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October 2006 Archives
Overprotective Guard Dog
Some scientists believe that guarding and alarm barking were among the many reasons humans and dogs "joined forces" thousands of years ago. The dogs surrounding the humans' camp would bark and alert them to danger. Today, we often take advantage of that quality in dogs. But it's important from the beginning of the relationship for the human to set limits and determine how much is too much regarding guarding.
Guarding is an activity, just like digging and barking. So as pack leader, you have to condition him when to start and when to stop. A police dog, for example, is conditioned to go after bad guys, but when there are no bad guys around, he must know he is not allowed to attack. That behavior is controlled by the handler.
Biker Dog
A dog with three legs, one eye, or hearing-impaired does not see him-or herself as disabled--they just instinctively learn to adjust, as you will see with Holli the Motorcycle Dog. And it is important for those of us who have disabled dogs not to feel sorry for them. Remember, they do not think of themselves as victims unless that is the energy we are projecting onto them.
Grieving a Lost Friend (Virginia Madsen)
I can't even begin to count the number of clients who call me in with problems they're having with a dog they've brought home right after another has died. This segment features one of them--my friend, actress Virginia Madsen.
In the natural world, grief is a very weak energy. What happens when the new dog meets his new family, who haven't finished grieving their previous pet? He reacts to their very low energy level, often leading him to feel the need to protect and dominate this weak energy.
How do you know when the grieving process is finished and you are ready to take a new pet into the family? Well, I think of grief like a glass of water. Only when you are finished do you want the glass to be refilled. And like some people nurse a drink, people can nurse grief for weeks and months until it finally subsides and they are ready to move on.
The difficult truth is that we simply live longer than our pets. The key to learning to deal with the death of a pet is to not only accept it as a part of life, but also knowing you provided them a life that they enjoyed to the fullest.
Not So Pretty in Pink
Little dogs like "Little Miss Kisses" can sometimes get hyperactive if they don't get enough exercise, especially when they spend a lot of time indoors. But because they are so small, many owners don't think they need as much exercise as bigger dogs. The metabolism of small dogs is often faster, so they actually need more physical activity during their day to keep them calm and balanced!
Of course, I recommend multiple daily walk with the pack leader--every single day. Because small dogs have tinier legs, you don't have to go as far to wear them out, although I recommend at least 45 minutes in the morning and at least a half-hour at night.
Many owners do not realize they can use their own homes to help their small dogs work out their energy. Have them follow you up and down the stairs a few times during the day or try strapping on a small dog backpack for a trip around the block. You can also try putting them on a treadmill for a short but effective, energy-draining workout.
Running Scared: Banjo's Story
Banjo, a coon hound from Omaha, Nebraska, spent his whole life in an animal testing lab, treated only as an object: No warmth, no bonding, no dignity. He was also terrified of people and scheduled to be put to sleep. Luckily, he was rescued in time by Beverly and Bruce, who tried for four years to rid him of this fear. A vet eventually told them there was no hope. He'd been too traumatized. But since I believe that there is a 99% chance that any dog can be rehabilitated, I was hoping I could help.
Beverly and Bruce had been making the well-intentioned mistake of giving him affection while he was exhibiting unstable and fearful behavior. It is the worst thing you can do for a scared dog because affection can actually reinforce the behavior.
If you are trying to approach a fearful dog, remember, no touching, no talking, no eye contact. Resist the urge to pet him, no matter how much you want to comfort him. Try facing sideways and not directly at him. If necessary, turn your back to the dog. And then let him come to you, not the other way around. Let him smell you and become familiar with your scent. This way, he gains trust.
With Banjo, I actually walked backwards toward him. Later in the session, I instructed his owners to drop the leash and walk away from him. Eventually, he got the message: I must follow.
Kobe Out of Bounds
After losing an eye in an accident as a puppy, Kobe's behavior became aggressive; his owners consumed with guilt. While it's only human to feel badly when a pet becomes injured in our care, it's even more important to stay calm and assertive around the dog. Remember, dogs can assess our emotions through the energy we project. We can actually add to the trauma by showing affection while they're in this unbalanced state.
Look at it this way, when a paramedic arrives at an accident and tends to an injured person, you don't see him or her crying out, "Oh my gosh, you're bleeding all over the place! I feel so bad I didn't get here sooner!" Animals are willing to move forward from trauma, but they can't if we don't give them healthy, reliable leadership to depend upon.
If you're having trouble coping with a pet's injury, try talking to a friend or even a therapist. You can also use your faith to get through tough situations, meditate, practice martial arts, go to a movie, or do any number things to help us deal with pet stress. As a pack leader, you need to be in control in order to help your dog recover.
Season 3 of Dog Whisperer Premieres Next Monday, October 23!
The pack is back! Get ready for an all-new season of Dog Whisperer premiering Monday, October 23, at 9P et/pt.
Cesar once again has his hands full with a whole new crew of problem pooches and their frustrated owners. From a possessive pink pup to a dog trying to beat the blues, Cesar's calm and assertive leadership continues to produce amazing results.
And we've got more in store for you online, with a brand new website including weekly blogs previewing each new episode, exclusive video clips, Podcasts, photos, and much more! You can even sign up for "Cesar On-the-Go" with Dog Whisperer Mobile Tips, sent directly to your cell phone!
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