January 2007 Archives

Much of what I teach is not about “dog training;” it’s about empowering people. So how do you increase your power or intensify your presence? Human beings take four different approaches: INSTINCTUALLY, which any animal can help you with, especially dogs. They don’t think, they act and react. You can also empower yourself INTELLECTUALLY, using a role model such as Tony Robbins or anyone you find motivating. People are also empowered EMOTIONALLY through people who express and feel love; and SPIRITUALLY -- becoming empowered through a higher power.

I feel that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to dog rehabilitation. Once you own your personal power and become a calm-assertive leader in your own world, then you will be able to communicate better with the dog in your life.

Since our episode on Kane, the food-aggressive Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, has aired, we've received many letters from viewers concerned that Kane may have been too young to pull a cart, especially one with me on it.

We'd like to reassure everyone that Kane's vet had pronounced him in perfect physical condition before we arrived for the filming. On the day we filmed, Kane was just over one year old and weighed approximately 114 pounds.

According to the rules set by the International Weight Pull Association, a non-profit association that promotes the sport of dog pulling through safe, well organized, sanctioned events, Kane was indeed old enough to compete and would be eligible to pull up to 800 pounds, based on his weight. I may have put on a couple pounds in the past year, but thankfully, I'm not even close to 800.

Of course, we thank everyone for their concern - like you, we at the Dog Whisperer are concerned about dogs' health and well-being above all else.

It's a new year and new day and time for Cesar and his pack! Tune in for an all-new episode of Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel this Friday, January 5, 8P et/pt.