeming ADD before, but she's it. Even on medication she could and did pull my parents down when on leash if she saw something. She's gotten a lot better (at 3 years old), but if I had thought about it I would have encouraged them to get a different dog (they're around 80) that wasn't so active. Also they don't have the assertive thing down. Dad tends to get impatient and yell and mom's voice just doesn't care enough weight and they don't have the calm assertive attitude. I know that's a big part of it because she listens to me and totally melts into a puddle of happy puppy goo around my husband who has a commanding presence. They do faithfully watch the shows and have her exercising (supervised) on a treadmill. One thing about her is she is fearless and loves the treadmill.

Regarding the litterbox and "cat chocolates": The only thing I can add is this reminds me of the same type of problem as any of the episodes that deals with obsession. If you're having to "race your dog" to the litterbox, then obviously you're not the pack leader! I would watch some of the shows dealing with obsessive behavior and how Cesar takes "ownership" of things like toys or parts of a room. Take ownership of those litter boxes. That's your cat poop and he can't have it! LOL! And maybe use a favorite treat or toy to reward when he stays where he's supposed to when you go to scoop. I have an invisible line where the dogs aren't to go past to where the litter boxes are and it's worked out pretty well. Keep in mind that whelping mothers often eat their puppy's poop because that's the way they would do in the wild to clean out a den. Sometimes that makes them get a taste for it (all in mother nature's plan, I suppose, but disgusting none-the-less.) I don't know if the cayenne pepper would work--might just give it seasoning. :D I had a greyhound that was NUTS about hot salsa--didn't phase him a bit. Makes you wonder why we spend so much time picking out fancy dog foods, doesn't it? :D

I am looking for some fresh perspective from you dog people out there. My 12-year-old son plays this game with our 1-year-old Belgian Shep that consists of running wildly around the kitchen dodging chairs and such, with her jumping on him and grabbing at his pants, tail awaggin' and fake growling. It is a scene of joyful reckless abandon, but...is it bad conditioning for the pup? It involves 2 forbidden activities - jumping and mouthing.

She will stop on a dime if she is told to, and is respectful in all other ways. Should I let them have their fun or am I courting bad habits?

Joanne said, "Should I let them have their fun or am I courting bad habits?"

No, Joanne, I believe this could be very bad conditioning. Dogs all have (more or less) a prey drive. Your son is bringing out that prey drive by running around and letting her chase him. (Always teach a kid to stand still and not run if a strange dog comes up to them. Running makes a dog want to chase and possibly attack.) Your son needs to be seen as a pack leader and the fact that she's jumping on him and nipping him says that she doesn't view him that way. Plus she's a herding dog, so she's going to have a strong instict to chase and nip.

Why not have your child learn other sports he can do with his dog such as frisbee, flyball or obstacle courses and of course, obedience. Those things will give her plenty of activity and exercise that she needs and will see your son as a pack leader instead of another "pup".

JMO.

Sarah and Cheryl, Thanks! My friend was grateful for the info from Cesar's book. We talked, and she said Cesar's advice is totally right, that she wanted to get another dog to make herself feel better -- but that's no reason to get one. I think they're probably going to wait a little while. She'll know when the time is right. Cheryl, I did the same thing -- I got my Lab/Shepherd about a year before my black Lab passed away. Plus I had about 6 cats at the time! Since my puppy was young, I had no choice but to deal with him and be responsible to him and the cats after Timba passed. I've always had multiple pets, so I can't imagine coming home to an empty house. It must be awful! As much as we get frustrated and overwhelmed sometimes with all the pets, it sure beats the alternative.

Rhonda, #108, I can't recall any DW episodes with Siberian Huskies. But Cesar often points out that behavior problems do not have very much to do with the specific breed. What's happening with your Siberian Husky? Maybe some folks here can help.

Good Morning, everyone...

I have a little problem that might become a big problem and I need some advice...

Loki (chi service pup in training) went with me to my doctor's appointment with me as he has done since I got him on monday and everything went as usual until someone came up (as they tend to do) and bent down to 'baby talk' him, (When people baby talk they tend to raise the octave of their voice, making it a high squeaky excited voice) and Loki growled!

He has never done this before and I corrected him immediatly, but I need opinions and help in nipping this in the bud asap.

I know that Cesar states that small dogs should not be in the lap at all times because they grow defensive there and I do not know if Loki felt my tension because I have to constantly stop people from reaching out to him unasked or if he was trying to 'claim' me, but I have a unique problem with this... part of Loki's training is to stay calm and in a 'down stay' in my lap when we are in public so that he can get my phone from my purse for me if it rings or a pen from my purse if I need to sign anything, ect. When we are moving I will alternate having him heel beside me and laying on my lap depending on the situation. (In large crowds it is safer for him to be on my lap, he is only 7 inches tall and can be stepped on or kicked by people who try to squeeze past my chair or push my chair out of their way because they are in a hurry... yes that happens more often than you think.)

It was after much thought and research that a chihuahua was chosen to be my service dog, I have nerve damage in both hands and arms and cannot hold the leash for a medium or large size dog so most service dog breeds would not work for me and I found that chihuahua's are extremely intelligent and quick to learn, so we chose a chi to be my working partner.

Any suggestions would be most welcome.

Hi Penny,

I think it is an amazingly cool idea to have a Chi for a service dog. I think yr doing the right thing based on what I've seen Cesar do on his show. When he had a show about a little dog who wouldn't let anyone get on the bed next to his owner I THOUGHT he would say, "That dog should not be on the bed!" But no, he just insisted that he could sit on the bed with an arm around the owner with the dog right there. Same with the show about the woman who kept the Chi on her lap on the couch. He corrected with "Tsstt" or neck grab.

It seems to me that Cesar would approve of your corrections and that he would have people approach you again and again, each time insisting that the dog remain calm and accepting. After all, you have a unique situation. This dog IS going to be on your lap a lot, but he should never feel that he is allowed to "protect" this space. It's still YOUR lap!

Good luck with your ground breaking project.

Hi Doggone and Cheryl B.,

Thanks for your thoughtful feedback on the topic of kids rough housing with pups. I guess the main conflict is between the idea that Cesar promotes; that we should always elicit calm submissive energy from our dogs, and the general tendency of kids to want to play wrestling, tug-of-war, chasing games with their pups.

I have to admit I have very fond memories of playing like this with my collie dog as a child (before we knew anything about Cesar.) We even had a special raggedy old coat to wear when we wrestled. She was a sweet non- aggressive dog, and it never led to anything more.

It just seems more like "play drive" than "prey drive." It's not even nipping (which I hate,) more like open mouthed poking and "arrr" ing, like when she plays with our other dog.

I think I will try to combine the mastery of the down command like Doggone suggested for my son and his pup, to end this game. Right now they just end the wild play when my son stops jumping around and cradles the dog's head in his hands. Both of my dogs ARE obedient to the kids. Even My 8-year-old can put them in a sit/stay when he feeds them their supper.

I will also try to use more of Cheryl's ideas for positive play (I WISH I could teach her to catch a frisbee! That would really be cool. She just waits til it hits the ground to fetch it.)

Thanks again for your ideas.

Penny: I would suggest calling the place where you got the service dog from. They might also have some good suggetions since service dog training is a lot different from just training your pet.

And does Loki have a orange service dog "vest"? If not, I would see about getting her one so that people know she's not just a pet. I would also be sure to quickly correct any well-meaning person that your service dog is on duty so please don't talk to her. I wonder if what freaked Loki out was not the voice, but that the person was probably standing over her (and you) since you were sitting down. That's a dominant position and she may have felt threatened.

And it probably did pick up your vibes too. There is an episode this season where Cesar works with a woman who was training her dog to be a service dog because the woman was prone to panic attacks. This woman was worried her dog wouldn't pass his final test because he reacted when another dog came around. And yup, it turns out SHE'S afraid of other dogs, in particular pit bulls. So Cesar gave her a "pit bull party" with Daddy, Popeye and several others. In getting over that fear, it made her more confident and after the dog passed his test, she even wondered at the end if she would need to use her service dog.

Anne: How much exercise does Winston get? And not "backyard time" but real walks? Bichon's are pretty active dogs and being cooped up all day, I can see why he goes bananas when you come home. I'm all for kenneling (better than having an eaten couch), but it sounds like your dog may need serious walks in the morning and possibly the evening as well to get rid of all that pent up energy.

Cheryl B: I'm sure you are right about Winston not getting enough exercise. What do you consider a "serious walk"? I often take Winston out with me roller skating and playing ball but it has rained here in RI for the last 10 days. I did take him out for some ball chasing last night in the ball field but the ground was still very wet so we didn't play long. When I work I need to leave the house at 6:15 am. Winston is such a drastic change from my yorkie. Lately most walks are around the block (about 10 mins). The evening walks would be easier to accomplish than the morning walks. Any more advice for us?

Hi Anne, Glad we were helpful with the "owning" of the leash thing. That is the neatest "trick" I've learned LOL!

As for Winston, yes it seems like he's not getting a disciplined serious walk. You're exercising him, but the exercise you describe is "excitement-provoking" exercise (playing ball). The rollerskating is great, though -- Cesar uses that a lot for tiring out excited dogs. It should be a "serious" walk, with you leading and him following (on leash if you have to), followed by the rollerskating and/or the ball playing. Structured walk first; then vigorous exercise or excitement/play. Do you have Cesar's book "Cesar's Way"? The beginning of the book focuses on the importance of the daily (or twice daily) "structured" walk, with the human as pack leader and the dog(s) following -- 30 minutes minimum. A way to shorten the 30 minutes is to make him walk on the structured walk wearing a doggie backpack. You can get them online, just search Google "dog backpack" and you will find tons of places to order them. Just put a bottle of water or something lithe in the pack. Having the pack on gives him a "job" to do, and makes the walk more strenuous for him so you can walk for shorter periods of time. Basically, he needs structure and discipline. It is really good that he gets off the table as soon as you tell him to. That means he's not trying to dominate by being "higher up" than humans. Cesar recommends walking all your dogs together as a pack, with you as leader. If you can do that, it really works much better than walking them separately. It can be tricky, but take it from me, it can be done. I do it every walk now -- I almost never take them separately anymore. Try to read Cesar's book if you can -- it is an invaluable source of information -- and of course the show Dog Whisperer -- the season 1 DVD comes out next week!!

K2, Cheryl, and anyone else: Thanks for the tips for Winston. I will start the "serious" walks this evening. One more thing: How do I stop Winston from jumping on anyone who comes into my home (myself included?). I keep telling him to "sit" but he is so excited he doesn't listen. I come in the house calmly and don't aknowledge him at all. At "school" I was told to turn my back and fold my arms when he jumps but he just jumps at my backside! Help me please!!!!

Dear Anne in RI,

Sounds like you have been doing the correct response towards Winston when you come home. NO LOOK/NO TALK/NO TOUCH. But sometime that's not enough. Something that has worked also with my dog was to nudge her off me with my knee. Not hard where it could hurt her and send her across the room, but just enough to let her know that that action was not appropriate.

As far as handling Winston when someone else comes into your home you might try putting him on a leash. Keep Winston close to your side. Put him in a sit/stay position. Greet your guests. As soon as it looks like he might jump, correct him. Take a few steps back from your guests turn around and bring him back. Put him in a sit/stay position again. Tell your visitors NO LOOK/NO TALK/NO TOUCH until he calms down sufficiently to allow him to approach them.

Better still, have practice sessions with family and friends. When you feel he can be off leash to practice this just walk towards him saying, "Back Winston, sit/stay". Block him from the door. You OWN the door. Block him from your guests, you OWN the guests. You don't even have to open the door, just have someone ring the doorbell a couple of times and practice backing him up.
Do this as often as possible.

You say they told you at school to turn your back to him.
They're right to an extent, but the backside pays dearly for this action when your dog won't respond to this procedure. I would suggest that you just keep moving around. Change your clothes, start getting things ready for supper, when you get to the point where you want to scream; put him in the back yard. If you have one that is.
Only kidding!!!! They can certainly try your patience but hang in there.

KCC, hi,,, I read about playing with dogs, I have my puppy pug, she brings her toy to play fetch, but she doesn't leave it, she wants to play tug a war, and I follow: "bad human" hahahaha... well when she starts to growl, I growl even harder and she leaves the freaging toy! ... what other things can I play with her? how you play hide the toy? ... she use to have a toy, a pink little bear,, but as she spend lots of times chewing it, it really worn out, so I threw it away, she also has a little kong and I put a treat inside. she has a plastic chewing bone that is very strong. I give it to her and take it away when I think she is to violent with the bone.

Hi, Norma!
"hide the toy" is fun!
You start out "hiding" a much-loved toy in plain sight and encouraging your dog to "find it!". For every time she "finds" it she gets a few moments to play with it, then she must bring it to you or put it down so you can "hide" it again. As she gets good at "finding" it, you start partially hiding it (peeking out from under a rug, on top of something low so she can see it, etc...).
Work up to letting her see you "hide" it completely and when she's finding those well enough, start having her stay in another room while you hide it (go back to in plain sight and gradually work up to fully covered) again. When you start that phase, let her sniff your hands after you've hidden it while telling her "find it" so she can start learning to hunt for the toy by scent instead of just using her sight alone.

Enjoy!

Well, the reason i ask is we have a 4mo old puppy.
she's a very good girl... but i have been warned that this is a very difficult breed.. and will only obey when they see the point.
she's great with house training its coming along nicely
she knows how to sit ,lay down and come when she wants to and is not distracted ...however, she see's my husband as the alpha and my daughter and i as the littermates when playing she's very mouthy/nippy we tell her No Bite! and hold her mouth closed but she's right back at it again 10 mins later.

please don't let the kids or anybody else to play tug of war with any kind, breed of dogs. a child was killed last year in Long Island, NY. the child was playing w/ their 70 lbs golden when the dog playfully latched onto her scarf and pulled until it strangled her.

MODERATOR'S NOTE: OUTSIDE LINKS ARE NOT PERMITTED AND WILL BE DELETED.

sorry for the link MOD but i really have to put it

"We would love to be on the show or talk to someone about our dog’s behavior. We have a pharaoh hound who will be 4 this June. He’s got a horrible barking problem as well as jumping problem."

I know that Cesar advises not to blame the breed for problems with your dog, but it does help to KNOW your breed and know what is normal for that breed and what isn't. Pharaoh Hounds are night hunters. They hunt after dusk for rabbits in their native land. It's what they are bred to do. ALL night hunters bark, and bark a LOT...that's how their human partners can keep track of them and where they are.

To be perfectly honest, I've known maybe dozens of Pharaoh owners over the years - from pet owners to big time breeders, and NONE of them has ever been successful in getting their dog's to stop barking. It's just the nature of the breed.

I saw a show about the Wesminster Dog Show a few years ago, and they interviewed the owner of a Finnish Spitz. The interview was on the floor of the show, and the dog barked through the whole interview. The owner commented that he couldn't make him be quiet because the breed barks when they work and his dog considered dog shows to be work. The breed's nickname is "The Barking Birddog"!

One thing you can try, is teach the dog to bark on command...get a "control" in place. Once the dog knows that command, then if he barks without being commanded you have a legitimate reason to correct him.

As for jumping, do you mean jumping up on you...or jumping out of the fence?

I just got the CUTEST email & I know all of you will love it!:

TO: GOD

FROM: THE DOG


Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?

Dear God: When we go to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?

Dear God: Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We dogs love a nice ride!! Would it be so hard to rename the "Chrysler Eagle" the "Chrysler Beagle"?

Dear God: If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?

Dear God: We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?

Dear God: More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.

Dear God: Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?

Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember, to be a good dog.

1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.

2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc. just because I like the way they smell.

3. I will not munch on "leftovers" in the kitty litter box, although they are tasty.

4. The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.

5. The sofa is not a 'face towel'. Neither are Mom and Dad's laps.

6. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.

7. My head does not belong in the refrigerator.

8. I will not bite the officers hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and registration.

9. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.

10. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying "hello".

11. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table.

12. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after.

13. I will not throw up in the car.

14. I will not come in from the outside and immediately drag my butt.

15. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch when we have company.

16. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.

And, finally, my last question...
Dear God: When I get to Heaven may I have my testicles back?

Cesar

MY NAME IS JEREMY. I LIKE TO WATCHING YOUR SHOW THE DOGWISPER ON FRIDAY NIGHTS AT 8:00 EASTERN TIME. ITS FUN WATCHING. I LEARN ALOT HOW TO GET ALONG WITH MY DOG MAC CAMP. I LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR SHOW AGAIN THIS FRIDAY NIGHT.

JEREMY

Sarah
Check out an article in Newsday online for 17 May, titled "A tough Love Dog Whisperer spurs some yelps"

It addesses the possible motivations of Cesar's critics, ENVY being a possibility. I especially liked the last paragraph.

Give it a look.

Rick

Unfortunatly most people don't know that "tug of war" is not just a game to our dogs, but it is to us...I agree completely that a child should not be left unattended with a dog, HOWEVER we are talking about a really weird freak accident!!!
A family dog is just that, and if I was to have raised my dog as a puppy around my child, I would not think twice about leaving my little one unattended with my dog, as most wouldn't! This tragedy is not the "norm" and my heart goes out to the parents.

KathyB,

The email was very cute. I had to smile.

k2,

Maybe our dogs are smarter than we think, and can read, lol.
My autistic son cannot read the way we all read, but he "reads" a couple houndreds words by knowing how they look like. Maybe that's how the dog reads.
I watched once Pet Star on TV. There was a dog who could mutiply and add small numbers. He would bark the answers. The owner just asked him without anything written on paper. All the time I thought the owner was giving signals, or something else, but then the dog turned around, and was asked by judges. He got all answers correctly! Not only he could distinguish between "plus" and "times" but he didn't make even one mistake!

"watched once Pet Star on TV. There was a dog who could mutiply and add small numbers. He would bark the answers. The owner just asked him without anything written on paper. All the time I thought the owner was giving signals, or something else, but then the dog turned around, and was asked by judges. He got all answers correctly! Not only he could distinguish between “plus” and “times” but he didn’t make even one mistake! "

Of course he didn't. If you watch it again, VERY CAREFULLY, the owner IS giving him a signal. She pauses in her breathing when the right answer is tapped. All "calculating" animals are getting signals from someone. If you put them in an isolation room and ask them to calculate, they can't do it...because they can't see anyone and can't get any cues as to when to stop tapping, or nodding, or whatever they do.

Rick,

I wasn't able to read the whole article, it's for "premimum members only". Drats, I was looking forward to reading it.
Can you copy and paste the last paragraph here, or does that infringe on copywrite laws?

I've been saying all along that "envy" was at the bottom of most of this nonsense we hear from his critics. Then we hear the parroting of those criticisims from individuals.

Rick,

Thanks for posting part of the article. I'll recheck and see if I can get the whole article up this time. I did put in Dog Whisperer and the first few lines of the article appeared..hmm, strange.

"And perhaps Millan’s assessment of our nation’s dogs - overfed and underexercised, out of touch with their instincts and neurotic in their personal relationships - holds a mirror up to ourselves. Tough love, indeed.”

BINGO! Bitter medicine indeed for some to swallow, but wow, is that ever on the mark!
We're turning our dogs into ourselves..poor dogs!!

Cesar is further cemented into my mind as the best thing to happen to dogs since I don't know when, maybe ever.

Anne,

Thanks for the "heads up"!

Speaking of Oprah..tomorrow she has a show on miracles, one of which revolves around a dog who had both his front legs removed and walks upright on his back legs!
These wonderful creatures are so amazing!

Montel Williams had a dog on his show that had no front legs. It was like a Viszla, same reddish coloring, but it could have been a mixed breed or something. It was an amazing, amazing animal.

forgot to mention..(sorry) when we brought each of our 4 children home from the hospital,the first thing we did was let our dogs smell them.we didn't know about slowly making the kids be pack leaders back then, but our dogs knew from the beginning.we'v been lucky, or just had realy great dogs.our kids always played rough with the dogs, even now our 23yr old son plays "attack" with them,we've never had a problem with them going too far or not stopping.gotta go to work now, but i did take out both of them at the same time today. they still pull a bit when i take them together, but i do take them out every day.thanks

k2,

I hope your dog will get well soon. Hopefuly it's nothing serious.
Good luck with the cat.

bootsmut,

Yes, how is your dog doing? I hope she's fine by now.

One thing I would love to have on this blog is to be able to post pictures of our beloved dogs. We've read so much about them, it would be great to see them.

Ewa,

Wow, one more thing that shows me how little I know about dogs !!!! I always "assumed" my vet would give my dog shots when and as needed, and ask my opinion on ones that may not be necessary. My 4 pups are all under 2 yrs old, the youngest is 9 months. Along with a rabies shot (the 1st one was a 1 yr, the next one is a 3 yr), mine get... 4 way Lepto every other year, Lyme vacc (annual), Bordetella. I think that's it, going by the reminder my vet sent me. I never heard that the vaccines may be bad for them. I'll have to do some research on this also. Thanx for the 411 !!!!

If you make the decision not to vaccinate your dog for any of the standard vaccination diseases, you are putting your trust in your dog's health on those of us who DO vaccinate. Do you realize that?

You are depending on the health of ALL the dogs your dog might meet, or who might be close by, being good. If your dog is not vaccinated and a stray dog with distemper comes by and your dog catches it, then you are virtually condeming your dog - if he's lucky - to a lifetime of nervouse twitches, tics, and possibly seizures. If he's not lucky, he'll die.

Or if a rat or mouse with lepto gives it to your dog he might end up with severly impaired kidneys.

Yes, for some dogs there are dangers in vaccinations and it's tragic when they occur, but the indicdence of tragedy from the diseases they prevent would be far more wide spread and affect FAR more dogs, if enough people stop vaccinating their dogs.

Do YOU want the health and safety of your dogs to depend on someone ELSE not having vaccinated their dog, if you don't?

perhaps you could find a middle ground. space out the vaccines when they are younger. i would think it would be hard on a puppy's body to take so many in such a short time. i know they need them but if they can be put off if the puppy is sick they can be put off for a short time even if he's well. then, can't tests be done each year to see if vaccines for other things are needed except i guess for rabies? mine got his shots but he was older and they were a bit further apart. i kept him home until they were all done, but it hasn't affected his socialization. he still thinks every dog has walked by just to play with him :)

K2,
Shirley is fine now, it took about a week, while healing, she would start putting weight on it more & more each day, but we know it wasn't broken, so we didn't take her to the vet. I gave her aspirit occationally. today I was out from 8-11,first i walked both dogs to school w/my neighbor(i do this each a.m.)that's almost 40min, then i walked shirley past my new safe zone(i keep expanding it lolol)then I took shirley to the dog park(there was a fight today) then i took boots out again. i think my husband wants me to start paying attention to him now, since it's my day off.

It's me again..After the initial vaccinations I never gave any of my dogs boosters, all my dogs thruout my life were fine.(except for the rabbies shot)

my golde retriever dosnt lisen he tries 2 bite what should i do

Alex...read back through the many blogs here, get Cesar's video "People Training for Dogs" and his book "Cesar's Way" and ABOVE ALL, get PROFESSIONAL help. YOu have a red zone dog and you need a professional, preferably one that follows Cesar's techniques, to help you.

Cesar's website, which is listed on the main NGC Cesar's page has a listing of trainers. Click on "Contact Us", then down near the bottom on "resource center", then on "Trainers" and read the whole page, which contains the referrals to a professional dog trainer site.

k2, bootsmuth,

I think my chow mix has a "safety zone", lol. I want to walk with her other places, but she would not walk out of our subdivision. I don't have this problem with my other two dogs, they will go with me everywhere. If I want my chow mix to walk further, I have to drive her out of the subdivision, park, and then she will walk with me. Of course that means that she doesn't see me as her leader, sigh....

k2,

I hope you can rescue the kitty.
A couple of months ago I shared a story about a stray dog that lives in the woods not far from my house, we named him Coco. I used to feed him daily, he would never come close to me, always run away. Many times I left food without even seeing him, hoping that he'll come and eat it. For a few weeks, he has been gone, the food uneaten. I was afraid something bad happened. Then he would appear, looking skinnier than ever, only to disappear after a few days. I really want to help him, I drive around and leave piles of dog food for him, I have even saw him walking in my neighborhood twice. But I can't get him to trust me, because I hardly see him. I talked to animal control, and they agreed to leave him alone (unless he becomes agressive, which he is not), or they would have to eutanize him after 6 days.
There is a small creek, so he has water (and I left bowls with water too), but I am worried about him. I feel a very special bond with him, I would like to adopt him (which would not be easy with my dogs).
Now I see him about once a week, usually passing by when I drive. If he only knew that I want to help him.

Ewa,

To help change the dynamic of your relationship with this dog, you need to become more familiar to him. Put on an old T-shirt you don't care about and get it good a sweaty. Then, the next time you leave food and water for him. put them ON the T-shirt. That will help associate your scent with the food.

You might have to do that a couple of T-shirts worth, but at some point you can try finding the time to take a chair and just start sitting near - but not too near - the food, as often as you can and see if he will approach the food knowing you are there.

If he will, then you can gradually move closer and closer to the food, trying to entice him to eat when you are nearby. If he has ever been friendly with people, it shouldn't be long after that and you will be able to slowly touch him and once you can do that you should soon be able to get a leash on him.

"I might cut it into smaller pieces, because I leave the food for him in more than one place, hoping he will find it. "

I would suggest reducing that to 1 place. Keep notes, if you can, and reduce them one by one to the place he goes to most often, AND only put the T-shirt at that one place.

You need to gain some control over him, and controlling where he eats is a good way to start. Then you have just that one place to try to stay at as often as you can. It really doesn't matter if you see him when you do, just being there will spread your scent around and there may be times he sees you...even if you don't see him.

I once rescued a chow mix from the triangle of grass at an interstate on-ramp. She was surrounded on three sides by fast moving cars and when I stopped and parked and tried to get her to come with me, she wouldn't. So I just sat in the car with the doors open and in about 20-30 minutes she came and put her head in my lap.

Alex,

Check around on Cesar's website. He sells it there. That's also where you can find the link to trainers too.

alex,
try google for professional dog trainers and don't rely on someone's opinion at message boards. if you read the blog guidelines it says "National Geographic Channel recognizes that there are many successful approaches to dealing with dog behavior problems, and that Cesar Millan's own technique is one example that has proven effective. However, the training techniques depicted in this program are specific to each animal portrayed and should not be attempted without first consulting a professional."

I have an 8 year old very calm submissive Shar-Pei/Queensland Heeler mix who walks great- no probs with other dogs , people, etc. However, we have lots of deer who wander around our town and when we encounter one on our walks he goes ballistic - immediate red zone behavior. My leash tug, touch, or any other distraction that I try with him does nothing to prevent or terminate his aggressive behavior to the deer. Any ideas would be appreciated!

"My leash tug, touch, or any other distraction that I try with him does nothing to prevent or terminate his aggressive behavior to the deer. Any ideas would be appreciated! "

The key to changing his behavior is to catch him before he goes ballistic...but you also have to be prepared to be more stubborn than he is about it. You have to watch him VERY closely and the instant he focuses you need to distract him. If you wait until he is "locked on" or especially if you wait until he is ballistic, you have waited way too long.

If you aren't using a prong collar, I would suggest getting one. They aren't cruel at all, unless badly used (and what equipment CAN'T you say that about?) but they do have a different "feel" to the dog and they are ike "power steering" which means you don't have to be nearly as strong in YOUR actions to get a REaction from your dog.

And don't use just one technique - use as many as you need to. Give him Cesar's "bite" with your hand, correct him with the collar, change directions, get him focused on you - all of that.

If you have not yet mastered the walk - work on that. He should be at your side, or even a little behind you. That is important. Remember, a traveling pack of wild canines can go right by potential prey and if they are not in hunting mode NONE of the pack members will leave the pack to chase the prey. So you are not being unreasonable to insist your dog ignore them.

The fact that he won't shows that he is has not yet accepted YOU as the pack leader. If you don't feel you can truly control this behavior, you may need the assistance of a professional trainer.

"” Kids need to learn not to pull on ears and tails, and must be taught NEVER to play tug-of-war with a dog.” wow this book is a must every dog owner."

I still don't agree...up to a point. I have always played tug-of-war with my dogs, the ones that WILL play, BUT I have also ALWAYS taught them to release PROMPTLY, on command - even when they are tugging their strongest. They must ALWAYS release. That takes the game out of the realm of a dominance "fight" to one that reinforces MY dominance.

Same with children - as long as they are too young to give a dog commands, I agree, they should not be permitted to play such games with a dog. But once they get old enough to understand and give orders, then the dog needs to be taught that when this little human says "give" then releasing the tug toy is the ONLY option.

But I still would not allow tiny children to play with a dog unsupervised, no matter what size the dog. Accidents will happen and you can't save the situation, or the dog, or the CHILD if you aren't there.

CherylB,

I've been very lucky, I've never had a vacine caused immune problem, and since I travel a LOT with my dogs I stick to the yearly boosters for everything, just to be sure.

BTW - parvo CAN strike even vaccinated dogs if the load it heavy enough. Talk to some active, hunting, bird dog people...especially in the South. They can tell you almost to the longitude and latitude where "parvo sick" fields are, and they avoid them like the plague.

Tami,

One of the things Cesar advocates when bringing a new dog home is to take the dog for a walk before entering your home. Let him walk your neighborhood and use the experience as a way to establish yourself and hopefully the rest of the family as "pack leader".
If you're not aware, Cesar has a particular way that's best for the walk, i.e., use a short leash and do not allow the dog to walk out in front, but rather at your side or behind.
If you can walk the dog for at least 30min. it would be good, but 45 min. would be even better.
Taking your dog for a walk every day is vital and when you do walk the dog the next time, do not allow her to exit the house first. If she exits first she's taking you for a walk and it's giving her the cue that she's the pack leader. Upon entering your home after the walk, you enter first.
If you walk her alone the first time, upon entering the home tell your family, "no touch, no talk, no eye contact" until you have been greeted first.
I think it's wonderful you have rescued this wonderful creature and I'm sure she will give you and your family many years of joy.
Good luck and let us know how things are going.

Hi Tami,

Welcome to Cesar's Fan Club. We can all understand why you were so impressed with Cesar on Oprah's show. He's something else isn't he?

Also, congratulations on getting your first puppy. You asked for some advise and you came to the right place. What one person doesn't think of, another one will.

You say you have two children, a boy 5 yrs. old and a girl 8 yrs. old. What good ages for them to be getting a puppy.
There's something I would like for you to do and that is to be sure and get a copy of Cesar's first DVD and/or his book. Be sure to watch his show on Friday evenings. He also has some daytime listings.

I have a tendency to get upset with parents who do not teach their children how to treat/handle a puppy. So, no teasing, and be sure and take the time to read up on as much puppy etiquette as you can.

Now, I have a Beagle and she is 12 1/2 yrs. old and I love her to death. Be sure and get a crate. Size wise, she should be able to stand up in it, turn around in it, and be able to lie down in it comfortably. An old blank helps to cushion the metal surface. If she's uncomfortable in the crate at night, just cover it with a light sheet to make a cave for her. This will be a periof of adjustment for her and you, so hang in there. Where you keep her crate is totaly up to you. Various places are the kitchen, living room or laundry area. One of the kids might want the crate in their room. That's up to you.

Beagle's have the tendency to "EAT" anything they can get a hold of. "DO NOT" give her people food and make sure she can't get up on the kitchen table or in the garbage. That way you have no worry about giving her something that dogs can't tolerate. I have learned my lesson over the years. Let's see, "Boots" (that's my Beagle) has consumed many loaves of bread, many dozens of cookies, cupcakes, gotten into the garbage quite often, but I think we have that licked. I have to make sure that everyone closes the garbage lid tightly and all the chairs are pushed up under the table so she can't climb up on the table. Cesar wasn't around when we got our puppy, everything was trial and error, so do yourself a favor and absorb everything you can from him and from those who will pass info onto you at this site.

They also have a tendency to "RUN"(that is away from you). They will catch the scent of something and off they go if they are not on a leash. Now if she doesn't play fetch with a ball or toy (you throw, she brings back and she drops it at your feet). Put her on a long leash or long piece of rope, attached to her collar. Throw or roll the ball/toy no farther than the length of leash or rope, if she doesn't bring it back when you call her, just reel her in towards you and tell her to "drop it" by pointing to and touching the ground or floor with your finger. You may have to temp her with a treat, then tell her good girl when she releases it. After a while she'll get the hang of it and treats won't be necessary. You can do this either inside or outside. I have a tendency to sit on the ground or floor. All that bending kills my back.

Also, there's nothing like the "baying" sound a Beagle makes. When she does it, watch her mouth. It puckers.
Find a good vet, and exercise, exercise, exercise.

Ever feel like your all alone out there and need some advise, just come on back and many will do their best to help you. It's also helpful to just read everyone's messages.

Good luck to all of you learning to become good pack leaders. It's the surest way to let your puppy know you love her. I envy your new ownership of her and wish you all the best.

GinnyC.

Ceaser i have a 3 1/2 about to be 4 yr. old golden retriever however he dosnt lisen and dosnt like other dogs when walking him, same with people. i have tried many of ur techniques but he still dosnt lisen what i need is ur help please

Brittney,

Cesar Millan does not answer questions on this blog, I rather doubt he even reads it since it's really a part of National Geographic.

Your pup was taken from his mom too soon. No dog should leave it's mother before 8 weeks of age. The mother would have taught your pup not to bite. If there is any way you can return the pup to it's mother for another four weeks she will teach the pup not to bite.

If that isn't possible, then you and your family will have to have alot of patience and training on how to instill the bite inhibtion.

Please get Cesar's book and DVD, "People Training for Dogs" and consult your vet and a qualified trainer.

I hope you are not taking your dog out and allowing him to be around other dogs. Another reason your pup should still be with his mother is that he would be recieving immunities from his mother's milk. Since he is too young for shots, you need to make sure he is not around any other dogs so he won't be exposed to canine diseases.

Good luck and let us know how the puppy is doing.

Jessica,

Have you seen the episode on Bandit the chihuahua and the other episode from season one on a chihuahua? Cesar demonstrates what to do when you have a dog with the kind of behavior you've described.
Are you taking your dog for structured walks and establishing your role as pack leader? Remember a tired dog is a good dog.

Cesar has said it's important not to back down and show fear when the dogs try to bite like that and to remain calm at all times. Do you know how to mimic the "bite" like Cesar demonstrates?
Do you know how to "own" her toys?

I would recommend getting his book and contacting a qualified dog behaviorist. It sounds like she just needs to
learn you're the pack leader and have "rules, boundries and limitations" established.

Go thru the archives on this blog starting with December, I think you'll find some specific help on your situation.

If it was me, I would make sure she had the type of structured walk Cesar advocates every day and correct her each time she tried to bite. Once she knows you're the pack leader and what's acceptable behavior and what is not it will be much easier.

Love the show and am glad to hear new episodes will be airing soon. Cesar's show has helped immeasurably with my Jack Russell Terrier, who was just a little puppy when The Dog Whisperer first aired. Everyone tells me what horrors JRT's can be but my little guy is incredibley well behaved and I am sure it is because of all the tips and insight that Cesar has provided me. Also, although he won't admit it, I see my boyfriend applying Cesar's wisdom to his dog, which is improving her behavior and, consequently, our relationship. Thanks, Cesar.

Every time I hear your show is on, if I'm home you'll find me waiting for your show to start more eagerly than a dog waiting for its treat!! I can not wait to watch the new episodes!! Also, thanks to you I've gotten tips on how to make my dogs listen better...and they work perfect!

My dog is dominate over all other dogs but what bugs me about it is that every other dog owner always has a comment like, "Don't let him get my dog!". It really bugs me. I hold him back the best I can, but he is a Siberian Husky, so it is really hard. To top it all off, he weighs almost as much as I do! Because of his dominate problem, I can't walk him on his dogsledding harness. I really would love to though, you know, just to get him used to it.It isn't the best thing in the world. That's for sure! But I really do love him, 100 percent!

cesar u rock!! i watch all of ur t.v. episodes!! i want to be a dog trainer too. i have already started by training my own dog to do many tricks and also behavior wise too. i am looking forward to see ur new episodes too.

he= her-mistake

Zapped her just for the fun of it... oh no. I probably shouldn't even respond to that. Besides the fact that you are being CRUEL to your dog, it is detrimental to your training to just zap her for the fun of it. THIS is the reason I think only experienced dog trainers should be allowed to use electric shock collars. Too furious to even type any more!

Dear Cesar Milan and his fans:

I too had been a big Milan fan. Until recently. I used to watch his program whenever it came on. Even if I had already seen it several times before. I loved studying and watching his rehabilitation techniques. It was like watching true magic happen right in front of my eyes. Until the Katrina rescues...and his actions and beliefs regarding the sterilization of the rescued animals. And tonight, after I visited this website, I learned several other things which disturbed me and caused me to lose a great amount of respect for him. In fact, all respect I had for him as a person. I still believe he is a fantastic canine rehabilitater, however, I will no longer be watching his show. I will not be contributing to his assets by purchasing any training videos, dvds or books. For me, he crossed a line and I'm very doubtful that he will ever willingly step back across it. I spent several hours reading through a particular blogfest with nearly 500 entries and the emotions were running wild. I am not writing this blog with the purpose of re-animating the bashing of both Mr. Milan nor any of the people who participated in said blogfest. I am writing to inform people that I most strongly do not agree with his belief nor actions in the forced sterilization of canines.

When I saw the Katrina rescues he accepted, I thought, "How fantastic!" Until he sterlizied the animals in his care. The dogs were in his care because he accepted the responsibility of locating their owners. They had gotten separated from their pack because of a natural disaster of massive proportions. I do not believe he had the right to alter any of those dogs. He did not own them. They were not his to do with as he pleased. Certainly, he felt he was doing good. And I would certainly be grateful to find my pack member alive. Although disfigured, against my wishes. The dogs were not altered when the owners lost them. Therefore, the owners did not wish them to be altered. What gave him the right to do so? These were not necessarily "shelter" dogs and it was not necessarily a lack of responsibility on the part of the owner to get separated from their pack member. Although I will say that I will not now nor ever leave any of my pack members behind. Either you are pack or you are not. However, I don't know the circumstances as to why they were separated in the first place so I am reserving judgement.

I believe that he is a very good animal rehabilitator, but no longer believe him to be the best. The best would not feel it necessary to alter an animal. They would be able to control the animal. It may take extra work. But they could do it. Speaking from experience with aggressive, unaltered then altered dogs (a very protective pit bull for his "girl" who is my neice), it does not have as much affect as he believes. In the wild, wolves have pack leaders. Only pack leaders are allowed to breed and produce young. The rest of the pack assists in caring for the pups along with the Alpha pair at the top. Pack leaders in the wolf world generally do not allow subordinates to breed and reproduce, the consequences can be harsh...from expulsion from the pack to death. So he does not have the control that he thinks he does if he believes castration and hysterectomy to be the solution to problem dogs.
I do however understand the need to sterilize in some circumstances and his facilities are definitely a prime example. He has a great many dogs, though I myself will not own more dogs than I can supervise if they are unaltered. (Remember pack leaders control the breeding and any who disobey and breed can get booted.)

While reading that blogfest, (which took several hours), I have to admit that I skimmed it (there was an amazing amount of bashing each other and Cesar) as well as giving it the comprehensive reading it deserved because of some things I learned. I didn't want to be misinformed because of careless reading. I myself have an unaltered male dog who I have no intention of ever castrating. Not unless it is medically necessary to his survival. It is not his natural state. Nature says the male species has testes. However, I have complete control of my dog and have had so since I purchased him from the breeder. I do this for love. And because by accepting this animal, I am accepting responsibility for his welfare. Even routine minor surgeries can go wrong and cause more harm than good. The skin is the body's barrier against the world and all the things that would feed on it if given a chance. Microscopic organisms, etc., you get the picture.

I have this control because of my first experience in dog ownership. A lab mix puppy was given to my four year old son (he's 19 now). I had no idea what I was doing but I was utimately responsible for the animal and I blame myself for what was to follow. At 1 1/2 years old, she was sweet but uncontrollable. She lived in the back yard and we would occassionally play with her. But with no manners, a rambunctious dog and small children do not mix well. So we would also play in the front yard. One day, she couldn't stand it anymore. She broke through a chain-link gate, the back door and then through the front screen door to come and play. Boy was she excited. Running in circles around us, knocking down my children and just having a blast. She then darted into the road. The Ford Bronco was driving much slower than the posted speed limit, but it was still too fast to stop. He hit our dog as we watched in horror and heard her brief yelp of pain. He stopped and carried her back to our yard because I would not have been strong enough. He had been driving slowly because he was looking for his lost dog. He cried as hard as the rest of us as she bloodily gurgled her last breathes of life. I learned something that day that made me the dog owner I am today. Neither I nor the man looking for his lost pooch had any control of their animals. If your dog is lost, you aren't in control of it. My lack of control was obvious.

Now, I insist on control. At all times. I insist on complete obedience. At all times. This starts from day one. I use a leash briefly until they figure out who is boss. Me. Always. After Tina, the lab mix was killed, I knew that things had to change if I wanted to own a dog. Within a year, I had Roscoe Peco Train (aka Rocco), a Queensland Heeler/Jack Russell Terrier mix. I previewed and purchased as many training books as I could afford. I'm not rich so it wasn't as many as I wanted. Too bad Cesar wasn't around then. Perhaps I would have made a few less mistakes. To figure out what makes a dog's thought processes click, I turned to a documentary in both video and book form, Never Cry Wolf, about a man who actually lived with a pack of wild wolves and who eventually accepted him as a pup in their pack and who fed him in the manner of a pup. (gross...but I'd do it if I had to...I think) Rocco lived to be 13 years old. All who knew him could not believe the level of training and obedience he had. It took a lot of hard work and consistency but I knew I had to do it. The first 6 months were the hardest. I kept it short and sweet. A few minutes at a time, many times a day. June 2, 2005, at 13, I held him in my arms while the vet put him to sleep. A skeletal shell of what he had been, as a cancer had eaten his life force and took my baby from me. My husband and I drove him, wrapped in his burial shroud, on the quad to an area he enjoyed in the mountains to bury him. We found a place that spoke to us with the beauty filling our eyes. Looking around, we spied a cairn of rocks and decided we could use those to help keep predators away. The rocks were a headstone for Tigo, beloved hunting companion who died in July of 1987. That gave me such chills as you could not believe. I have no idea who the owner had been, but we knew then that we had found the right spot. Rocco was buried next to Tigo.

Reyna, a 20 month female German Shepherd, came home with us 8 months before Rocco died. Hers was a planned pregnancy. In fact, I had to wait for nearly two years before she could be born as my sister-in-law had to first acquire her mother, Tanya, then wait until she was of breedable age. Needless to say, I was anxious but patient. I knew my baby would be special. It was 6am when Tanya first started birthing. I wouldn't be off my graveyard shift for awhile and figured it would be over before I could get to my sister-in-law's house. But she wasn't done, in fact had barely begun! Pup number 8 had just been born when I got there. I carefully climbed in with momma and thoroughly inspected each pup. None were mine yet, but I just knew that there would be one for me. Then we left the room to give momma some space to relax for a bit. We checked on her occassionally and discovered # 9 but still none for me. Then another check and a new pup. There she was. Mine. A gift from heart to heart. I almost called her Ren Ten Ten :)

And now, I own an eight month old Parsons Russell Terrier, Elmo. AKC registered as El Moroccos Joker. He was acquired with haste on a road trip. I finally wore my husband down and he said I could have another dog. A small one. I got him when he was 11 weeks old. He did occassionally get away from me when I first got him by darting out the door. I stopped that by making him sit and wait at the door until I was out and only if I gave him permission to come out. Before I put him on the leash, if he got away, he was quickly caught. How? Reyna, we would send her to knock him down as we were running after them. If it hadn't been for her, he would have been leashed much earlier. Needless to say, he eventually learned he couldn't leave us in the dirt. And the one time he got out and away from me when Reyna wasn't around? He thought it was a great game, keep away from mom! Only I didn't like the game. I picked up a shoe intending to throw it close to him to let him know I didn't appreciate it. Except...I'm not a very good aim and I hit him with it. SMACK! Yip Yip Yip and he came running straight to me. I felt horrid and checked him carefully but no permanent damage. I haven't done it since and won't. I could have killed him on accident. My dogs obey, are rarely leashed, do not act aggressively towards others and even in a panic, will obey me. Two mean and aggressive Saint Bernards proved that as they chased Reyna while I called to her to COME! She had to run in a big circle but she came. And there I stood as those dogs came, all 5'2" of mean little Native American woman. Thankfully, there were some other people around too who helped scat them away. (and with a few of my foot prints on them) Reyna got away with a raw mark on her inside leg where the fur was gone from being bitten but no blood and major damage.

Those are my credentials as a dog owner. Many of you complain that the Cesar bashers don't know what they are talking about. And really, I'm not bashing his techniques on dog behavior. He can spay or neuter any of his own dogs as he wishes. I draw the line at being forced to do it by people who push a law through the legal system because of the irresponsible behaviors of others. Don't penalize those of us who do the responsible thing and keep their dogs under control. Who don't breed indiscriminately. But what deeply offended me the most? He freely admits that he broke our laws by crossing our borders and yet he wants to pass a law requiring me to go to jail if I don't sterilize my pet. And I'm not a border crosser hater either, remember the Native American thing? Well, the Mexican people were also a part of this continent long before there was a United States of America.

I have a Miniature Schnauzer (7 months)who is really sweet, but somewhat shy of human strangers. She loves all dogs of ALL sizes, but is really timid when approached by humans... What should I do? I try really hard to reassure her and she eventually warms up - but it is a little painful watching how shy she is.....

Tracy, Do people go to touch her when they enter your house? If so just tell people you are training her and to just walk in and ignore her. Keep talking to them and let your dog approach them when she is ready, forcing her to let people pat her may set her back. I would also take her lots of places with you and introduce her to lots af new things. When she is acting shy don't let her know how you feel and don't comfort her at all this will make it worse. Good luck!

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Cesar,i got a black lab/great dane for x-mas this year and i cant train this dog.i have tryed everything thats on your show.i wish i could have you fly out to oregon to do it for me.He nips,pushes me down,bruses me,locks his legs around me and puts me down. Hes not but 10 months old.I cant let no-one near him cause hes mean to every one.i am a very small person,120lbs,and i cant deal with him.i love him ,but i dont know what to do.HELPPPPPPPPP ME.he will jump off the porch and but me on my mutt,and people thinks my husband beats me cause of so many burses on my body .tell me what to do please..........thank you lori in oregon