Big Paws Only Dog Forums
BPO Training Forum => Behavior, Housebreaking, Obedience => : jabear May 09, 2005, 08:52:33 PM
-
I got home early today because I was sick and got to watch Oprah which is a very rare occurance. Her guest today was the Dog Whisperer and I found him captivating. He mentioned that dogs who are very spoiled & pampered (ie. super rich people's dogs) are not well behaved or balanced because they don't do things that dogs do naturally. He said dogs need to be dealt with in this order everyday to maintain your leadership role as pack leader- exercise, discipline, then give affection. And when your dog seems overly happy to see you when you get home it is really just misplaced energy. Interesting huh? So, now I understand why Bear is sometimes uncooperative with me and how I need to be more consistent with the exercise & discipline beacuse I've got the affection thing down! ;D
-
yes that guy is good hes on the national geographic channel ive done some of the things he talks about
rebecca
-
I have to disagree with this idea. I think dogs that are overly happy to see you are just dogs that miss you when you are gone, nothing more. The dog does always need to know who the leader of the pack is , but I do not beleive that has anything to do with misplaced energy. I have been doing Rottweiler rescue for 25 years and I think the happy dog that greets you is perfectly normal. The dog that does not behave is just either seeing IF he can get away with it, or needs alittle more basic obedience, or needs to know what the "leader" does not consider "acceptable behavior" A happy dog is a happy dog and should not be misinterpreted as anything else.
-
That guy is good!...When you get home & your dogs are jumping up on you etc. & you allow it to happen they are actually putting themselves on a higher status than you...Once a pups "puppy pass" has expired in a wolf pack the alpha wolf will no longer allow this...You are supposed to totally ignore your dog for a full 5 minutes when you come into a room, get home, etc....If they jump up on you you should turn your back on them & continue to ignore them...Eventua lly they will sit quietly when you come home & wait for your cue that you are "receiveing them"...I learned that from the Dog Whisperer & it works!...It does take time though...I have the affection thing down pat too...lol...I have done the exercise & discipline since I got Sammy because I had been learning the D.W.'s techniques before I ever got a dog...Sammy thinks his training & exercise is a game because I make it fun...Because he is a Pyr he still doesn't always listen though....lol!
-
In a wolf pack or even with an adult dog & a puppy I am sure that you have all seen the pups climbing all over the adult dogs or racing ahead to get to the food & it is tolerated but also notice there is a time when this is no longer allowed by the alpha...A happy dog may be just happy to see you BUT once their 'puppy pass' has expired there is a time & a place for the jumping up & face licking...Anyt hing else sends mixed signals to a dogs natural instincts.
-
Yes, the Dog Whisperer is AMAZING. We watch him on the National Geographic channel too. We've gotten a LOT of great tips from him. That quick "shh!shh!" noise you might have noticed him making to get Oprah's dog's attention? It really works. If your fur kid is acting up and not responding, just making that noise will usually put their attention straight on you. Another thing we have learned a lot about is how the energy you give off determines everything (he talked about it on Oprah today). Like how he talks about being calm but in control. Body posture and tone being really important, and always, always staying in control. It has helped us to figure out what WE are doing often to help create our dogs' behavior problems. He also says that a lot of dog's behavior problems come from not enough exercise or not being put to work properly, like with what they were bred for. There was one episode with a dog who nervously chased her tail constantly (can't remember breed exactly but was like a Collie, German Shep or some other shepherding dog). He said it was because she wasn't worked enough. So he upped her walking time everyday, and also said that while she was on walks and sometimes at home as well, she was to wear this special dog backpack and to carry two bottles of water in them. He said the water was really important so that the dog would feel as tho she was working. It completely worked like the first day! You could even tell the dog felt really proud about it too. He really is incredible. I think he has a real gift with dogs.
-
That's amazing. I knew that it was my fault that Bear doesn't always follow directions and listens selectively alot but now everything is put into perspective and I feel much better. It is my responsibility to work my dog as he is made to be worked and when I think back, he has been happiest on long hikes carrying our water bottles and "saving" us in the water at the lake. I think that show was an eye opener and reaffirmed my position on my part in the this whole training thing. ;D
-
i remember that episode it was a german shepard i know i spelled it wrong lol that guy is really amazing i missed it today i dont usally watch oprah
rebecca
-
That man is AWESOME! And anyone that says otherwise is NUTS! I have heard a bit of controversy over this man in my dog community of bully and molosser breeds.
All I can say if pffuueewwiiee! He is awesome, any one that can get a dog to listen that quickly and with no real difficulties is truly a Dog Man. The fact that he has all those dogs living in the same place and feeds them one at a time should be enough proof!
Anyhow yes we love Mr. Caesar Milian in our home, and plan to meet him one day soon.
Elena Gb
-
I have to disagree with this idea. I think dogs that are overly happy to see you are just dogs that miss you when you are gone, nothing more. The dog does always need to know who the leader of the pack is , but I do not beleive that has anything to do with misplaced energy. I have been doing Rottweiler rescue for 25 years and I think the happy dog that greets you is perfectly normal. The dog that does not behave is just either seeing IF he can get away with it, or needs alittle more basic obedience, or needs to know what the "leader" does not consider "acceptable behavior" A happy dog is a happy dog and should not be misinterpreted as anything else.
I agree that its okay for your dogs to be happy to see you when you get home and to greet you, but it isn't good for them to be overtly excited. We had a problem with that, and it got so bad that they were scratching up some of the family members pretty bad. What we learned is that often an overly excited dog greeting you is really a frantic dog, in a panic that you left and now too excited that you are back. If you greet them in this state, it reassures the behavior and tells them that you are also upset that you were seperated from them! It only makes their seperation anxiety worse. Instead, you should walk past their excited display and assert yourself as calm and in control while also ignoring them. Then, the minute they settle down, greet them, calmly and quietly. This will let them know what is acceptable and what isn't. It also tells them that they had nothing to worry about. Trust me, it worked for us!
-
I have to agree that Cesar is awesome. My only concern with him is that sometimes health issues are not ruled out. (or at least we don't see that they are).
www.energypaws .com
-
I love that guy. He's so natural. I try a lot of his tricks with our Rotts...especi ally with learning to walk and not bowl me over. It's working better everyday.
I like that he said we treat them too much like humans and if they could they'd call him and say HEY they're treating me like a person.
I never thought that he could rule out the heath issues behind the dogs' problems. Maybe that's our job.
As far as misplaced energy...our pups have a ton when we get home. I figure it's my job to control whatever kind of energy it is so I don't get knocked on my keester when I walk in the door. :)
But he is very helpful to watch.
-
I think Cesar has a true gift! Yeah there is a lot of bad talk about him in other boards expecially ones that focus on postive training. Most of the dogs he works with the owners have tried everything to get the dog under control and he is a last resort. I like that he makes a point to show and talk about how he is not hurting the dog. He also always says that he is not training the dog he is fixing a behavior so it doesn't matter which side of your body the dog walks on, etc. His points are very much common sense. We've started taking Sophie on more walks and have already noticed a difference. We expecially take her on a long walk before company comes over and then she behaves like an angel! I also love when they show his pack and you can tell in each one of those dogs eyes that they really love him. I Tivo the show everyday and can't get enough! Its nice to finally find other people that love it as much as I do. :D
Rachel
-
I've just recently started watching the Dog Whisperer and LOVE it! I can't believe how amazing that guy is with dogs. Quack or not, he is good at what he does. As far as i'm concerned everything he says makes sense. I know I treat my dog too much like a human and smother him with way too much affection (even when he's bad). I'm trying so hard to get the state of mind that I am in control of this dog and I am boss. My biggest problem is walking him w/out the gentle leader. I'm so scared he will pull, and I bet he can sense that.
I think I will become a much better parent the more I watch that show. I'll recommend it to any dog owners!
One of my favorite things he says is that people need to take responsibility for the choice they made to be a dog owner. Who cares if it is late or too early, or your tired, etc. you chose to have a dog... you are the one that should give it what it needs! I also love that he encourages positive reinforcement as opposed to hitting. I think anyone who advocates that idea should be praised. It is scary how many people think that beating their dogs to submission is a good dog. A scared dog is what you have, there is a difference!
Anyway, enough rant. I love it and will keep on watching!
-
I just love the Dog Whisperer! We have every episode on Tivo. I'm ready for some new ones! It was great to watch before we got Ranger, so I had some clue what I was doing! Sometimes it is hard to follow everything he says...well, because Ranger is so DARN cute...but, I know I have to stick with it. I feel so sorry for some of the dogs on that show, because as Cesar says, they aren't happy when they are overly excited, anxious, etc. Trying my best to raise my boy and selective listening drives me batty, especially when I know he can hear me! We have ordered a doggy backpack for Ranger. I can't wait to try it out!
-
Samson has a doggy backpack...We take our library books back to the library in it...He is all business as long as there's weight on it...As soon as we drop the books off he is sniffing, pulling, shying away from strangers...It's strange how he knows he is doing a job!
-
I have been training dogs for about 14 years now. My original training began in Germany at a German Shepherd club. I have always read a lot of books and watched other trainers to get idea's, tips, and to see what mistakes they make. I love watching the dog whisperer because a lot of the things he does I do myself. At this point I am very proud...lol I haven't seen any bad posting about him, but the way I see it is if it works then someone else will have to prove him wrong. I haven't seen anything bad happen to any of the dogs that he works with. He is always finding ways to get the dogs attention to what is actually going on. LOL The funny thing is watching the difference between when ceaser has the dog under control and when the owner takes over again. I actually have a friend that owns a boxer that is a year old. He is perfect when I work with him, but since she never follows through with her commands and lets him do whatever he wants she has a problem with him. Even when she is putting on a training collar he is chewing on her arms and legs and moving about. If I walk up to him he sits calmly and lets me put it on. Now mind you its not that he couldn't take over me if he wanted to. I am a short little 5' woman...lol Its all about respect. Thats the way I see it.
-
Oh Jaime ... just wait till you have kids.
If they obeyed us all the time, then that takes all the "fun" away.
-
Ok, I know this is an old post but I wanted to share.. I actually got to see Cesar in person this past month.. he is definatly very impressive..
I did a review of his seminar on my blog, if anyone wants to read it. Its on this page
My review of Cesar Millan in person (http://blog.energypaws.com/?p=41) at http://blog.energypaws.com/?p=41
-
I haven't watched this guys show, not too much time for TV these days, but from it sounds like, it's all just common sense. Your dog is an animal and you must treat it likewise, but in a nurturing and loving manner. Good advice! Sometimes you just need to hear things from others in order to recognize their validity.
-
Thanks for the link, I may just have to order that DVD.
-
I think you'd be amazed at how many people do not know this about their dogs.
ex: I had my booth at a local fundraiser for a rescue organization. One person had rescued a shepard/lab mix who she just did not understand.
She kept telling me that the dog was "interested" in other dogs but when they got close she would bark, lunge, snarl and she had actually bitten one dog.
I witnessed this behavior . What the owner mistook for interest was actually fear. The dog would lean forward sniffing, but her ears were flat back, she was on her toes, her tail was tucked and she had her hair directly behind her neck up. If the dog got too close she would pull forward Barking Barking Barking.
The owner thought that the leaning forward and barking was "hey come here". When it was really "don't make me deal with you.. I'm afraid.. stay away".
Yes, a lot of what I heard from Cesar is definately common sense, but my experience with new/inexperienced dog owners is that they really do anthropomorphi se their dogs, in an attempt to understand them.
-
Ok, for anyone who has a good idea about this guy's philosophy... how does he approach the issue of dog fights in the home? Just when I thought Nigel and Zoot were best pals, Nigel tore a hole in Zoot's face last night. :'(
I tried to find a book by this "Cesar Millan" but I guess he doesn't have one released yet. I've never seen his show. But if he can keep a gigantic herd of pit bulls, rottweilers and shepherds together and they don't fight, well, then he is the man I need to talk to! I want to pick his brain!!!
Interestingly there is a book called the dog whisperer by some other guy (Paul Owens? Or something?) but is it the same philosophy? Or are they completely unrelated? And did everybody get this whole"Whisperer" thing from Monty Roberts, the horse whisperer? ???
-
I dunno about a book but I know that he has vidoes you can buy and he does seminars often.
-
Yeah, I don't know how he addresses dog fights in the home.. I think his idea is that if you maintain pack mentality, you wont' have them..
I would have loved to have asked him. (We had a similar situation when we introduced a new puppy). We found out, however that our issues were medical. Targ has low thyroid. Since he's been on meds, no more problems. I don't know that Cesar would address the issue of bringing dogs to the vet for a full work up.. he is only a behaviorist.
As far as the whisperer thing goes, I find it annoying.. I've had people as me if I'm a dog whisperer. I just reply with something I heard in Tellington Touch Training. "No, but I listen to the whispers of the dog".
Jen
www.EnergyPaws .com
-
Ok, for anyone who has a good idea about this guy's philosophy... how does he approach the issue of dog fights in the home? Just when I thought Nigel and Zoot were best pals, Nigel tore a hole in Zoot's face last night. :'(
I tried to find a book by this "Cesar Millan" but I guess he doesn't have one released yet. I've never seen his show. But if he can keep a gigantic herd of pit bulls, rottweilers and shepherds together and they don't fight, well, then he is the man I need to talk to! I want to pick his brain!!!
Interestingly there is a book called the dog whisperer by some other guy (Paul Owens? Or something?) but is it the same philosophy? Or are they completely unrelated? And did everybody get this whole"Whisperer" thing from Monty Roberts, the horse whisperer? ???
On the issue of dog fights Ceasar simply does not allow it...He maintains the alpha spot in his pack & ,from what I've seen, when a dog starts a fight he backs it down until it decideds to behave...I have heard that you should let them work it out on their own providing there is no injury...& I have heard not to allow fights at all...My trainer says what works lies somewhere in between...He says you should let it go until it bothers you & then put a stop to it....This is what I've been doing with Samson & Pippin.
-
Gypsy, do Sammy and Pippin get into when one has something the other one wants such as a good treat? When Sugar Bear and Dixie get into a fuss it is almost always over one trying to dig-up something the other one has hidden. Keep in mind they hide thing under the desk, charis and shelves at work as well as outside. I only stop it if I think it is getting a little heated for me. There has never been any blood but boy does it sound bad. It has happened maybe 6 times over the past 7 months. Dixie can be very moody so that is part of the problem.
Lisa
Ok, for anyone who has a good idea about this guy's philosophy... how does he approach the issue of dog fights in the home? Just when I thought Nigel and Zoot were best pals, Nigel tore a hole in Zoot's face last night. :'(
I tried to find a book by this "Cesar Millan" but I guess he doesn't have one released yet. I've never seen his show. But if he can keep a gigantic herd of pit bulls, rottweilers and shepherds together and they don't fight, well, then he is the man I need to talk to! I want to pick his brain!!!
Interestingly there is a book called the dog whisperer by some other guy (Paul Owens? Or something?) but is it the same philosophy? Or are they completely unrelated? And did everybody get this whole"Whisperer" thing from Monty Roberts, the horse whisperer? ???
On the issue of dog fights Ceasar simply does not allow it...He maintains the alpha spot in his pack & ,from what I've seen, when a dog starts a fight he backs it down until it decideds to behave...I have heard that you should let them work it out on their own providing there is no injury...& I have heard not to allow fights at all...My trainer says what works lies somewhere in between...He says you should let it go until it bothers you & then put a stop to it....This is what I've been doing with Samson & Pippin.
-
Gypsy, do Sammy and Pippin get into when one has something the other one wants such as a good treat? When Sugar Bear and Dixie get into a fuss it is almost always over one trying to dig-up something the other one has hidden. Keep in mind they hide thing under the desk, charis and shelves at work as well as outside.  I only stop it if I think it is getting a little heated for me. There has never been any blood but boy does it sound bad. It has happened maybe 6 times over the past 7 months. Dixie can be very moody so that is part of the problem.Â
Lisa
Ok, for anyone who has a good idea about this guy's philosophy... how does he approach the issue of dog fights in the home? Just when I thought Nigel and Zoot were best pals, Nigel tore a hole in Zoot's face last night. :'(
I tried to find a book by this "Cesar Millan" but I guess he doesn't have one released yet. I've never seen his show. But if he can keep a gigantic herd of pit bulls, rottweilers and shepherds together and they don't fight, well, then he is the man I need to talk to! I want to pick his brain!!!
Interestingly there is a book called the dog whisperer by some other guy (Paul Owens? Or something?) but is it the same philosophy? Or are they completely unrelated? And did everybody get this whole"Whisperer" thing from Monty Roberts, the horse whisperer? ???
On the issue of dog fights Ceasar simply does not allow it...He maintains the alpha spot in his pack & ,from what I've seen, when a dog starts a fight he backs it down until it decideds to behave...I have heard that you should let them work it out on their own providing there is no injury...& I have heard not to allow fights at all...My trainer says what works lies somewhere in between...He says you should let it go until it bothers you & then put a stop to it....This is what I've been doing with Samson & Pippin.
Lisa, Most often they get into into it over bones...We have many here & Pippin has decided they are all his!...He'll give Sam "the look" & Sammy will hide behind the recliner or just stand in the corner with his head hung...Breaks my heart!!!...When I can't be with the dogs I put the bones up as it seems to be the major trigger...Norm ally Pippin will defer to me telling him to knock it off...Today my hubby had to roll him for the 1st time...He went after Samson & would not lay off as per my hubby's command...Man did he put up a fight!...My hubby stands 6 ft. 4 & is 230 lbs. & Pippin is around 80 lbs. now...I once even had to tell hubby "You can't let up now our you are screwed as far as Pippin is concerned"...Finally Pippin submitted but it had to take 5 minutes at least before Randy could let him up...Samson always submitted within a minute or so...Just the other day Pippin went after Sam for what I assumed was food...I nipped that fast & hard...No problems since...You know though, we could all learn a lesson from our dogs...1 minute mine are trying to rip each other's faces off & the next they are snuggled up against each other sleeping in total content. :)
-
You know though, we could all learn a lesson from our dogs...1 minute mine are trying to rip each other's faces off & the next they are snuggled up against each other sleeping in total content.
Sugar Bear and Dixie will lick each others face and then take a nap together. Sometimes if she has really made him mad he will just stay away from her for awhile. By the way I love your babies new paw prints.
Lisa
-
Dammit - I keep missing this Cesar Milan guy! He's on a TV channel here in he UK at the moment and every time I miss the program.
From what other people have told me, it's a very mixed bag. Some people hate him and some people love him. I've seen quite a few behaviourists who've had their own TV series both here and the USA. Must admit the one I like the best for his methods, personality and way he was with the dogs was Matthew Margolis.