When I learned whitewater canoeing, that first week end I spent more time in the water then the boat. I was so frustrated thinking I just couldnt get it, I almost didnt come back the next weekend. The second weekend I didnt dump once!

The difference was having two different instructors. Did you know that (last I heard), they have identified at least 11 different learning styles!. See the first weekend teacher was verrrrry precise, turn the paddle 30 degrees, lean forwad 20 degrees, at 1/3 stroke straighten your paddle and then feather it diagonally...
The second instructor, however, talked to me about how it should feel!

One of the reasons Cesar has such universal appeal, is because of his unique ability to identify and resonate with each dog owner's learning style, much in the same way as he adapts to the tools, environment and conditions of each dog owner that he works with.

If a professional you chose to work with does not seem to result in clarity or success. It may simply be that that individual's style and approach does not facilatate how you best learn!

On the other hand, I also went downhill skiing one time and spent the whole first day on my backside! In disgust, I finially decided to spend some of my vacation money (designated for shopping) on lessons! WOW. It took exactly TWO hours for the instructor to get me back on track where I wanted to be! I spent the rest of the trip actually having fun instead of being mad and embarrassed.

I have everything Cesar has done, ~ shows on vhs, all the DVD and of course the book. I have also been working with a food agressive basset who was two days from being put down, if someone didnt step in and try to change his behavior. 90% there, I could NOT figure out why that last little bit wouldnt change. I broke down and brought in a dog psychologist who understands and follows Ceasar's Way. In ten minutes, she had identified the two problems in MY behavior which continued to support this basset's food agression (and it was soooo subtle that I couldnt see it!)

So I made the one process correction of HOW I was feeding him and spend $85 on up to the shoulder bite proof gloves so that I could take is food bowl away while he was eating without feeling the fear of being bitten.

This (now) wonderful, loveable dog will be ready for adoption by Christmas. Another dog saved, because I was (finially) willing to invest 30 minutes of time and money, to get a professional eye and comments, on MY actions in context with MY enviroment and tools! (So worth a few extra peanut butter/jelly lunches - g).

Hail Cesar ~ for the light he brings, to so many hearts and lives!

CJ,

I think the investment in the gloves was worth it. I think you hit the nail on the head: the gloves were so YOU wouldn't be afraid. You can only dominate when you aren't afraid. By not being afraid, you can send the right message to the dog and not get bit. If he does try to bite, you don't back down because you are not hurt and still not afraid. It was an $85 investment in raw psychological power!

Cesar has some good information but don't foget to check and see what others are doing and saying in the field of dog training and behavior. Animal behaviorists, biologists, psychologists, dog trainers, & ethologists are coming out with new pet dog related information almost daily! I'm reading Patricia McConnell's PhD new book "For the Love of A Dog" and it is WONDERFUL. I'm a fan of Jean Donaldson & Dr. Ian Dunbar PhD's books as well. Ray Coppinger & Dr. Nicholas Dodman Dr. Temple Grandin, Trish King, James A Serpell also... the list goes on and on. The most current research and information available regarding dogs and dog behavior is NEW, EXTENSIVE, EXCITING!

Brittany, one of Cesar's rules: dogs don't have conversation. Stop talking and start communicating with energy and body language instead!

I am working with a 2.5 yr old Jack Russell Terror (ooops, Terrier) at the local non-euthanasia shelter. This dog is utterly un-adoptable at present for two reasons: 1.) he piddles at whim all over his cell, even on his bed, and in the hallways when being walked outside, and 2.) he CHARGES the door when we try to get out of his cell after taking him out. We've been using healthy treats to work with him on the door issue (repetition/reward), but seem unable to stop the piddling. Any suggestions? Is this behavior about his trying to be "alpha"? My goal is to work with this dog till he's adopted at the RIGHT time to the right family.

I have 1.5 year old german shepard. He is a great dog for the most part, and listens fairly well. The only problem I have is he will run away if he gets of his chain, then I have to chase him all over the neighbor hood. He is an indoor dog, and listens when given a command, while he is on a leash. If he's not on it forget him listening to anything. what can I do to get him to stop running.

I have a very similar problem with my dog as michael-margaret. She wont stop licking me!!? She is a 2 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier. She also drinks very little water and I just don't know what to do to encourage her to drink. She has no interest in ice cubes either.

I have a 1 year old Maltese female weighs 6lbs she has always been a picky eater, she currently is on science diet mixed with organic chicken that i make my self. Recently she has started getting a tremendous fear of going near the bowl when its time to eat the only way she goes near it is if we put cheese in her bowl; but even then she runs away and hides and will not eat no matter what is in the bowl. Her food is always moistened with water and mixed with boiled or grilled organic chicken. She will not eat for 2 days, and its a problem because she has acid reflux and throws up her bile if she doesn't eat. Please help i don't know what to do. I have changed her food bowls put them in a diffrent place, she only likes Science diet puppy small bites...HELP!!!!!