How about the "Other 'Cesar's'", how about the suggestion in the blog which preceded this one?

How about a show on 'Those That Do It Right' and have GREAT examples of well-balanced dogs and Pack leadership AND Dog Whispering........

You need to do this so people don't think every single dog is a "bad to the bone" case....This title is horrific right now, the timing is a bit bad, don't you think?

Sheesh...this is a blog about the Dog Whisperer. This is what he DOES..he deals with problem dogs, or better still, problem dog owners.
If NG wants a program showcasing well balanced dogs I'm sure they will come up with one.

Just forgot,,, if you need good pack leaders, they are here in this blog!!!!!!!!!! ;-)

Hey everyone!!!

I haven't been on for a week! It's a new record./LOL. I've been soooooooooo busy. It was the last week of school and also..........I GOT MY DOG! :D I got him(Roco) a little earlier than I expected, but the mother stopped feeding/rejecting her puppies. So here I have an almost 6-week old pup who is coming along quite well. I'll tell you all about him and how things are going...

So I got him about a week ago and I could tell right from the start that he is quite dominant. He has been showing some chiuauai traits. He likes to bite your fingers and toes and pretty much everything he can get his tiny scissor teeth around. I deffinantly wanted to start correcting this behavior, so I just kind of nudged him with 2 fingers and giving a shhhhhsh sound. He would stop at first but then a couple days later he would just get ticked when I did this and come at me baring his teeth somewhat to the effect of Nunu. Ya it got pretty bad. At first I thought "Am I correcting right? Do I have the right energy?". I can truthfully answer YES. I thought he might be doing this because he needed something to chew on so I got him some chew toys. His aggresion seemed to get worse. I realized today one very very important thing. My posture. I was slumping over this whole time! Today I kept good posture and I'll tell you, it helped soooooooo much! By having good posture with my head high, it actually changed my energy, kept me in the moment, and sent messages to Roco. It was so awesome!!!!

Roco's first vet appointment is this friday. Before that I dare not take him out to walk because I don't want him getting parvo, even though it's not likely, I don't want to take the chance. I think once I get him on a leesh and out to walk somewhere else other than the back yard, he'll improve. He doesn't run around much in the yard, but inside he likes to run around being hiper (it's because of the AC)/hehehe. I have set him many boundaries like the flower gardens, under the deck, and the carpet(until he is potty trained).

If anyone has any questions about Roco, do ask. Thanks.

~Chantel

Chantel,

Why did Rocco's mom reject her puppies? It's very rare for a mother dog to do that. Was the mother ill or did she experience a traumatic event? A mother dog's instinct is very strong and very primal...I would be concerned to know the reason she rejected her litter. It may give you some insights.

It's too bad Rocco couldn't stay with his mom til at least 8 weeks as she would have instilled the bite inhibition, saving you and him some trouble.

Puppies do need something to chew on when they're teething, but make sure you're giving him only something the vet would recommend at that young age and try and stay away from "greenies", they've killed a few dogs.

Good luck with Rocco.

Carly: what a pack leader you are,,, of course he showed you some teeth,,, he is challenge you,,, so just keep calm, and think like you are cleopatra or something hahahaha, dominant, good dominant thou, you own the earth,,,
I see lots of dogs in the park, 80% pull their owners and I think: they go thru the world without a good leader... I hope this movement of cesar grows, meanwhile,,, Carly can you film how you work with your puppy? for testimony in the future, maybe, I am doing the same thing, filming how I do the leading for the walk since the moment Molly is leashed!!!

Thank you everyone for commenting.

Sarah,

Well not exactly rejection but just stop feeding, which is unusually because Roco is quite young. I know that the mom runs the household so I don't know if that makes a difference. What is the usual time a mother stops feeding her pups? Well it doesn't matter now. All that matters is the work I have ahead of me.

I've been trying my hardest to turn around Roco's aggresion but I think what will really help is to start walking him after he get's his first set of shots. A more structured exercise. I've heard that puppies shouldn't walk on cement but on grass most the time so that they don't have leg problems or something.

Norma,

Filming myself with Roco is a good idea. Maybe I'll try it some time.

~Chantel

Hello, All,
Here's a puzzle. I welcome all suggestions. This happens whenever I am getting dinner ready for my akita, Spencer. Spencer has done this since we brought him home at 12 weeks old. Today is his birthday and we will celebrate our furry-childs Birthday with toys and treats this evening. Spencer will take a toy, his hedgie or one like it, and walk throughout the house with it in his mouth until his dinner is prepared. Then he stops, drops the toy and eats. I have no problems with Spencer at all and we think it's sortof amusing, but still a puzzle. He is a Therapy Dog and brings much joy to many people. Any thoughts?
Nancy

lj,

Sounds like you've found a great place to board your dog while on vacation. Just make sure your dog has been vaccinaited for kennel cough, though I think there is a strain/s that can't be prevented. Talk to your vet about it.

Dogs live in the "now" like Cesar says, so it will probably be harder on you than your dog. We had a dog that wouldn't eat if we left her with anyone but our daughter. She (the dog) didn't miss a beat as long as she was in our duaghter's care. With anyone else she was stressed. But, she was BC (before Cesar) so she wasn't as balanced as she could have been.

We rescued a dog in Jan., and he adjusted to his new enviroment from the start, you would have thought he'd had always lived with us, so I'm sure your pup will do fine in such a good establishment.

hi everyone
i have a people/dog problem. i have a very good friend who loves cesar, never misses his show, and we even went to a seminar (it was wonderful). She is staying with us now.

the problem is that she does the complete opposite of almost everything cesar says. she gets buddy excited constantly, won't create boundries for him (lots of licking, jumping and general carrying on) and feeds him while she is eating. he is the only dog i've ever been around that doesn't beg or even look at you while you eat...except now he is watching her eat and obviously expects something.

this dog is a rescue who is working his way towards being calm balanced. he is young, flat-coated retriever, 17 mos and very sweet, but was not trained or socialized properly to dogs-he gets along well with dogs off leash, but gets hyper excited on leash, is good with children and adults, loves being the center of attention...steals things when you are working to get you to deal with him (stole a screwdriver within 5 min of the phone guy being here the other day) doesn't damage things. he is very responsive and wants to please.

she is better when i'm around, but there are times i'm not here. i have spoken to her and that is why she better now. i would never ask her to leave, so it is a problem that i have to deal with and not expect her to change.

thoughts?

Susan, of course the best way to fix this is by having your friend straighten up. However I think you will find that if you are a strong enough leader that when you are home your dog will see you as the leader and behave occordingly. Make sure the dog gets plenty of excercise too, and remember, this is your dog, your friend should respect your decision to not pet YOUR dog or feed YOUR dog unless asked to.

thanks nate,
i am a strong leader, but the dog is not completely trained. she is nurturing behaviors that i am trying to extinguish. i guess i am mad and frustrated and hoping someone successfully dealt with this before. how do you get a dog to understand that jumping on people, licking them and running around the house is not acceptable when someone encourages them to do it? how do you convince someone that expecting calm submissive behavior is not being mean to the dog...that an excited dog isn't a happy dog, it's an excited one?

i guess i need to vent and the people here understand...i hope

I'm so sorry, moderator -- I thought that giving LIVE LINKS was the problem, not the name of an online store. I assumed that would be okay since Petco, Petsmart, and other stores are discussed by name all the time.

(Correct -- sorry about that! You may repost it. Moderator)

Susan, that is a tough one. Let me give you an example, when someone comes to my house and I am at work my wife will put the dog out because she barks, she will sit outside and bark. This is the solution for my wife which isn't really the best. When I'm home and someone knocks she may bark once but I stand, walk over to the door and open it. My dog stays calm and I will tell her to back up if need be. I guess what I am saying is you cannot let your dog misbehave when you are there, in another words don't allow your friend to nourish these behaviors when you are there (chances are if you tell her to stop doing it she will just do it when you are gone.)

Also make sure to keep your dog good and tired, it will help in your training. If I tell my guests to not touch or talk to the dog and they decide to do it anyway she will usually jump on them. I will usually let her for a second just to get my point across - "no touch no talk" and then call her off.

So having said that if your friend doesn't respect your rules you can just hope that your dog will listen to you because you are after all the only stable energy in the house.

Also probably the best way (I find) to explain the calm assertive energy to other people is by referring to nature. By observing a pack of wolves or explaining how a pack of wolves interacts.

CJ Anderson:

I realize you have your own Dog Whisperer Group and that through either Pets911 or Cesar you have some 'Spokeswoman" type of thing worked out. (Hey, there's some free advertising for you!) That's fine and well, HOWEVER by 'popping' in once in awhile to THIS blog, you might have missed a rather recent post (as well as others), of mine. Think the more recent one was #735 in the "Editor's Note: Cesar Returns to Oprah May 22" of May 18th.

I believe in the 4th or 5th paragraph I talked about the "dangers" of certain viewers feeling THEY have become a 'professional' in correcting their dog(s). THIS NEVER SEEMS TO GET ADDRESSED ANYWHERE, and being a 110% Dog Advocate (Dogs have been part of me for close to 45plus years!!!!), I feel a need occasionally to remind those relatively 'new' to dog ownership that just because their dog might look to them like one they have seen or heard about on The Dog Whisperer - does NOT mean they have a "BAD TO THE BONE" dog - it does NOT mean they can go try an 'alpha roll' or 'hand bite' on their dogs when they have NO CLUE what it is all about! Every time they get 'mad' at something their dog does, THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO THINK ITS OK TO USE THESE THINGS AS AN EVERYDAY CORRECTION ON THEIR DOGS!!!! There are also people out there who, with the 'Cesar Whirlwind', are starting to question if their dogs are NOT ok, these are people who's dogs ARE PERFECTLY FINE, their relationship with their dog is PERFECTLY FINE ---the people who's dogs REALLY are out of control seem to remain in an ignorant state of bliss....PLEASE note, I am not saying ALL---but there are a significant number and the numbers grow as fast as Cesar's popularity.....

I KNOW FIRSTHAND WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. I HAVE SEEN A MAN WITH HIS NOSE HALF TORN OFF. I HAVE SEEN A WOMAN WITH HER HAND RIPPED TO SHREDS. I HAVE SEEN CHILDREN WITH STICHES, WITH TEETH PUNCTURE MARKS, WITH FINGERS HANGING, WITH EYES SO TRAUMATIZED BY WHAT THEIR BELOVED DOG HAS DONE TO THEM IT BREAKS MY HEART!! I HAVE WATCHED AT LEAST 4 DOGS BEEN PUT TO SLEEP (THESE WERE WONDERFUL, WELL-BALANCED, LOVING, FAMILY DOGS; THESE DOGS WERE MY FRIENDS TOO, HOW COULD I EXPLAIN TO THOSE TERRIBLY CONFUSED EYES THAT WHAT THEIR OWNER WAS DOING TO THEM WAS OK? IT WAS NOT OK, I COULD NOT GIVE THESE DOGS PEACE----THEY LEFT THIS WORLD TOO SOON, AND THEY LEFT THIS WORLD SO VERY SAD, AND THEY LEFT THIS WORLD AS SO MANY OF THESE WONDERFUL COMPANIONS DO--THEY HAD TO LEAVE BECAUSE OF HUMAN IGNORANCE AND STUPIDITY............. So, you bet I feel the need to give a word of caution now and again, you bet I feel the need to remind it is NOT all about an 'evil stare' and 'hand bites', I HAVE TO do this--especially for the 'friends' I had to say good-bye to, and the other 'friends' I might not have had the pleasure to 'whisper' with but who are also gone....I STAND FOR THESE WONDERFUL BEINGS AND WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHAT A GIFT THEY ARE BEING GIVEN---THEY ARE A GIFT TO BE TREASURED, NOT A POSSESSION TO BE THROWN OUT WHEN THEY BECOME BORED WITH IT OR NO LONGER FIND IT 'FUN'---

Those of us who have been 'dog people' for years (probably like yourself), and those of us who 'key' in on THE ENTIRE picture of what Cesar is trying to 'paint' as well as understanding FULLY his 'Philosophy' (like our Rockin Bloggers HERE); also should think of themselves as "Gatekeepers"--as wanting to make sure to 'Accentuate the Positive' in whatever way they can---so that no dog will have to have the 'gate' slammed shut and locked forever in front of his terribly confused, soulfully sad eyes.........

deeplyhearfeltpainfulwoof...........

Hi Susan,

I think if it were my friend I would try approaching her very strongly. I might even write a letter saying somnething like: I can see how much you enjoy Buddy and how much pleasure you get out of roughhousing with him and feeding him at the table. The problem is that it is VERY important to me to train him not to jump on people or beg. I want him to be welcome everywhere. It is going to be extremely frustrating to me and confusing to him if we have two sets of rules.

I need you to respect my feelings about how to train Buddy, even if you don't share them. The house rules for Buddy are 1) No jumping up on anyone ever
2) No feeding from the table ever

If your friend can't give you that, ya gotta reevaluate the definition of friend. I'm just thinking she is a good friend but she doesn't completely realize how important this is to you. A dog of that size that jumps on people and begs from the table will end up being a real nuisance, and you will have less pleasure from his companionship. It could even cause him to be aggressive in other ways (although not necessarily, but you could certainly lay that on her!)

Bekki-- your dog is only THREE POUNDS???! Not sure if you should be giving it pills or powder. Be sure to read the label carefully -- or ask your vet. She may be too young right now. At 3 lbs, she may not be able to wait 3 hours for pees/poops. Sorry I didn't notice this before.

I'm by no means an expert b/c fighting dogs make me panic, but I have read that you should have 2 people present, each pulling the dogs away from each other by their hind ends. Although, this can be dangerous b/c the dog you are pulling (being in the Red-Zone state of mind) can turn and bite YOU. Most importantly, you have to stay calm and don't say anything. It helps if you have a leash on the one who starts the attack. When my dogs used to fight, it was always one attacking and the other trying to get away. This made it easier for me to break up b/c I would just grab the attacking one. Of course, I know my dogs very well and can read their body language to know when it is safe to grab and when it is not. But I figure if I get bit, it is worth it to protect the dog being attacked. Calm-assertive pack leadership has completely eliminated the fights now.

Karen, What do you mean "Claiming the space is why one of my 'friends' is no longer here" ? What happened?
Maybe there is an important lesson to share here?

I do that excercise all the time, most recently with my friend's dog and our new baby chicks. It seems like a kinda mild exercise to me, so I would like to know what went so badly wrong, and how it happened so that I can be sure NOT to do that!

Actually, I have no affiliation at all with DW, Cesar Millan and in fact, am a simple dog love of over 50 years who save a redzone dog (by Cesar's own definition) who was about to be put down.

From the first moments of the rescue, done completely by Cesar's specifications, I a 52 year old 5 foot tall woman, was able to do what 75 street wise city amle employees could not or would not. The dog came to me, the dog responded to me only because of following Cesar's specific information of intiating a rescue process.

I almost said directions. That would have been completely erronious. Cesar does not give directions, any more then he trains. He simply provides information, based on techniques that have dramatically proven to be successful, oveer and over again. we are the ones who make the choices to put ourselves at risk, knowing the prices of making mistakes. I have made some, later down the road, gladly paid, because I learned and grew in wisdom and skill.

The list wasnt even of my creation, I stepped in to off to help when the original list owner was overwhelemed with the growing activity. You will see by the list definition that we caution people as we do all the time, In fact, just this morning I quoted two paragrahs out of Cesar's book specifically dealing with the decisions of attempting to manage a dog that may be or become beyond ones skills.

That said, we also respect choices that are made. Our list is focused on Positive support (since one cannot unwrite history), resources, ideas from Cesar's materials and all our viewing points from watching shows, discussed at great length, and most of all to brain storm ideas wwhen things dont work!

All of Cesar's shows are specificallu designed to deal with the most extreme cases and challenges, for this is his passion. On the list we recognize that there is so much a person can do in little ways that make such a difference with Cesar's techniques.

It is absolutely tragic that there aren't more people out there, professionals, who are available to be resources.

When I rescued my Signal Bear, there were scant hours, if not minutes to act before the animal came to put the dog down. So those who make similair choices, are also welcomed on the list because in this moment, that is almost all there is for most of us. We do not allow judging, condemation, ridicule or scorn - even for mistakes (bravery or foolishness) None of us knows all the picture the members paint when they post.

Finailly, I did not approach DW/CM for their comment in the email.

I do not know, but I feel, that they decided to let all the members on his email list know that there was a group working hard for solutions using Cesar's Way. so that people who post here, during the re-run season, might have a place to go where their specific needs might be helped in a way not easily possible on this blog.

We are so honored that they like the approach, the committment to serve, the philosphy and the family dynamic on the list. We hope to grow local groups of people who WILL be skilled and available to help with all these problems discussed in Cesar'Way and shows. In true fan spirit, we support Cesar's causes, because they are close to our hearts, our four-legged hearts that is. Of BSL, (Breed Specific legislation) and rescue groups, that what we learn might have learned in turn, can be used locally to heal, to help inform and educate people, of what they might do, when others say "put the dog down",~ to help provide tools and resources so that people are less likely to abandon their animals in overwhelm, stress and fear.

I am a custodian,(volunteer) carrying this trust as carefully as possible, with all kinds of voluneers who provide insights, ideas and resources on the list to people who ask for ideas.

People working together to help dogs that have no other hope. That's what I know of the passion of both the people who are involved in This DW venture here on the web, tv and at the Dog Psychology Center as well as who help on the list are passionately committed to do -in Cesar's Way, not exluding any others or condeming them for chosing other ways.

From my heart to yours.

What list?? I am intrigued.

CJ/Karen, I'm on Cesar's email list, and I don't know what you're referring to: "I do not know, but I feel, that they decided to let all the members on his email list know that there was a group working hard for solutions using Cesar’s Way. so that people who post here, during the re-run season, might have a place to go where their specific needs might be helped in a way not easily possible on this blog."

Maybe I missed it -- was this in the June newsletter??

K2,

If you do a yahoo group search "DogWhispererFans" you'll see it. The link was in the June newsletter. I joined it and am learning a great deal. It's a terrific resource.

Bekki,

Good for you! We have dogs sleeping all over the place, our golden sleeps in her kennel in the guestroom, the sheltie pup is in her crate in the kitchen (she's getting too heavy to carry in the middle of the night when we rush her outside, it's near the door) and our great pyrenees is our son's service dog; he sleeps in Paul's bed but has the run of the house.

I think that whatever is most convienient for you during these trying months is best. So glad you're here!

Thanks Katie3! That will be great! I'm gonna look for it right now! I can't believe I missed it in the newsletter. Ugh!!

Hey, KarenDW2, I re-read your post #29 -- are you just referring to the alpha-roll? 'Cause I've never even DONE an alpha roll on a dog before! I just tell 'em "go lie down" and they do. But then you mention the hand-bite, and I use that quite a bit (and my dogs use "the bite" on each other frequently, too). I'm confused. Can you please clarify?

I was hoping someone could help me. I have a few areas where we need to work.

1. My dog will not stay out of my flower beds and garden. I have a fence up around the garden (It's only 2-3 ft high) I was hoping that it would deter Bailee some, but no she jumps right over it. She doesn't dig, she sits it the garden and looks into the neighbors yard at their dog and cats. There is an open space with grass that she could use but since the garden has been plants I have found cat crap in there so maybe that is why. She has in the past years jumped in the garden, butin the past years when the fence was up. Any suggestions on how to keep her out of the garden and flower beds. She doesn't digs just tromps all over them and kills them.

2. This problem is worse when my inlaws come over. They bring their dogs, which I don't mind, but as soon as they pull in the driveway, Bailee goes crazy. They come in and rile her up. I have repeatedly asked them not to, to just ignore her but to no avail. It takes forever for her to calm down and then she barks most of the time they are here because she knows that if she barks enough one of them will play with her(at least that is what I think she is doing). They frown against discipline, they don't say it to me directly, but they make comments about her being tortured again. I have never hit her(the dog). I guess they don't understand that it takes discipline or whatever you want to call it to ensure that a 70lb dogs doesn't take me for a walk or take someone out when they come in the house. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

3. Sometimes when I am out throwing the dummy for Bailee she will retrieve it and bring it almost all the way back then will get down on her haunches and bark. As she is barking she is advancing and retreating. Its not a mean bark. I thinking she wants me to play or maybe not make her bring it back and sit and stay for me to throw it again. I immediately turn my back and ignore her. I don't play with her for a while maybe a few hours or for the remainder of the day. This doesn't happen much with me but it happens alot when my husband plays with her. My husband won't do any thing to make her mind so either I do or it doesn't get done. I can not have a 70 lb dog that I can't control as well as 3 kids 4yrs and under. Please help.

I have Cesars book and traing dvd as well as the first season on order. Any advice will be appreciated. I just want her to be a well mannered dog so that I can have company over and enjoy them with out the dog acting up. Bailee is a yellow Lab that is 5 1/2 yrs old. Maybe, one of the things I should do is send my husband to the dog center hehehehe.

Karen and CJ,

The two of you have made it a very interesting and educational day for me -- I would like to say that each of you humbles me.

Both the yahoo list and this blog are so necessary in this society -- I am blown away by the fact that I truly saw myself in Cesar's writing about our expectations and assumptions in this society simply because we grew up with Lassie and Rin Tin Tin. I'm ashamed to admit it, but when our kids were small we bought a collie puppy and assumed that he'd grow up knowing how to guard and protect our kids like Lassie did for Timmy. Instead, he knocked them down and humped them AND WE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT HIS PROBLEM WAS. I hasten to add that he was cherished every day of his life, we just thought he'd been born without the wisdom and instincts that we thought were standard equipment!

So Cesar taught us what dogs are and what they are not, and he gave us the courage to cautiously step out and rescue a Sheltie from the pound last Feb.; sweetest dog there ever was, only she got horribly sick 2 weeks later and died.

Now we have our Moe, our great pyr rescue/service dog. He has an issue or two, food agression, resource protection, but NOTHING compared to what the two of you deal with out of love every day. We are, sadly, the third family of this noble and wonderful dog and, because of Cesar and this blog we know how to deal with his issues every day and he is a member of our family for life.

BUT there's one Cesar and millions of us and billions of misconceptions, mistakes and cases of laziness and desire for a quick fix in this society.

Aside from the obvious physical danger of rolling an aggressive dog, I see it as infinitely more dangerous how Cesar is perceived by many -- I mentioned him to a friend and she said "O yeah, the guy who throws dogs down all the time." I know now, thanks to Karen, that the real work is energy, love, empathy and true understanding of my dogs, the physical stuff that Cesar does is a tiny part of it.
I tried watching a few episodes thru my friend's eyes and, if I wanted a quick fix I'd see the promise of that in what Cesar does, and I'd blow off his constant reminders that this is a way of life, like a diet it won't work if you don't do it every day.

Sometimes I look at the pictures of the adoptable dogs at our local shelter and all I can do is cry, that and pray for them. God bless the two of you for making a difference in their precious lives, and inspiring others to do the same.

Hi Penny,

Good job, glad to hear you had a good trip and that Loki did so well.

I don't know if you're aware of it but there is a yahoo group that deals with service dogs -- I joined a couple of weeks ago and it seems like a tremendous resource; just had a gal today who was asked to leave a store because her SD was not a "real"SD; to them it has to be a seeing eye dog. There was a flurry of emails with advice and support.

Anyway, if you want to check it out do a yahoo group search for OC-Assist-Dogs. Hope it helps!

Good Morning Jules!
I'm going to take a stab at #3...
If she is getting down on her haunches (butt up in the air???..or not doesn't matter I guess) and is barking...that's play mode. She wants to play...the run after her, chase her, type if play....Roman does that every now and then and sometimes I will play with him because it's so darn cute!lol
I will not chase him for 2 reasons though, 1 because I can't as my back would highly protest, but I will kinda crunch down and jump quick or move to the left or right real quick and he LOVES it....goes all nutty and runs around.lolol
2 I will not chase him or go after him or try to retrieve the item from him, as I am the Pack Leader but I will play with him how I stated above, then walk away and sit down until he brings me whatever it is he is playing with. Sounds to me like she is just playing and wants to jump, run, act goofy is all...Roman does it and it just makes me crack up and grin!lol :)
xoxo

Oh yes, and my dog seems to be lunging at other dogs on our walks more and more lately....

Yes, I was thinking it would be best to meet on neutral ground. My dog was ran to burn off excess energy but her dog was not. That is part of why I wanted to meet her so that I could take her on long walks with my dog.

They are both female and they did have eye contact right away. My dog was on a leash, her dog wasn't. I know that there are a lot of bad things here. I plan on taking them both on a walk together and I think everything will be fine.

My concern though is that if my dog gets along with another or not (she hasn't been lately with any new dogs) she will not let them sniff her. What does this mean? I have had three occasions where there were dog fights all of which my dog has been excersised before hand; however she has never been in a fight on her own territory...

Thank you for the response Penny!

katie3:

Bless you for your words, ESPECIALLY your second to last paragraph (post #51).

I hope everyone reads it, and thank YOU for being a "Gatekeeper" too.....

woof

Ok, my heart is about to break...
I was checking in on a forum I spend time on and saw a posting from a woman and... well... let me show you some of it...

"In the last few weeks Shaw (4 year old) has gone after Dallas's (11 week old) nose. The situation is that they are playing and having fun and then all of a sudden, Shaw goes after Dallas and trys to grab his nose and not in a "playful" manner. I have grabbed Shaw by the collar and told him NO and pulled him away from Dallas. Dallas now tries to run from Shaw when he realizes Shaw is "upset" or whatever has set Shaw off, but Shaw will go after him and try to bite his nose."

I am pretty sure that most here know what Shaw is doing... Shaw is teaching the pup some manners... the same way the pup's mother would... later she says...

"I don't know what to do and am fearing I may not have any choices and may have to put Shaw down. This breaks my heart. My dogs are like my kids, how could I do that. Everything I have read on the web and people I have talked to about this, have suggested putting Shaw down. "

I of course sped out a post telling her that Shaw's only crime is teaching the pup manners... he is going after the NOSE... the MUZZLE... not the throat, and he is the one being blamed and who people are telling his owner must die...

I begged her not to put him to sleep... to instead seek a behaviorist (hopefully not one that told her to kill him) because I am sure that a good one will show her what is really happening... and if not to find him a new home...

How in the world can anyone tell someone that their dog has to die because it reprimands a 11 week old puppy? She said that it used to get along fine with him and this behavior just started... well duhhh... dogs will let younger pups get away with more and will start expecting older pups to start showing manners.

I also told her to have the older dog checked for any painful conditions... and to check his neck and ears under his coat... I am sure she will find many bumps and tiny scabs from those needle teeth... if she was being gnawed on constantly by the pup I am sure she would stop him... why can't her dog?

Ok... rant over

Way to go, Penny! I only hope that she will take your post to heart. What a sad situation that so many people are getting such BAD information! I believe Suzanne Clothier has some really great articles about this exact situation. Where the owners reprimand the dog who is behaving in a NORMAL way and this only confuses the dog further. Poor dog to have to live in a house where she is being reprimanded for being a DOG. Maybe you could pass on Suzanne Clothier's name to this woman so that she can re-educate herself.

K2, yes my dog is spayed. I think you may be right that it is a fearful reaction. I didn't tell the other owner that this has happened before and I am a pretty easy going guy but I guess it is quite impossible to absolutley %100 believe that it won't happen.

Joanna, that does sound like a plan, my dog does not like to have her back to a dog she doesn't know though so maybe just starting off with a walk would be good. She's played with two dogs when I'm not around that came into our yard, one was dominate and the other just wanted to mark. There has never been a fight in her territory so maybe it is a nervous / scared thing.

Thanks!

I'm glad to see Cesar will be traveling the country looking for more dogs and owners who can benifit from philosophies, methods, and hands-on help.

I'm also glad everytime I hear of someone else who has figured out or uses a similar philosophy, is also helping troubled dogs and owners. I have only met a few of these people, and only online so far. But they are out there, and more folks are joining their ranks.

I'm glad Linn has started the Shadow Program with Cesar's support, and would love to take this intensive course myself, someday.

Good thoughts and hopes for a better future for all humans and their dogs as more Dog Whisperers share their gifts, new students of Dog Whispering take up their studies, and new Dog Whisperers are born.

Deb :)

Thank you much for the response Kate. I will give this a shot, maybe walking them both on a leash and letting my dog wonder over and sniff while we are walking would help. I was thinking the same thing about the actual attack, that the other dog had determined she was fearful.

This also happened with a ~25lb lab (they were seperated instantly) and a ~10 poodle something or other. My dog is ~80lbs so it is kind of a suprise. A couple a weeks ago she did make nice with a "golden lab" that was about her same size. The lab did chase her a lot though but she didn't have her tail between her legs and they eventually took turns chasing.

Karen, thank you for the response. For reference the post numbers are 56, 59, 67, 71.

Also she only puts her tail between her legs on a couple of occasions:
1. With some kids that she choses to walk up to when she reaches them she will get in the c shape with her tail between her legs for a moment and when they pet her she will snap out of it

2. At the vets when the vet is telling her how ok everything is when petting her (before a shot or something), it makes her nervous and the last time she peed on th floor.

3: With other dogs, I need to pay more attention but when the dog tries to sniff she will put her tail between her legs and try to avoid being sniffed. I need to pay closer attention to her other language when approaching a dog but she doesn't get to very often.

Other then those times she is very well behaved with nearly two hours of exercise a day. I used to walk her off leash and was able to keep her from charging other dogs but on one occasion she ran up to someone's fence after their dogs started barking at them; I have since stopped off leash walking.

I'll work on the vibes to put out to my dog, would you describe this vibe as being proud of your dog? It seems lately she is lunging more and more at other dogs on our walks, I have been trying to pass in an arc but it doesn't seem to work too well.

Thanks!

Nate;

Have to get to my son's baseball game but wanted to check in real quick----
Sorry, but quick question--does she 'lunge' at other dogs on the walk who are ALSO on leashes and taking a walk or is it just the 'dog behind the fence' thing.
Also, she 'lunges' w/tail between legs--where are her ears and is the fur on her back 'ruffled', and how 'tense' is her body? And,who sees the dog first? Make sure you are not tensing the leash even a tiny bit (in anticipation of what she might do) AND make sure you are NOT slowing down or stopping or hesitating or anything BUT singing 'Jingle Bells' in your head...'k?

Also VERY important -- I've talked before about touching your dog ANYWHERE you want to ANYTIME you want to. Is she 'comfortable' with you touching her rear (pay VERY close attention to how she 'handles' this). Does her head instantly kind of 'snap' around? Does she kind of do an 'inward cringe'? How does her face look? Where are her ears? What happens to her tail carriage?

Paying attention to all of these things will reveal a great deal of information to you and the first 'feeling' you get from putting them all together is usually right on target--LISTEN to it.

Step by step.....Concentrate on ONE thing at a time....

Be Back as soon as I can, I think your situation is going to help a lot of people hang in there with their knuckleheads, so don't you dare give up (Actually, we KNOW you won't, that's why we are all cheering for you.)

WOOF!

Hi norma,
loved your pictures.Last blog u asked what areas our doggies need to be corrected in.Boots-rott is very dominent, not aggressive, so he shows tendencies to take over, nudges us with his nose so we'll pet him, wants to hold his own leash, but most of all gets on certain dogs at the dog park & growls, he's very obedient & gets off most of the time when i tell him.Shirley however is very hyper,she lunges/barks @ other dogs on walks, or so she used to BC(before Cesar), very rambunctous around the house, but now she hardly barks at them, but mostly Cesar has helped me, more than i can say..I used to be very afraid of loose dogs because i once had a dog-aggresive dog(a pit) It kept me from going too far on walks & in total fear & look-out for loose dogs, so it has helped ME more than the dogs.I would explain more, but i'm very sad today because I went on an interview on a job I realy wanted, but didn't get it. boohoo, I think they would have hired me except someone inside that dept. wanted it. so I'm VERY disapointed, today we're going over my sister-in-laws house for a birthday bar-b-q for my daughter, who is 21.My 2 small granddaughters are here for the week (my son is in Iraq & his wife is in the Navy out on her ship this week), and i'm off today, so i want to have a good time, but it's hard not to feel sad...

Oh that IS sad bootsmut. Fie on that job! THere is a better one out there for you. I hope your son comes home safe and soon.

Nate, something in Kate's response made me remember a couple of episodes of DW where Cesar would walk two dogs together, with Cesar in the middle. In fact, this is how I walk both of my dogs ALL the time. In Cesar's case, he was keeping the dogs moving forward, and did not allow them to sniff until they had walked together in a forward manner for a while. Don't know if you can easily do this, seeing as how you don't own both dogs. Also, you need to be really careful if there is ANY aggression, let a professional help you first. I walk my dogs with me in the middle because it's just easier because they are so big.

Karen DW2, thanks for responding to my #47, I thought that's what you were referring to -- I had to read it a few times (my fault, not yours!). I don't do "the bite" all that much. I do what you said more -- having them pay attention and respect me as PL by giving good energy. So, I'm ok. Phew! ha ha

Bootsmutt, hang in there -- everything happens for a reason -- something much better will come along! You'll see! God bless your son & his wife! Our heroes!

Everybody, remember I posted about my friend who lives across the street from a Pit Bull who is tied on a short line and she is totally frightened of the dog and was asking me how to "act as if" she isn't afraid? Well, through this blog & the DW episodes that I taped I remembered "hey! She's a TEACHER"!! I talked to her today and I told her about how Cesar works with a lot of people who are in executive or teaching positions and he will tell them to summon up the (teacher) within them when dealing with their dogs. Although she is not a dog owner, I told her all about this, and I said "how do you feel when you have a classroom of unruly 17 year olds?" You can handle that, right? "Not a problem" she said. So I told her when it's time to walk by the dog, she needs to summon up the teacher within. She said, "YES! I can do that!!" It's amazing how many things we have learned from Cesar!!! Prior to this, she would start worrying about what's going to happen about 2 hours before she left work for the day! OMG, can you imagine?! This is ruling her whole life! Another friend told her that she has an unhealthy fear of dogs and she needs to do something about it. I'm so proud of her. I still think she's going to move to a different apartment though. Oh well!

k2;

Nicely done.

WOO WOOF!

Norma:

It's THEIR loss!!!!!!

You rock!\

BIGCHESTPOUNDINGIAMWOMANWOOOOOOF!

Hey, where's our KathyB.?

Bet she's hiding in the "Endless Blog"...I'll go and see if I can 'fetch' her back here to join us.

woof

Karen Dog Whisp.2,
Post # 87...HAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA! U CRACK ME UP! :D

I've been house hunting!!!!! :)
Found a couple houses (6 or 7) we are going to go look at (we just drove by them today to see them and the neighboorhoods) saturday & there are two in this one neighborhood I LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! Not one but TWO parks withing two blocks of the house!!!!!! 1 park is like 1000' away and the other is like two blocks away and also a school with a HUGE gated baseball feild!!!! I just pictured Roman walking in the park twice a day and fell in LOVE with the neighborhood!!!!!lololol AND one of the houses has a POOL! I am so excited!lol xoxoxo

Hey Susan,
comenting from post #23... I have the same problem,,, today I had a little celebrating at my house, and my family were happy to see my puppy pug Moly, she gets very excited if you talk to her like baby,,, I do not do that,,, but my family couldnt help to address my dog that way,, and what do you think happened, she became nuts, with so many people, so I asked them to please don't speak like that to her, but they couldnt care less, ""ohhh she is so cute!!" come here you little thing"",,, of course after a while, they called me while I was in the kitchen,,, Oh Norma please can you calm your dog???? she is annoying licking everyone!!!she won't stop!!!.. I had to confined my dog till my guests were gone to keep her calm...if they would've ignored my dog, she would've been fine hanging out with us as pack, they think I make no sense, they go: Cesar who??? the whisper what??? these are the moments I feel so alone in this business of being a good PL.

NORMA:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do you have ANY idea how LONG it takes people to realize THEY are the ones doing the 'puppy play butt wiggle'????
And that the 'Hi,sweetie snookems you are such a wittle cutie thing---ooooh i just wuv u!!!! engenders nothing but DISRESPECT!! and misbehavior of course.....

YOU ROCK by knowing it is the ABSOLUTE worst thing to do, especially with a little dog...You are WOWing us all with your excellent P.L. skills...(Didn't I just hear another great job by you in the dog park on the 'Endless Blog' when I went to 'sniff' KathyB out?)

Perhaps next time you could tell them that you prefer respect and manners from dogs as well as people and that if they don't mind that Molly thinks they are simply big goofball puppies without an ounce of manners---then they can figure out how to stop what THEY have started. (Their consequence is, 'Hey, you didn't listen to me and continued your misbehaving so you figure out how to calm the mini'tornado yourself! Ha!'

YOU sure earned extra treats today, girl!!!!

Everyone!!!! On the count of 3......1,2,3, WOOF, WOOF, WOOF! for our NORMA -THE P.L. OF THE DAY!!!!!

Hi everybody,

We had an interesting experience today. I have found myself balking at the idea of my dogs knowing what I'm feeling, especially when sometimes I'm not so sure myself! I have listened closely to Cesar discussing this, and also "the power of intention." I've been so interested to read of everyone's experiences on this blog and just thought "Really?"

We had a meeting this afternoon at the Regional Center to discuss Paul's goals, respite care, etc. and decided yesterday to take Moe the Pyr with us to the meeting. We're trying to expose him to as many situations as possible while he's in training; we thought an office building filled with workers to help the special ed community would be perfect.

I was planning how we'd do this and wondered how Moe would handle getting on an elevator. I immediately corrected myself, deciding that of course he'd handle it just fine because his pack leader said so.

So far so good. We walked in the building and I thought "okay, here comes the elevator" and the dog stopped dead in his tracks and sat down, quicker than it takes to tell. I realized what I'd inadvertently done, straightened my shoulders and started walking and he was fine.

I don't even understand why I was slightly apprehensive, Moe certainly didn't know that the little room would go up and down, but there it is. It boggles my mind that my dogs are not only so in tune with me but with the rest of the family too. Amazing creatures.

Norma,
We encountered one lady who gushed all over him, "oooh, isn't him just the CUTEST puppy you ever saw, I want to CUDDLE him!!" Moe just gave her this look like "PUPPY! I'm taller than you and I could eat your face if I wanted to" It was hysterical, he put her down with the look on his face, tossed his head and moved on.

O.K.,

think our pack is ok for the moment.....yipee!

anybody know what happened to Nate? (Sorry, I'm a Mom - I worry....)

Sending you all peaceful, calm energy (you can turn off the assertive part, it's easier to get to sleep)......

gentle little woof yip yip.....

Using Cesar's techniques has helped tremendously (sp?) with my relationship with my dogs. I have two dogs and have had the new dog for a little over a year now, and slowly but surely there has been progress with the new dog. He doesn't jump as much, like he use to get in a stage where he'd just jump at you and bite at the same time. I have plenty of holes in my shirts to show for that. It's like now after a year he's finally accepting his role in the pack and it's just amazing to see that dogs will change, it just takes time and doesn't happen over night. He's getting along so much better with my old dog.
People who had this new dog before us gave up on him very early, but we took him and gave him a chance because we knew if we did what we were suppose to he'll be a great dog, and that's what he's turning out to be.

* I love doing this to my beagle (the old dog), where if he does something wrong i'll just give him a look or point at him and he'll roll over on his side for me w/o me even touching him. When I first started doing the technique I had to put him on his side by touching him, but now I don't even have to do that anymore, all it takes is my energy and just a little look and he knows he did something wrong and he'll submitt. It's an amazing feeling because I feel that i'm communicating with him how he would be communicating with other dogs. I love it.

*Also did anyone see on Animal Planet the lady who has like 25 dogs, but she also raised wolves. It's amazing to see those wolves do everything that Cesar teaches. The Alpha wolf disciplines the pups exactly how Cesar teaches the humans.

Karen DW2,
You can BET that the pool is high on my list!lol
Actually here are my qualifications:
3 bedrooms (1 for a guest room, 1 for a room-mate)
2 baths (but not necessary if the house is perfect!)
bonus room to turn into an office.
Large enough kitchen for my diningroom table or a dining room.
Large back yard for Roman, or in the case of the house's with pools....nice pool, good size yard and PARKS all over!lololol
Enough room to comfortably house 2 humans, Roman (or another dog) and has enough room to have a guest AND my home office.
Good neighborhood, meaning a district that will increase in value and not DECREASE in value when the market turns.
That's all I ask!lololol :)

I absolutely LOVED the neighborhood with all the parks in it. I saw a couple other houses that were not in that neighborhood that looked awesome, but my mind kept going back to all those parks!lololol It said that all dogs must be leashed, which is fine...heeheehee & I have a 25 foot leash so it would work for me! :)

KathyB! Those houses sound so awesome!!! I'm like you, a park within walking distance makes ALL the difference:) I hope you can find a house quickly!

Nate, sounds like you are making progress with the socializing! Way to go!

KathyB:

If everybody who comes to Norma's STILL gives her 'trouble' regarding Molly how about sending 'Rockin Roman' through 'cyber-space' to give 'em a 'taste of their own medicine'? He and Molly would make a great 'tag' team, yes?

By the way, you sound like you are in a really great 'positive happy place' and are going after something you've dreamed of for so long with the attitude 'just anybody TRY to stop me now, I've paid my dues, I've earned it and it will be mine!!!!' (and Roman's of course..)

As they say, everything happens for a reason, timing is everything in life (and in Pack Leadership too!), and where there's a will, there's a way!!!

Ok, there's the Daily Reflections for the day. Later.......

woofwoofparksandpoolohmy!!!!!!!!

Joanna,

RE: That 'head in your lap' thing? " She comes to 'lay' her head on my knee to be petted". Here's when WE interpret what that means and it may not be that at all.

Remember your homework? Read up on 'Breed'?

I have found many of the 'herding' type breeds to be extremely 'pushy' and 'controlling' -- to display "You are mine, stay where I 'block' you or I am here with my nose FIRMLY pushing down on your knee (to keep you in place and tell you I OWN you) and you will pet me if stay 'glued' to your thigh/knee/lap I really don't care either way, I have your attention.........You can push his nose away and they STLL stay 'stock' still and it is like coming up against a brick wall!!!! The big-eyed 'stare' is usually combined with this, too.

In any behavior these guys exhibit you will see that STRONG underlying INSTINCT/DRIVE that they have been bred for. Unless 're-directed' and worked on correctly, it is extremely difficult for YOU to 'stay in charge'. THEY ARE VERY SERIOUS ABOUT what they have been bred to 'be'. Look at them and 'interpret' their behavior in more of a 'breed' frame of reference. You may find a lot of answers there 'staring you in the face'. Yup, DOG first BUT BREED can be very important especially when you are getting frustrated working on something and can't understand why he is not 'getting' it.....

I know, I know - that 'tail' thing. Think about this, if she/he is NOT feeling 'confident', is NOT feeling 'proud' all the time; if she/he is exhibiting submissive AND dominant language and 'flipping' back and forth between the two --one reason for this can be that her 'JOB' instincts/needs are not being addressed and she/he NEEDS that 'switch' turned on. She/he can't really understand why she/he is feeling 'on edge', why she/he feels the DRIVE within but is unable to 'define'it ---she/he is losing 'confidence' because she/he is 'running in circles' in her/his head and is losing FOCUS....

This is SOOOO hard to put into words. I'm just noticing from some of your posts some of the behaviors she is exhibiting and some of the battles you have might be better understood in the frame of Breed -- That some things seem to be harder for her to 'get', that she 'puts up a battle' over some things you want her to do (and the other dogs don't), or she seems 'under control' and then something 'clicks' on dime and she's a 'wild woman'...

Can't remember if she's a Malinois or a Tervuren, same thing basically. Again, these are SERIOUS dogs. They are wonderfully loyal and very devoted to their family--- but with this comes PROTECTIVENESS, extreme 'smartness', and a great need for a JOB to do...These guys need a ton of exercise too, (I know, you're trying to do that).

If she is 'lunging' at other dogs, of course she is. They very often ARE dog aggressive. She may seem 'shy' with strangers (but then 'warms'up to them), of course she is. They ARE reserved with strangers. They have a 'full load' of 'instincts' within them -protection, herding, extreme seriousness about their 'job'--combined with a 'natural' sensitivity and smartness--as well as that 'stand PROUD' aura---- Great dog, but NOT for an 'easy-going' natured dog owner. NOT for the "hey, pal let's go play ball and then we can hang out on the couch and you can lick my face"
type....NOTHING WRONG with that 'type' of owner, just not a very good 'fit' for a Belgian Shepherd!!! Remember the--research the breed and choose one to fit your lifestyle? Well, also choose one suited toward YOUR 'type' of personality as well. -- All part of making sure you are doing as much as you can to put in place an environment that will enable 'success' for the both of you.

Joanna, there I go again, eh? My 'verbal barrage' became really for anyone, just some info. to see if anyone gets an 'AHA' moment from it.

YOU are doing a great job, DO NOT falter, DO NOT second-guess yourself, keep your ENERGY very, very, CLEAR and CONSISTENT and all will 'fall' into place.....

Please, keep us 'posted'---Again, a lot of what you are going through is probably familiar to others and what we figure out here will have a wonderful 'domino' effect and help them!

Over and out ---WOOOOOF!!!!!

Hi Everyone,
I last wrote yesterday about going to my sister-in-laws pool for my daughter's 21st B-Day party, well, we decided not to take the dogs, as they have 4-one they keep locked when we come, the other(yellow lab) my dogs met before, the other 2 they haven't met. we went in separate cars.To my surprize, when I got there, there were 5 dogs greeting me, includ. ours! The one i was worried about was boots-our rott, but he was fine, ours went swimming alot,theirs don't go in the pool, they all got along fairly well,there was a bit of growling & boots "mounted" the others at times, but got off when we told him. they are still sooo tired today, laying around all morning.But the thing that bothered me was that mine listened to me, but the others didn't, which makes me see (again) that i am not a born PL, i am to my dogs, it was a bit of a let down, as if i do come across a looses dog...well..then thought does make me loose confidence.I wish I can have their distructive dog for awhile & work with him, walk everyday, go out first, etc.etc. I bet I can calm her down, she's still young, but she has destroyed/chewed so many things.She looks alot like a cyote. I too have a boxer-but a mix, very active. I walk her first, then I take her to run beside me on my bike, as just walking isn't enough for her, so Kate G. you may want to try that. let us know

KDW2, thanks for the info about herding breeds. It sounds a lot like Yogi. (Nice! This new blog doesn't have the long comment window :-) ... My walks with Yogi are going okay. This morning I tried something new instead of follow the leader. I saw a long stick, like a cane, on the side of the road while walking so I picked it up and started using it to block his path when he'd try to get out in front and to remind him where his position should be and to unfocus him from the panting and tiptoeing with ears sticking straight up. It was working really nicely - as an alternative to follow the leader.

Maybe I'll have to hire a trainer to teach him to stop all that prey drive stuff he does on walks because I'm very tired of it. What do you think, KDW2? Or do I just need to be a better pack leader? i'm trying as hard as I can, being firm and consistent with him (as calm assertive as i know how).

I took him in to the vet's this morning to buy more flea treatment and heartgard. there was a young german shepherd in there. They were interested in each other but the GS was actually pulling and Yogi was obeying "sit". I was shocked and happy!

Kate G.

I LOVE boxers....but I'm usually black and blue after working/playing with them. Are they not an absolute riot when they really ARE 'boxing'.

Tanking these guys out requires 28 hours in a day, not 24!!! Thank goodness you have 2, they should kinda wear each other out, yes?

Boy, do these guys need a really strong leader! Otherwise, they remain 'sassy, knock-you-over,goofball puppies' the rest of their lives!!!! Besides cocker spaniels, they have one of the best 'wiggle-butts' around!

OK, enough gushing....What to do, what to do,,,,,hmmmmmmm
Well, they ARE 'smart as a whip' so the exercise is good but also make sure some of it is MENTALLY STIMULATING. I think boxers are supposed to be excellent at obedience (that's if you can get them to keep their butts glued to the ground longer than 3 seconds). I've found that once you manage to get their attention do all you can to keep it focused on you (or their 'task'), for they'll get that 'gleam' in their eye and it's off to the races again....

Really, it is great (for their minds) to learn to 'rein in' that 'hyperness'---THE WALK is good to keep focus on YOUR PACE (they have to adjust their prancing and slow it down), it requires a lot of them and to have them concentrate there, they have less tendencies to be distracted by that leaf tumbling over the ground or Gee, that bunny looks good to play with,,,or etc. etc. They do love to RUN for the sheer joy of it and are built for stamina (get a load of their chests---power, power, power!)

IF YOU TOTALLY TRUST THEM -- Do my "where's your leash" exercise. DO THIS ONLY IF YOU HAVE COMPLETE CONFIDENCE THAT THEY WILL NOT RUN OFF!!! This is what I do with a 'bonkers' dog that really needs to 'run it off' but I have others to work with at the same time. So I do the Pack Walk and at the same time do the 'where's your leash?' with the 'Bonkers Boxer". This thing just kinda happened with an out-of-control brindle boxer named Raven.

Raven was absolutely 'nuts', he never knew when to STOP (nothing new with lots of dogs, I know). Anyway, if most of the dogs hanging out with me at the moment were smaller, they would want to end the game real soon---he kept going back for more, with more and more excited energy, and was not listening to them. Even if he got a nip (I allowed it, he earned it.) 'the tank just kept on coming'....... When it starts to inhibit the 'naturalness' of the others, then I have to do something. Raven became a real 'Party Pooper'.....

AGGGG! Be right back, really I'm not trying to tease, have to take a moment to deal with something....Crisis 45219!

sigh..........

Norma,
Please be careful with those "greenie's"....I have heard more people tell me NOT to give Roman those...I can't remember why, but I don't cause whatever they said freaked me out!lololol
xoxoox

thanks for the advice Kathy,,, it supposes to clean her teeth and it is made out of green organic herbs, and it is so hard, molly can't destroy it, but it keeps her bussy, and I control the time, I give it to her for just 10 minutes, then I take it back. I bet your Roman will make it disapear in 1 minute!!! :-) say hi to Roman for me!
BTW... about your house hunting,,, I hope you can really move to a neighboorhood that has a huge park like you want, I send you good energy: FIND THAT PERFECT PLACE!!!!

Hi Nate, so I just read your post more carefully. It sounds like you had a great morning! One thing Cesar tries on the show is to bring the dog up to the fence that another dog is behind, and turn your dog so that her BACK is to the other dog behind the fence. I loved the part about your walking with the two dogs! I also find that personal preference comes into play -- especially while you're re-training yourself (LOL!)... don't be worried about every single little thing. If she goes a little bit in front of you, it's OK, just as long as she's not pulling. That's my preference anyway, I let my dogs go in front as long as the leashes are slack. Others will say not to do that, but I strongly believe you have to pick what things matter to you, and which ones don't matter as much that you can let slide, so to speak. As far as giving affection when she is calm, and you're happy with her, that's probably OK, but be sure she REALLY is completely calm. I had a real hard time breaking myself of using the voice all the time "good dog" stuff like that. It took me months and months. I now no longer say "good dog" I just let the good feeling well up inside of me, and the dogs pick up on it. They are amazing creatures!

So... I took the boys to the kennel this morning. This was our first kennel visit since I found Cesar Millan! First thing I did differently was that I showed NO anxiety while driving there. Usually, I was a bundle of nerves because of everything I had to do for the trip, etc. etc. and also anticipating how the dogs would react when we arrive at the kennel (they go NUTS they really love it there!). I didn't anticipate or anxiety at all during the drive (10 minutes). When we pulled in the driveway, Hobie started panting and whining and wanting to go out the door, clawing at me. Hector was in the back of the SUV behind the dog guard, and he was howling! They are so funny. I stayed completely calm, took Hobie in first, and he was sooooo coooool in the reception area. The lady was so happy to see us and she fussed over Hobie a bit, and it was all good. I was SO impressed with the fact that she is total PL and uses all the same techniques Cesar does, only I never noticed it before 'cause I didn't know what to look for. She put the show-dog-style leash over his head and kept it up under his ears, and off they went. Once Hobie was in the holding area, we went outside and got Hector out of the car together. I told her he's gonna come flyin' out of the car when I open it. Well, she totally amazed me! I opened the hatchback, and he came flyin' out, and she just looped that thing over his head like it was a lasso. She was so calm and cool. I was SOOO impressed. Hector is very attached to Hobie, and he didn't like it that Hobie was in one direction and he was going in another (she put them together in one pen afterwards). She didn't let Hector boss her around, she just calmly and politely led him into the gate, "claimed" the gate, and she (human) went through first with Hector behind her. AWESOME!!!!! What a wonderful experience. I'm so glad I ended up going back there after all.

Well, it's late! I've got a full weekend!! See y'all online! Have a good night!

Joanna'

Thought you said she was exhibiting shyness. If you don't think that's it then it is probably just the typical behavior of being rather 'reserved' with strangers, yes?

Hard to keep all these dogs straight...

This is something Service Dog owners/handlers can cut and paste to print, or anyone can... it is a Q&A sheet for business owners.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SERVICE ANIMALS
IN PLACES OF BUSINESS
Q: What are the laws that apply to my business?

A: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), privately owned businesses that serve the public, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxicabs, theaters, concert halls, and sports facilities, are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires these businesses to allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto business premises in whatever areas customers are generally allowed.

Q: What is a service animal?

A: The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government.

Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. "Seeing eye dogs" are one type of service animal, used by some individuals who are blind. This is the type of service animal with which most people are familiar. But there are service animals that assist persons with other kinds of disabilities in their day-to-day activities. Some examples include:

_____Alerting persons with hearing impairments to sounds.

_____ Pulling wheelchairs or carrying and picking up things for persons with mobility impairments.

_____Assisting persons with mobility impairments with balance.

Q: How can I tell if an animal is really a service animal and not just a pet?

A: Some, but not all, service animals wear special collars and harnesses. Some, but not all, are licensed or certified and have identification papers. If you are not certain that an animal is a service animal, you may ask the person who has the animal if it is a service animal required because of a disability. However, an individual who is going to a restaurant or theater is not likely to be carrying documentation of his or her medical condition or disability. Therefore, such documentation generally may not be required as a condition for providing service to an individual accompanied by a service animal. Although a number of states have programs to certify service animals, you may not insist on proof of state certification before permitting the service animal to accompany the person with a disability.

Q: What must I do when an individual with a service animal comes to my business?

A: The service animal must be permitted to accompany the individual with a disability to all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. An individual with a service animal may not be segregated from other customers.

Q: I have always had a clearly posted "no pets" policy at my establishment. Do I still have to allow service animals in?

A: Yes. A service animal is not a pet. The ADA requires you to modify your "no pets" policy to allow the use of a service animal by a person with a disability. This does not mean you must abandon your "no pets" policy altogether but simply that you must make an exception to your general rule for service animals.

Q: My county health department has told me that only a seeing eye or guide dog has to be admitted. If I follow those regulations, am I violating the ADA?

A: Yes, if you refuse to admit any other type of service animal on the basis of local health department regulations or other state or local laws. The ADA provides greater protection for individuals with disabilities and so it takes priority over the local or state laws or regulations.

Q: Can I charge a maintenance or cleaning fee for customers who bring service animals into my business?

A: No. Neither a deposit nor a surcharge may be imposed on an individual with a disability as a condition to allowing a service animal to accompany the individual with a disability, even if deposits are routinely required for pets. However, a public accommodation may charge its customers with disabilities if a service animal causes damage so long as it is the regular practice of the entity to charge non-disabled customers for the same types of damages. For example, a hotel can charge a guest with a disability for the cost of repairing or cleaning furniture damaged by a service animal if it is the hotel's policy to charge when non-disabled guests cause such damage.

Q: I operate a private taxicab and I don't want animals in my taxi; they smell, shed hair and sometimes have "accidents." Am I violating the ADA if I refuse to pick up someone with a service animal?

A: Yes. Taxicab companies may not refuse to provide services to individuals with disabilities. Private taxicab companies are also prohibited from charging higher fares or fees for transporting individuals with disabilities and their service animals than they charge to other persons for the same or equivalent service.

Q: Am I responsible for the animal while the person with a disability is in my business?

A: No. The care or supervision of a service animal is solely the responsibility of his or her owner. You are not required to provide care or food or a special location for the animal.

Q: What if a service animal barks or growls at other people, or otherwise acts out of control?

A: You may exclude any animal, including a service animal, from your facility when that animal's behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. For example, any service animal that displays vicious behavior towards other guests or customers may be excluded. You may not make assumptions, however, about how a particular animal is likely to behave based on your past experience with other animals. Each situation must be considered individually.

Although a public accommodation may exclude any service animal that is out of control, it should give the individual with a disability who uses the service animal the option of continuing to enjoy its goods and services without having the service animal on the premises.

Q: Can I exclude an animal that doesn't really seem dangerous but is disruptive to my business?

A: There may be a few circumstances when a public accommodation is not required to accommodate a service animal--that is, when doing so would result in a fundamental alteration to the nature of the business. Generally, this is not likely to occur in restaurants, hotels, retail stores, theaters, concert halls, and sports facilities. But when it does, for example, when a dog barks during a movie, the animal can be excluded.

If you have further questions about service animals or other requirements of the ADA, you may call the U.S. Department of Justice's toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or
800-514-0383 (TDD).

DUPLICATION OF THIS DOCUMENT IS ENCOURAGED.
(written by The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Association of Attorneys General Disability Rights Task Force and they encourage copying and free distribution)

"When Cesar says that no aggression is allowed in his pack of dogs, does that also include no mounting (and other displays of dominance)?
Probably a rhetorical question, I just want to make sure!"

Yes, it does.

Thanks for the great info Penny!

Yes Karen, My Loki (belgian) IS shy. THat's what started this whole discussion. She tucks her tail with adult strangers and is afraid of new dogs. She DOES warm up fairly quickly, but it seems odd to me. MOST dogs I see are EAGER to meet new people and dogs. They wag their tails and pull confidently towards the shiny new object of desire.

Loki has never had a traumatic experience, and she gets lots of socializing. I take her to the school, parks stores etc. She gets to play with all my friends' dogs. But each NEW person or dog is treated with caution and a bit of fear. Hmm...I guess it's not the worst thing in the world, I just wonder about it. I am a pretty friendly gregarious person, so I don't THINK I am projecting anxiety...

Thanks again for exploring the topic!

Kate G, I also have had 2 boxers and my first female who we had to put down several months ago at 7 1/2 years old had severe hip dysplasia. I have just started watching the DW in the last few months so when I had my first boxer I was flying solo!! We hardly ever walked because we have a huge fenced back yard (over 3/4 acre) so I didn't think she needed any more exercise. The last couple of years she was not as active and became overweight which of course was bad for her joints. We tried the glucosamine with chondroitin but for some reason she leaked urine with this which was NOT a side effect but she couldn't tolerate it. She never seemed to complain but would favor one side more than the other. If I had to do things over again, I would watch her diet and exercise especially swimming if you have that available. Also I would walk but would limit the amount of the back pack for your male. I truly love this breed...they are just big goofballs!! Karen described them perfectly. I love the kidney beaning!! You could ask your vet about the medicine because toward the end we had her on Metacal and this seemed to help in the winter especially. Good luck and keep us posted.

I have a question about collars. It looks like cesar uses a choke collar. Is this safe on a toy breed? My pom weighs 5 lbs and I've heard it is dangerous. Also, the ilusion collar Cesar sells says if the base of the neck is less than 13" (my dogs' is 11") not to use the collar and to consult a vet. What collar can I use? I have a harness but can't get her to walk next to or behind me with it.
Also, people keep mentioning corrections and leash corrections. I watch the show and have read Cesar's book but it doesn't say what these corrections actually are. What am I supposed to be doing?
She is basically very good natured. Our one problem has only recently started. She used to love to be around other dogs but has started barking like crazy whenever she sees one and will not settle down. She pulls the leash like she wants to just eat the other dog, even if it outweighs her by 150 lbs!! I think it might be fear aggression since she is so small but I don't know what to do about it. It only recently started. She is friendly with dogs she knows and with people and children.
Any advice?

My 10 month old Akita/Malamute mix (Kyra) has decided that chewing the zipper on the couch cushions until the zipper bursts open and then pulling out the stuffing is a fun activity. Kyra has also chewed the fabric off the back of my couch and ripped pieces of fabric from the back of my recyliner. This destructive behavior just started approximately 2 weeks ago. This behavior occurs when we are not home. Last night we were gone less that 2 hours and during that time, Kyra chewed the hole in the couch, burst a cushion, and continued her shredding of the material on the recyliner. Kyra has plenty of toys, so we aren't sure why furniture has become a facination. We will have to resort to locking her outside when we are gone, which I hate to do during the hot summer months. We can also kennel Kyra, but would not want to kennel her all day while I am at work.

Any advice?

Oh Alicia,

Don't you know? You have a 5 lb. Pom who thinks she's a 100 lb. Rottie (KATHY B. -- Look out, Roman you got trouble....This little 'lady' will take you on in a heartbeat!)

Really, DO NOT think of her as a cute little ball of innocent fluff.....You do, and they become nasty little yapping spoiled brats! (Just a heads up...) I LOVE Poms, they see me and go, 'Uh-oh, I'm not even going to try my Hi, there! Aren't I the cutest little thing you've ever seen, c'mon let me do my little dance number for ya, I've got a REALLY precious little yip,yip too....c'mon ya know ya love me--let me jump all over you so you can squat down to MY level and then I can be really rude and jump in your lap and be totally disrespectful 'cuz you know I'm the cutest little thing and you just want to 'eat me up' but I know you've got that cookie somewhere....IT"S MINE!!!!

Nah, she's not scared -- you are. BELIEVE me, SHE is the one trying to 'bring it on', she's 'sassing'...

"I think it might be fear aggression because she is so small but I don't know what to do about it."

Here's what you should do first: Tell her SHUSH!
Here's what you should do second:Tell her SHUSH!

And 'short quick tugs' (NOT yank) her back to you (if she can handle practically choking herself to get at the other dog(s) you won't hurt her, I promise) She HAS to know this is totally inappropriate behavior and YOU will not tolerate it period. That's why just say SHUSH in a kind of 'growly' voice and nothing else; not please shush, not no-no, simply SHUSH.

ALL-- THE COLLAR IS NOT THE PACK LEADER!

(If you start to depend on the collar, you fall in to relying on it to make your point. The dog should do it FOR YOU and YOUR ENERGY, NOT because of the collar. If you happen to misplace whatever special type collar you normally "depend" on....you might have a moment of panic--NOW what am I going to do? I can't even find Spike's leash!! All I have is this stupid lead thing I forgot to give back to the vet....I can't possibly take Spike out for a walk now, I'll never be able to control him!!! What if Killer is in his yard and Rowlf is out too!!! OH, woe is me -- what AM I going to do!!!??? sob,sob,sob....
Meanwhile, Spike has forgotten to even kinda make it hard to 'corral' him today..Heck, there is no Pack Leader in sight, soooo guess that means all bets are off and Spike goes to waddle out the patio door left open and go visit Killer...........)

Sorry, Alicia. Please forgive me, I'm a bit goofy today....
But, hopefully even in my goofy way, I was able to help?
If not, give ME a shush and I'll try again...

yipyappyappyipWOOF!

Debi,

I'm glad I checked in here, you need some emergency TLC!! I'm sort of new to all this myself but, for now, I'll share a few thoughts.

I think that you're making some of the same mistakes that most of us do, so we'll start with basics.

Take a deep breath, straighten your shoulders and repeat after me -- I CAN DO THIS!!

Now, you said that your life revolves around her and her needs. I think that from now on HER life revolves around YOU and your needs.

She's getting exercise and that's good. All decisions should be made by you, not her. You go out the door first, before her. If she sleeps on your bed, I wouldn't let her anymore, and if you're not crating her I would definitely start, not as punishment but to provide yourself a well-deserved break from her antics.

We have a golden that doesn't do well with a regular collar or a choke collar, but a gentle leader turned her around immediately if you can get your hands on one of those. No more pulling PLUS it's impossible for her to pull you over. Well worth a try.

Our pyr was using our sheltie puppy for a toy, and what we did was put the puppy in our laps right in front of him and made it clear that she is OURS and he'd better show her respect.

I well understand your bad feelings towards her right now, but please understand that SHE doesn't understand them. It's all impulse with dogs, no thought at all, no recognition that if she takes off suddenly you might get hurt.

I would give her absolutely no affection (this is the hardest part) unless she's completely calm and YOU FEEL like giving her affection. All she needs is to understand that you are in charge, you make the decisions, and she'd best conform her behavior to what pleases you.

I would never tell you to hit or yell (no yelling is hard for me), just calmly insist on YOUR way. If she doesn't eat when you decide it's time, calmly pick up the bowl and try again later. That will immediately tell her there's a new sheriff in town.

Cesar says that playing is affection, so if she doesn't play your way, game's over! Only play when your relationship with you is what YOU want it to be.

We're too kind, we coddle too much, and we impose human feelings and thought processes. They don't want to be in charge, they want us to show them every day that we are up to the challenge of being in charge.

YOU CAN DO THIS -- we're with you here to provide all the encouragement and suggestions that you need. Please do keep us posted and STAY CALM AND ASSERTIVE!

Hi Debi,

I'm so glad that you feel a little better! Have you read the book "Marley and Me"? I thought of it when I read your first post. Won't provide many answers, but will help you see things in a humorous light.

If you're using the gentle leader harness it's not nearly as effective as the halter thing, the one that goes over the nose. The second they try to pull all it does is turn their head toward you. Most dogs don't appreciate the thing on their nose, but I don't especially like wearing panyhose either!

We tell people that our dogs are being trained and ask them to please not pet them. If they persist you say, "Well, I hope she won't bite!" Not fair that folks can disrupt what you're doing and then sue if they do bite.

Now according to Cesar it's fine to feel weepy and weak, just don't show the dog affection while you're doing it. Also, it takes a dog 10 seconds to realize that you've decided to be the pack leader and begin to adjust the attitude, so take heart!

With all the millions of unwanted dogs in this country, reflect a minute how totally lucky your dog is to have you for her pack leader, and treat her that way -- she's darned fortunate to have you. Plus, you're much smarter than she is!

Sleep well, everything is fine! Keep in touch!

Debi,

I have one more suggestion -- if you go to Yahoo groups and do a seach of "DogWhispererFans" you'll find a wonderful group of people, including professional trainers who will work hard to help you. I am a member, and it's helped me so much. Hope to see you there!

Debi,

Your post was the exact thing I was posting just last week. I'm working with Yogi, a 9 m/o blue heeler (I'm not sure why they are called heelers when they - or at least this one - doesn't like to heel). LOL ... I was crying last week too when he nipped at my ankle after I corrected him with that tap on his hindquarters that Cesar shows how to do. (where you move one leg behind you and over to the dog's back side and touch him, to get 'em to focus on you again).

Anyway, my boy pulls and lunges at squirrels, birds, people, and dogs. I've used the Halti on him, like Katie3 described. It works but he hates that thing on his nose and sometimes as we're walking he'll go into what looks like an epileptic fit trying to fight that thing off his nose. I use it now and then because it is impossible for him to pull with it on.

This group cheered me up and urged me to hang in there when I was crying after he nipped at me. I was ready to find Yogi a new home and felt like a failure as his pack leader.

A couple of the people here told me about a follow-the-leader technique to end pulling. IT WORKS! But you have to work at it. What you do is give the dog about a foot of slack on the leash. When he starts to pull, immediately whip yourself around and start walking in the opposite direction, at the same time letting go of the part of the leash that is in your hand. It gives the dog a neck correction and he'll turn around and walk at your side - until the next time :-)

I've been doing follow-the-leader for a few weeks and he's improving. This technique makes the dog worry about what you are doing so they try to keep an eye on you.

I sometimes use a small stick on our walks just to move in front of him so he'll pay attention to me and he backs up. This works also. I'm not hitting him or tapping him with it.

Others on this list will tell you about energy and mentally thinking success and how that works for them. I'm still working on that!

Hope this helps.

Peggy (Boss of Yogi :-)

Congratulations on the great run this morning, Debi. Yogi and I had a nice walk too. Except when he wouldnot unfocus from a dog that was barking at him from behind a fence - the fence close to the road, like 5 feet away. I thought that type of fence was against deed restrictions, LOL oh well. We ended up turning around and going the other way about 4 times in front of that house.

The rest of the walk, he was good. One of my favorite episodes of Dog Whisperer is the one with the woman who had a horse. Cesar explained how horse training and dog training is similar. Debi, if you have horse training experience behind you, you can draw from that. that's excellent.

My 2-3 previous dogs were so "easy" and laid back. Yogi's a different guy. I'm sure I have him for a reason: so I can learn to be more calm and assertive, not only with him but in my whole life :-)

Good Morning!!!!

:( Everyone has deserted the famous, long, Oprah blog, where all of us made or had milestones, so I will repost what I posted there, here!lol

WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!….I am going to be putting an offer on a house Monday!!!!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this house!lol The yard is an awesome size and it has a POOL!, soooooo….Roman gets a yrad AND a pool!lol
Its a 3/2 Bungalow and is adorable! The owner was there doing the finish work…the entire house has been redone and EVERYTHING is new! AND since it’s a Bungalow, it’s small and cute, just the way I like the houses I live in….each room is a “room” (I’m not an open floor plan kinda girl.lol) and I am just so darn excited!lol Roman wil LOVE the house and the neighborhood as this is one of the houses that is by 2 parks, a shcool, etc. so he will have lots of new places to sniff and check out! I got to meet the next door neighbor and he loves dogs (has what he called a “mutt”lol). I also got to unofficially meet the other neighbor (just said hello but no introductions), both of the guys were older than me and I’m sure they would very much enjoy having me as their neighbor!lololol I’m no bomb shell, but can make a head turn
every now and then!hahahaaaa

Roman did AWESOME at the vets…we decided he is the mascot as he had to greet or try to greet anyone coming or going into the office!lololol He did get a little scared during the examine (peed a tad), but I think it’s because the guy was holding him down and he had never met this assistant?…I jumped in and said to let me please calm him down and used the treat/reward system during the blood work and shots. Worked PERFECT! I am SO PROUD of my man Roman!lol

Karen….You can bet I will not be “forgetting” this particular blog as it has been my all time favorite!!!….More successes have been achieved on this thread if you read through it, that it makes it my favorite!lol
Anyways……Having a GREAT day today!
xoxooox

Hi!

Just wanted to let you know that I took my 5 lb pom, Annie, on a walk this morning in her harness instead of a collar. It just worries me that her trachea could be injured. She doesn't wear a collar at home as she is always inside with me, except for potty breaks and walks, when we put the harness on. I also have a 3 year old Keeshond, Lucy. We don't keep a collar on her either. The extreme amounts of thick fur and collars don't seem to mix well! Anyway, I took Annie for just a 20 min walk. I didn't want to start too much too soon. She is really small, I don't know if 45 min would be too much. I'll probably do another 20 min walk this evening. It is super hot and muggy in in Florida and I don't like to take them out in the summer heat if I can help it. Anyway, all the neighborhood dogs were in early this morning so we didn't have any barking problems there. On our way back, they were out in their yards. Annie didn't seem to have any energy left to bark, just a tiny whine here and there. I also brought along a little bottle of water to spray towards her if she did start barking. I usually give a little tug on her harness with a stern shhh! but once she gets going on her frantic bark at other dogs, it's hard to get her to stop! She didn't much feel like barking today though. I do think it is a little fear instilled because sometimes she barks as she's hiding between my legs, the coward! But I agree, she does think she's big stuff. As far as being rotten, she really isn't. She doesn't yip around the house or any of my friends' houses, doesn't chew things up, beg for food, growl possessively or any of the other annoyances. She loves to play with my 2 young children and my darling Lucy who has the sweetest temperment ever. The only problem is the barking at strange dogs and yes, still pulling at the leash. Would a gentle halter work for a little dog? Not that it's so hard to keep her beside me as we walk but I am trying to train Lucy to walk beside me too and it gets a bit hard with 2 of them pulling. Sorry it's so long.

alicia,

You're right in not using a collar for Annie. I have a chihuahua and only use the halter, it works fine for correction on these little dogs.

And 20 min is probably a fine amount of time for such a little dog, especially in the heat you're describing.
Remember that she takes alot more steps to cover the same ground you're covering, so for her it's more of a walk than it is for you.
I take my chi for walks daily too, I love to walk...so for days I want to be gone for a long time, I give him a "limo" ride along the way..lol! I pick him up and carry him for parts of the walk as an hour or longer walk in the warm weather is just too much for this guy. I make sure I'm not picking him up when there's a situation that I'm trying to correct so he won't confuse the "limo" ride with affection during a correction. I wait til he's calm and walking quietly beside or behind me. Though, our days of corrections are behind us, the only thing I needed to correct was his prey instinct and we have that under control now.

On a different note, yesterday we had a interesting encounter. It was the perfect storm so to speak. We were walking thru a parking lot onto the sidewalk when all at the same time appeared a huge bull dog, a black lab puppy and a golden retriever inside a truck. We all appeared at the same point on the sidewalk at the same time when the golden leaped out of the truck and went for the bull dog, leaped off that dog and went for my chihuahua! I stood my ground and said "HEY" like Cesar does, he bounced off my dog and went running for the lab pup. The lab pup was excited beyond words..running around on the leash sending the owner in circles, the bull dog was petrified, the other owners were besides themselves and all the while my chihuahua and I were the only ones remainig calm. My dog just sat next to me and never barked or acted in any way upset. I was so proud of him. The owner of the golden panicked and was yelling and the more he did that the more the golden acted up...once he got ahold of his dog I calmly walked past and said, "we need Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer here"! One of the owners agreed!

Before Cesar I would have been one of the ones panicked and would have scooped down and picked my dog up and probably said something alot worse than we need Cesar Millan..lol!

Karen DW2,
You gt my attention!lol I LOVE the Oprah blog!lol It is incredible to read through it and see all the many AWESOME success's in it! I keep going back to it, to check on it all the time!lol So many women "got it" & became so empowered on that thread, that I just will not forget it. :)

It's an AWESOMR resource for people to read through as SO MANY issues, problems, AND success's in it that it is invaluable in my opinion! :)

xooxxoxxox

All:

Came across this in going through some legal papers and bills (wish I could teach my dogs to 'go find' some $$buried treasure$$)!!! Anyway, kind of says it all......

TO LIVE WITH A DOG

'To live with a dog is to realize that hair is a permanent accessory for all your clothes and furniture, and nose smears a must on all window panes.

To live with a dog is to develop an affinity for all kinds of weather, since you are invariably out in it.

To live with a dog is to develop a high tolerance for touching things that would otherwise turn your stomach.

To live with a dog is to develop a third eye, preferably in the back of your head, a sixth sense, and an unending number of second chances.

To live with a dog is to accept that perfection really is a completely unreachable, and truly undesirable, goal.

To live with a dog is to put yourself aside for a while.

To live with a dog is to know that, when bad events have plowed you under, comfort is just a lick and a tail wag away.

To live with a dog is to appreciate small victories, and be cool with small losses.

To live with a dog, is to know patience, frustration, heights of joy, depths of despair.

To live with a dog is to wonder why you wanted a dog.

To live with a dog is to wonder how anyone could live without one.'

woofwhatgentlespiritsweshareourliveswithwoof.......XOX

Karen,

Thanks for your kind words, guess I should be proud of myself too. Before Cesar I would have been in a sheer panick for myself and for my dog.
Loved the, "To Live with a Dog"! I've come to the conclusion NO outfit is complete without some doggie hair!

Dalyn,
Can you adopt her/him?????
xo

Hi Debi, I am back! Even though I don't know you, I have been thinking about you all day! That is the wonderful thing about this blog -- it really IS a support group. It seems like as KathyB said in #148, you are right on the money in #146 (the thing about the horses and showing fear or anxiety or frustration). I'm not a professional of any kind. I've owned three Labs in my adult life, and a beagle as a child. My first Lab was high-energy until she was 16-17 years old, but she was the best dog in the world because I was completely 100% pack leader. My two Lab mixes that I have now are incredibly high-energy (males) and I was NOT pack leader of them for most of their lives (they are 6 & 4 years old). I have had broken ribs, fractured wrists, broken fingers, bruised knees, elbows, scratched arms, legs, back -- you name it, except for my face I have been injured by these dogs dragging me down on the ground. When I read your post, I totally related to you and I couldn't stop thinking about you all day today!

You are on the right track, and others have been very helpful in their responses. As Yogisboss pointed out, I am very big on the energy thing -- which you equated with how you need to be around horses, so I'm sure you get it. It's sort of the Dr. Doolittle in all of us, I like to call it. And it's a vital part of all of this. If you show any frustration or fear, the dog sees that as weakness. Weak = "not pack leader" so what happens is the dog NEEDS there to be a pack leader, and she will take over that role herself if you do not do it. Many dogs don't WANT to be pack leader, but it is a natural NEED, so they do it. If you show emotions of frustration, fear of getting hurt, or especially crying which is already being hurt, that translates to weakness and they will dominate the pack. In your case the pack can just be you and a dog. So, she will dominate.

7 months of age for any dog is when they might begin to "challenge" the human for leadership status. My Lab/Shepherd did this with me at about that age, and so did my Lab/Coonhound after him. A 7-month old dog is equivalent of about a 6 year old human in behavior, getting very smart and very full of themselves LOL! I remember one time that stands out in my mind when my Lab/Shepherd *cornered* me (literally) in the corner of my living room, bared his teeth and barked at me (because I didn't want to go for a walk, I wanted to watch TV after a long day). I was in the corner of my living room, completely alone with this dog baring his teeth and barking at me. I had two choices: a) be scared or b) take charge of the situation. I chose a) for about a split second, realized my error and chose b). Grabbed his collar under his chin and looked him straight in the eye, stepped towards him and made him sit down, then lie down. I had only known this dog three months (he came to me at 4 months old, already full of behavior problems). He has never *cornered* me again. Your dog may challenge you in a way like this, and you need to be fully prepared to take charge.

I have been in your shoes. I became completely IMMOBILIZED because of my dogs dragging me down on the ground. I avoided walking them as often as I possibly could for the better part of a year. I was completely terrorized by fear of "what's going to happen?" I was a physical wreck every time I had no choice but to walk them, they would drag me and my wrists and fingers would be destroyed. I had to go to a sports medicine dr to get my back, pelvis, shoulders, wrists and fingers re-aligned from the multiple times I was dragged down.

Last fall, after a particularly bad walk on the beach that resulted in someone telling me they would report me to the park ranger, I found Cesar Millan's show, and I've never looked back. Practicing Cesar's methods has given me my life back (because my dogs ARE my life -- I love them SO much). I am now able to walk them every day, and I am totally in charge. It takes practice, practice, practice. I have totally devoted myself to being their leader at all times. I watch Dog Whisperer over and over and over again. "Studying" it as if I was a student of Cesar's.

I hope, really hope, that you will keep your dog. There are so many dogs given away at that age because this is the age where she will challenge you and most people do not have the knowledge to know what to do.
As you said in #146, you know what to do. You did it today! Hooray!!!!As Yogisboss said, draw on your experience with horses. I hope you'll stay here on the blog and stay in touch with all of us. This place is great!

KathyB,
I cant adopt him because were renting our house, and the homeowner will only allow one dog as of right now. Otherwise, I'd take the troubled dog in a heart beat..

Karen,
You'll probably remember about a month ago I posted about a Pit-mix that was in my town shelter (no-kill, animal control officers). And I had decided I was not ready to adopt a third powerful dog. An employee of mine went and sussed out the dog, took her for a walk, said she is extremely powerful. Do you recall this story? Well, anyway, that dog is STILL in the shelter (kennel) which I can see from the road when I go to the grocery store. Just reading your response to Dayln made me think of her because we drove by her today and unlike you describe she is ALL ALONE. No other dogs in the kennels near her. Whenever I drive by, she is just lying in the pen peacefully but alert (not depressed looking). Occasionally, she will be standing up, but again not aggressive looking, and not jumping around. No humans are there. They tend to her, I am certain (these are really great people here our animal control officers, and I know they love and care deeply for our animal friends). Yet, this Pit-mix has NOT been adopted out and it has been months. I'm not sure if/how often/ she gets walks, if at all. Isn't it really bad for a dog to be all alone with no pack? She doesn't seem maladjusted, and my employee told me that when they were done with their walk, the dog put its head in her lap and brought tears to her eyes, so there is no aggression. Your post just made me think of her because I saw her again today. Is it possible that a dog can be OK in that situation and not red-zone potential?

k2,

Not every dog becomes 'red-zone', I hope you don't think that is what I was saying? Goodness! I was trying to describe all different types of reactions dogs may have when put in shelter type environments. Depends on the dog AND it's level of 'tolerance' to stress, change, triggers, etc. There are some who don't cower in the corner of their cage, there are some who don't 'attack' everyone who comes near, there are some (the lucky ones) who just 'hang out' and are kinda on 'stand-by'...AND there are some who just WAIT. That's the only word that comes to mind...you see it mainly in their eyes. They are simply waiting...

Any and all break my heart---I go now and again to rescue shelters and the like and simply 'be' with the dogs. Sounds stupid, but by just 'being' with them there is the moment when the dog and I 'reach' each other...entirely without words........Again, it's an 'eye' thing I guess--I feel the 'moment' so deeply, it is just the dog and me, all else fades and disappears....It is here where I
'WHISPER' to them and with them..........where I share some quiet strength deep within me reserved only for them....never really tried to put it into words, anyway there is no way ANY words can describe fully my life long connection with these guys nor describe the 'scent' I seem to have that has every dog, big or small, 'recognize' me..It's wierd, kind of like on a primal level we ALL were once running free, there was trust, peace, and never pain---we just 'were'....Maybe that's how it should be--there shouldn't be any words because that is not the language they 'speak'............

You can all laugh at me now, it's ok. I won't apologize, though. 'It' has always been with me, I never tried to 'analyze' it, never tried to complicate it by attempting to 'define' it with words when it's more of an 'intuitive'/'instinctive'/ 'emotional'/'ethereal' thing--those words themselves define themselves more in 'feeling' terms anyway....ARRG! AHA!! How about 'Energy Pulse'? Yeah, I like it...can't define it, but I like it. Now where was I?

Once again, I need a bit more info. We know already about all the ignoramuses out there who see a pit or pit mix and see only a 'killer dog'---wish they would read up on the Pom who mauled a baby to death that I mentioned in some past post (probably on the 'Endless Blog'). So that may be one reason she's still there. Also, she is in the care of Animal Control so the same idiots will think she is there because she attacked someone. (No way they would think 'out of the box' and think perhaps even IF she DID, perhaps there would be more to the story but they won't 'go' there because she happens to be part pit...)

Perhaps she might have a better chance being moved to some 'Adoption Center' or similar facility? Sometimes 'moving' a dog who has been 'around' for awhile to a 'new' facility greatly increases his/her chances for adoption.

Also, is she 'segregated' with empty kennels on each side of her on purpose, or is she the only dog there at the moment? It is SOOOO hard for me to try and 'read' these dogs you all describe to me,,,I need to see them, gosh I would give ANYTHING to meet Roman, to meet Yogi, to meet Molly, to meet Hobie and Hector, to meet ALL your dogs, to meet these 'orphan' dogs!!!!! (Then I wouldn't have to take up all this space trying to put into words what I'd just spot on 'know' if they were standing right in front of me!!) If she 'seems' fine---maybe she is. I don't know if she's young or old or somewhere in the middle. Maybe she is one of those 'Simply Waiting' dogs....She is not totally without 'Pack', you mentioned someone walks her and she likes to lay her head in that persons lap? Well, for the moment, that's her pack. Pack, after all, has many definitions AND many interpretations....Perhaps this will be her 'place' for awhile....perhaps this is where she is supposed to be, perhaps she needs this time to 'regroup' and soon the 'sign' will be there for her and she will let everyone know it's time to 'travel' ---It's time to 'move on' to her next 'moment in time'.....

She'll be O.K., k2---we're all thinking about her and I'd like to think she 'hears' us...............

woofwhisper..............xox

K2, which town shelter is that pit-mix in?

Good Morning!
heeheehee....I wonder how long a 100.3lb, 15 month old Rotty can "hold it"??? Roman is laying by the back door as it POURS raining (Tropical Storm), staring out and I KNOW he has GOT to go P!lol

I have bridges to drive over, and highways to cross today and I'm a thinking that it's not gunna happen!lol That I should use some intelligence here and call all my client's down by the beach (where I have to drive to) and reschedule for another day!lol

BTW....we have had a few moments lately where I can actually have my bud, up on the couch with me, and he is NOT a spaz!lol As long as I come and sit or lay down AFTER he is already on it, or spend a few minutes pushing him away and making him lay away from me.....it's quite a huge success!lololol
xoxoxo

Thanks Karen, that makes me feel a little better. I've never officially "met" this dog, but I feel a connection with her every time I drive past on my way to the store. I cannot help but slow down just to see if she's still there, and when I see her, I swear we make eye contact (she's about 500 yards off the road). The reason she's alone is because there are no other dogs -- she's not left there alone deliberately. It's a small town, and if someone's dog gets picked up for being loose, the dog is only in the pen for an hour or two before the owner comes to "bail them out" LOL! So other dogs come and go from time to time. I think I didn't explain very well about the person who walked her. That was a woman who works for me -- I had put around an urgent email at work about this poor dog, and she was interested in adopting the dog, but couldn't handle her because she's WAY too powerful. She took her for one walk, with her 12 y/o son, and after the walk the dog put her head in my employee's lap. Oh my it broke my heart to hear that. The dog is 2 1/2 years old, and I don't know why it has not been adopted out, except that it's part Pit Bull and there are a lot of problems around here (central Massachusetts) with Pit Bull attacks.

Jim, what have you tried so far? Are you the first one that enters the room? Do you only allow the dog to eat? Is your dog getting enough exercise? Do you ever "rough house" with the dog?

Hurricane season is getting in gear and Tropical Storm Alberto is predicted to be a hurricane before it strikes Florida, so I thought that I would post some helpful information on do's and don'ts of getting ready for hurricanes and other natural disasters such as floods.
DO

1-Pack enough food, medication and water (yes water) for your dog for at least a week

2-Pack shot and health records for your dog and make sure the rabies tag is on the collar along with ID tags... get a second ID tag with an out of area phone number of a friend or relative in case your dog gets away from you

3-Plan on a place out of your area that you can bring your pets such as a friend or relative, or make reservations at a motel and make sure you can bring your pets

DO NOT

Expect to take your animals to an emergancy shelter with you

***If you absolutely have to leave your animal behind, place the animal in a second floor room (to avoid flooding) and try to leave enough food and water for a week... two if you can. This means buying a huge bag of food and splitting it open and filling large tubs of water! Yes, there will be a huge mess to clean up, but remember the lessons learned in Katrina where animals left behind starved and died of dehydration because the owners thought they would be able to come back and many animals were not found by rescuers until more than 2 weeks had passed... out of the 250,000 animals estimated in NO after Katrina only around 15,000 were rescued... so if you have no choice, give them a fighting chance.***

Roman cracks me UP!lol
He is laying by the back door, looking up at the sky, wondering when the wet stuff is going to STOP coming down, so he can go out there (I have the screen open so he can come & go)!lol Poor Dog....Guess he doesn't quite understand Tropical Storm forcasts!hahahahaaa

It's VERY wet here!lol We are getting the rain bands (I'm in Tampa, Florida) but it's really not too bad and I'm not at all worried, so all is well. I turn on my computer just long enough to check my email and this board!lolol
TTFN!!!!! xooxo

KathyB-

Will keep you in my thoughts as the storm nears... let us know how things go.

Jaemie-

I might be able to do something about that, could maybe have something set up by tonight

Hi Debi,

I want to add my support to what Yogi said about quick direction changes on the walk. This method really worked quickly for me with a hard pullin' pooch. Two tips:
1) Never let her go forward when she is pulling. As soon as she starts to forge out in front, you start backing up. She will learn she will only get farther away from whatever she is straining at by pulling.
2) Keep the leash loose. When she goes out in front and you back up give it a snap so the chain quickly tightens and releases. As soon as she is following you (now going backwards, loosen that lead again. Don't let her walk on a taut lead even if you end up going backwards around the neighborhood the first day!

Hope this helps

"I still think there is a possibility that in some cases the tail tuck means deference not fear"

It always means fear...but it doesn't mean total, abject fear. If you see a dog, for instance, with it's head up, it's ears up, focused on something that interests it...but with it's tail tucked under it's belly, it means the interest is strong, but there's something there that makes the dog fearful as well. A dog most definitely can have "conflicting" responses - like joy at greeting a new friend, but with an element of fearfulness as well.

"I will keep your advice in mind. Perhaps I can tell them she’s in training and has to sit first. "

That's a very good idea, but remember YOU have to be ready to correct her if she breaks the sit to either back away or to move forward to greet someone. She has to understand that it is HER responsibilty to obey the command.

“Look how unbelievably humble I am"

"Unbelivevable" humilty ALWAYS encompasses a fearful state as well. You are not striving to reward that level of "humility" - what you want is confident, but submissive (not humble) calmness. There IS a difference!

Well doggonit, Doggone, Ya got a good point (as always) but what SHOULD I do when she asks so sweetly and submissively for her treat? Maybe give her a more lively command like jump over my leg or something? Maybe just reach down and untuck her tail for her?

I find it so hard to encompass the thought that she is scared of me, cuz I'm pretty much a softie (lawyer for the dogs, my husband says) and she always bounds over for a good ol' face licking tumble when I am down low to the floor.

OK, I just ordered the book, "the other end of the leash"
thanks for the tip on the book

Oh, Karen, I forgot... it wasn't *you* who said that all dogs go red-zone - it was *I* who thought that! In other words, I have always assumed that a dog cooped up for a long period of time will be GUARANTEED red-zone. From what you're saying that appears NOT to be the case (i.e., that some dogs are content to just "wait" or just "hang out" -- like the one in our dog officer's kennel here).

K2,
I read your blog about your experiences.WOW! I realy admire your courage, and your character! I don't know what I would have done, I had no idea you went thru so much. I am so gratful that our lives have changed so much and that I found people who care about their dogs as much as I do. I've mentioned before that I lost a dog (only 2yrs old) about a yr ago, yesterday I was looking at Boots(my rott) & thinking what a good dog he is & I asked him if he would never die & be with me forever sob,sob, I hate the thougt of loosing either of the ones I have now. gotta go...will be back tonite

Hi Bootsmutt, WELL, I'm on top of the world now!!! Thanks for the boost!!! I never thought of myself as having courage -- very interesting to see yourself from another's perspective.

Joanna, I forgot to tell the funny that happened to me today, speaking of the "stay" command. We had a weekend guest who stayed overnight & wanted to do laundry at my house this morning. I had a breakfast meeting at a restaurant, so I had to leave before he was done doing laundry, and my BF had to leave too. We left him at our house with the dogs, and he'd only just met them the night before. I told him to lock the doors when he leaves, and I said, "If they try to dart past you when you leave, just say stay as you're walking out the door." Well, English is his second language, so he said, "Stay as you're walking out the door. Ok, I think I've got it. Stay as you're walking out the door." I said, "No! Just say 'STAY!' and then walk out the door." Oh, I was laughing so hard!! I actually had to demonstrate what I meant LOL!!!! Very funny!!!! Hobie was very helpful during the demo LOL!!!! He just laid on the floor and looked at me as if to say "Yeah, no kiddin' I'm supposed to stay when you go to work." He must have thought I was nuts!

Funny stories, PLs! (k2- the "stay" story; and Jaemiechowsrule- the disciplining your dogs and naive people thinking you're being mean). We do have fun with our four-legged pals. I know I sure do. I talk to Yogi and Chayo and tell 'em stuff that is bugging me. They really do understand and sympathize, I know they really really do LOL

I actually had two door-to-door evangelist types walking past me as I was giving Yogi a lot of corrections (about 3 months ago). I heard them remark, "She sure is yanking that dog's collar a lot". I wanted to hand them the leash and say, "Well, you make him stop pulling" LOL

So, I walked Chayo and Yogi both at my side tonight. They did very well. I give them both a B+ tonight. Yogi's started touching my leg with his shoulder as we're walking. Is he not able to use his peripheral vision to tell where i'm at or is this yet another dominance thing he's trying out on me? Sheesh! it's always something with yogibear.

I have a day off today, so I took my doggies for a walk this evening.They walk much better,ie:I have better control when one is on each side of me instead of on the same side, the mellow one-boots, keeps shirley mellow too.I am a little afraid of loose dogs with both of them with me, i don't know if I can control them both, but I enjoy the walk better this way.Thanks for the info about the same ol rout. on a different note..when we went over my sister-in-laws last week, I had the good dogs, our 2 were much better behaved than their 3, I was sooo proud when they complimented us! I do wish i would meet someone around here who I can walk with, my husband has not been coming with me like he used to, does anyone know when the new season of DW is starting? I still watch the other ones over, i get something new out of them every time.

Ok, this might work... go to p4.forumforfree and you should be there... I am not sure if this will be allowed to stay since what I am posting is not a live link but the name of a link... so Moderator, if this is in error I appologise in advance.

Good Morning DANESSA,
I know he may be coming to your area....if not your friend lives in CA. so that should make it easier for them to see Cesar OR find a trainer who is like Cesar as there are alot, I am sure in that area, who are practicing Cesar's techniques....I believe Cesar is even thinking about starting a training class FOR trainers???

KateG
...heehee I saw your messages on my picture trail! :)
I left you one back!lol I got to spend an ENTIRE hour cuddling on the couch with Roman last night! Wohoooooooo! Funny how having a dog mellow to cuddle on the couch just excites me to no end!hahahaaa He is starting to figure out that MELLOW is the way to get to be a lap/couch dog!lol He is really driving me crazy as walking is NOT an option the last few days with the weather and he was actually PACING last night...drove me crazy!lol I went to the 7-11 and got him a chew bone, just so he would have something to do other than pace or annoy me!lololol

Penny,
I tried to find the forum and NOPE couldn't do it!lol I did get some links on prostrate though!hahahaaaa :D

xoxooxo

KDW2,
I love your ode! It's kinda howlish too.

Shari,
Did you see the episode with the lady who had the 2 dogs who attacked her vacum and barked non-stop when she used her blow dryer? Maybe you need to figure out a way to OWN the treadmill, and then put her on it???
Someone MUCH MORE EXPERIENCED will give you better advice, so give it a bit and you will have an expert come along and give you the perfect advice! :)
xo

Shari,
I have the same problem with the treadmill!! I've slowly started treating them when they will get up on the treadmill and "get in position". But unfortunately, I rushed the process a bit and now they know when they hear the "BEEP BEEP" that they have to jump off quick before the belt starts moving. I swear, sometimes that pavlov stuff really can work against you!

I am hoping to hear some great suggestions for this issue as well. It always seems as if Cesar just puts the dog on the treadmill and the dog takes to it perfectly. I'm sure there is much more to it though that we don't see.

KathyB, did you make that offer on the house??!!??!

Hi Guys- Thanks for the advice, I do know how to get to stop barking and attacking it, my husband just did that with her-but I still want to know how to get her to enjoy using it.

Norma "I used to make contact, now I dont care," ME TOOOOO!!!! ha ha ha I used to think it was so important to be polite and say hi while walking my dogs, especially in this small town. I would wave at every neighbor in a car who drove by us, I would say hi to every bike-rider, every walker. Not any more! Sometimes I just walk right by and look in another direction LOL! I'm busy being pack leader ha ha

Shari: I agree about "owning" the treadmill. I don't have one, and never used one, so I don't know if this is possible but what about you walking on the treadmill w/the dog on leash behind you, just like you'd be on the road? Get her used to that for a few days and then send her on her own using the techniques the others have described. Extra benefit: calorie burn for the human! LOL!

KathyB: I'm glad you're all right down there in F.L.A.!!! I was watching the news last night & kept thinking of you when they showed Tampa/Clearwater area. And congratulations on snuggling with Roman on the couch! Awesome! Put yourself back a few weeks when you were so frustrated. Can you even REMEMBER that LOL?!!

Joanna: I know, Hector is so funny with his howling. Hobie really is his true love! You really did give me something to think about though. I realize that "stay" is something I use all the time, but take for granted. I can use it in a lot of situations that I've been having trouble with. I've also been observing Hector, and I'm now wondering if HE is the one who thinks he's PL outside of the house. I always have said that Hobie was PL (before I stepped in ha ha). But I've been watching Hector's behavior and I took out Cesar's Way and Cesar says with two dogs you have one leader and one follower. For example, when I let the dogs into the back yard in the morning while I'm getting dressed, Hector always goes out the door first. I never noticed that before. There are other "clues" too. Now I'm all confused. I guess I shouldn't over-analyze, I should just be pack leader and be done with it LOL!!

Danessa: It sounds to me like the police dog's feet were nibbled at while he was calm/submissive (sleeping, etc.) and his back turned to the other animal who was outside the cage. This would almost assuredly make him angry and insecure around other dogs, and the only way he knows is to show aggression. Don't let your friend try this without professional help, but I've seen Cesar place a dog so his back is turned to another animal and let the other animal approach -- or even BOTH dogs with their backs to one another and just sit there calmly until they both could care less. He's also done this with prey-aggressive dogs. He'll make the dog lie down and become calm with its back turned to a cage full of guinea pigs or something like that. I think your friend needs to seek the help of a pro. It wouldn't hurt to WALK that dog, too. Is he getting daily exercise -- 45 minutes or more -- with his owner as pack leader? Very important!!

Hi Karen & K2- Thanks so much for your responses, I will try it-I just assumed she would take to it like a duck to water.
She is normally so good and obedient-this just sent her into a looney state.
I will definitely try using it after a long regular walk and play session, and I think we have the"owning" pretty much down pat-Thanks again for the great advice- I knew you fellow dog lovers would have some great advice!

Kate;

Why not have Oscar in with you when Lucy is on the treadmill? Have him, 'down, relax' and give him some massage or 'ear scrunches' with an eaaaaaaaasy, relaaaaaxed , tone of voice while Lucy is on the t.m. (I assume you NEVER leave her unsupervised, right?)

Bonus #1: He sees a member of his pack (Lucy) with the 'right' energy (calm, submissive, -- hopefully), having a peaceful 'zone' walk.

Bonus #2: You are helping him 'learn' to be relaxed in the vicinity of the treadmill. (Keep up that massage, and 'hypnotic' tone of voice!)

Bonus #3: You are simultaneously 're-directing' YOURSELF to be calm and 'no big deal' in the vicinity of the treadmill! (It's impossible to be in 'heart-racing', blood pumping, anxiety mode when your 'body motions'(hands) are 'soothing' and your voice (relaaaaaax) is 'soothing those inner demons'.....Just don't fall asleep for goodness sake!!!!)

Bonus #4: It just may get to a point that Oscar is going to turn to you with ears pricked and questioning eyes saying, "O.K., is it my turn now?" (And I think it would be great for his hip dysplasia, by the way,--....there are no starts and stops, it is an 'even' steady pace to keep him 'loose and limber'...)

There's other stuff for those dogs who have 'focus' problems, or whatever....Be glad to help,-- if you truly 'know' your dog, you'll already know the 'best' way to approach new situations with him....DON'T make yourself 'nuts' OVERthinking it, and OVERcomplicating it---gentle shhhhhhhh, learn to 'Whisper', the answers are already there waiting peacefully for you..........

shhhhhhgentlewufwuf...

ALSO,

Rememeber one of "Karen's Kommandments":

Your dog should do everything and anything you ask, FOR YOU -- If you have the 'right' balance as Pack Leader, they will do it for YOU because they TRUST and RESPECT you.........

Not only does your dog need to 'earn' everything, YOU need to 'earn' Pack Leader status. (It's only fair, right?)
So---if you keep up with the rules and boundaries, and stop worrying if you are 'doing' every little thing 'right', RELAX, and simply Do The Best You Can--don't forget to simply ENJOY that great companion you've got there!! It should NOT become ALL work and NO play---make sure you make time for those moments of simply 'being' with your dog. That's the best 'lower the blood pressure' cure out there!!!

xoxyipwufyapxox

Hi everyone...
we took our doggies to the dog park today, there was 1 other dog (lab) who played with shirley the whole time, the spriklers were on & they "attacked" them, rolled in them, drank from them & found a few mud holes too. Shirley was full of mud. lolo, Boots doesn't realy "play" with others, he runs & has a good time, but he's more of a people dog.It makes me wonder...shirley must have ran miles today, so when I take her walking far less than what she did today, I wonder if it's a good work-out, course, she doesn't have to concentrate at the DP. They are sooo tired.Also our dog barney-who dies last yr, tried to howl when Boots did at the sirens..he sounded like he was in pain..real loud, he had the worst howl i ever heard. It was sooo funny, my neighbor came over to see if he was
alright.

Hi K2 my friend dog is a police dog. I think they do stuff all the time like police training. I dont know if my friend can take his dog for a walk for 45 mines with out him wanting to attack & wanting to kill other dogs. He shouldnt even have that dog at all or even shouldnt even be around at all. The cops & animal control take away dangouse pitbulls all the time and he's allowed to have a dangouse dog. I think there's alot more to the story about his dog that my other cop friend was talking about. bye for now Danessa

Danessa, (Karen can confirm what I'm about to say) -- I think it does NOT MATTER if the dog is employed as a police dog, he must STILL have the daily, structured walk a-la-Cesar with the human as pack leader. Karen, am I right?

Emily, Two of my dogs have shown neuroses re: eating and digestive issues when changes are made in their lives. I think you've answered your own question -- she is probably stressed out over the new arrival. Have you observed any problems during feeding time? For example, does the 13 year old get nervous? Are you feeding them together? Does the puppy get excited for food, while the 13 y/o is used to being alone? Even very slight things like this can make an elderly dog have a nervous stomach. Perhaps you should try feeding them in separate areas, keeping the 13 y.o's routine as close to "normal" as possible. Dogs are very big on routine. If the daily routine has been changed or upset in any way, she is going to react to that. Particularly because of her age. Be sure you keep HER routine the way it was before the puppy came into the house. Puppy should be low man on the totem pole, IMO.

AGGGG! Kate G!

I'm so sorry. Did I ever finish? Well, what I mean by 'Find your leash' (I would like to thank a boxer named Raven who is responsible for the evolution of this exercise); is because these guys (especially the young ones) do have such boundless energy and in a heartbeat can go into a frenzied whirlwind of it and completely lose any FOCUS of where they are, what they are crashing into, who they are crashing into, and what the heck they are sooo excited about in the first place! You can have them completely 'tanked out' (or so you think) and in under a nanosecond it's like someone pinches their butt and the 'Tornado' erupts all over again!!!

So, to give Raven a chance to 'drain' off some of that excess, (walking numerous other dogs AND her sometimes was simply too much for even me and really unfair to everyone else trying to get into their 'Zone'..) So, she had a 'special' leash which would mean to her---yipee, I get to work/play during the Pack Walk! I knew she very well could run off, so I needed to find something for her to STAY FOCUSED on me (P.L.), while at the same time something to burn off some of that excess bonkerness...A 'working' game--she learns to 'watch me', to keep 'checking in', kind of I DIRECT HER PLAY.

So, 'Raven, get your leash!' She gets it in her mouth, and then can bound off (not too far), has to stay 'in range'? of the rest of us. She'll bounce, bound, race, turn, race, 'get goofy', AND when I sense she might 'take off' I use 'happy voice', Raven where's your leash? Cmon get your leash, Oh, there it is, good girl,,,get your leash (Controlled excitement PL voice). She has already been dragging it for awhile so by asking her to FOCUS on me, and then FOCUS on what I want, and then FOCUS on finding it---for a Boxer, to nail 3 out of 3 is pretty good. Kind of keeps it all (her energy) to a 'dull roar'. ANd her face is soooooo cute when she actually stops for a second to give me that big-eyed little head cock (usually with lots of 'gunk' dripping off those jowls by now), as if she's saying, "What? Excuse me, what? Oh, yeah ,the Leash! Had it here a minute ago, OH! snuffle, snuffle, here it is, wait I gotta use my brain here to figure out that if I QUIT wiggling around, the leash will quit moving around in the grass like a snake, and then I can get it in my mouth again--=P.L., I really like that smile you get when I finally "Get the Leash" in my mouth and do my Boxer Stance and look like Raven The Show Dog 'cuz LOOK! I Found My Leash!!!!! ----- ok, I gotta go do some spins now, can't stay still for more than a second ya know......

Sorry to take up so much space, but I think you get the idea. Games CAN be Work, and adapt this one to however you think your dog will do the best as well as to your own 'comfort' level. Think of your own variation on it, 99% of everything I do with dogs just kinda 'happens' in the moment and that seems to me the way it should.

Off to Little League, WOOOOOOF! Let me know if this helps anybody.............xox

Emily,
I had a little dog Guppie for a couple years and then I got Peanut. Guppie wouldn't eat, she didn't want to be near me, she wouldn't sleep with me, she was so upset over this other dog invading her space. Well I didnt know anything about Cesar back then and figured they would just learn to get along. Well it took some times and Gup started eating again and being her obnoxious little self. So my point is I think dogs react differently to bringing home other dogs. I would think your dog is upset and it is manifesting in her tummy. I would take them on long walks together and make sure you give your older dog some one on one time alone without the pup. Good luck and hopefully they will become best of friends.

Everyone else I took Trin swimming today for the first time. My boyfriend reminded me that I needed to claim the water and invite her in only when she was calm and submissive. Great boyfriend! He's so supportive! Oh and Trin did great!

Hi Yogi's Boss,
That touching you while walking thing - in the obedience class they call that "crowding" (as opposed to "forging" ahead or "lagging" behind) It is supposed to be something herding dogs like to do. You can see why. If I were to have a fault in my dog I would choose that one. Staying too close! Wahoo! You're supposed to correct it by swinging your left foot out a little as you walk.

I do that stick thing too. It works to keep the Lokster from forging ahead off leash. I just pretend I happen to be idly swinging a stick as I walk.

Hey Norma and K2, I just realized I use "stay" even more to keep my dogs from jumping IN the car the second I open it. THey are just so psyched to go go go! Half the time I have some junk in there I need to move first so it won't get trounced. Stay - very useful command. Good for photo ops too.

Emily,

First, who is eating who's food? If your older dog is getting into the puppy food, that could be one answer.

Another, your husband kind of just appeared one day with the cocker puppy? You said your older dog has been your 'baby'---all who know me will think me verrrry wise for making no comment on that one....I'll move on.

What you have added to your household is PUPPY ENERGY, NON-STOP PUPPY ENERGY. A new puppy in the house is extremely time consuming, they have to be watched every minute, you have to concentrate on housetraining, your stress level will increase, ---doesn't leave a lot of time for your 13 year old 'baby'.

Also, that puppy is probably annoying the heck out of her. Cockers need VERY strong owners, they need FIRM, clearcut rules right from the start. I pray your husband was very careful with where he got this puppy from. Do you know if it is an English or an American Cocker? Is it a Field Cocker? Male or female? and How old?

How do YOU feel about the new puppy? If you're 'gushing' over how cute it is, and treating it like a new 'baby' in the house---you are going to be spending a lot of time here with us on this blog!!!!!

Just do this. Settle down, calm down. Don't worry if your older dog is not eating (if you leave food out, I would hope you don't, she may be eating when you aren't looking....), even if she really is not eating (you sure she is not getting treats, because that counts as food), as long as she has fresh water she can go a few days without food and be perfectly fine. When she is hungry, she'll eat, I PROMISE. Anyway, with her diarrhea, I would give her system a day or to with no food anyway.

Beyond that, try and relax because any tension from you is not going to help her any---she doesn't understand why your 'energy' is so 'off', you seem worried/anxious about something so she thinks she has to 'worry' too....

Keep us posted, ok?

puppywuff

Emily, something else I wanted to mention... if everyone is fawning over the new puppy, the 13 y.o could be feeling a bit slighted besides. Everybody always wants to see the new puppy and saw awwwwww!!! And there's poor old baby, nobody saying awwww about how cute she is. I imagine dogs can feel slighted or jealous under those circumstances, just like people do!

Jackie, my dogs play VERY rough and they are never "serious". There's never been a real fight. In Cesar's book he talks about "the celebration" that dogs in their natural pack have at night after they've found food and have eaten. My dogs do this! When I read that in the book, I was amazed. I always wondered why they heck they were battling it out after eating. Turns out they're just "celebrating." If her hairs are raising that's not great, but as long as she's not baring teeth at the same time, and/or injuring the other dog, it's probably just really rough play. This is just my personal opinion. Others may feel differently.

The way to tell if your dog is submissive is simply if she is calm, relaxed, ears relaxed (not alert and all perked up), head slightly forward, tail down. The best way to describe it in words is "relaxed." "Not excited". A dog can be calm/excited. Ears would be forward, tail wagging and up, head up high. You want calm submissive, sort of bowing to you, catering to you. Lying down or sitting down are even better. Asleep is even better LOL! Also, if she rolls over onto her back, you can guarantee she's submissive and secure besides! (I'm not talking about "alpha roll" stuff here, I mean that she rolls onto her back voluntarily (my dogs do that all the time). Does that help? Hard to describe in writing! LOL!

Jackie,

If you are kind of 'new' to all this you have certainly found a great place for help!! There are lots of great, caring people here who have great instincts... we seem to be losing some to other 'groups', but that's ok. I'm sure they will check in now and again (or I will personally go there and give 'em a "HEy, follow me NOW!!! You are needed! I know where a few have gone, and it's also a 'good' place, but I'll make sure they don't forget their 'roots'....)

Anyway, re: calm, submissive. Don't worry so much about that for now. Just try to keep in mind that your dogs DO have to earn everything. Make it a part of everyday Pack Leadership and the calm, submissive part will become more clear on it's own... By 'earn' it means the common wait for food; to get a 'pat' or some ear 'scrunches' have them sit or 'look at me', whatever. CATCH THEM BEING GOOD -- when they are just lying down and 'hanging out', as you go by them, give them a pat on the head or a quick 'scritch' and say, 'Good Relax', 'very nice' - then move on. Tone of voice is very important. Don't get all excited about it, just a simple acknowledgement that you approve of the 'relaxed' state and they have earned 'affection' for it. Focus on what they are doing RIGHT, and encourage that.

Ok, you have a lab/doxie mix? What a hoot! Bet she is quite an interesting blend. What is your other dog?

"My Dachsund/lab mix is growling louder and her hackle hairs are raising up…."

That sure sounds like a Doxie to me. Does she do it when your other dog bounds over and is 'obnoxious' to the point of rudeness in trying to instigate play? Or is it when they are in the 'thick' of it? WATCH CAREFULLY (but don't send off worry/anxiety energy)--Try to figure out when this escalates with her. Do both things happen at once? At what level of play does it happen. What is each dog's body language? Does the 'play' wind down after she exhibits these behaviors? (Sometimes it simply means, 'Hey, knucklehead, thought I told you to back off--what's it gonna take for you to get the point!!" )
Does the other dog respond with similar behaviors?

Lots of questions, I know but I am trying to re-direct you to another way of 'solving' your puzzle. After all, you are the one living day to day with them and know them better than us....so, let it 'play' out a bit-see if they are able to work it out themselves, if YOU feel it's getting way out of hand, then simply give them a "hey, guys take it easy. Hey, gentle." It will 'cue' them that they are on "Pack Leader Patrol Watch" and need to maybe 'take it down a notch' or they will get a "Game Over".

Hope this makes sense, I am assuming you have had these dogs for a long time? If NOT, please post back to us ASAP. This is really important, no need for panic mode--just being careful.

woofraaaaarraaarraaarwoof

Ok, I will risk the wrath of the Moderator and post the full site name Link has been removed. --Moderator, again I appologise if this breaks the rules, I was just offering a place for the 'endless blog' and th issues when people ask for help here but their post gets burried and never answered.

Hi Chantel,

Thought I'd send you a little encouragement -- hang in there, all your work will pay off in the years that you and Roco have together.

I'm with Karen, I vote for increased crate time -- if you're like me you might find yourself getting frustrated and even a little angry at times, it's not fun to be bitten! I'd cheerfully and calmly say "nap time" and in he goes for a snooze.

Do you have something for him that it's okay to bite and chew? Maybe a little stuffed animal that's made for a puppy. Then you can tell him "good boy" when he bites that so he gets the idea that people are not to be chewed on, his toys are.

Maybe he could burn some energy learning sit and down? If you use those commands before he eats, etc. it'll give him a clear picture of you being his pack leader. At this age they're little learning machines, so give him as much to learn as you can. BUT remember he'll tire quickly.

Please ask your vet specifically if it's okay for him to go out on walks after only one round of shots -- our vet insists that our puppies have three rounds and the rabies shot before she'll okay their going where other dogs have been. Please double-check for me, I'll sleep better!

Our pups love to play fetch, maybe that would tire him out. Just remember that puppies that young get tired very fast, then back to the crate for a nap.

Please keep us posted, it's so neat that we get to experience this with you!

Chantel's got a puuuuuuppppppyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! :)
Chantel's got a puuuuuuppppppyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! :)
Chantel's got a puuuuuuppppppyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! :)
(that's me singing!heehee)

Hang in there Chantel! I would do what Karen suggested. Rocco is very young so he is probably not getting enough sleep for sure. Also when you say you "put him down", I am not positive on this but I don't think he "gets it" as his momma would probably not do that at his age. She would most likely pick him up by the scruff of the neck (if you do it right, they go "limp"), or he is actually acting like he would be with his litter mates????....Momma dog might also nip or growl at him also, but I would try and find some books on puupies and how they grow from birth to eight weeks...google it maybe???

Good Luck!
btw...........Chantel's got a puuuuuuppppppyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! :) heeheehee
XOXOXOXO

THROAT not through, sorry!

Jackie, I second what Kate G just said. I or my boyfriend step in frequently during the "celebration" to bust it up. Sometimes it gets REALLY intense, but they are just having loads of fun. But it sounds and looks horrible to us humans -- I can imagine what the neighbors thing when the windows are open LOL! I stand over them and give a "stop" or "stop it right NOW!" and they do!

Chantel, I was just wondering about you and how you are doing with your new pup! Keep up the good work. You have a wonderful opportunity to mold this animal into a perfectly well-behaved follower. Just remember to keep yourself in charge but keep checking your energy because you don't want to be angry or upset. Calm and assertive!!

Hi Chantel,
A good trick I learned to stop puppies from mouthing with their sharp little teeth is this. Every time he puts his mouth on your fingers, push your fingers FARTHER into his mouth and press down on the back of his tongue. He will find this quite uncomfortable and want to spit out those fingers ASAP. It's a clever technique because it makes the dog not WANT to mouth you any more. This doesn't apply to aggressive biting I don't think, just general puppy chewiness. Of course give him something he CAN chew too! Good luck.

Hi Doggone,
About the tail tuck: Here is my new technique. If she tucks while I am petting her I ask her penetrating philosohical questions such as, "Who's the dog! Who's the dog!!??" and her tail goes up. Also "Where's the paw?"
It's working for me.

Hi everyone,

Thought I would tell you about my extrodinary weekend. A friend of my son's asked if I would see to their dog while they were all away for the weekend? Well, I hadn't ever seen or met this dog before and expressed my apprehenion about doing this. The friend/owner said not to worry, that "Rusty" was very gentle and wouldn't hurt a flea. All the time I'm thinking, "Yea, sure". Well, I finally agreed to do it for them and the next morning I went to their home to let the dog out.

DAY 1 (AM): (7:30 am and only one cup of coffee in me)
Being a little apprehensive, oh shoot, I was alot apprehensive as I approached the front door. I inserted the key and turned the knob. All at once I hear this tremendous heavy "thud" onto their hardwood floor. I'm thinking, my God this dog sounds huge! So I slowly opened the door and to my amazement, through a slit in the door I saw this "HUGE" Boxer with his ears back and in a crouching stance, ready to lunge. I WAS SHAKING IN MY SHOES!!!!!!! I had brought along some dog biscuits and threw them in the door, no reaction. Immadder of fact one of them hit Rusty right between the eyes and he didn't even flinch. So, I figured it was "suck it up time" and get on with the business at hand. So I just opened the door - NO TOUCH, NO TALK, NO EYE CONTACT - and just walked thru the house to the back door. He cautiously followed me and with shaking hands I managed to get the blasted back door opened and walked out into the yard. I figured if anything was going to happen, it would happen here, and at least my screams could be heard by the neighbors. Luckily, all went well. I just ignored him and let him do his thing and after about 45 minutes I went back into the house, it was raining pretty hard by this time and he followed me in and went immeadiately to his couch. I decided to stick around for awhile longer and just sat at the kitchen table and read my book. He never did approach me. I finally left and would be back again later that day.

DAY 1 (PM)
Went back that evening and decided to just walk in without hesitation. He was still a little apprehensive but out of the corner of my eye I could see the nubby tail wagging. So I figured that this was a good sign. Again, NO TOUCH, NO TALK, NO EYE CONTACT. Well, you would have thought I was his long lost friend after about 20 minutes. I started throwing his ball and that's when his whole demeanor changed. He started running around, he jumped in the air, he darted back and forth, it was like watching a puppy play. Then the miracle happened, he came over to me and we were instant buddies. I then decided to take him for a walk. WHAT A JOY IT WAS TO WALK THIS DOG!!!!!!! He never once pulled, tugged, or jerked. It was wonderful. He stayed right by my side and the leash was always loose, no tension at all.

Well, needless to say I have a new best friend and spent the next two days repeating day one. My weekend is over with Rusty and I miss him already. Oh, except for one thing, I didn't realize Boxer's slobbered so much. It was after he had eaten the biscuits I had brought along and then he got a drink of water. I saw this "stuff" hanging from his mouth and thought, oh no, he proceeded to shake his head. That's when I had to wipe the floor, cabinets, table and myself off. I had a roll of paper towels with me at all times from then on. He would decide to get a drink and then politely place his head on my leg while I was sitting at the picnic table. YUK!!!!!! The poor dog didn't know what to do, I was constantly wiping his mouth.

Would I ever sit with Rusty again? You bet!!! I would even bring along my own supply of paper towels.

GinnyC.

Chantel,

I just wanted to say what Kate3 said here I agree with:

"Please ask your vet specifically if it’s okay for him to go out on walks after only one round of shots — our vet insists that our puppies have three rounds and the rabies shot before she’ll okay their going where other dogs have been."

These are the perils of getting a puppy that's entirely too young to leave it's mother. I know that's a rough one for you, especially since this is your first dog.

I hope whoever bred the mother dog will have her spayed as they're not up to par on breeding. A mother dog naturally weans it's pups, so though the mother of Rocco stopped feeding her pups, it didn't mean she had rejected them or was time for them to leave, she still had work to do and Rocco and his siblings would have been far better off remaining with the mom.

Hang in there and keep asking questions.

GinnyC! What an awesome weekend! Thanks for sharing! It must have been a real joy to walk a dog who doesn't pull! ha ha ha

Thanks everybody for the help w/Hector and his finniky-ness. It's very unusual because Hector has always been the one who INHALES his food, while Hobie is so slow at eating and gentle. (People think Hobie is a female a lot of the time because he's so "pretty" and "dainty" ha ha ). My two black dogs (Hector and the late Timba) always INHALED their food. So, it is concerning me that he is refusing to eat -- very out of character. That's why I think maybe the food got moldy or something. I bought Purina One at the store today. Figured I'll try something with meat as the first ingredient, instead of corn. maybe that will make it more appealing.

Debi, I did the exact same thing, I put the bowl of food aside and re-served it the next morning. Nope, wouldn't touch it. I served that to Hobie who gobbled it up, and served Hector fresh food. Still wouldn't eat it. I used the treats as a "test" to be sure he would eat SOMETHING, as I've had experience where a dog will not eat anything at all and that means something is wrong. So, he's just refusing the dry dog food, and I figure it must be old or stale or something.

Jaemie, My dogs do the exact same thing (wrestling) the beatle, and the leaping flea moves too! ha ha ha!! My boyfriend gets upset by it. I keep trying to tell him they are just playing, but he doesn't like it AT ALL. I even showed him the section in Cesar's Way where he talks about the "celebration" ha ha ha. Of course, being PL that he is, he just yells "NO!" and they stop on a dime. I stand there laughing my fool head off when they rough-house like that. it is quite hilarious!

k2!!!!!

C'mon now girl, you know better (and you know how much I love ya...)

Soooooo- P.L. is getting wound up. P.L. is forgetting to KISS (Keep It Simple, Silly). P.L. is forgetting who is in charge. P.L. is forgetting how sometimes certain pack members will 'work it' and 'test' to keep gettin' somethin' yummy or 'their way'. P.L. is worrying too much and being sucked into the 'Whirlwind of Worry' Place and her shoulders are starting to 'slump' a bit........P.L. needs to Calm and Re-Center and 'look within'....P.L. knows what I am talking about. P.L. needs to TOSS IMMEDIATELY ALL TRACES OF KIB&BITS!!!!

Other than that, just a few random things.

Chuck the Chew Sticks! -- Most should come with a 'Guaranteed to Give Your Dog The Runs and if you are really lucky, Guaranteed to Make Dogs Throw Up Too.'

Seriously, these shouldn't be an everyday thing. If you HAVE to have them, make them REAAAAAL Special..make them a 'gotta do something really, really great to EARN 'em, guys' treat.
Also, BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WITH COUNTRY OF ORIGIN. I won't go into the reasons why, SIMPLY TRUST ME, PLEASE!

BTW: Cat food can do the same thing,,,,

BTW: Cat litter can be toxic to dogs (and humans, especially babies!).

Again, k2, you are already anwering your own questions in your post. Remember what you 'realized' waaaaaay back (maybe in the 'Endless Blog'?) and how you 'found' yourself again? Relaaaax, and ponder....

I have said before that if your dog doesn't eat for a couple days he is NOT going to starve to death for pete's sake. A DOG HAS A GENETIC 'TRIGGER' THAT 'TELLS' HIM ONLY TO EAT WHEN HE IS HUNGRY. --- And he will do just that. (So long as WE don't go and screw with that trigger to the point he can't 'hear' it anymore....i.e. leaving food out all day so he can 'nibble' anytime he WANTS; worrying that he didn't 'wolf' down his food so because he missed out on belonging to the 'Clean Plate Club' maybe I should change his food to something that looks or smells good to me (human), or maybe just this once I can make him some nice hamburger or maybe some chicken or, wait, let me see what's in the (human's) fridge--maybe there's something yummy in there for him (my dog).........) k2, don't mean YOU, just making a 'fun' point for others? ok?

"Awwwww, Pack Leader please don't listen to her, she's gonna tell you now about the 'game' I'm playing......The gig is up..noooooooooooooooo! I WANT TO KEEP MY JUNK FOOD!!! I have a serious addiction here and I don't care that my system is a mess...I HAVE TO HAVE IT!!!!! That other stuff is soooo boring (not really, because she's the one who introduced all this other junk, so give her the consequence, NOT ME, nooooooooooooo!) C'mon, P.L., I've almost got you trained to get my 'New Mixture' just right! Hey, I promise I won't eat cat poop anymore, will that do it? C'mon, P.L., I've even got you to let me eat outside in the nice fresh air. I've almost got you "wound around my little toenail'; I've almost got you to the point of ONLY ME getting those high fat doggie biscuits instead of what that other guy gets......Can I still have that Beneful stuff, it gets me nice and FAT, but that's ok...Please, P.L. I like it when you make yourself 'nuts', it makes it much easier for us sneak in some other sassy stuff too because I've got you nicely distracted to the point of tearing your hair out, and it's been awhile since we saw that...........C'mon, Pack Leader, PLEASE don't listen to her, PLEASE? Here, I'm giving you my best woeful face, don't you feel sorry for me? Hey, how come it's not working? Oh, no! LOOK OUT, Pack Leader's energy is changing ---- Oh, boy am I in trouble now....better slink off to my corner now (that way I can hide my stash of chew sticks b/4 she gets wise.........)"

Get it? Got it? Good!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOF!!!! (xoxox)

[F.Y.I. Try Pro Plan, I guarantee they will gobble it up AND those huge Iams poops (filler, filler, filler) will turn into "No Bulldozer Needed" poops..nice 'n tidy...(sorry, it's the least offensive way I can put it.)]

KathyB.,

You might need to send Roman through 'cyber-space', have him on stand-by just in case we can't get to k2....H and H are 'closing ranks' on her!!!!

rockinromanwoooooof!

Thanks Karen DW2, I know you are right about him wrapping me around his big, huge paw! LOL! I didn't realize the Iams made their loads big, but I do like the way the filler makes it firm (sorry, no other way to describe it). I've fed them each chewy sticks every day as snacks and they never have diarrhea, so I may skip that portion of your advice. What brand is Pro-Plan? Is that part of Purina? Or is it its own brand? Jaemie, i've heard of Hund 'n' Flocken, but I've never seen it in the stores here (Mass.). Hmmmm..... wonder if it's a regional thing.

Well, thanks everybody for your help on this! As I said several days ago I'm beginning to realize that it has been Hector, not Hobie, who has been vying for PL all these years. Little things like going out the door first, etc. etc. This is just another way of him trying to establish himself as pack leader. The little devil! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
(that was a Hector howl!!)

Chantel:
I love crates, they are good friends hahahaha
Molly goes to sleep at 9pm on the dot till next morning, 6:30 am I open the gate and she takes her time to come out,
Next time is at 10 am when I go to work, I come back at 1pm,,, then I take her for a walk,,, a loooooooooog walk, we come home and she is tired and sleeps in her bed, not the crate, if i need to go out, lets say at 5pm I crate her again for 2 hours,,, then I come home and let her out,, then 9 pm again,,, the cycles starts, when she does NOT feel like getting in the crate,,, I dont ask her: please Molly get in the crate,,, if she refuses,,, I made her get in, she has no option, no way! I do the decisions in this pack NO ONE ELSE! woof woof grrrrrrr!!!
do it!!! and if she whines cries, barks,,, snap her out of it with a TSH!!!! or a clap, never let her have the last word... YOU do!.... welcome to the puppy world,,, in no time she will understand you are the boss!!! It pays off

,,,,,
Nellie Bly (1864 - 1922) Investigative journalist:

Energy rightly applied can accomplish anything
,,,,,

Sorry, I'm a little goofy tonight.......

Here's your bedtime riddle (especially for those brave puppy owners!)

PUDDLES

There is a puddle on the floor,
'tis plain for all to see.
Now is that puddle H2O or is
it K9P!

Yeah, kinda childish, but even this old lady is entitled now and again......Sorry, Moderator but name me ONE person this has never applied to! (Their DOG, not them)....

Hi everyone...

Just a moment for a quick note today... Loki (22 week old chihuahua service dog in training) was neutered today and is having a rough night... KarenDW2... loved the poem!

Poor Loki, I hope he gets to feeling better soon! Usually they bounce back pretty quickly, but sorry to hear he's having a rough time!

Hi
I was told about Cesar via a co-worker and borrowed her DVD of Cesar's "People training for Dogs". We were so impressed with the ideas that we started implementing them right away on our 1.5 year old Cocker Spaniel. Our dog is definitely a loved family member and obedient. However when we take him for walks around the neighborhood he growls at approaching dogs. Oddly enough if we take him to Dog Park he is a perfect gentleman. So we have started to watch Cesar to understand what we can do to change this behavior. We now make sure that we walk out of the door first, that if he jumps on us we don't give him attention right away, and he is getting at least two walks a day instead of just one. We have seen some improvement but he still growls (even walking behind us on a leash). We are not sure what else to try. Should we make him sit every time a dog is approaching? Any ideas are greatly appreciated!

Hi Missy,

Again, am so glad you liked my weekend adventure with Rusty the Boxer. Would love to walk Beulah too if I could. I'm due to retire in about 6 or 7 years and have seriously thought about starting a "Dog Walking" business and voluntering at our animal shelter, just to have something to do. Don't think I could be at home 24-7 since I've been working for 16 years.

Really must go now. Give Beulah a big hug for me.

Chantel you are the masta of da dogwhisperer forums.. pz!

HI Everyone!!!!
Been busy, busy, busy!!! :)
Not sure what prompted post number #284, but it doesn't come off as very nice and I personally LOVE LOVE LOVE Karen DW2 as she has helped me TREMENDOUSLY along with other very WELL educated people on here, who understand dogs better than I...SO.....to all of you who are my help when I need it.....YOU RAWK!!!!! :)
xoxooxxoox

I for one have specifically asked for Karen Dog Whisperer 2's advice on multiple occasions. I think she is a very knowledgeable person, and it is very thoughtful and generous of her to go out of her way to answer all of our questions personally. She also makes me laugh! AND, she makes me see things in a no-nonsense way -- sometimes she can be a very tough-love pack leader type, but I need that when I start lapsing into my old ways!

Karen DW2,

Thanks for the incouragement. It was totally a mistake to take him away from his mom so soon. It doesn't matter now though. I made the mistake and now I've got a lot of work ahead! Thanks for being so nice about my mistake. :D

Extra crate time e'? He does get a lot of crate time and he sleeps all night (which I'm happy about!). Sometimes he'll sleep in there for a while and he'll let me know by crying that he needs to go out. I wait until he quiets down and then I take him out. He is so smart. From the very first I would wait for him to quiet down before taking him out, so now he'll go completely silent after he's done letting me know. It's great! He knows not to carry on like a rooster..........sorry I'm just blabbing on and on/hehe

BTW, I like your poems! :D

Kathy B.

Your singing is great/hehehhhe. I should look into how puppies grow when young. Thanks. He will probably not react the same as other puppies because he was so young when I got him.

Kate G.

I've been trying different things lately to stop his biting to see which he responds to the best. So far I've found that if I give him the bite and step forward to make him back up usually works after a couple times, but then a little later he'll come back to try and "challange" me I guess. Yesterday he broke my skin. It didn't hurt but it kind of rattled me. I didn't think he would hurt me. I really think the walks will help though. I can't wait to start socializing him with other dogs! Hopefully my dog(after I've balanced him) will be able to help other dogs and influence them even if it is for only a short period of time. I'm really trying to get my friends hooked on Dog Whisperer, but I guess they just aren't interested. They kind of think I'm crazy! On fridays I'll make SURE that I'm home at 6 o'clock for Dog Whisperer no matter what! Even if we were going to the mall or something, I'll say "I have to be home at six o'clock". They've seen it before and it bugs me that they aren't hooked!!!!!!hehehhee. And they do love dogs.......hmmmmmmm......I'll keep working on them :D.

Sorry I kind of go off subject :)

For all ya'll I will check with my veteranarian when I will be able to walk him. Tomarrow Roco get's his first set of shots and I will ask him then. Thanks.

Norma,

I love crates too! My pooch is getting potty trained so fast because of the crate. It's great. I don't have to worry about him messing up my room either when I'm away.

Joanna,

My cousin taught me how to do that. He doesn't really respond to it. It just makes him more mad. Thanks anyway

Thanks to everyone for responding. I needed all that incouragement and those cute poems/hehehehe Now I'll stop chatting and get on with my day, and let my poochy out.

~Chantel

Hi all,
Jackie, back in your posts about "rough" playing, my 2 dogs are very rough, alot of growling, nipping chasing goes on, even pin down, but no biting or fighting, boots(my rott) "stalks" shirley (my boxer mix) & off he goes @ top speed & growls as he's running, I do put a stop to it, but shirley "teases" him to chase her, I don't like it because when we go to the dog park-like today, he does it there too & it sounds like he's a vicious dog to others there, but when we stop boots, shirley comes in front of him & barks & makes quick jerking motions like she's going to run. I guess i need to get more serious about not letting them do that, instead of "don't do it now" you have to be out of their path. last october shirley ran into me @ the DP, knocked me down & i broke my L wrist & was off work for 6weeks, 2nd time that happened,first time it was my knee, so now i make sure i see them at all times especially when they're behind me.

hello again,
\seems i don't say anything for a long while, then I can keep thinking of too many things to say. Your puppy poem reminded me of when our dogs in the past were puppies. Ruffles-our qeensland mix was a great dog, but when she was a puppy, she chewed everything! we bought new chairs & while i went to pick up kids from school, she chewed the whole corner of one..I had to hurry,sew it up & turn it over before my husband came home (he wasn't such a dog lover as he is now) a yr later he noticed it & I made up something..also she used to jump on the counter & eat our dinner on the stove when I wasn't looking, I can't count how many times, I had to make a new "quick" dinner before my hubby came home, she chewed shoes, furniture,walls,toys etc.I did take her out, but not everyday, she developed mammary gland tumors & we had to put her to sleep, I am sobbing while i write this, my daughter loved her so much that after she died she didn't want to sleep in her room anymore because it reminded her of ruffles(they slept together every nite) we have the two now, but in the past 8yrs we've lost 5 dogs due to old age/illness so that's why I hate to think of loosing either of thease and am a bit paranoid about it, I feel like I don't ever want to go thru another loss. gotta go to work now-we had a great time at the dog park..we call it the DP so they don't understand...but they are picking up what DP stands for now, so we have to think of another word LOL
have a good day everyone

Hey Chantel! I have the same problem w/some of my friends who are also dog lovers/dog owners. I've figured out that it's those of us with "good dogs gone bad" that enjoy the show. My friends who have "good dogs" who haven't gone bad (yet ha ha) seem to be completely disinterested in the show. Strange huh?! My boyfriend likes Cesar and likes the show, but he has a short attention span so he just doesn't sit and watch it with me. Wish he would, but oh well, I'm more "into" all of this doggie stuff than he is! ha ha

Hi everyone,

Loki the chihuahua is back to his normal self today, he just had a touch of post-surgery stomach troubles.

As for the forum... I can't make heads or tails on how to change the timezone... I am from the east coast of the US... one day I will figure out the conversion table... lol (let me see... take the time, subtract 4 hours... add the weight I claim on my license... multiply by the number of honest politicians in the world then divide by the square root of the number of toys my dogs have should do it)

Can you really change the time zone?!!

Hector ate his dinner tonight. Purina One. And then I put the dregs of the Iams Mini Chunks in his bowl afterwards and he ate that. Hmmmm.....

Hi, M.C,

Didn't want you to get lost up there,,,this blog moves kinda fast, sorry! If it happens just give us a 'heads up', hey guys what about my post #---, can anybody help? ok?

Re: Your Cocker!!!! I have one too, a black and tan American Cocker named 'Sadie'. She was a throwaway and has luxating patellas in both back legs. The vet cannot even understand why she is able to move, much less go for walks. Well, not only does Sadie LOVE her walks, she also runs with me when I exercise a large dog on my bike, woofing all the way. She is a shining example of what Cockers used to be before they got 'overbred' and their dispositions became really 'dicey'..

Is your Cocker a 'Field' variety and is he an American or English Cocker? In general, dog IS dog, but breed DOES play a part in understanding certain 'quirks ' a dog might have.

Is he more 'Wigglebutt' or 'Velcro'? Anyone who owns a cocker knows what I'm talking about here, right?

I'm wondering; you said: "However when we take him for walks around the neighborhood he growls at approaching dogs. Oddly enough if we take him to Dog Park he is a perfect gentleman."

Is he off leash at the Dog Park? You sometimes see dogs behave differently when 'on' leash and when 'off' leash.

Or, since Cockers adore their 'people' and usually don't like to share their space with another dog, they can get a bit 'snippy' about other dogs. It's usually all 'bluff', but in this case I kinda need to know what you mean by 'growl'?
Growl has a whole lot of definitions in the dog world.

Also, what is it you DO when he does growl at approaching dogs? I mean, HOW do you address this behavior when he does it and does he KNOW you do NOT want him to do this?

"Should we make him sit every time a dog is approaching?"

Maybe, but personally I think doing that only draws more attention to the fact that "Look, fella, there's a dog coming, do you see? Let's sit and wait so you can REALLY focus on what's coming 'at' us....maybe even make your body language more tense and hey, get a bit more intense with that evil eye too....probably easier to build that growl up to a louder level too...Okay, here comes the target!"

Excuse me a minute, M.C, this is where I have to tell everybody to calm down and not jump all over me and just WAIT and 'hear' me out.

I am NOT saying NOT to do this, but maybe to do the following FIRST. Try this: When he starts to 'tense' and 'growl' do a quick correction (just a subtle 'need to get your attention', NOT a huge jerk!). Almost simultaneously, say "Mind your own business" and KEEP ON WALKING. If you need to repeat it, do so. I have found this goes far in helping a dog first learn, focus on ME-if I don't have a problem with this, then YOU shouldn't and I'll let you know if I need your help, pal. Not to worry, Pack Leader's got it covered.

You are "teaching" him in a very simple way to 'tune out' distractions when on YOUR walk. In time, this works wonders on tuning out barking dogs behind fences or in windows of houses, on bunnies nibbling on grass a bit ahead of you, on cars honking, kids yelling, you name it! It has worked every single time for every dog I have owned and every single dog I have worked with and every single dog who has stayed with me.
(And trust me, we are talkin a whole lotta dogs!)

THEN, you can have him sit (when he has 'mastered' "Mind Your Own Business") and calmly wait for the dog approaching him. THIS TIME it's good, because calmly sitting is a good 'signal' especially if the other dog approaching doesn't have the wonderful manners YOURS does and is practically dragging the owner behind him to check yours out. Some dogs go absolutely NUTS, barking and hopping all over the place and pulling BUT if they see the other dog sitting calmly (or even better, lying down calmly); a wondrous thing happens. That other dog 'spazzing' out usually stops like a switch was turned OFF or you see a 'lessening' of the 'excitement' energy. If nothing else, your (calmly sitting or lying down) dog will follow the other dog's progress with his head and a look on his face like, 'Jeeesh, what a nutcase. What's his problem? C'mon, Pack Leader, you're right, let's just go....'

I don't know if this makes any sense at all, I WISH I COULD JUST SHOW YOU WHAT I MEAN!!!

Anyway, another thing that works well with Cockers (and puppies, etc.) is the following: (It also serves as a 'heads up' to YOU when you are finding it hard to resist something Absolutely Adorable your dog is doing)-- "You're cute, but you're not THAT cute!"-- KathyB. and others I think will know what I'm saying here, Heck, I've never even met Roman but I'd be sure to have that sentence on replay over and over in my head if he tried the cute little big-eyed 'head cock' on me!

Anyway, M.C., hope something in this 'Endless Post' helps. There are lots of others who have gone through this or similar stuff with their dogs, and probably will have something that worked for their dogs to share with you too.

Keep us posted and please can we have the name of your dog?

WOOF!

Jackie,

Sounds like you've got your hands full!!

Good news is, Lila is following 'correct procedure' for 'wanna play'? Putting her butt in his face, or even 'curling into a C' (butt in face and head turns toward butt to 'reinforce' c'mon I WANT TO PLAY), is absolutly normal. Since she is obviously younger and has WAY more energy than your big 10 year old dog, she is gonna keep on trying and at this point has not seemed to understand the word NO from your other dog. That's probably one of the reasons why it seems to be escalating. He ignores her with butt in face (Warning #1), she doesn't 'listen' so goes for his tail, he growls (Warning #2), she STILL doesn't 'listen' and goes for the 'collar drag', UH-OH that's IT, GRRRRR! What part of NO don't you understand you little sausage? And off they go.........

Your other dog (even if he has his own problems), may be feeling kind of 'creaky', (10 is old for a big dog), and playtime for him is probably not as high on his list as it is hers. Little dogs are pretty tough cookies; when he's finally 'had' it with her he will make his point in no uncertain terms ---yup, she may get a 'growl-bite' (sounds fierce, bite part is usually a sharp nip) and then the ball is in her court as to whether she's 'learned to listen'....

YOU know both your dogs, so I would encourage you to decide if either of them are going to go 'over the edge'. If both have issues of a serious nature, we will give you the 'crash course' in Pack Leadership so you can assertively step in if you feel it is needed.

She sounds like she is real 'full of herself' (a lot of 'doxies' are) and seems to be showing typical "No, excuse YOU, I am NOT a little dog, I am a BIG dog and I'll do what I want, so back off!!!" behavior. Especially with that stuff she 'pulls' in the kitchen I think this girl needs some Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations ASAP!!!

You also mentioned your older dog has some 'behavioral' problems. Let's not blame Lila for everything--remember she will 'pattern' after any other dog she lives with so whatever he is doing she is going to do too.........

You have come to the right place, Jackie, so hang in there.
Start your 'list of concerns' and try to list them according to the 'stress' level of each. Doing that might help you to 'focus', especially if you feel the whole thing is just too overwhelming.....

GANG, START YOUR ENGINES, SOUNDS LIKE JACKIE REALLY NEEDS HELP ASAP!!!!!

WOOF!WOOOOOOOOOF!

Hi all
Karen, thanks for your reply (#301)! I can use any advice because I'm really at a loss of what to do with this issue.

My Remi is a male buff, American cocker spaniel. He is absolutely lovable and “Velcro”. We thought when he started growling at other dogs that he was being over protective of my husband or me. Then we had other people walk him and he does the same. So in general I think he just wants to tell the other dogs to keep away. His growl is soft, no teeth. He is also a growler during play, sticking his butt in the air and growling softly as he plays with toys. We asked our vet and a trainer that we had used when he was a puppy, and they seem to think no issue with his growling during play. I have thought to stop playing with him when he starts to growl, just to teach him that when he does that it is not acceptable.

As for the walk, which is our bigger issue. I had a neighbor approach us with his dog and Remi growled at him. Then I gave him a correction with the leash, and he continued to growl. Next I came to his level, made eye contact with him, and said “No”. At this point he stopped and sniffed the other dog. Then I had the neighbor walk with me down the block with his dog “as a pack”. We then stopped and were talking and allowing the dogs to sniff each other, Remi was no longer growling at this dog. He was engaging in mounting “showing he is dominant”. I pulled him off and he was fine.

At the dog park he is off leash. We also take him to a “doggy day care” where all the dogs play together (after a lengthy interview and personality test process). It is a fabulous place for him to spend a few hours and socialize with other dogs. He does not growl at all there either. I do seem to think the problem is when he is on the leash. I don’t really comprehend this, since he walks on the leash next to me and thanks to watching Cesar he no longer pulls on the leash! :-)

So back to the growling. When he growls I give him a correction with the leash. If he doesn’t respond I touch him and say “no”. Sometimes he responds to that. When he doesn’t respond to that, I come down to his level, make eye contact and say “no”. At this point he stops. His growl is soft and occurs when the dog first approaches him. After they get to sniff he either stops growling and starts wagging his tail or he just sits with his distance and doesn’t want anything to do with the other dog.

I also have to mention, that his growl was first at small dogs. Then it became all dogs. Now it is all dogs and sometimes people that are walking by. Funny enough..it’s not all people. Only people that seem to be nervous with dogs in general. Also, if he has met a dog before, he remembers them and doesn’t growl. It seems that if I keep him distracted and he doesn’t see the dog approaching him, then all of a sudden the dog is in front of him, they sniff and the growling doesn’t occur. It seems as if he sees the other dog approaching and he has to walk next to me on a leash and can’t run up to the dog, so he gets nervous, and his response is to growl.

Any other ideas? In the meantime I’m going to give the correction with the leash, I’ll say “mind your own business” and will keep walking by the dog. I’ll update of progress.

Thanks for the advice!

I am a owner of 3 labradors (I have the rainbow!!) yellow, black, choc. My Black Lab is 4yrs old (Bear) Ever since a neighbor threw stones in his face he now dont trust strangers. We had a 15yr girl enter our home last week, he bit her arm causing 4 stitches. She screamed when she saw the dog so i think this caused him to attack. Now i dont trust him. Is there help for him?? I did try a little test.. the dog )Bear) was on my deck with sliding glass doors closed, i had a friend knock on the doors at him, he jumped on the door and showed his teeth and barked and jumped. after a few seconds he calmed down and layed at the door. Bear had always been a grat Lab. he will carry garden tools and shopping bags
in the house for me. he was always affectionate. But eversince I had this Neighbor threw stones at his face and whatever else he did Bear dont trust strangers. How can i fix this? I hate to put him down. It would kill me to lose him! Thankyou, Laura

M.C., I totally agree with what Karen is saying about the "mind your own business" thing. Take it from me, and I speak from personal experience, having the dog sit while another dog is approaching is just going to fuel the tension and make him "focus" on that approaching dog. This was the mistake I made over and over and over again, like someone was hitting me with a baseball bat. As soon as I tried making my dogs look at ME, focus on ME, (and also I stopped tensing up and STARING at the approaching dog, too!) it was like night and day. I found out that I am leading the charge because I was deadlocked on the dog with my eyes, and therefore my two dogs would follow my lead and deadlock on the dog with their eyes, front foot held up, head and ears forward, tails WAY up and then CHAAAARGE!!!!! Off they'd go, with me being dragged on the ground behind them. Now, I look ANYWHERE ELSE but at the approaching dog, and I stay completely calm, and they follow my lead. This IS hard to describe in words -- wish I could show you too! LOL! But this is just another way of what Karen described as "mind your own business".

I found this on the February blogs, and thought it important to remind some of the newer members of Cesar's advice on walking your dog. This is Cesar's blog of February 3rd:

"The Importance of Walking Your Dog … Every Day

Time and time again, I’ll rush to a new client’s home in an “emergency” situation. Their dog is anxious or obsessive or fearful or aggressive – take your pick. After working with the dog, I give the owners my recommendation, and they’ll look at me like I’m crazy and say, “You mean I’m paying $350 to have you tell me to walk my dog more?”

Yes.

Okay, let me explain. You see, in nature, dogs spend much of their time walking as a pack, trying to find food and water. Their very survival is based on walking! Birds fly, fish swim, dogs walk. Walking allows them to have a sense of direction, a sense of accomplishment, a sense of pack comfort. The pack is all about structure and organization.

Domestic dogs live behind walls and no matter how luxurious those walls are, it’s still totally unnatural to a dog. So the very best thing you can do for your dog to ensure a close, bonded relationship, a sense of structure and organization, and ultimately a balanced pet is to master the walk and do it often!"

Thanks K2 and Karen!
I'm going to take him for a walk again..maybe this time we will see other dogs so we can practice! :-)

Good morning everyone...

Sorry that I have not talked much... lol... anything I would say would be repitition... K2 and Karen and all the others say it first and I would just be typing alot of "dittos".

Loki (the chi) had an intersting experience this morning... my two other dogs had finished thier 'business' and came in while Loki was still looking for the 'perfect' spot when all of a sudden a large dog (looked like a lab mix) came flying over my fence and rushed up to him. I was about to freak, but the dog did not have an agressive posture and went into a 'play bow' in front of Loki... now Loki (being the brave thing that he is... not) tucked tail and looked at me, but because I did not react he remained still, keeping his eyes on me and not the other dog.

I waited a moment then went over to Loki and had him heel to the door as the stray bounced all over the place and even off me a few times, put Loki in and turned to the intruder who all of a sudden realized that (1) he did not know me and (2) I had a leash in my hand... the stray ran back to the fence but didn't jump out (he was excited enough to jump in, but he could not figure out that he could jump back out). I let the dog calm down and pretty much ignored him until his natural curiosity took over and he came to me himself, then I let him sniff me as I put the leash on his collar. Poor thing was pretty skinny and dirty, but he had a tag so I called the number on the tag.

HE HAD BEEN MISSING FOR A MONTH!!! It seems that his owner had opened the door to get the mail and his dog raced past him and was gone in a flash.

The owner came by a little bit ago and picked up a very happy "Dover"... we all cried... I gave him my copy of Cesar's Way and told him a bit about the show... refused the reward that instead will go to buying the first season of the DW.

If it had not been for being calm and assertive when Dover flew over my fence *I* might have started a situation that could have ended in tragedy, instead it ended in joy and tears... Dover went home... Loki was calm and another owner was turned on to Cesar. (He was shocked by the way when he showed up and Dover was standing next to me on a leash... seems he was never able to walk him at all and here I am handicapped and his dog was not dragging me around but instead standing there wagging so hard he almost fell over!)

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

'P.P.P.P.L'***

***(Proud, Powerful, Penny Pack Leader)---of the WEEK!

Hear the roar of the crowd cheering, hear the thunderous applause, feel the 'Empowered Energy' we all have from you sharing that awesome story with us!!!!

(BTW; that should absolutely be posted on the new leaderofthe pack packleader Forum!!!!)

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOF!!!!!!!!

Awwww... shucks... t'weren't nothin...

I just happend to have an experience that shows that Cesar's techniques and things seen on the blog do work, any of you would probably had the same ending...

What many 'nay-sayers' don't seem to understand is that being calm and assertive is not a one second cure but a learned reaction... first you have to "act" the part and the next thing you know it is as natural as breathing.

This time last year I would have started screaming the moment Dover came over my fence and I would have dove on top of Loki like he was on fire, placing my body between him and the strange dog, probably holding him over my head as the frantic Dover tried to climb me to get a better look at him and all the while screaming my head off for help. After all, Loki is just a tiny little chihuahua puppy... but after watching the DW and reading Cesar's book as well as being a part of this Blog I have learned how to watch a dog's body language and use my own body language to 'talk' to dogs...

So... this is not my triumph but OUR triumph... KarenDW2, this is your unflagging reminders in action... Kathy this is your calm energy... this is the result when all of us work together to support and encourage each other (could list everyone... because all of you had a hand in this)

hi there not a dummyaboutdogs-

I would say that without offending your friend there is not much more you can do but follow the "no touch/no talk/no look" rule and try to use calm assertiveness around your friends dog... maybe they will notice how their dog acts and reacts around you while you are there and ask questions or better yet, maybe you can get them to watch a show with you while you are there.

How about getting your friend a 'hostess' gift? You can get them the first season of the Dog Whisperer or even a DVD of just a few shows (they sell the entire season collection and DVD's of just a few DW episodes at WalMart... the ones with 4 episodes are under $10 and you can look for one of the ones that deals with inapropriate greeting manners) or a copy of Cesar's Way... (people will watch a DVD before reading a book usually... lol... we are a lazy nation!)

I would have to say that your handle on here just does not fit you... a dummy is someone that not only knows nothing but refuses to learn anything about a subject... and that does not sound like you ;-)

good morning all,
this a.m., a friend was supposed to come over & come to the gym with me, so I waited & waited & waited, she did not even call, so I missed taking the dogs out, then I had to go do errends..my husbands B-Day today, so now it's the afternoon & it's hot & I'm tired so I feel very guilty for not going now, but I did buy a pool for them, & maby they will enjoy that today, next time, i'm going out no matter who I wait for, by the way Penny, I read what happened with you & Loki to my hubby, we are sooo proud of you, I still don't know what I would do if a situation similar to your would happen to me, I want to project calm/assertive, but I used to be sooo fearful of loose dogs, I hope I can do that when I need to...way to go

HEEHEEE....I figured out the new smiley!lol

Thanks for the awesome response Karen! It totally makes sense. OK, so here are my list of concerns:
Lila:
1. Lila's RED ZONE aggression....I mean, this dog wants TO KILL.

2. Lila's aggression towards other people....starting to get worse and worse.

3. Lila's phobia of the computer desk. I have one of those sliding keyboard desk thingy's where you put your keyboard on this sliding thingy and when ur done, u just slide it under. She jsut formed this a couple days ago. She usually warms up my feet and sits under the desk while I'm at the computer, it used ot be her favoirte spot but now, she's deathly afraid of the desk...she won't even go in the same room! If I force her near it, she'll start shaking and ur pupils will get big and round. I think what triggered the fear was when one night I was at the computer and she was under the desk as usual(sleping) but one day, I accicdently slammed the keyboard slider and poor Lila jumped ten feet and never came near the desk again!

4. Lila's aggression towards the cat...if she see's Missy, she will just stare at her and try to get closer and closer. One night, I came home to blood all over my bathroom and hair everywhere and the dogs were no where to be seen. So I went into my bathroom and found the cat and my two dogs in there. Poor missy was all wet from god knows what and there was more blood on the floor, everywhere. Somehow the dogs must have gone in there and attacked the cat and got locked in the bathroom in all the commotion. Very Scary Stuff!

5. I can't have kids over because Lila will chase them and try to tackle them, when I do have little kids for my younger daughter over, i have to lock her in the bedroom for hours. I feel so bad! BUt I can't have the kids hurt!

6. When people come to the door, the dogs go balistic! They bark and bark, people hate coming ot our door! The dogs will continue to bark at them even after they've come in and all that. It's so annoying! I hate having to answer the door!

7. The digging problem....thanks to the dogs we now have 124 holes in our back yard! I can't even mow it! I don't think if I paid some one else to mow our backyard they would. When I even attempt to mow it, I nearly spranged my ankle! We can't leave home for more then 30 minutes without them digging! And the thing is, they almost never do it when I'm home so I never catch them in the act.
8. The barking. Lila will bark and bark and bark and bark all day long at everything passing by our yard. Scooby too! I'm sick of having to stop what I'm doing to get them to hush! Then, after I've sat back down and gotten back into what I was doing, they'll bark again!

9. The chewing problem. Lila has cost my family a small fortune because of all the chewing damage she has cost us. She once chewed up a pen and the ink got all over our carpet! And many other instances that I'm not gonna get into, but she has also cost us a lot of money pulling out the carpet strings.

10. Lila sleeps on the couches while we are gone.

11. Lila doesn't respect my daughter Kendra as the pack leader....and niether does Scooby. I don't know how to change that!

Scooby

1. Digging all the time!

2. Barks nonstop! I can't get him to hush!

3. He might be getting a little aggressive towards other dogs and maybe people.

4. Eats cat poop.

5. Doesn't respect Kendra as the pack leader.

Please help...I'm sorry if this is a little overwhelming but, I really need help, we may have to get rid of Lila because of her Red-Zone aggression and digging problem. Thanks,
Jackie

oops..just re-read and realized there's a lot of typos =\! sorry

Jackie-

First you have to get your dogs to accept YOU as the Pack Leader, once they do they will take their cues from you... and from the sound of it you are not yet the Pack Leader in their eyes.

Lila sounds like a big problem and although many people will try to help give you advice, the advice you need to take first is to contact a Canine Behaviorist in your area to work with you... sometimes things just do not come across in print the way me mean them or in a way that you can imitate or reproduce at home without seeing it in action first.

One thing you need to do is keep your dogs and cat seperated unless they are supervised... because if you don't one day Lila will kill the cat, and once a dog kills another animal the predator in them has been rewarded and chances are they will kill again. Yes, Lila is a red zone by the sound of it and you need professional help immediatly!

As for Scooby eating the kitty box "treats" you can solve that problem by making the litter box inaccessable to the dogs by placing it behind a baby gate or get an automated self cleaning litterpan that will remove the "treats" before anyone has a chance to get at them.

Hi bootsmutt, #326 -- my initial response is YES... you should just keep walking and ignore what Shirley is doing and let her freak out while you keep walking. Is Shirley on leash? if she's off leash, will she follow you or approach the other dog?

My problem is slightly different. I always AVOID the other dogs (or they avoid us -- one in particular is really scared and runs away). So, I don't even give my guys the opportunity to walk past the other dogs, if I can help it (and luckily I usually can). My dogs BOTH do the whining, barking, lunging thing. So, what I end up doing is turning around in a 180 and going up the other road or up the other side of the beach.

So, in my case, the dog not owned by me isn't "coming at" us because I avoid them.