Hello all! The new Pit bull / Shar Pei mix is getting along great with my shephard mix. However I just had one question:

Can two playing dogs get two ruff even though they both appear to be enjoying it?

The reason I ask is because I found a nick on my shephard's nose and a mark on back of my pit bull and on his leg. They both seem to be enjoying themselves when playing but I thought I would ask if they should calm down a bit or if it is common to get small wounds when playing.

ANd I still cannot get my shephard to walk behind me....

CJ, thank you for the response.

They start the morning at 5am and will go outside and play or sleep a bit. After that (6:15) I leave for work and when I get home we go on a mile and a half walk / run. They then get to explore and swim at a park. After that we go home (another 1.5 miles) and then I eat and feed them. Later on they usually play some more but they are quit brief and usually too tired. I think most of the playing goes on outside when I am not there.

Before I got the other dog I would have my shephard pull me on rollerblades for nearly a mile and then follow me the rest of the way.

It is in no way aggressive play I just wondered if they were going overboard. I can give one of them a rawhide and the other will watch the other chew on it. I can then take it back and give it to the other one with the same results. They don't fight over any toys and are both very high energy dogs.

Kate, thanks for the info, they are truly having a good time so I will let them be. They even know go to their designated play room now when they want to play.

Thanks!

Nate, I think it's page 157 of Cesar's Way where he talks about the "celebration" that dogs do in their natural pack after walking all day and then finding food. Domestic dogs do a modified version of this, and it sounds like that's what you're describing. It can appear very rough, but they are having a good time. My dogs do it all the time. Kate G., it's the opposite in my house! I let them do it, and my husband (well boyfriend of 21 years LOL! I know, I know) hates it and makes them stop! LOL!

CJ, Now I know the episode you mean with Coach. Wasn't that the saddest thing? That poor dog was going to be put down for no reason at all! She was a big love bug! My brother has Boxers, so I have a special affinity for them, too. I was crying too!!! That would've scarred that little boy for life if his dog had to be euthanized. I'm so happy Cesar helped those people.

Christina,
It sounds like your dogs are barking at you because they are the leaders of your house. They feel they should decide when and who you give attention to. My dogs used to do that, and we immediately addressed it every time it happened. When I say we addressed it, I mean I would turn around and point my finger at whoever was "mouthing off" and say "No" in a firm voice. Repeat until the behavior stops. It takes alot of consistency and you will need to also start practicing better leadership in your home. This means daily walks using Cesar's techniques. It is definitely something you should correct though, b/c as I'm sure you know, it is annoying when every time you try to hug your significant other, the dogs starting barking! :)

While jogging in my neighborhood with my dog/yellow lab, on leash, other dogs run out from their homes & try to attack my dog - I follow Cesar's suggestions by staying calm/assertive but when they try to bite my dog, she immediately defends herself - what to do - have not complained to the owners/or police since we are within city limits.

Hi everyone! Set your DVRs, VCRs & alarm clocks for this Sunday night, 9:00 p.m. (eastern) for a BRAND-NEW episode of Dog Whisperer on National Geographic Channel!!!!

Susan Baer,

My suggestion for getting him interested in the walk is to use whatever it is that he REALLY loves! Is there a particular ball or stuffed toy that he goes crazy for? Use this as a reward for when you return from the walk or even on the walk to get him started or for when he just plain quits on you.

I can somewhat sympathize with him though, sometimes when it's stinking hot out, I don't want to leave the house either!

Make sure to bring lots of water and you could even bring a spritz bottle to occasionally squirt him during the walk.

Another suggestion, have you tried him on a treadmill? This isn't good for ALL the time, but if you could get him to do this during the hottest part of the year, then he would still be getting his exercise.

I have this show, i have the first season dvd.

Susan,

We have a 2 year old Great Pyrenees who is our son's service dog. We did a great deal of research on the breed when we rescued him and found that first, they are native to the snowy, cold Pyrenees mountains in Europe, so living in the heat (we're in southern CA) is difficult for them.

Second, their coat is designed to keep them cooler in the summer and they sunburn easily, so shaving them might not be a good idea.

Also we learned that they are not very high energy, especially compared to our golden retriever for example. They were bred to lay among sheep and stay there until and unless a predator shows up -- then they kill it. Walking our pyr isn't as necessary as it is for the golden, especially in the heat.

Ours suffers from the heat so much that we just bought him a cooling jacket; also his feet seem much more sensitive to hot pavement than other dogs.

We walk ours when he MUST walk using a gentle leader; he does hate it,tho, and we hope that he'll like his Illusion collar that should be coming at the beginning of next week.

It might help to also bear in mind that pyrs were bred to be totally in charge of a flock, especially during the night. This makes them a little independent, they definitely have their own ideas about what is appropriate and what isn't.

Hope this helps!

Amanda,
About your min-pin, does she do this while on a leash or do you walk her without a leash? If she does it off-leash, you will need to make sure to keep her leashed. It sounds like this behavior is obsessive, so you will need to block the mind from biting heels and chasing joggers and RE-focus her attention to you, her pack leader.

While on your walks, as soon as you see her tense or focus on a jogger, give a slight correction until she looks at you. As soon as you have her attention, continue on your walk. You will probably want to ask someone to jog next to you while you walk her so that you can create the situation that you want to correct. This will take many tries and it won't happen overnight. So keep consistent and you should be able to remove this obsessive behavior. Remember to walk her daily to tire her out and maybe get her a running partner (if you're not up to it). Good luck!

I am hoping you can help. I enjoy Cesars program very much and many techniques we've used have worked as fast as they have on t.v. which initially suprised me. My problem is with my Soft Wheaton Terrier. He is almost a year old and he has a tendancy to put his paws on the kitchen counter and grab or knock off whatever he can get. He also gets into the trash repeatedly. This does not happen when someone is in the room but when kitchen is empty. I have caught him in the act and he shows remorse of sorts that its wrong. I'm at a loss of what to do to correct this problem.

I'm really hoping someone out there can help us out with our puppy - she is SO bright- she already knows how to "sit" and "lay down" and "come", but she keeps on going potty in the Dining room or bedrooms.I've tied her to the kitchen table to keep her near me, and praise her when she uses her potty pad. But next time, she will just go in the wrong spot again. We take her outside and she runs around for 30 minutes, always sniffing, never going; until we get inside, then she goes (where SHE wants). And thru the day, how can we tell when she needs to go to take her to a potty pad or outside? I get so busy with 5 children that I don't always see her till its too late. I watch Cesar's show endlessly (and LOVE IT!), but haven't found an answer to our particular problem. Any suggestions? THANK YOU!

I have a hard time getting my dog out of the separation anxiety problem, she is 3 1/2 years old and has to be kenneled at home when i go to work or else she will chew up my front door. I give her peanut butter in a kong every morning in her kennel to keep her quiet when I leave, but she always knows when I am leaving and kinda hides so i have to pick her up and put her in the kennel. Any suggestions?? Also, anytime anybody leaves the front door she runs and barks really loud at them.

I really enjoy Cesar's shows. I didn't know until today that there was a blog. I have a medium/large sized mixed breed dog. She is close to 50 pounds. She is usually a good natured dog, likes people(she's a little too exuburant at times). However, outside with her, she can be excitable(very) when other dogs are around. I have tried some of Cesar's techniques, but no success. I know she needs more exercise(as do I). I have seen him use a backpack on some of the dogs. Where would I be able to find something like that?

The show has taught us so much about raising a great dog, thanks. We recently adopted a 3 month old golden retriever/border collie mix. He is already following several commands and enjoys playing for short periods of time. Our problem is that he does not want to walk and would rather go home. He is consistently trying to sit or lay. If we are close to our home he will pull towards it. Other than that, he is doing great. He doesn't pull much either. We thought that it might be the heat (96) but took him out at night when it was cooler, with the same results. Any thoughts?

Kathleen w/ the pitbull....Keep her ! You obviously adore her, and she wiil be happiest w/ a pack leader that understands she needs more than freedom and room to run to feel fulfilled.A pitbull/ridgeback is mentally and physically a powerfull animal,that left in an unstructured environment, w/ three acres to guard, could develop some scary bad habits, esp if there is livestock aruond. She will cont to need someone to guide her in the right path. You could have so much fun w/ her, teach her to pull you on skis or train her for wt pull or sledding. She can have a very fullfilling life w/ you, if you make room for her needs in your day. I have an Eng Bull terrier who works in a hospital w/ me everyday, sleeps under my desk. She would be broken hearted if I put her in a 3 acre pasture and left her, freedom doesnt mean much if you lose the person you thought you finally belonged to..all dogs want is to be with the person they trust and respect, they can adjust to almost anything if they are have someone who respects thier need for exersize and structure. Whatever you choose, I wish you both the best, and Bless you for rescuing her ! Denny Pontestull

Hi

I have a problem with my 7 month old collie. She constantly wants to bark at everything. She also runs aftera nd barks at bike riders and joggers. We are going nuts trying to stop this behavior. Any suggestions? I really do not want to have to get rid of her. Thanks

Hello everyone,
I have a male Shiba Inu, just turned 1 August 2nd. He is extremely playful and lovable, i have been taking him to the doggie beach by me in NJ. The past couple of times i've noticed that as soon as we get there he is turning a bit aggressive (nipping, barking at their faces) towards all dogs bigger than him, he even got into an somewhat scary altercation with a much larger female boxer, and its not like he was trying to get fresh on her. He doesn't seem to be bothered by the small ones,mostly the larger ones. I do remember the last time i took him there before he started getting nasty that the larger males were trying to show their dominance. He has gotten a bit better as far as listening, but he still pulls on the leash and jumps up at people. What book do you recommend i read first? I am also considering going to the seminar in september. I enjoy taking him to the park and the beach, but its only a matter of time before he gets into a fight with a much stronger and bigger male. Thanks alot :)

Hi,
My dog Maggie is 12 years old now, and about 5 years ago while my husband and I were on vacation, my daughter stayed at our house and she andmy son had a few friends over for the 4th of July. They set off fireworks. Later they found Magggie huddled at the top of our upstairs landing, absolutely terrified. Since that time, if she hears thunder, she starts shaking and panting. She acts traumatized and I don't know what to do to help her. I have found that by petting her when she is like this only seems to make her worse. I asked the Vet for some medication for her before the 4th of July a few years ago and would never do it again. She was so dopey that I thought she would fall and hurt herself.
I could really use some advice. Maggie is a Golden Retriever and we love her very very much.

Thanks,
Beth

Hey, Cesar
my name is micha I'm 18, and i live in Texas. I have always loved dogs and when i saw ur show i was always looking forward to watch it. I moved to over here from Switzerland about 2 1/2 years ago, so my english is not that great. Anyway i think it's just awesome what you have done. I absolutely love the habitat you've built for the dogs. I want to come to L.A. and meet your pack, and just walk around with them and enjoy being around them. I also think it's great that you rescue dogs, and rehabilitat them. I have 3 German Shpherd's, (Chief & Shyla & Rex) sadly on july 13 Chief died on a heat stroke. You know he was every thing for me, like my son. He was only 2 years, and in very good shape, he knew how to find mariuhana, and i also did protection training with him, he was very smart. Rex is only 14 weeks old and Shyla is more my mom's dog. I have always loved to go walk my dogs, train them and just being around them. Cesar i think your awesome, and i really want to meet you and your pack.
p.s.(specially daddy-the pit-bull)

Cesar's methods appear to follow Mom Nature intentions. I see that he administers control, such as the firm "bite" that he makes with his hands, and the sounds he makes. There is no need for shouting yelling, rolled-up newspapers, etc.,. I have OK control over my dog and she is a very sweet, 45 pound, dog. When people ask, I say that her bread is "The American Brown Dog." She has not much between the ears, that is, she is not the smartest dog in the world, but her sweet and gentle temperment with children and our seven cats is amazing. I would say that I have been using his general ideas on dog psychology even though I did not know it, pack leader, exercise, being firm, etc.

But, my best friend's dogs, are another story. Such a contrast, it's like the good owner, bad owner story. She has six dogs. When I pull into her driveway, each one goes nuts, then a fight starts. Dogs are hurt, the neighbors are angry about the noise, and Annie's throat is sore because she screams at the dogs constantly. That happens when the dogs are outside. If they are inside, Annie stuffs each dog into his/her crate; it's like they have been put in their jail cells after they have had their 15 minute exercise in the jail yard. She has NO control over them. Annie puts them in crates when they are inside because they are so ill-behaved in the house. They destroy furniture, clothing, shoes, books, door jams, window sills, and anything less than 48 inches off the floor (this includes the floor) while barking their fool heads off, chasing and fighting the whole time. It is chaos. Needless to say, going to her house for a visit is not fun.

I offered to stay with her a few days after an emergency surgery, but found I could not stand to be in that environment for more than a minute, maybe two. I used the pack leader strategy and that alone went a long way to establish a little more peace. When I ask Annie why can't she do something like that herself, the excuses, oh they are so lame. "I don't have the right personality; I am a softee and I don't want to hurt them. I don't want to hurt their feelings, I don't have the time, I am not strong enough (physically) I can't walk them (she has arthritis), they aren't mean dogs therefore they don't need discipline." In summary, she said I can get away with it because I am a natural alpha-bitch (gee, thanks).

But seriously, it seems to me that dogs to behaving like little monsters and hoolagans, and her letting them run amuck, barking while they destroy everything she owns, really makes the dogs UNHAPPY. Aren't they like young children in a way? They are happier and more settled when boundaries are drawn and rules enforced.

How can I suggest in the strongest terms that if she doesn't control her dogs, the neighbors are going to turn her in for having an illegal kennel (local laws limit number of animals to four max) and her friends, including me, will start visiting less and less until we just disappear? Dogs may be man's best friends, but her dogs are driving the humans away.

Cesar..
We have adopted an American Eskimo Spitz who was abused my a human male. He is very loving to us, but barks at all men, barks at certain dogs, and basically is afraid. He licks his front paws raw. We bought a Beagle puppy female so he would have a playmate, and they LOVE each other! But now she has taken on his dimeanor. Our neighbors are now calling the police, and harrassing us via the telephone....calling and hanging up in the middle of the night! We love our dogs, and want to keep them...please help us!
Patricia mcGrath
57 Lighthouse Rd
Scituate, MA 02066
781-249-6623

hey i need your help iv got two pitbulls and my mom has stiches in her foot and she cant go out two feed theme becouse all the do is jump on her on the girl hogs the boyz food so pleaze help us 12681 n. 83rd dr peoria, az.

Hey Cesar, my mom, my cat(funny), and me love your show we watch it when we can and we use your influence on other dogs and sometimes use it on our own. Our dog Trinity is a harrier beagle and was a little over weight. When we started to take her out for walks every day by the way she is leash trained but she loves to get ahead of my mom whenever I'm roller blading. So whenever she does what mom does is pulls on the leash and does the 'Chhh' thing and she comes back to my mom's side. So now I'm getting my friends and their family into watching it and I'm on my way to learning how to be a pack leader. Oh by the way I love your dogs Tioga and Lobo(I hope I spelled those right).

Hi Cesar, this is Nathan again. If you happened to receive a comment from a nateortiz@aim.com, it is the wrong address. I meant to put nateortiz@aol.com. So I ask that you please respond to the correct address. Sorry for the mix-up.

Cesar, Love your show and never miss an episode. We have a 21 month old mini-dach, Romeo. He has been to puppy training, but only did so-so. His social skills are not as good as I would wish. My son has moved back in with us for the next few months. He has a 2 yr-old Siberian Huskt, Arrow. They actually get along better than I had thought. Arrow is much better disciplined than Romeo. Romeo still tries to dominate Arrow. Of course, he has to climb up on the couch in order to put his head on Arrow's neck. As I'm writing this, I'm starting to realize, they need to be taken on walks with each other, don't they? Is there more that I can do to promote harmony in the household? Because Romeo is so close to the ground aand has a long neck, it's hard for me to keep his head up while walking. We usually end up with him sort of paddling with his feet barely touching the ground. I could really use your help. Thanks

I love Cesar's show! I am trying to apply his practice of remaining calm and assertive around my 3 dogs (especially my big baby Winston, who is a lab mix I adopted from our local shelter.)
I was a bit surprised in one epsisode when I heard Cesar point out that "Petey," the dog in the "Little Rascals" series was a pit bull. That dog was actually a bull terrier, which a different breed altogether.

But I still admire his patience in trying to explain to people that their behavior around dogs makes a big difference in the way our dogs behave. I hope I am making progress. (I hear there are negative comments about Mr. Millan on the WWW, but those people must have some disturbed psyches of their own. I do wish someone could show me how to keep Winston from grabbing the leash out of my hand.

hi my name is katelyn i am 13 and i have an boston bull terrier and she is a big problem she chews up all the plants and takes wood out of the wood pile and chews it up. i would love to take her for a walk but when i get to the door she eather shoots out the door or she wont budge. i use to be able to take her on bike rides but now she starts to cut in frount of me and i nearly crash. my parents often throw her out the door or beat her for being bad. if you can help me at all please e-mail me.

Hi Cesar,

I have a Chihuahua mix. He goes nuts every time he take him in the car, van, motor home. It is very frustrating when we go on vacation and we take off he barks, cries pants and tries to get out the windows. He settles down after we are on the road for a while but then once we stop he starts in all over again. Help. We are at the point where we are not even enjoying him on our trips. WE have another dog a Boston terrier mix and he seems fine with the trips. What can we do??

hello Everyone, this is my first blog and i do hope that some onw can help me. i have two dogs one a mixed terrier and onther is a Yellow Lab. the Lab does not corperate on walks or stop barking when you go to yell at him by the time you're back inside he's back to barking. the Mixed on the other hand is a wonderful do he's good on walks and if you tell him to stop barking he will. if anyone has the same problem that i do with the Lab plz advise. i think if we all work together we could make our dogs that don't listen, listen and listen just as well as in my case as the terrier. plz advise if you the same problem

We have a beagle mix who is 11 years old. For the most part someone usually has been around her some part of the day, but kids grow and go off and now it is just my husband and I. When we both go to work in the morning she starts walking around whining and when we do go out of the house and to our cars she is barking and barking to the point where our neighbors hear her. She stops after a few hours and sometimes she is fine or they don't hear her. We live in a house. I tried that noise thing that stopped the whining, but when I left this morning she was barking. Do I just need to give it more time? I told my husband that on one of your shows you said just go out the door and don't say goodbye or tell her to be good or anything so we are starting to do that. My daughter in laws vet said the way she describes our dog she needs Prozac! I don't want to start any of that! Sheba also walks back and forth with us when we are home. She doesn't rest for a moment unless we stop. What's up with that! Love your show! Thank you! Nancy Pion

Thanks so much for your input Denny (D.Tull). I have made the decision to keep her. I can't bear the thought of leaving her with someone who I know loves her but I would worry constantly. I think she will adapt to RV living and making this decision has made me feel at peace. It's funny how in tune she is. The minute I made the decision to take her, she became much happier and more animated than when we were talking about leaving her. I know I made the right choice. She is such a love and I can honestly say she has no bad habits. Lacy is a one of a kind, that only comes along once in a lifetime. She stays. Thanks again so much Kathleen