I have 2 yellow labs named Bella and Hunter that are 2 years old and are litter mates, 1 male and 1 female. The female is showing signs of being aggressive. She has never growled at me but will growl if my kids try to hug her at times. She also doesnt like any strangers and will growl and put her hair up if anyone comes to the door. Last week we had her spayed and each time she goes to the vet they have to muzzle her because she is so bad. They sedated her when we got there and i waited with her until the medicine kicked in but she was still growling at the vet and after the surgery I had to come get her beacause they didnt want her to stay the night! She is totally devoted to only me and was wondering what would make her like this? The male lab is totally like the lab that will let you do anything to him, he is so lovable to everyone. Please help!
Laura

Sorry for the errors deceased not deseased

Laura

I have what I believe could be a red zone dog. I work with a rescue group and have a pit bull who has displayed aggression from the time he was 3 weeks old until current. He's almost 4 months old and was sent to 2 homes before I took him in. He's been with me for a month, and while I have no troubles with him, he's displaying aggression over toys and this worries me. I am going back to the books to read again what I can hone up on. My worry is my bulldog who is 1 week younger and they seem to lock horns constantly. Any advice and help???

Patti Labelle is a freaking idiot. She shouldn't be allowed to own a dog. Hey Patti, walk a dog without the high heels and get rid of the Hummer.

I have watched Ceasar for over two years. I happened to be up later than usual 2-2-07 with my 2 year old, and spotted the episode with Patti Labelle and Nassir. It really hit home. On 12-20-03, we decided to get a dog for my year old. We wanted a large dog that would be good with children, but one also for protection. We found a 16 week old female english mastiff in the paper, went to look at her, and brought her home. It is a very long story, but she looks identical to Nassir, with the same traits, except she is much worse off. We can not take her out.(only in the back yard). When she goes to the vet, she has to wear a pinch collar, shock collar, muzzle, and is only allowed in through the back door when no one else is there. We have bought all the correction devices, videos, and had trainers come in, because she was not welcomed at their facilty; but to no avail. My daughter, now ten has not had a friend spend the night since we got her, nor can never have anyone over; unless the dog is in her outside kennel, locked down with her collars on and the door pad locked. However, she refuses to get rid of "Grace" because she is her dog and loves her. I cannot fantom the idea, because she is a wonderful family dog, a real big baby; but also because I know she would be put down for her aggression. I know that we have failed as pet owners, but I would love to be able to take her a walk, and allow my kids to have a normal childhood. I feel I am cheating them, and making her make a choice -your friends or your dog. I tried to send a video in in August, but could not get anyone to walk into my house to show you her aggression. She is now 3+ years, and I wonder if my 10 year old will ever be able "to walk her dog like everyone else does"? Many people, even my brother-in-law, who is a K-9 handler, have said to me that "even Ceasar could not help Grace". After seeing Nassir gave me hope that maybe Ceasar could. Will there be another chance to send videos in again to receive Ceasar's help? I honestly believe he is our dogs only hope. Thank you, Amy Lasley

I have three dogs, one is a german shepard,poodle,and a wheatland. My sister gave me the wheatland which she could not handle because of the aggression that she had and the wheatland would attack other dogs,and bite us when playing with toys. I of course watch Cesar, and became her leader,putting her down on the ground when she would go after big dogs( calm submissive). and claiming toys,and we run with my other dogs everyday because of my three dogs breed. Now we are working on her licking. I really enjoy watching Nassir.becuse the wheatland was cooped up in a house all day, I think they just liked looking at her because she is so cute! I think that was the same as Nassir,he was just so cute to look at.I want to thank Patti's trainier for stepping up and knowing that the dog need more and calling Cesar!!. Thank you Cesar!!!!

I am a big fan of the show, and a supporter of Cesar Millan's philosophy and approach to changing dog and human behavior.

Unfortunately, I was really disappointed with what I saw to be a soft-pedaling of Patty Labelle's clear mistreatment of Nasir. Just hearing that she was thinking of having Nasir euthanised because she could not get personally engaged with him was outrageous. He was built up to have all these issues with aggression in the set-up for the segment, and not even for one second did he exhibit even a bit of aggression toward Cesar, his crew, or any dog with whom he came into contact. In fact, he was clearly more balanced and submissive than any of the dogs he was going to be living with.

"Miss Pat" has no business having a dog in her life. Period. And I wish that Cesar had given her the straight talk that he has delivered to so many other owners when they were clearly not being a responsible pack leader.

Best of luck to Nasir and his new family, and Cesar - please speak truth to power...er - uh, celebrity.

I have a six month old South African Boerboel, he weighs 113 lbs. and is the most loving guy in the world. For "Miss Pat" not to have ever looked into her boerboels' eyes, for 3 1/2 years is terrible. Boerboels are loving, smart and want to please. They love children and guard/protect their family and home; that's their job.

Yesterday two dogs off-leash charged my on-leash dog. One back away when my dog tried to go after him (only because he was on the leash and I stopped him) the second - a small white dog - charged too and got in too close my dog turned (he is very fast) and got him in his mouth by the next. I was able to get the white dog free and I don't think my dog and serious damage.

My question is is my dog red zone? He was provoked but is this the sign of real aggression. If a big dog challenges him he backs down but not to a small dog. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated

Hello God-gifted Dog Whisperer,

Yesterday my husband and I adopted a 7 week old Boxer/American Bulldog mix. She is loving and affectionate, just a baby pup. 24 hours later (today), we were in the park with "Mi Mi" and our 1 year old American Cocker Spaniel "Lu Lu" when a pitt bull/ German Sheppard mix about 6 months old ran at full speed towards us and began harrassing both our dogs.
We know this dog, and know she has absolutely no training so her out-of-control behavior is understandable-- its certainly not the dog's fault. This dog has attacked other neighborhood dogs and consequently is getting a very bad reputation. She has no collar, no tags, etc. and we presume she has had no shots, vet visits, etc.
Here's what happened: She was relentlessly coming after both dogs and my husband (being a devoted DW fan) tried all tactics in a calm/assertive way-- "SHHHHT"-- to bring her down from the behavior she was displaying. Then we were shocked to see (in a split second!) our puppy jump on top of the pitt mix, pin her down, and bite her ear so hard she bled. We were completely stunned by this. The puppy is at least 3 times smaller then the dog she bit. The dog ran away and stayed away for awhile, but then came back, at which time we both agreed it was time to call animal control. The park is visited by many children, and we fear the dog's lack of training and unpredictable behavior could result in a child or other dog being seriously hurt. Our major concern, however, is the vicious behavior we experienced in our 7 week old puppy. She was growling and showing her teeth like an adult dog who'd had enough harrassment. I am very aware of the necessity to exhibit calm/assertive energy at all times, in all situations, but I must admit Mi Mi's aggressive display shook me up. I'm worried about how we can remain pack leaders when she is grown-- Her Father is the American Bulldog (approx. 80 pds) and he's enormous and looks quite intimidating, although in reality he is a sweet dog-- regardless, he has been known to show powerful aggression towards random dogs. Her Mother is the biggest female full-breed Boxer I have ever seen. The owners are avid Cesar fans (as are we), and made it very clear that we MUST train and socialize this puppy immediately. Of course, we knew this was true, and have already begun the process.

Fear #2: Our Cocker is very docile and submissive. Its only with this puppy that we have ever seen her attempting to dominate. Surprisingly, the puppy submits without question. Their play never gets too aggressive. We are concerned about how this healthy dynamic will change when Mi Mi gets bigger-- much bigger-- Her Boxer Mom is 65 pds. Her ABD Father is 80+ pounds.

Oh, and did I mention we live in a 1014 sq. ft. house?

Absolutely any input/suggestions/etc. would be enormously helpful, and my husband and I would be over-whelmingly grateful.

Kelly

What kind of dog does patti labelle have? please email me! I know its not a bull mastiff, its some kind of african dog?

I have a 8mo. male lab .All he likes to do is bite me . I can take him for a walk an all he does is jump an bite me. I need help . Please tell me what to do.

I have a Jack Russell Terrier who is 5 years old. He is often aggressive and has bitten some of our friends, and even people within my family. He thinks he is the alpha dog, and we have tried training him, which worked some what, but he is still aggressive. He only does this with certain people, but is very friendly with others and is normally a great dog. He is becoming a dog that is so unpredictable that we don't feel safe having him around anyone who comes in our house. Please give any advice you have as to what to do next.

Hello! I own sweet pugs. Jerome is my stud (sired 23 puppies). My daughter has a yorkie named Harriet. Here's my problem. Jerome will walk up to Emily and pee on her leg! He runs into any of the bedrooms and pee's on ends of beds, couches, etc. Any advice?? (Jst a note of humor, I am a Pittsburgh Steeler Maniac, and Jerome is named after Jerome "the bus" Bettis on game day he wears his jersey, Haha.

I have a major problem with my 2 alfa dogs, they fight! I lived alone with my four dogs 2 chihuahuas, a shar pei and my alfa dog pit bull. Then my boyfriend moved in with me when we found out I was pregnent and along came his alfa dog australian shepard, which caused major fighting problems. We have tried training classes, new choke collars, muzzles, etc. I need help.........

I can't believe Labelle would neglect a dog for this long, no one should get dogs only because they are "pretty" they are not art or decoration!! But I don't think Cesar believes in moving backwards and bringing up the obvious especially since the dog is leaving her, so I can see there is no point in telling her she has abused this animal. YAY for the dog trainer girl!! she is a such a great person and I was SO happy for NAsir in the end!! I am a new dog owner and am dealing with biting and aggression with my 6 month old Jack russell/blue heeler, i was greatly moved by this episode. i still need help with my jrt, it has been upsetting the past month, major possesion agression!
ps: this show has helped so many dogs and people, it is a great thing Cesar!

my name is Sergio buenrostro and i have a yellow lab and it's two years old,and my sister in law is planning to move in soon mean while they re-do her house and she owns rott whiler seven years old and we're triyng to introduce both dogs but they seem to always get into it but we have them on a leash. is there a quicker way or better way for them to get along.

We need your opinion. Max is a yellow lab, great pyrenees mix, (about 125 lbs) who will be 3 in March. Everyone loves him and he is very submissive most of the time. But we have had two similiar incidences now and brought it to our Vets attention because of our concerns. Our Vet, who we respect very much, gave us an article on Dominate Aggression from Tufts University. We have been trying to be consistant with our obedience and Max is responding. We have to be retrained. The first incidence happened last summer when we were in our driveway, with Max on his leash, when for not apparent reason lunged growling at one of the women that was standing next to me, no damage was done. Second was three weeks ago when we had a committee meeting at our house and he did the same thing to one of the women at the table, but this time when my husband tried to take him out the room he kinda of turned on him. Neither time did he make skin contact but you can hear the gurgling in his throat and he gets a glazed look.
The night of our meeting one of the guests gave Max a braided rawhide, which he is not accustom to having, and I wonder because of the high content of protein could that have sparked the onset of his aggression? Also, both women wear glasses, and I notice myself when looking at Max with my glasses on he starts to get a stare look on his face. We just had another meeting and Max was fine, but we are so afraid that if it happens again he may hurt someone. Max is our boy, we have no children. He does socialize at the park and is very well behaved with other dogs, although he does not like other dogs near my husband and will let them know it. We could not imagine our lives without Max. Max has had 3 surgery's on his knees since he was 1. I sometimes wonder if all the anesthia did something to his brain? Please any comments are welcome.

For "Max" - I don't think its the rawhide or the glasses. Max probably regards you as "his" - did the women get between you and him? For some reason, Max may think that the women are challenging his status in the "pack", and it sounds like he is in charge. It really doesn't matter why he does it, what matters is that it stops, and it should be addressed the minute you hear the "gurgling" - don't wait for the lunge or the bite. Same with your husband in the dog park - Max is telling the other dogs that this is "his" man. I have found that touch is more effective than yelling. Cesar often gives a consequence for bad behavior, making the dog lie down in a submissive posture - if this is an option, it should be done immediately. I think that's the key, and something that Cesar stresses - discipline begins immediately at the first hint of trouble not when it gets out of hand.

I have 3 dogs with ages that range from 15 (golden retriever mix, 7 cocker spaniel (shy), and my 4 year old terrior mix. I NEED MAJOR HELP. The first one is old doesn't want to be bother, the second is still young, but shy and loves to play rough with my 4 year old. Problem, the 4 year old is about 40 lbs heavier then him. My poor Bailey (4 year old) is a big mush, but can be aggressive at times. He is used to being let out in the backyard and not being walked on a regular basis. we cant have people over without him going crazy and possibley attacking them. He has on occassion bit us and yes even a little blood, but didn't bite down to "bite". We are having a baby in 2 months and my mother who lives with us is freaking out because my mother in law will be coming over to take care of the baby. How can i control him. When he is walked he pulls and pulls and pulls!! Of course he was great with the "ex" who would walk him and wrestle with him and fight with him, which I blame him for his aggression. Since he has been an "ex" for over a year, the dog has calmed down alittle but still needs a little help. Is there anything natural that i can give him to calm him down a little? So not only does he weight 120 but he is about 5'0 when he stands on his back legs.
Can a trainer really help him? He has been aggressive with the Vet and the vet just says the he is "crazy". ANY HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

First of all I want to thank National Geographic for sponsoring The Dog Whisperer. I was first introduced to Cesar on the Oprah show and bought his book last summer. I was so impressed with his concepts and could immediately see how to put it into practice, but I grew so much more by SEEING him put these concepts into practice. Over the years I have invested time and money on classes and private instruction and no one has ever approached dog behavior like Cesar. I am extemely greatful to him for showing me a much better way to be with my dogs. I have watched and rewatched his programs and taken many notes and begun putting into practice what I saw. I have been absolutely thrilled with the results. My two black labs have made such a transformation. Our walks are now very enjoyable and they are continuing to grow into the role of calm-submission. My youngest lab who is 6 years old does still posess a trait that I am having difficulty getting under control. She puts up a protest by "back talking" just like a child. I have remained calm assertive with her when attacking this issue, but she does not give up until I put her on the ground in a submissive state. Even then she has to have the last word with a quiet but definite sound. I would love to know how to approach this problem. Any suggestions? Thanks again to Cesar--My Dog Hero.

Kristen, you are treating your dog like a child, no dog understands what a "tiime out" is. And physically shaking a dog by the scruff is a good way to reinforce defensive behavior. A dog will bite if it is hurt, frightened and cornered...I would not do it. 5 months is still a baby. She will not be a "dog" till she's about a year old. When she starts the excited behavior, pay special attention to what YOU or HUSBAND is doing. Get ahead of the dog, in the command position, and correct the behavior immediately. watch the video of the dog and the motorcycle... to see a physical correction. Your dog probably wants to have you happy, They are by nature, animals who like to belong, like the "pack"... Dogs are loyal, and social and they are also, great listeners... lol... good luck Kristen.

Hi, I rescued a 5 yaer old German Sheppard that wieghts 121 pound,10 months ago.today I took him to the mail box with me and my neighbor was walking her German Sheppard and my dog Jack saw him and rushed over and started biting her dog right away. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I GOT HIM TO STOP BUT HE DIDN'T WANT TO QUIT FOLLOWING THEM .What can I do to make my dog jack friendly with other dogs?

I have an 8 week old english mastiff puppy who is very energetic, outgoing and stubborn!! My problem is when I discipline him, and I always make sure I do it firmly and calmly, he lashes out, snapping at me (my hands or my face). How can I deal with this?

Hello.
I have two dogs, one is a male tri-color Pembroke Welsh Corgi (not intact) He's about two years old and his name is Buddy. My other dog is a red merle mini Australian shepherd (intact) and her name is Jo-Jo, although the corgi is younger he was the first dog. (So he's supposed to be the alpha I'm told)

Any who, Ever since Jo-Jo has come into my family's house hold she's been dominating and attacking our corgi. He doesn't do anything to cause the attack that I'm aware of, like for example my mother left me alone with the dogs. I was with buddy when Jo-Jo was far away, half way across the house I has put up one of those baby gates, I believe their called. So there was no easy way if at all she could get to buddy. But right as I got up Jo-Jo pushed her way out of the gate and knocked it down. Then ran over and attacked Buddy then forced him on his back, I tried to get her attention with a treat (a suggestion) but it didn't work. So the only thing i could do was to grab her away from him, When i tried to grab her she almost bit off my fingers. So i had to literally had to throw her off him, when i finally got her away I went back to Buddy. He was terrified, he was shivering, I felt so horrible I couldn't of stopped it sooner. My poor baby was now scared half to death and also that had been the most aggressive 'attack' I've seen since we got her.

What should I do? I'm trying to train the dog's properly but no matter what i do she's always nasty towards him.

Thanks, Julia.

I had a problem a little like yours,once Cass. Except it was with a labradoodle puppy. The critter acted like any and all commands were a game.

Perhaps you have to do the commands a little more hmmm,intense?

I'm afraid that's all I can say.

Good luck with your pup. ^-^

My mom adopted a dog from the pound, he was suppose to be part Gorden Setter and some other breed as well, found out that he's probably Cocker Spaniel.
He was going deaf, and blind which we don't know if that is true either.
We were also told he was 8 years old,

I am a Mastiff Foster mom. I am currently fostering a South African Boerboel. We have had her for 2 months. She is 17 months old and we love her so much. They are very dominant dogs. I have not doubt in my mind if I would have acted scared the first time I tried to take a toy from her and she growled it would have been all over and she would be running the show. They need a mentally strong owner. You just need to let them know you are the pack leader. If I had would have had no experience with big dogs then she would have been very intimidating. Once she new I was the leader she was perfect. They are so beautiful and so sweet looking that when they act up with other people it is hard to scold them, but that is exactly when they need direction. I also use Cesar's "Tshhh" sound with her. I have noticed that she is very focused when she is in protection mode. She will charge at our backyard fence when someone walks by. But if I clap and tell her to come she will. But I have to get her attention when she is so intensely focused on what she wants. She gets a little better every day, but I am thinking of using a whistle, not a dog whistle a regular whistle. One short whistle should get her focus off her barking long enough for her to look at me. Once I get her attention she is GREAT!! These dogs are so eager to please us. Some dogs absolutely need a strong pack leader to show them what is acceptable and others dog are just happy being in your pack and not the leader. A South African Boerboel was bred to protect and that is what they do. We are teaching ours that it is ok to bark at someone, but only a few barks are acceptable. After that we call her to us and tell her she is a good girl. She is even able to sit by my side quietly while I talk to someone walking by that she initially barked at. We let her alert us of someone near our home or yard, but then she needs to calm down. The trick is to get her attention when she is focused on running to the fence and barking.

Pattie Labelle maybe is just better with less dominant dogs. I think it was a case of her just initially being uneducated about the breed and then she was scared and scared to send the dog to live with a different family for her fear of the dog hurting them. But I am very happy that Nasir has a wonderful pack and leader who love him and he can be a dog and not be afraid of.

T

Sir,

We have a beautyful min. snouzer male with a great dispisition. We purchased a four month old female from a pet store and on the ride home she wanted to sit on my head as I was driving. She growled at my son when he tried to place her in the kennel and today after having her only 4 days she tryed to bite our vet. My son has already been attacked by a dog and has perminent scaring on his face at 6. The vet said that she was a dominant agresser and was probably wired wrong to be that agressive. The dog had a treat on the exam table, is that any excuse? We are trying to determine if we should keep her or if she would be better suited for people with no children. What is your professional advice?

Dear Cesar,I have a Jack Russell,3yrs. and I would like to know why he shivers so much.I watch your show all the time and I have learned so much from you.But I have never seen this problem addressed.Charlie says let's do it my way,but we say NO Cesar says we'll be doing it his way, right Charlie,and he says O'K!!!

My dog didn’t do it; he doesn’t deserve to die!

I appealed the vicious dog determination but the Animal Control Board was predetermined to affirm the decision before the hearing started. I was ready to do the right thing and put my dog down if evidence proved it was him. To my surprise the evidence convinced me that Dohja didn't even do the bite, the victim targeted me because she saw a dog loose in the neighborhood. If deemed vicious, Dohja must be turned over to Animal Control or he has to leave the county permanently.

The bite was not at the same location on the body or the same size as the previous bite from the dangerous dog determination. The victim contradicted herself about the location of the bite, her initial report from the location she testified in court. I had evidence of another dog that better matched her and the other witnesses’ description. Needless to say this is all a big mess.

Since he was deemed dangerous a year ago, he has undergone rigorous rehabilitation. He now sees me as pack leader. He was evaluated by a dog behaviorist, Rena Murray (MODERATOR'S NOTE: Personal information, such as telephone numbers, are not permitted on this blog.), as a level 3. He is learning to obey on the first command though sometimes he needs a firm correction. He passed Rena's evaluation with horses in view, numerous dogs barking and 3 nervous officers. Rena says that he is insecure, so he is a fearful, dominant, then aggressive and with proper rehabilitation (6-12 months), he could be a “normal” dog. He is eager to please yet I have been his only owner. He doesn't deserve to die; I just need someone who will take the time to teach him what he needs to know.

He is no longer stressed or anxious. He is calmer and enjoys life more like he did when he was a puppy. He is an 8 year old, neutered male. I will be happy to talk to you about him, our situation and options. I would love to keep him if I can, but if the decision is not overturned then I have to find him a new home. Please help me find him a new loving home or a temporary home for rehabilitation to come back to me at a later date or to be a protection dog, or a dog with a definite job. He just needs some guidance and someone else to care about him, not just me.