My Blog
Dog Whisperer
Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:03 PM
One of my favorite TV shows; here's insights into canines and also humans...
Dog Whisperer
www.cesarmillaninc.com/
"Cesar Millan has been called a Dr. Phil for dogs, and for good reason. Cesar's amazing rehabilitations of aggressive, scared, lazy, compulsive, and jealous dogs"
Cesar Milan tackles dog problems which are the worst of the worst, from “red zone” dogs (read “steroid” aggression) to dogs who “own their owners,” to cowering dogs fearful of the slightest noise or movement.
What is fascinating about the show is something all his fans know: Cesar usually works more with the owners than he does with their dogs. The owners have not reached that “calm, submissive state (Ausar)” wherein they become the “leader of the pack.” Dogs, like many people, will instinctively fill a leadership void, even though they are a 5 pound Chihuahua.
dog psychology
www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/q...ght.php
The more you learn about dog psychology, the better you will be able to connect with your canine companion!
Dogs are not humans. Before they receive love and affection, they need exercise, clear direction, and leadership. Giving them love alone doesn’t create balance in their lives.
Be a pack leader!
Rehabilitating a dog is not about “fixing” it. It’s about you, the owner, creating the intention for what you want, not what you’re feeling. Dogs pick up on feelings of fear, doubt, or worry – and they will move to fill them by attempting to become dominant.
Practice unwavering leadership every day, especially on your walk. The energy you’re projecting internally is the message you’re sending to your dog.
Dedicate at least 45 minutes of time to the dog’s walk in the morning. Let the dog know you have a consistent pattern that you expect it to follow. Utilize your dog’s energy in a positive manner.
Don’t expect more from your dog(s) than your own children. Dogs need discipline, too. Give them rules, boundaries, and limitations as well as love.
Avoid nurturing your dog’s fears or unstable mind. Imagine a successful scenario and hold it in your mind when dealing with your dog.
You are the source of your dog’s energy. You are the role model.
Challenge the dog’s mind – dogs want to know what to do with their lives. Let the dog work for your affection. Once in a calm-submissive state, your love will intensify those qualities in your dog.
Dogs need “on” and “off” time. Engage them fully in structured times together; then they can relax and avoid impatient or destructive behaviors.
Dogs show us how much we can learn – they live in the moment. Try it!
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:13 PM
Humanizing your dog www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/r...ing.php One of the most important things I want to get across is that dogs are dogs—not humans! · Find a canine solution. Often, the solution we would use for a human is totally wrong for solving a dog’s issues. For example, when a human sees a scared or nervous dog, s/he will first offer comfort and consolation. This would never happen in the animal world and can make the problem worse instead of better, because it reinforces unstable behavior. · Speak the animal language. When dogs come into our homes, they meet emotional energy for the first time. We shower them with affection and babble at them in high-pitched baby-talk, so they see us as excited energy. This is why many dogs don’t listen to their human caretakers. Their mothers never acted this way; where did that calm-assertive leadership go? · Treat your dog like a dog. We often develop a different agenda for our dogs. We want to make puppies our babies. From day one, many humans forget to fulfill and understand their dog's needs and instead project their own needs and desires on the animal. · Be the pack leader! In the absence of a clear leader, a dog, even a submissive one, will seek to fill what they see as the vacant leadership role. The dog will ignore the owner, act out, and can lead to serious behavior issues. Imagine if your significant other mistook your needs for the needs of a chimpanzee; where would that leave you? Confused and disoriented. It’s the same for dogs. But their confusion and disorientation manifest in bad behavior such as tearing up the couch or incessant barking. If we don’t fulfill them as a species, our dogs won’t live a balanced, centered life. Understanding and projecting a pack leader’s calm-assertive energy will create a positive and lasting connection with your dog. |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:17 PM
Energy as communication www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/r...ion.php Dogs use constant energy to communicate. Energy is what I call beingness; it is who and what you are in every moment. Dogs don’t know each other by name, but by the energy they project and the activities they share. They know humans in the same way. As humans, we too are communicating with energy—whether we realize it or not. And, though we may attempt to persuade, explain, and rationalize all day long, these energy signals are the only messages getting across to our dogs. The first energy that a puppy experiences after birth is mom’s calm-assertive energy. Later, the puppy will follow a pack leader who projects the same calm-assertive energy out of association. As pack followers, dogs return a calm-submissive energy that completes the pack balance. It is important to understand that most dogs are born to be submissive, because there can only be so many pack leaders. When a naturally submissive dogs lives with a human that does not lead, he or she will attempt to right the pack balance by filling what they see as a vacant pack leader role. This is how behavior problems develop. To establish yourself as the pack leader, you must always project a calm-assertive energy. If you don’t know what I mean by calm-assertive energy, think about Oprah Winfrey. She is calm and assertive in the human world. This natural balance (calm-assertive leadership with calm-submissive behavior) nurtures stability and creates a balanced, centered, and happy dog. |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:18 PM
Achieving Balance www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/r...nce.php Many of my clients call their dog their soul mate or their baby, but the dog tears up the furniture and drags them all over the neighborhood on a walk. The client pleads with the dog to behave, cajoles the dog, and offers her treats with no change in the dog’s behavior. Why? Dogs are animals, and they respond to calm-assertive leadership—not emotional arguments or negotiations. If you have a dog in your life, it is important to understand how to allow her to live in a balanced way and achieve a healthy state of mind. Dogs have found themselves in an odd predicament by living with humans. In the wild, dogs don’t need humans to achieve balance. They have a pack leader, work for food, and travel with the pack. But when we bring them into our world, we need to help them achieve balance by fulfilling their needs as nature intended them to be. How does this work? Through my fulfillment formula: exercise, then discipline, and finally, affection. As the human pack leader, you must set rules, boundaries, and limitations and always project a calm-assertive energy. When you fulfill your dog on a primal level as nature intended, you will feel in tune with your dog and connect with your dog in a deeper way. Put your dog's needs first, and take responsibility for our dog's state of mind. Only then will you experience all the love your dog has to give! |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:21 PM
LOVE The importance of affection Love is one of the greatest gifts we can share with our dogs. Dogs are affectionate animals. Touch means a lot to them, both in their natural world and when they live with us. However, affection that hasn’t been earned and is shared at the wrong time can be detrimental to a dog. Here are a few of Cesar's thoughts on sharing affection. Give affection – but at the right time! Remember anytime you give affection, you reinforce the behavior preceding it. Reward stability. Share your love when your dog is in acalm-submissive state. Share affection after a dog has… exercised and eaten, changed an unwanted behavior into a behavior you asked for, responded to a rule or command, or entered a calm-submissive state. Don’t share affection when your dog is… fearful, anxious, possessive, dominant, aggressive, whining, begging, barking, or breaking a household rule. Don’t forget exercise and discipline. Prove your love by giving your dog what he or she needs: Long walks; Rules, boundaries, and limitations. Give your dogs as much love as you have! Give as much love as your heart can handle and then some! But please give it at the right time. ------- All dogs require exercise to lead balanced, healthy lives. Just because a dog is small doesn’t mean he needs less exercise, and, although breed can give an indication of the dog’s energy level, the final judgment must be made on the individual dog’s needs. As your dog’s pack leader, you must help her to expend her energy in a productive way. For all dogs, this means a daily walk. Some dogs may require additional activities, such as running, Frisbee, or swimming, in addition to—but never replacing—the walk. Remember that dogs are animals, and animals need to travel and discover the world. A big back yard is no substitute for a good walk. Master the walkand your dog will relate to you on a deeper level. A dog’s mother begins training puppies from birth. She makes them wait for food; she controls when they play and how far they travel. Adult dogs need these same rules, boundaries, and limitations from you, their pack leader. |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:23 PM
Glossary of Terms 1. Calm-assertive energy – This is the energy you project to show your dog you are the calm and assertive pack leader. Note: assertive does not mean angry or aggressive. Calm-assertive means always compassionate, but quietly in control. 2. Calm-submissive energy – In nature, this is the appropriate energy for a “follower” in a dog pack, and thus the ideal energy for a dog to project when living in a household with humans. Signs of calm-submissive energy include a relaxed posture, ears held back, and a nearly instinctual response to the “pack leader’s” commands. 3. Exercise, discipline, and affection… in that order – These are the three ingredients for creating a happy, balanced dog. Most dog owners give only affection, or don’t provide these three necessities in the correct order. a. Exercise – walking a dog at least one hour every day, and in the correct way. b. Discipline – giving a dog rules, boundaries, and limitations in a nonabusive manner. c. Affection – a reward we give to our dogs and to ourselves, but only after the dog has achieved calm submission in our “pack”. 4. Master the walk – The walk is an extremely important ritual for a dog. It needs to take place a minimum of twice a day, for at least thirty to forty-five minute each time, so that both the dog’s mind and its body are given a workout. This means the dog walks next to the owner or behind him/her – not pulling ahead. If a dog is “walking” a human, the dog perceives itself as pack leader at that moment, and the human is not in control. 5. Rules, boundaries, and limitations a. Dogs need to know that their pack leader is clearly setting the rules, boundaries and limitations for their life both inside and outside the house. b. Anger, aggression, or abuse toward the dog will not establish you as pack leader; an angry, aggressive leader is not in control. Calm-assertive energy and daily, consistent leadership behavior will make enforcing the rules easier. 6. Issues – If a dog doesn’t trust its owner to be a strong, stable pack leader, it becomes unclear about its correct role within the pack. A dog that is confused about who is in charge is actually concerned about the ability of the pack to survive, so it attempts to fill in the missing leadership elements, often erratically. This can cause aggression, anxiety, fear, obsessions, or phobias – what I call “issues”. 7. Balance – A balanced dog is in the state Mother Nature wants it to be in – as a calm-submissive pack follower, who is fulfilled physically with exercise; psychologically with rules, boundaries, and limitations; and emotionally with affection from its owner. 8. Dog training – Conditioning a dog to human commands – sit, stay, come, heel – isn’t what I do. 9. Dog rehabilitation – This is what I do: help a dog with issues to return to a balanced state of calm submission. Sometimes it may appear that I can “fix” a dog instantly, but as I’ve said, “a dog is not an appliance that can be sent out for repairs.” Permanent dog rehabilitation can occur only with a calm, assertive, stable, and consistent owner. 10. Nose, eyes, ears… in that order! – I remind dog owners that dogs see the world differently from the way we do. We communicate using our ears first, then our eyes, and lastly our nose. Dogs begin with the nose, then the eyes, and lastly the ears. Allowing a dog to experience our scent before we engage it in eye contact or speak to it is one way to establish trust early on. 11. Humanizing a dog – Many owners make the well-intentioned mistake of thinking of their dogs as children. I advise people to try to see the world through a dog’s eyes. Cute outfits, fancy dog food, and a millionaire’s mansion will not make for a happy dog. Regular exercise, a strong stable pack leader, and affection that’s earned will result in a dog that’s calm and balanced. 12. People training – When I am called in on a job, many owners assume it’s their dog that is the problem. I try to help people understand that their own behavior has a powerful affect on their dog, and I offer them suggestions for “retraining” themselves to be calm-assertive pack leaders. |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:27 PM
Excessive Barking Many early humans brought canines into their settlements to take advantage of one key trait: their bark! They alerted humans to potential dangers and helped keep the camp safe. Today, we still utilize this trait. Our dogs let us know when someone approaches our property, arrives at the door, or delivers our mail. Having a dog as a vigilant sentry keeps many humans sleeping soundly at night. But not all barking is natural. Problems can develop if a dog has pent-up energy, grows anxious, becomes overexcited, or is unsure of his or her role in the pack. The dog will become frustrated and may begin to bark excessively. At the Dog Psychology Center, my pack of over thirty dogs lets me know when a stranger approaches the compound. This reaction is normal, and as the pack leader, I keep it from getting out of control by using my calm-assertive energy to tell them that everything is okay. Establishing pack leadership is the key to managing any instinctual behavior, and barking is no exception! Tips to stop barking www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/i...nce.php Correct and follow through! Tell your dog to stop barking using a look, a sound, or a physical correction. But don't stop there. Your dog may pause and then go right back to what he was doing. His body relaxed, but his brain was still on alert. Be patient. Wait until your dog completely submits before you go back to what you were doing. Make sure you are calm! Constant barking can be irritating, but you won't be able to correct the problem if you are frustrated. Animals don't follow unbalanced leaders. In fact, your dog will mirror your energy. If you're frustrated, he will be, too! And barking is a great release for that frustrated energy. Take a moment to curb your own internal barking first. Stake your claim! Is your dog barking over and over again at the same object, person, situation, or place? Then you need to step up and claim that stimulus as your own. Use your body, your mind, and your calm-assertive energy to create an invisible wall that your dog is not allowed to cross. Do it with 100% dedication and focus, and the results may surprise you. Give your dog more challenges! Excessive barking is often the result of pent-up energy. If this is the case, the solution is simple: release that energy in more productive ways. Does your dog receive a daily walk? Can you make the walk more challenging with a bicycle, a backpack, or by walking on an incline? Can you provide more mental challenges, such as herding, agility training, or simple obedience games? There are many, many ways to increase the challenges in your dog's life. Find one that you enjoy that your dog can participate in safely. Get professional help. When you brought this dog into your life, you made a commitment to provide the care he needs. This includes calling in a canine professional to help him cope with a behavior issue. Get tips for finding the right professional. Causes of Barking Dogs bark as a form of communication. If your dog barks, there is a reason why. It may be simply a response to a stimulus, like a jogger running by the house—or it may be your dog's way of asking for help. Ongoing, Excessive Barking – This is your dog’s way of sending you a distress signal. Somewhere his needs as an animal are not being met. Is his world anchored by a pack leader who projects calm-assertive energy? Are you walking with him every day, which exercises his body andhis mind? Is he living a balanced life? If nuisance barking is a problem, consider these issues to find a solution. It’s the best way to show real love for your dog. More tips on problem barking. Barking as Greeting - Some clients tell me that they love coming home because their dog greets them excitedly by jumping and barking. They feel this proves their dog's love for the family. But in a natural setting, dogs don’t bark, yelp, or jump on pack mates in a burst of affection. Dogs that greet their owners in this way are trying to communicate. But rather than professing undying love, they are probably trying to tell you that they are lonely and bored; their needs as a dog are not being met. The excitement is your dog’s way of burning off the excess energy that has been building throughout the day. Don't be disappointed by this revelation. Dogs simply don’t use emotions like people do. Remember, they’re dogs. To love a dog means you must treat him like an animal, which means fulfilling him as Nature intended him to be fulfilled. |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:29 PM
Case Study: Aggression
www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/i...ion.php Pit bull Emily was a classic red-zone case. She pulled her owner on walks. She growled and barked at passersby, especially those walking other dogs. Emily’s owner would drag along after her and yell at her to be quiet. Not surprisingly, this tactic didn’t work. It is important to understand that red-zone dogs are usually frustrated animals. To control a powerful breed, you need to master the position of pack leader. The sheer size and strength of a pit bull, Mastiff, Cane Corso, Rottweiler, or any other large dog can quickly transform a frustrated and dominant animal into a serious threat. You must gain control of the situation before it escalates. It was clear that Emily held the dominant position in my client’s household. My first focus: training the owner! I explained to my client that he must become Emily’s pack leader; set rules, boundaries, and limitations; understand the importance of recognizing the animal in the dog; and fulfill the dog as Nature intended her to be fulfilled. Next I turned my attention to rehabilitating Emily. I suspected she wasn’t receiving adequate exercise for her breed and energy level. This was probably the cause of a lot of Emily’s frustration. Out came my rollerblades to give Emily a good, tiring workout. Remember, in order to talk to the mind, you need to remove the energy from the body. Emily loved our fast tours through the neighborhood, and she easily kept up with me. She started to ignore distractions along the way and focus on where we were going. With her excess energy gone, I was able to get her to follow commands. The results of our workouts helped Emily’s owner recognize the importance of exercise in maintaining a dog’s healthy state of mind. Most dogs require daily walks, but please don’t think of exercise as one-amount-fits-all. Exercise needs vary depending on the dog’s breed, energy level, and Size. Emily now receives ample exercise, and her owner has established himself as her pack leader. His calm-assertive leadership means Emily doesn’t need to fill that unnatural role.Balance has returned to Emily’s life, and she and her owner are the better for it. |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:31 PM
Breed and Aggression www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/i...ion.php I deal with a lot of red zone cases, and I often hear people incorrectly blaming the breed. Any breed can cause trouble. The difference between an aggressive Chihuahua and an aggressive pit bull is that the bigger breeds can cause proportionately bigger damage. It is important to recognize the power of a strong breed, like the pit bull, the Cane Corso, and the Mastiff. These dogs are very powerful and, if they are unbalanced, they can cause serious injury. Remember, these dogs don’t dream of being in the news when they grow up. Dogs don’t premeditate bad acts like people do. Bad things happen when powerful breeds (or mixes of powerful breeds) live with humans who like the breed but don’t understand and fulfill the animal in the dog. Many people consider the look or popularity of a breed before thinking about whether the dog works for their lifestyle. This is a recipe for disaster. To control a powerful breed, you need to become the dog’s pack leader and establish rules, boundaries, and limitations. You need to fulfill the dog as Nature intended him to be fulfilled. If you are considering adopting a powerful breed, make sure you are willing and able to take on the responsibility. Understanding Aggression www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/i...ion.php Dogs become aggressive out of frustration and dominance. The frustration comes from a lack of exercise, and the dominance comes from a lack of calm-assertive leadership. When dealing with red zone dogs, I start by working with the owners, explaining how to establish themselves as pack leaders and to understand the animal in their dog. This is a crucial part of rehabilitating your dog: changing your behavior. If you revert to your old ways, so will your dog. For many of these dogs, it is a lack of adequate exercise that is the root of the problem. Physical activity burns the dog’s excess energy and helps maintain his healthy state of mind. This is important because, in order to talk to the mind, you need to remove the energy from the body. |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:33 PM
Calming a Hyperactive Dog www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/i...ive.php Hyperactivity is a problem with many possible causes and solutions. Here are some simple techniques you can try at home to work to calm your boisterous dog: Ignore the behavior! Dogs seek attention from you. By paying them that attention during hyperactive outbursts, you’re reinforcing the very behavior that you’re trying to eliminate. The next time your dog is jumping or nipping at you in an overexcited way, give it a try – no touch, no talk, no eye contact – and see how you fare. You might be surprised how quickly the dog settles down. · Give your dog a job! Having a task to focus on can help tremendously. Hyperactivity can come from psychological needs as easily as it can from physical needs. By giving your dog a job to do, you are removing him from his state of hyperactivity and redirecting his energy elsewhere. The task should have a clear beginning and end, and should never be considered a replacement for physical exercise. Which brings us to… · Go for a walk! If your dog has a lot of built-up energy, a really vigorous walk is another excellent way to redirect it where YOU want it to go. Once you’ve burned that extra energy away, your dog should be pleasantly exhausted and too tuckered out to jump and nip. Without that frustration, he’ll find it much easier to relax. · Check your own energy! Your dog is your mirror. Any energy you project, he will reflect back. Are you in a calm assertive state of mind? Are you projecting a confident energy? Are you stressing out over an argument, or burdened with the worries of the work week? Nervous or anxious moods can translate into nervous or anxious body language or tones of voice, and can affect the energy of your dog. Try out aromatherapy! Don’t forget that dogs experience the world primarily by scent! Just as the smell of lavender is said to relax human beings, a soothing smell can also have a very calming effect on your pet. Talk to your vet or consult a holistic professional to find out what smells may work for your dog and which dispersal methods are the safest for him. www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/i...ion.php You come home from a long day at work to a spinning, jumping whirlwind of energy. Your dog follows you into your living room, where you find that he has chewed on your favorite pair of shoes. Your neighbor comes by to tell you that, once again, your dog has been driving the neighborhood crazy by howling and barking while you were away. Is this scenario familiar? Your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety. In nature, dogs are almost never away from their pack. It is our job to help make this unnatural situation less stressful! Before you leave, go for a walk. Start the day by providing vigorous exercise. Then reward your dog's calm-submissive energy with food and water. Some dogs may need to rest before eating, but all dogs can benefit from hydration. The idea is to leave your dog in quiet, resting mode while you are away. No touch, no talk, no eye contact. Don't make a big deal when you leave for the day or when you return. This way, you are communicating to your dog that the time apart is no big deal. It's just business as usual! Depending on the severity of the case, you may need to practice the rule for five minutes or up to an hour before you leave and when you get back. Say goodbye long before you leave. Having trouble practicing "no touch, no talk, no eye contact"? Take a moment to share affection and tell your dog that you will miss him way before you actually leave. Keep in mind that this display is for you - not your dog! Your dog won't have his feelings hurt if you didn't say goodbye. Stay calm and assertive! When you are ready to go to work, leave those guilty, nervous, and concerned feelings behind. Instead, let your dog know that everything is going to be okay by projecting the confident energy of a pack leader. Start out small. Leave your dog alone for five minutes. Then, extend the time to twenty minutes; then an hour. Continue to increase the time you spend away until you can leave for a full eight hours with no problem! |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:36 PM
How to Stop Begging www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/i...ing.php Begging is one of the most common issues that dog owners face. An unfortunate side effect of loving our dogs so much is that we would like to give them everything that they want. So when they start begging, it's almost too much for us to bear... and we cave! With a little willpower on your part, though, begging can be one of the easiest behaviors to correct. Follow these simple tips to turn your hairy panhandler into a productive member of society once more! 1. DO NOT GIVE FOOD. This tip may seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised how few people consider it when they're looking into the wide, wet eyes of their beloved canine companion. That high-pitched whine is an effective tool against you, and your dog knows it. Why? Because it's worked before! Giving food is a form of affection, and giving affection reinforces the behavior preceding it. Your dog has learned that if he begs, he gets food! Take a stand and start a new trend. Find the willpower to withhold that food, and your dog will learn that he can't expect rewards for begging behavior. 2. IGNORE. Begging is an attention-seeking behavior. Rather than give in to your dog's demands, ignore the behavior and teach your dog that it does not get results! When you talk to your dog, give him affection, or engage in direct eye contact, you are feeding his mental state. Instead, practice no touch, no talk, no eye contact. 3. DON'T FEEL SORRY FOR YOUR DOG. Your dog is well-fed. You should know; you feed him! He is not in danger of going hungry if you don't give him that scrap off the table, so don't feel sorry for him when he flashes you those doughy eyes and places a single paw forlornly on your leg. If you become concerned about how much your dog should be fed, talk to your veterinarian. This can help ease your concerns and allow you to remain calm and assertive! 4. BE CONSISTENT. In any kind of training, consistency is the key to success. For your dog to learn that his begging behavior is ineffective, it has to be ineffective 100% of the time. Inconsistent enforcement of the rules leads to an inconsistently obedient dog! Make sure that every pack leader in the household understands and enforces the same rules. BE PATIENT. Few dogs change overnight. If you have followed these tips to the letter and your dog continues to beg, don't despair! See Tip #4. Stay consistent and don't give up. Your reward will be a better behaved dog! |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:39 PM
Feeding Ritual: Working Domestication has made it possible for dogs to receive their food without having to hunt it down themselves, but it’s still in their nature to feel the need to work for it. Before my dogs eat, I take them for a walk. In this way, I ask my dogs to work for food and water. This is a form of waiting, which is psychological exercise that helps nurture abalanced, happy dog. The morning routine should look like this: · You project calm-assertive energy before you give your dog affection. · You walk your dog to exercise her body and allow her to explore the world. · When you get home, prepare her food. · While you fill the bowl, ask your dog to sit. · If she sits quietly and projects calm-submissive energy with no negative behaviors, place the bowl of food in front of her. Some of my clients think this routine sounds too rigid, but from your dog’s perspective, it is instinctual. Focusing the mind and body brings the dog back into a more natural, balanced state. Feeding Ritual: Working www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/b...ive.php Food carries a powerful message in the dog world. Puppies work for food by waiting patiently for their mother. This is a form of psychological exercise, and it’s important for a healthy state of mind. Domestication has brought about a change in the way dogs receive their meals and in the way they behave before mealtime. Dogs will often become excited, anxious, or aggressive at the prospect of being fed. If you feed your dog when he displays negative behaviors, you are reinforcing the behavior, and it will almost certainly reoccur. I feed many dogs at the same time with no problems. Dogs that show calm-submissiveenergy get to eat first, and dogs that show negative behaviors such as aggression or nervousness must wait. When these dogs project calm-submissive energy, I reward them with their meal - much like their mother or pack leader would do. Mealtimes are a useful tool to help you connect with your dog and work to shape his demeanor. Make sure your dog has reached a calm-submissive state before you place the food bowl in front of him. By doing so, you are not only providing him with nutrition, you are helping him lead a balanced and happy life. ------------- I often walk about ten dogs at a time, sometimes even off-leash if I’m in a safe area. People are amazed by this, but it’s simple: the dogs see me as their pack leader. This is why they follow me wherever I go. Position matters. Walking in front allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Use a short leash. This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog. If you need additional help, consider the Illusion collar. Always keep your dog's safety in mind when giving corrections. Set aside time. Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and keep an eye on your dog's behavior to see if his needs are being met. Define exploration time. After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk. Don't punch out. When you get home, don't stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes. Share food and water. By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to "work" for food and water. Pick up after your dog! Set an example: be a responsible dog guardian. |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:40 PM
Who is Cesar? www.cesarmillaninc.com/about/about.php Cesar Millan is a world-renowned dog behavior specialist, known for his uncanny ability to walk large packs of dogs at a time. Not only that but, from poodles to pit bulls, these now well-behaved canines have each been rehabilitated, rescued from a wide range of extreme behavior issues - anything from insecurity to severe 'red zone' aggression! |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:41 PM
OVERVIEW Dog psychology basics www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukn...sics.html Dog psychology basics • Dogs come into the world using their nose first, then their eyes, then their ears. Smell is their strongest sense. Don't bother yelling at them; it's the energy and scent they pay attention to, not words. • Dogs communicate with one another all the time using scent, body language and energy. They are also communicating with you, although you may not be aware of the signals you are sending. You absolutely cannot lie to a dog about how you are feeling. • Dogs have an ingrained pack mentality. If you're not asserting leadership over your dog, your dog will try to compensate by showing dominant or unstable behaviour. • Dogs never think they are humans, as many pet owners would like to imagine. They are exceptionally happy just being dogs. If you are telling people your dog thinks he's a person, chances are that he's a dog who knows he's your leader. Dos and Don'ts of Discipline DO establish the house rules and boundaries between the human members of the pack before you bring a dog into your home. DO begin enforcing rules from your dog's first day at home - your dog doesn't understand the concept of a "holiday" from rules. DO remain clear and consistent with your dog about the rules. DON'T enforce rules if you are frustrated, angry, emotional or tired. Wait until you can respond unemotionally to your dog's behaviour. DON'T yell at or hit your dog out of anger - ever DON'T reinforce or encourage a fearful or aggressive state of mind. Normal Dog Traits • Active, playful, responsive to commands and signals, eager to join in "pack" (family) activities, sometimes cautious, barks to announce newcomers, sociable with dogs and people, curious, happy-go-lucky, alert, exploratory, patient, responsive to food, affectionate Dog Issues or Instability • Hyperactive, jumps on people, disobedient - doesn't come when called, runs away, overly fearful - shies away from people, animals, or objects, obsessive barking, antisocial - "doesn't like" dogs or humans, aggressive or predatory, overly territorial, possessive of toys, food, furniture, compulsive retrieving, chewing or tail chasing, shrinks from touch |
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Fri, November 6, 2009 - 1:45 PM
Dog Whisperer's techniques work on people, too www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_9811589 Connection Number 1: Power has nothing to do with size, gender, or age. It has to do “owning” one’s space, using non-verbals of confidence and ease, and demanding respect in a respectful way. Cesar often trains people to use their non-verbals–their “presence”–to command respect. Dogs, like people, sense and can take advantage of fear, anxiety, or helplessness. Dogs know passive/submissive dogs instantly, and they know the same about their owners. So Cesar will teach the owner how to pull their shoulders back yet remain relaxed, walk with the chest up and out, keep their eyes straight ahead and hold the leash with a slight touch, not with nervous tension. Connection Number 2: Be in the moment Cesar works with attitude by teaching owners to “be in the moment,” just like their animals are. Do not expect the dog to exhibit the same destructive behavior that has been a part of the past. This is the first hour of change; do not look back; look past the fear that change cannot occur. Do not “What if” your way into expecting old behaviors. Keep trying until the dog “surrenders” to the new expectations. Take charge of the process. Connection Number 3: When tackling a new leadership role at work or attempting to overcome the fear of public speaking, focus on the first step of change, let go of old negative expectations, accept the discomfort of change, acknowledge it is the first step, and do not look back. As a client once said to me: ”Fear of public speaking is nothing but an old habit. I’m tired of that habit. I am going to break it….starting now. That was then. Now is now.” He is now a fully confident, polished, comfortable leader and presenter. But first he had to change his expectations and diligently practice his new habits. I am surprised Cesar Milan has not been approached by a publishing company to write a leadership book–for people–using the same principles he uses in training dogs and their owners. When I find a client who watches the show consistently, as I do, it is so easy to translate the leadership techniques into ones that are useful in the work place. You can learn something from this show even if you are not a pet owner. Leadership is leadership and being a “pack leader” who leads without exhibiting anger, defensiveness, or passivity is powerful in both personal and professional worlds. |