Welcome Shawn. --  May*

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Denise Henderson
   To: DogWhispererFans@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Friday, July 01, 2005 3:46 PM
   Subject: Re: [DogWhispererFans] Question about Introducing puppy to our Corgi


   Hi Shawn  is this your first post? If it's not, then I'm sorry I haven't
   already welcomed you to the list!  Thanks for joining in the discussion.

   Denise

   ----- Original Message -----  Give love and attention to both  puppy gets
   new toy so
   > should other dog too, bne fair be patient and relaize they dotn have to
   > love
   > each other , hopefully they will but  at least get them to accept each
   > other at
   > first. BABY steps.
   > dont just throw them together !!!
   >
   > Shawn Soldon
   > Starlightstars ESS
   > Starlight Spanish Water Dogs

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Shawn  is this your first post? If it's not, then I'm sorry I haven't
already welcomed you to the list!  Thanks for joining in the discussion.

Denise

----- Original Message -----  Give love and attention to both  puppy gets
new toy so
> should other dog too, bne fair be patient and relaize they dotn have to
> love
> each other , hopefully they will but  at least get them to accept each
> other at
> first. BABY steps.
> dont just throw them together !!!
>
> Shawn Soldon
> Starlightstars ESS
> Starlight Spanish Water Dogs

they dont have to be best friends first let them know the other exists then a
few minutes a day and for good ness sakes crate the puppy to eat or when the
older dog eats. The puppy will gobble all of the other dogs food That would
make me mad too!! So feed separately little contact at first all supervised play
with both spearately Give love and attention to both  puppy gets new toy so
should other dog too, bne fair be patient and relaize they dotn have to love
each other , hopefully they will but  at least get them to accept each other at
first. BABY steps.
  dont just throw them together !!!

Shawn Soldon
Starlightstars ESS
Starlight Spanish Water Dogs



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Good day all!

Karen, Welcome!  Sorry, I'm fairly new here and didn't know you were a new
member.

Denise, yes, please go ahead and post in the files.  The author allows us to
share it as long as it's not used for profit.  She's w/ Chow Rescue
(http://www.chowwelfare.com/).  Some other great articles there, too.

Yes, thanks goodness for Cesar, indeed.  I've been working closely w/ the SPCA
lately fostering, etc.  They  try to adopt them out without rehab.  I know it's
tuff for them w/ the time constraints and all, but if a dog will attack other
dogs, chances are things will escalate once it's in a new home with non
dog-savvy people.  The SPCA basically make the adopters aware of their dog
aggression issues and tell them they can't be w/ other dogs.  Some poor dogs
will sit there for ever and  day waiting for new home.  I wish shelters would be
open to Cesar's methods and use it because so many dogs get put down for that
reason.  Sad, but true.  A lot of dogs out there being put to sleep for resource
guarding by "professionals" who say they can't be rehabbed.  I've rehabbed a
deaf and vision-impaired dog w/ Cesar's methods, and it works better and faster
than any other method I've used (clicker/flashlight training, obedience school,
NILIF, etc).  To be honest, I don't think many dogs have an intelligence level
high enough for some of these methods, which is why they get put to sleep.

JMHO,

May*

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Denise Henderson
   To: DogWhispererFans@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Friday, July 01, 2005 8:01 AM
   Subject: Re: [DogWhispererFans] Question about Introducing puppy to our Corgi


   Hi Karen and welcome to the list!

   We don't have many members and frankly, the ones we do have know a lot more
   about dog training that I do, so be sure you listen carefully to them.  I
   also highly recommend May's forward (found in the archives) about becoming
   alpha in your home.  May, I'd like to add this to files is I have your
   permission.  It is a truly WONDERFUL article.  I now understand that Maddie
   is a social climber, and that the territorial disputes between her and our
   4yo 'friend' ( DD's boyfriend's daughter ....*sigh*)  are the result of
   that.  Now I also know what to do to circumvent them!

   You know, the I've read many articles that said that if a dog ever does
   growl or snap at a family member for any reason, they are no longer to be
   trusted and should be put down immediately because they are a terrible
   circumstance waiting to happen.  Thank heavens for Cesar's common sense.

   All I can add to the great advice you've already been given is something
   that Cesar said about bringing a new dog to the house - WALK THEM FIRST!  Do
   the 'psychology walk' with the leash placed high on the neck and don't stop
   the walk until they are getting tired and they are staying behind you
   without pulling.  Then walk them both together.  Oh, and one thing from my
   personal experience - that leash is your best friend with a puppy - right up
   there next to the crate.  Maddie housebroke in just a few days after I
   started clipping the leash to my belt loop and making her follow me
   EVERYWHERE.  Whatever alpha I established with her started then.

   That whole rear smelling thing was addressed in a couple of DW episodes -
   Emily and one other one.  If you get the chance to watch them and tape them,
   you'll see it.  They are absolutely to allow other dogs to sniff - that in
   itself is a power thing and they MUST to be willing to sniff and be sniffed
   or they are asserting a level of dominance to which they have no right.

   That's an interesting comment about the leash and the human backing them.
   I'd like for us to discuss this.  I'd have thought that having the leash on
   and at the ready for correction - for bringing 'their mind' back to the
   focus on the human - would be what we are after.  But I truly don't know and
   Jane you may have a great point.

   Denise

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Karen and welcome to the list!

We don't have many members and frankly, the ones we do have know a lot more
about dog training that I do, so be sure you listen carefully to them.  I
also highly recommend May's forward (found in the archives) about becoming
alpha in your home.  May, I'd like to add this to files is I have your
permission.  It is a truly WONDERFUL article.  I now understand that Maddie
is a social climber, and that the territorial disputes between her and our
4yo 'friend' ( DD's boyfriend's daughter ....*sigh*)  are the result of
that.  Now I also know what to do to circumvent them!

You know, the I've read many articles that said that if a dog ever does
growl or snap at a family member for any reason, they are no longer to be
trusted and should be put down immediately because they are a terrible
circumstance waiting to happen.  Thank heavens for Cesar's common sense.

All I can add to the great advice you've already been given is something
that Cesar said about bringing a new dog to the house - WALK THEM FIRST!  Do
the 'psychology walk' with the leash placed high on the neck and don't stop
the walk until they are getting tired and they are staying behind you
without pulling.  Then walk them both together.  Oh, and one thing from my
personal experience - that leash is your best friend with a puppy - right up
there next to the crate.  Maddie housebroke in just a few days after I
started clipping the leash to my belt loop and making her follow me
EVERYWHERE.  Whatever alpha I established with her started then.

That whole rear smelling thing was addressed in a couple of DW episodes -
Emily and one other one.  If you get the chance to watch them and tape them,
you'll see it.  They are absolutely to allow other dogs to sniff - that in
itself is a power thing and they MUST to be willing to sniff and be sniffed
or they are asserting a level of dominance to which they have no right.

That's an interesting comment about the leash and the human backing them.
I'd like for us to discuss this.  I'd have thought that having the leash on
and at the ready for correction - for bringing 'their mind' back to the
focus on the human - would be what we are after.  But I truly don't know and
Jane you may have a great point.

Denise

Hi Karen!  Hi all!

Karen, I use the  intro techniques Jane described w/ my dogs.  I bring fosters
home all the time; puppies and adult dogs.  I use a baby gate as well as a crate
to keep them apart for a while.  Gives them a chance to meet over the gate and
only approach when comfortable w/ each other.  I can guage how aggressive a dog
is this way, too.  When I see tails wagging and licking, I treat them all--tiny
pcs of hotdog or cheese.  I do this for 2 - 3 days depending on how nervous the
new dog is.  Some dogs are very calm and submissive, so I can introduce them in
less than a day.

As for your Corgi (what's his name?), if he allows you to touch him back there
it's a strong indication his issue is not a trauma, but an aggression issue.  I
see that sort of behaviour in dogs that lack early socialisation; they could
have been taken from their litter too early, or had not contact w/ other dogs
after that.  Since you didn't have him from a puppy, it's hard to tell what the
other owner(s) did, or didn't do for him.

Good luck and keep us posted!

May*
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: ilqltng@...
   To: DogWhispererFans@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2005 1:49 PM
   Subject: Re: [DogWhispererFans] Re: Question about Introducing puppy to our
Corgi


   My corgi is 7 and the lab pup will be 9wks old.  Anyone can do anything to my
corgi.  It's only when other dogs sniff his rear there is a problem.  I will try
the crate meathod with the puppy.

   Thanks

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

My corgi is 7 and the lab pup will be 9wks old.  Anyone can do anything to my
corgi.  It's only when other dogs sniff his rear there is a problem.  I will try
the crate meathod with the puppy.

Thanks

--- <<<<In DogWhispererFans@yahoogroups.com, "Karen" <ilqltng@a...>
wrote:
> We are bringing a new lab puppy into our home in 2 wks.  I was
> wondering if I could get some advice on introducing him to our
Corgi
> who is 7 and neutered.>>>>>

Karen,

How is your Corgi with you touching him on his tail or hind
quarters?  It rememinded me of a episode of the Dog Whisperer, with
I believe a Westie, that did not tolerate being touched around his
tail area.

Cesar put him on a nylon lead with it high up around his neck for
control and he worked with him until the dog accepted it.

Of course you would not want to do this with the puppy sniffing him
because that would be a bad association righ off the bat.

I think maybe two people walking the Corgi and someone walking the
puppy together may be a good place to start.  Not to where they
could sniff each other or anything, but just so they wee each other
and walk near each other.

I find that introducing dogs on leashes is not usually a good idea
because they feel the support of the human backing them up to be
more bold and aggressive. They also feel the tension if you are
nervous.

I think introduction through a crate is good, and if the pup is in
the crate and the Corgi smells the pup through the crate and shows
any good behavior, I would praise him and give him a treat.  You
want a good association.

In most cases an adult dog is not going to attack a puppy unless it
has a severe aggression problem.  Once you know you can trust your
Corgi with the pup, I would let them loose together in a fenced in
yard or if you have a place for them to run free, that is even
better.  The Corgi may put the pup in its place if it pesters him,
but even that is not wrong as long as it does not hurt the puppy and
the Corgi does not go overboard. I never correct my girls unless
they are not being fair, in most cases they know where the limit is
with puppies

These are just some things come to mind, and each situation is
different, so I would use your own knowledge of your dog, and
proceed slowly, and they shoud become very good friends.

Hope this helps, these are just some suggestions that you may be
able to try.

                             Joy

New pups I work differently than new older dogs.
Personally, I crate train, and the pup stays in the
crate when I cannot watch him/her.  I have people home
all day with my dogs, so pups get out frequently.
Make sure your older dog still understands that he IS
still The number one dog.(what I mean is that he needs
to know that he isn't being replaced)  I would
introduce them slowly, meaning, don't just let the pup
out with the older dog all day long.  Make them short
times, a couple of times a day...to see how they get
along...then as the pup grows and becomes house
trained, etc. you can let them play longer.  I still
separate my dogs from time to time, so they aren't
always together and I find that I don't have any
problems with fighting or arguments between them.  The
big thing is to make sure you give your first dog a
great deal of separate attention...ie separate walks.
He will need that.  You will have to judge on what to
do by the older dogs' reaction.  some dogs take longer
to accept another pup, some accept them right away.
He may love this pup, and he may only tolerate, either
way, he has to know that he is loved.
is this making sense???



--- Karen <ilqltng@...> wrote:


---------------------------------
We are bringing a new lab puppy into our home in 2
wks.  I was
wondering if I could get some advice on introducing
him to our Corgi
who is 7 and neutered. The puppy will be 9 wks old
when we pick him
up.  My corgi is good around other dogs as long as
they do not sniff
his rear and are not aggressive first.  We adopted him
when he was
8mths old.  We have gone through all the obiediance
classes and he was
never aggressive to any of the dogs unless they
sniffed his rear and
that is the one area we need help in. Another example
is walking thru
PetsMart.  If he goes up to another dog wagging his
little nub tail
and the other dog growls its all over.  What can I do
to help him get
over the sniffing thing. I thought that was how all
dogs introduced
them selves. It is possible that he was attacked at
some point when he
was young or maybe it's a hearding thing, we are not
sure.   Besides
instros on neutral ground what can I do to make the
transition easy
and help them to bond.  My corgi is a great dog with
his CGC and knows
our family is the alpha. The puppy will be a new
experience for us.
He loves cats which I do not but they are the same
size as the puppy,
LOL. Any advice and tips will be welcome




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Jane, Tarot, Kali, Joey"In dog training, jerk is a noun, not a verb."-- Dr.
Dennis Fetko

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We are bringing a new lab puppy into our home in 2 wks.  I was
wondering if I could get some advice on introducing him to our Corgi
who is 7 and neutered. The puppy will be 9 wks old when we pick him
up.  My corgi is good around other dogs as long as they do not sniff
his rear and are not aggressive first.  We adopted him when he was
8mths old.  We have gone through all the obiediance classes and he was
never aggressive to any of the dogs unless they sniffed his rear and
that is the one area we need help in. Another example is walking thru
PetsMart.  If he goes up to another dog wagging his little nub tail
and the other dog growls its all over.  What can I do to help him get
over the sniffing thing. I thought that was how all dogs introduced
them selves. It is possible that he was attacked at some point when he
was young or maybe it's a hearding thing, we are not sure.   Besides
instros on neutral ground what can I do to make the transition easy
and help them to bond.  My corgi is a great dog with his CGC and knows
our family is the alpha. The puppy will be a new experience for us.
He loves cats which I do not but they are the same size as the puppy,
LOL. Any advice and tips will be welcome

Hi all,

Just thought I'd share this article w/ you.  Some of you may have
seen/read it.  Feel free to pass it along to other people in need of
a little hand w/ their alpha training.

BTW, it's been tested and prooved to work on humans, too. ;o)

May*
& Aussies


WHO'S IN CHARGE HERE? -- A Lesson in Becoming Alpha

"My dog just tried to bite me! All I did was tell him to move over
so I could sit on the couch next to him." "My dog got into the trash
can and when I scolded her, she growled at me. What's wrong with
her? I thought she loved me!" "Our dog is very affectionate most of
the time but when we try to make him do something he doesn't want to
do, he snaps at us." What do these three dogs have in common?  Are
they nasty or downright vicious? No - they are "alpha".  They have
taken over the leadership of the families that love them. Instead of
taking orders from their people, these dogs are giving orders! Your
dog can love you very much and still try to dominate you or other
members of your family.

Dogs are social creatures and believers in social order. A dog's
social system is a "pack" with a well-defined pecking order. The
leader of the pack is the alpha, supreme boss, Top Dog. He (or she)
gets the best of everything - the best food, the best place to
sleep, the best toy, etc. The leader also gets to be first in
everything - he gets to eat first, to leave first and to get
attention first. All the other dogs in the pack respect the alpha
dog's wishes. Any dog that challenges the alpha's authority gets a
swift physical reminder of just where his place in the pack really
is.

Your family is your dog's "pack". Many dogs fit easily into the
lower levels of their human pack's pecking order and do not make
waves. They do what they are told and do not challenge authority.
Other dogs do not fit in quite as well. Some of them are natural
born leaders and are always challenging their human alphas. Other
dogs are social climbers - they are always looking for ways to get a
little closer to the top of the family ladder. These natural leaders
and the social climbers can become problems to an unsuspecting
family that is not aware of the dog's natural pack instincts.

Some families encourage their dogs to take over the "pack" without
realizing it. They treat their dogs as equals, not as subordinates.
They give them special privileges like sleeping on the bed or couch.
They do not train their dogs and let them get away with disobeying
commands. In a real dog pack, no one but the alpha dog would get
this kind of treatment. Alpha does not have anything to do with
size. The tiniest Chihuahua can be a canine Hitler. In fact, the
smaller the dog, the more people tend to baby them and cater to
them - making the dog feel even more dominant and in control of his
humans.

Alpha dogs often seem to make good pets. They are confident, smarter
than average, and affectionate. They can be wonderful with children
and good with strangers. Everything seems to be great with the
relationship - until someone crosses him or makes him do something
he does not want to do. Then, suddenly, this wonderful dog growls or
tries to bite someone and no one understands why.

In a real dog pack, the alpha dog does not have to answer to anyone.
No one gives him orders or tells him what to do. The other dogs in
the pack respect his position. If another dog is foolish enough to
challenge the alpha by trying to take his bone or his favorite
sleeping place, the alpha dog will quickly put him in his place with
a hard stare or a growl. If this does not work, the alpha dog will
enforce his leadership with his teeth. This is all natural,
instinctive behavior - in a dog's world. In a human family, though,
this behavior is unacceptable and dangerous.

Dogs need and want leaders. They have an instinctive need to fit
into a pack. They want the security of knowing their place and what
is expected of them. Most of them do not want to be alpha - they
want someone else to give the orders and make the decisions. If his
humans do not provide that leadership, the dog will take over the
role himself. If you have allowed your dog to become alpha, you are
at his mercy and as a leader, he may be either a benevolent king or
a tyrant!

If you think your dog is alpha in your household, he probably is. If
your dog respects only one or two members of the family but
dominates the others, you still have a problem. The dog's place
should be at the -bottom- of your human family's pack order, not at
the top or somewhere in between.

In order to reclaim your family's rightful place as leaders of the
pack, your dog needs some lessons in how to be a subordinate, not an
equal. You are going to show him what it means to be a dog again.
Your dog's mother showed him very early in life that -she- was alpha
and that he had to respect her.

As a puppy, he was given a secure place in his litter's pack and
because of that security, he was free to concentrate on growing,
learning, playing, loving and just being a dog. Your dog does not
really want the responsibility of being alpha, having to make the
decisions and defend his position at the top. He wants a leader to
follow and worship so he can have the freedom of just being a dog
again.

HOW TO BECOME THE LEADER OF YOUR PACK

Your dog watches you constantly and reads your body language. He
knows if you are insecure, uncomfortable in a leadership role or
will not enforce a command. This behavior confuses him, makes -him-
insecure and if he is a natural leader or has a social-climbing
personality, it will encourage him to assume the alpha position and
tell -you- what to do.

"Alpha" is an attitude. It involves quiet confidence, dignity,
intelligence, and an air of authority. A dog can sense this attitude
almost immediately - it is how his mother acted towards him. Watch a
professional trainer or a good obedience instructor. They stand
tall  and use their voices and eyes to project the idea that they
are capable of getting what they want. They are gentle but firm,
loving but tough, all at the same time. Most dogs are immediately
submissive towards this type of personality because they recognize
and respect alpha when they see it.

Practice being alpha. Stand up straight with your shoulders back.
Walk tall. Practice using a new tone of voice, one that is deep and
firm. Do not ask your dog to do something - tell him. There is a
difference. He knows the difference, too! Remember that, as alpha,
you are entitled to make the rules and give the orders. Your dog
understands that instinctively.

With most dogs, just this change in your attitude and an obedience-
training course will be enough to turn things around. With a dog
that has already taken over the household, has enforced his position
by growling or biting, and has been allowed to get away with it, you
will need to do more than just decide to be alpha. The dog is going
to need an attitude adjustment as well.

Natural leaders and social climbers are not going to want to give up
their alpha position. Your sudden change in behavior is going to
shock and threaten them. Your dog might act even more aggressively
than before. An alpha dog will instinctively respond to challenges
to his authority. It is his nature to want to put down revolutionary
uprisings by the peasants! Do not worry; there is a way around it.

An alpha dog already knows that he can beat you in a physical fight
so returning his aggression with violence of your own won't work.
Until you've successfully established your position as alpha,
corrections like hitting, shaking, or using the "rollover"
techniques described in some books will not work and can be
downright dangerous to you. An alpha dog will respond to these
methods with violence and you could be seriously hurt.

What you need to do is use your brain! You are smarter than he is
and you can out think him. You will also need to be more stubborn
than he is. What I'm about to describe here is an effective, non-
violent method of removing your dog from alpha status and putting
him back at the bottom of the family totem pole where he belongs and
where he needs to be. In order for this method to work, your whole
family has to be involved. It requires an attitude adjustment from
everyone and a new way of working with your dog.

This is serious business. A dog that bites or threatens people is a
dangerous dog, no matter how much you love him. If treating your dog
like a dog and not an equal seems harsh to you, keep in mind that
our society no longer tolerates dangerous dogs. Lawsuits from dog
bites are now settling for millions of dollars - you could lose your
home and everything else you own if your dog injures someone. You or
your children could be permanently disfigured. Moreover, your dog
could lose his life. That is the bottom line.

CANINE BOOT CAMP FOR ALPHA ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

From this day forward, you are going to teach your dog that he is a
dog, not a miniature human being in a furry suit. His mother taught
him how to be a dog once and how to take orders. Along the way,
through lack of training or misunderstood intentions, he has
forgotten. With your help, he is going to remember what he is and
how he fits into the world. Before long, he is even going to like it!

Dogs were bred to look to humans for food, companionship and
guidance. An alpha dog does not ask for what he wants, he demands
it. He lets you know clearly that he wants his dinner, that he wants
to go out, that he wants to play and be petted and that he wants
these things right now.

You are going to teach him that from now on, he has to earn what he
gets. No more free rides. This is going to be a shock to his system
at first but you will be surprised how quickly he will catch on and
that he will actually become eager to please you.

If your dog does not already know the simple command SIT, teach it
to him. Reward him with praise and a tidbit. Do not go overboard
with the praise. A simple "Good boy!" in a happy voice is enough.
Now, every time your dog wants something - his dinner, a trip
outside, a walk, some attention, anything - tell him (remember don't
ask him, tell him) to SIT first. When he does, praise him with
a "Good Boy!" then tell him OKAY and give him whatever it is he
wants as a reward. If he refuses to SIT, walk away and ignore him.
No SIT, no reward. If you do not think he understands the command,
work on his training some more. If he just does not want to obey,
ignore him - do not give him what he wants or reward him in any
fashion.

Make him sit before giving him his dinner, make him sit at the door
before going outside, make him sit in front of you to be petted,
make him sit before giving him his toy. If you normally leave food
out for him all the time, stop. Go to a twice daily feeding and you
decide what time of day he will be fed. Make him sit for his dinner.
If he will not obey the command -- no dinner. Walk away and ignore
him. Bring the food out later and tell him again to SIT. If he
understands the command, do not tell him more than once. He heard
you the first time. Give commands from a standing position and use a
deep, firm tone of voice.

If the dog respects certain members of the family but not others,
let the others be the ones to feed him and bring the good things to
his life for now. Show them how to make him obey the SIT command and
how to walk away and ignore him if he will not do as he is told. It
is important that your whole family follows this program. Dogs are
like kids - if they cannot have their way with Mom, they will go ask
Dad. In your dog's case, if he finds a member of the family that he
can dominate, he will continue to do so. You want your dog to learn
that he has to respect and obey everyone. Remember - his place is at
the bottom of the totem pole. Bouncing him from the top spot helps
but if he thinks he is anywhere in the middle, you are still going
to have problems.

Think - you know your dog and know what he is likely to do under
most circumstances. Stay a step ahead of him and anticipate his
behavior so you can avoid or correct it. If he gets into the trash
and growls when scolded, make the trash can inaccessible. If he
likes to bolt out the door ahead of you, put a leash on him. Make
him sit and wait while you open the door and give him permission -
OKAY! - to go out. If your alpha dog does not like to come when he
is called (and he probably doesn't!), do not let him outside off
leash. Without a leash, you have no control over him and he knows it.



PETTING AND ATTENTION:

Alpha dogs are used to being fussed over. In a real dog pack,
subordinate dogs are forever touching, licking and grooming the
alpha dog. It is a show of respect and submission. For now, until
his attitude has shown improvement, cut down on the amount of
cuddling your dog gets. When he wants attention, make him SIT first,
give him a few kind words and pats, and then stop. Go back to
whatever it was you were doing and ignore him. If he pesters you,
tell him NO! in a firm voice and ignore him some more. Pet him when
you want to, not just because he wants you to. Also, for the time
being, do not get down on the floor or on your knees to pet your
dog. That, too, is a show of submission. Give praise, petting and
rewards from a position that is higher than the dog.

GAMES:

If you or anyone in your family wrestles, roughhouses or plays tug
of war with your dog, stop! These games encourage dogs to dominate
people physically and to use their teeth. In a dog pack or in a
litter, these games are more than just playing - they help to
establish pack order based on physical strength. Your dog is already
probably stronger and quicker than you are. Rough, physical games
prove that to him. He does not need to be reminded of it! Find new
games for him to play. Hide & seek, fetch or Frisbee catching are
more appropriate. Make sure you are the one who starts and ends the
game, not the dog. Stop playing before the dog gets bored and is
inclined to try to keep the ball or Frisbee.

WHERE DOES YOUR DOG SLEEP?

Not in your bedroom and especially not on your bed! Your bedroom is
a special place - it is your "den". An alpha dog thinks he has a
right to sleep in your den because he considers himself your equal.
In fact, he may have already taken over your bed, refusing to get
off when told or growling and snapping when anyone asks him to make
room for the humans. Until your dog's alpha problems are fully under
control, the bedroom should be off-limits! The same goes for
sleeping on furniture. If you cannot keep him off the couch without
a fight, deny him access to the room until his behavior and training
has
improved.

CRATE-TRAINING:

Dog crates have 1,000 uses and working with an alpha dog is one of
them. It is a great place for your dog to sleep at night, to eat in
and just to stay in when he needs to chill out and be reminded that
he is a dog. The crate is your dog's "den". Start crate training by
feeding him his dinner in his crate. Close the door and let him stay
there for an hour afterwards. If he throws a tantrum, ignore him. Do
not let your dog out of his crate until he is quiet and settled. At
bedtime, show him an irresistible goodie, tell him to SIT and when
he does, throw the goodie into the crate. When he dives in for the
treat, tell him what a good boy he is and close the door.

GRADUATING FROM BOOT CAMP: WHAT IS NEXT?

Just like in the army, boot camp is really just an introduction to a
new career and new way of doing things. A tour through boot camp is
not going to solve your alpha dog's problems forever. It is a way to
get basic respect from a dog that has been bullying you without
having to resort to physical force.

How long should boot camp last? That depends on the dog. Some will
show an improvement right away, others may take much longer. For
really tough cookies, natural leaders that need constant reminders
of their place in the pack, Alpha Dog Boot Camp will become a way of
life. Social climbers may need periodic trips through boot camp if
you get lax and accidentally let them climb back up a notch or two
in the family pack order.

How do you know if you are making a difference? If boot camp has
been successful, your dog should start looking to you for directions
and permission. He will show an eagerness to please. Watch how your
dog approaches and greets you. Does he come to you "standing tall",
with his head and ears held high and erect? It may look impressive
and proud but it means he's still alpha and you still have problems!
A dog who accepts humans as superiors will approach you with his
head slightly lowered and his ears back or off to the sides. He
will "shrink" his whole body a little in a show of submission. Watch
how he greets all the members of the family. If he displays this
submissive posture to some of them, but not others, those are the
ones who still need to work on their own alpha posture and methods.
They should take him back through another tour of boot camp with
support from the rest of the family.

OBEDIENCE TRAINING:

Once your dog has begun to accept this new way of life and his new
position in the family, you should take him through an obedience
course with a qualified trainer. All dogs need to be trained and
alpha dogs need training most of all! You do not have to wait until
he is through with boot camp to start this training but it is
important that he respects at least one member of the family and is
willing to take direction from them.

Obedience class teaches you to train your dog. It teaches you how to
be alpha, how to enforce commands and rules, how to get respect and
to keep it. All family members who are old enough to understand and
control the dog should participate in the class.

Obedience training is a lifelong process. One obedience course does
not a trained dog make! Obedience commands need to be practiced and
incorporated into your daily life. In a dog pack, the alpha animal
uses occasional reminders to reinforce his authority. Certain
commands, like DOWN/STAY, are especially effective, nonviolent
reminders of a dog's place in the family pack order and who is
really in charge here.

A well-trained obedient dog is a happy dog and a joy to live with.
Dogs want to please and need a job to do. Training gives them the
opportunity to do both. A well-trained dog has more freedom. He can
go more places and do more things with you because he knows how to
behave. A well-trained dog that is secure in his place within the
family pack is comfortable and confident. He knows what is expected
of him. He knows his limits and who his leaders are. He is free from
the responsibility of running the household and making decisions. He
is free to be your loving companion and not your boss. He is free to
be a dog - what he was born to be and what he always wanted to be in
the first place!

When You Need Professional Help

If your dog has already injured you or someone else or if you are
afraid of your dog, you should consult with a qualified professional
dog trainer or behaviorist before starting Canine Boot Camp. Your
dog should also have an exam by your vet to make sure there are no
physical causes for his behavior. To find a qualified trainer or
behaviorist near you, contact your veterinarian or the American
Kennel Club for a list of obedience training clubs in your area.

-----------------------------------
This article was written by Vicki Rodenberg De Gruy, Chairman of the
Chow Chow Club Inc.'s Welfare Committee. Uploaded with permission
from the author, it may be reproduced for non-profit purposes with
author's credit given.

May, Dax & Vegas
Aussie Rescue (O/V & Foster Home)
Australian Shepherd Rescue of BC (Founder)

Hi all!

I was just reading some press reports on Cesar Millan, and thought I'd share a
very interesting observation Cesar makes.  It made me realised how often we
forget where we come from. (Shame on me!)  Cesar says that Mexican dogs are not
treated w/ all the privileges we're used to giving our dogs in N. America.  In
Mexico, a dog is a dog, animals; therefore, balanced.

I was born and raised in Brazil where dogs, like in Mexico, are not only allowed
to be dog, but also expected to be dogs; NOT people.  I remember all dogs I knew
behaved like dogs in Brazil and we respected them as such.  They were loved by
the family as "animals" and NOT as "furry people."  It might not seem like we
loved them, but we did.  And, we gave them the best we could.  My dad had part
(5'x12' area) of the wrap-around veranda pony-walled and tiled for the dogs; we
only had one at a time, though.  As a rule, we took the dogs walking and
swimming in the morning (we had school in the afternoon).  During the day they
were allowed to be w/ us in the wrap-around veranda, living room (but, off
furniture) & hallways.  Brazilians are big on hygiene, and animals just don't
belong in such areas like the kitchen and the bedrooms.

As a result, my dogs were all balanced.  We never had a problem w/ aggression
and territorial disputes.  Separation anxiety, OCD, etc, were just unheard of in
dogs.  I guess back then dogs were dogs; not people.

So, what happened?  I guess you could say I'm really well adjusted to the
culture here because I totally forgot about all that!

May*
&
Aussies

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In DogWhispererFans@yahoogroups.com, "Denise Henderson"
<LHendRN@c...> wrote:
>
> <<<<She does one thing that we just love, and I hope it's not a
behavior that we
> have to break.  She gets up next to us on the sofa and throws
herself across
> us.  Think of how a little kid comes up, throws himself next to
you and his
> arm around your neck.  She throws one paw across our bodies and
puts her
> head on our shoulders and just looks up adoringly, tail (of
course) going
> ninety to nothing.
>
> Do either of you think that's dominant?  I sure hope not because
we like it
> a lot LOL.>>>>>

Deneice,

    I guess it depends on how dominant she is.  I know that could be
read as a dominant thing, but I too love my time with the girls and
Dandy, my oldest sleeps on the bed with me, and I know that is
considered a no-no.

    I am not sure, I guess if it gets to be a pushy behavior then I
would make her sit first, if not then I would just enjoy it.  We
don't want to be like boot camp without any fun do we?????

     I am off to puppy primary class with Bertie my 7 month old.

                                 Joy

-- Denise Henderson <LHendRN@...> wrote:

She does one thing that we just love, and I hope it's
not a behavior that we
have to break.  She gets up next to us on the sofa and
throws herself across
us.  Think of how a little kid comes up, throws
himself next to you and his
arm around your neck.  She throws one paw across our
bodies and puts her
head on our shoulders and just looks up adoringly,
tail (of course) going
ninety to nothing.

Do either of you think that's dominant?  I sure hope
not because we like it
a lot LOL.


In my view, I don't see it as dominance, in my view,
If you enjoy it, let it continue.  Just make sure that
if there is a time when you don't want her to do it
that you can tell her to go lie down elsewhere.   I
snuggle with my dogs this way, I have one who loves to
do this just before bedtime.  I think it is a really
nice bonding experience. JMO

Jane, Tarot, Kali, Joey"In dog training, jerk is a noun, not a verb."-- Dr.
Dennis Fetko

______________________________________________________________________
Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca

Thanks Joy.  We are in the same boat with getting Maddie around people. You
know it's just almost spooky the way that having that leash on makes a
difference, even when I'm not really using it to correct her.

We walked about 30 minutes last night and she was real good.  But we didn't
see many people or have much traffic or anything that would have stimulated
a correctable behavior, so we'll walk in a different place today.   We'll go
around the corner to where there are more kids on the block and they'll be
outside playing. THAT should serve as a good distraction.

She did get one good lesson though, besides just having to stay in step with
me while we were walking.  She loves to walk and as I said walks well on the
high leash, although she pulls my arm off on the regular leash.  (That right
there is nearly a miraculous and instant change.)  The only time she offered
to kind of try to bolt was as we were approaching the house for the last
time and she was a little tired.  She tried to turn in the driveway and I
just kept walking and letting the tension grow on the leash until she
released it.  We only walked to the next driveway, but she saw real quick
that we weren't going back to our drive until *I* was the one ready to go.

What helps a lot with Cesar is that he sets up the distraction that causes a
correctable behavior.  That way they will misbehave, and he can correct and
redirect that behavior.  So I am going to have to get creative - to get some
people to come up to us with and without other dogs so that I can get her to
act the way she is supposed to act, and not do that charging thing or
jumping all over someone.

A woman told me that you can break a dog from jumping every time if you put
your knee up so it catches them in the chest.  HA. She never met Maddie.
She'll just keep bashing into your knee.

There are things that we have to figure out what to do about, and it might
require using the leash in the house.  She definitely is exhibiting some
dominant behavior pattern with turning her back on us and sitting on our
feet.

She does one thing that we just love, and I hope it's not a behavior that we
have to break.  She gets up next to us on the sofa and throws herself across
us.  Think of how a little kid comes up, throws himself next to you and his
arm around your neck.  She throws one paw across our bodies and puts her
head on our shoulders and just looks up adoringly, tail (of course) going
ninety to nothing.

Do either of you think that's dominant?  I sure hope not because we like it
a lot LOL.

Denise
----- Original Message -----



> Hi Denise and Jane,
   His hearts desire is to get our girls to where
> anyone can come over and we do not have to go through a lengthy time
> before they settle down and can be a part of the family instead of
> apart from.  They tend to be a little too wild with company not
> agressively but excitedly, and I think that kind of excitement is a
> close relative to aggression.  Calm submissive, thats what we want!!!
>
>  Good luck with your training with Maddie Deneice, I have been
> keeping one girl on the flexi or leash when we walk in the field,
> and just doing little things like, not letting them control the walk
> and sniff everything.  There are times for that, but not when I am
> working with them. >                                  Joy

--- In DogWhispererFans@yahoogroups.com, Jane Godley
<evil_lil_jane@y...> wrote:
><<<< thanks for the welcome Joy.  Yes, I do have hope, my
> dog has come a long way, and her dog aggression is the
> only issue to deal with.  I have been wondering for a
> while how to deal with it, and I am thrilled at the
> prospect of learning his technique.>>>>
>
Jane,

How wonderful!  I have always been a problem solver with my dogs, like
when an issue comes up, I try to understand it and correct it.  I
would love to start coming from a point of preventing most problems
now, and I think Caesars techniques can help me in that quest!!!

                                     Joy

Hi Denise and Jane,

My two new friends and trainers of dogs!  I am so encouraged by
Caesars training, and what is wonderful is that my husband is taking
an active roll in his methods.  He actually has spoiled the girls
more than I have.  His hearts desire is to get our girls to where
anyone can come over and we do not have to go through a lengthy time
before they settle down and can be a part of the family instead of
apart from.  They tend to be a little too wild with company not
agressively but excitedly, and I think that kind of excitement is a
close relative to aggression.  Calm submissive, thats what we want!!!

   Good luck with your training with Maddie Deneice, I have been
keeping one girl on the flexi or leash when we walk in the field,
and just doing little things like, not letting them control the walk
and sniff everything.  There are times for that, but not when I am
working with them.  I am in the country now, but I will start
walking them individually on leashes throughout the week.  There are
people who walk their dogs out here, unfortunately, most of them are
loose.  I need guidance on all of these areas for sure!!!
                                   Joy

Denise, I was so excited to see that the show was
coming on.  I have been looking and looking for it.
I can't wait to watch him with a pitbull, I will keep
a look out.
Working with aggression is like anything else, you do
have to work at it everyday.  I have to say, I am
psyched!! LOL!


--- Denise Henderson <LHendRN@...> wrote:
---------------------------------


---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

    To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DogWhispererFans/

    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
DogWhispererFans-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

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Jane, Tarot, Kali, Joey"In dog training, jerk is a noun, not a verb."-- Dr.
Dennis Fetko

______________________________________________________________________
Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca

Jane, I am so glad that you were able to find how you can watch The Dog
Whisperer and can see how Cesar deals with each animal's unique and
individual unwanted behaviors.  Sometimes the animals are just plain being
bad but often they just got a wrong message.  That great dane that didn't
want to go on the tile wasn't being bad, but he didn't know how to overcome
his own bad experience.  Cesar provided the leadership that he needed to
overcome his problem, and now look how many people were blessed by him being
able to go into the classroom!  The opposite, of course, is that little
chichi. I had a bad experience with a pair of them when I was about 7 and
tend to think that they are all just grouchy butts with nasty personalities.
But I guess if that were true, they wouldn't be so popular.  And my husband
says that if he were that dog and they dressed him and treated him that way,
he'd be nasty too LOL.

I agree with Joy - as you get to watch you'll find that Cesar never hurts an
animal - NEVER.  He does insist on being dominant and being the leader.
(I've wondered how he does with cats LOL).

As you get to watch more of the episodes, you'll see that retraining
aggression is something that he most often warns the owner that he/she will
have to deal with on a daily basis.  Many of the other problems, he seems to
"fix" (although I daresay they don't stay "fixed" unless the owner mends her
ways) in just a few moments with the dog.  But aggression is one thing that
he seems to often return for, and almost always warns the owners to work
with day after day religiously, and not to expect that they are 'healed' all
at once.

He also frequently uses something to trigger the dog's aggressions, like
walking up to another dog who is safely behind a fence or using one of his
own dogs who calm/submissive as a bait.  I can't wait for you to see the
episode titled "Emily."  It is one of the hour-long episodes.  Emily it a
pit too - and had the same aggressions you've described in your dog.  It is
the first episode I saw and was hooked immediately.  If he can do that with
a pit bull - and all of the other pit bulls and other strong dogs that live
together peaceably in his pack - wow.  He must either really know what he's
doing or be an out and out magician.  The episode with the boxer stands out
too- that dog had an appt the very next day to be put down for his
aggression because everyone, including their vet, said that it was just a
matter of time before he hurt someone.  Cesar saved him.

I'm going out now to do the training walk with Maddie.  We're going to be
very faithful about it from now until vacation because I want her calm and
submitted when we get to the lake and around all of that family.

Denise


----- Original Message -----

> thanks for the welcome Joy.  Yes, I do have hope, my
> dog has come a long way, and her dog aggression is the
> only issue to deal with.  I have been wondering for a
> while how to deal with it, and I am thrilled at the
> prospect of learning his technique.
>

thanks for the welcome Joy.  Yes, I do have hope, my
dog has come a long way, and her dog aggression is the
only issue to deal with.  I have been wondering for a
while how to deal with it, and I am thrilled at the
prospect of learning his technique.

--- joysprings888 <joyspring@...> wrote:
---------------------------------


---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

    To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DogWhispererFans/

    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
DogWhispererFans-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo!
Terms of Service.

Jane, Tarot, Kali, Joey"In dog training, jerk is a noun, not a verb."-- Dr.
Dennis Fetko

______________________________________________________________________
Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca

--- In DogWhispererFans@yahoogroups.com, Jane Godley
<evil_lil_jane@y...> wrote <<<<People find him aggressive, I just
think he is
> misunderstood. I have also heard of people who have
> gone to him and their dogs ended up worse...but not
> every trainer or behaviourist will work for every dog.>>>>>
>
Hi Jane,

    Welcome to the group!  My name is Joy, I am the one with the four
springers.  Anyway in response to your post, I find it hard to
believe that people find Cesar aggressive.  They must have a very
different way of looking at things and I would doubt that they
understand dog behavior at all!!!!

    I would think if any dog ended up worse,(which I do not believe)
it was on the side of the dog or the owners rather than his methods.

    It must truly give you hope when you see Caesars program for your
APBT.

                                 Joy

APBT is an american pitbull terrier...I took her in as
a foster from the shelter.  She had been there about 5
months and was crazy.  She is exceptional at
competitive obedience, rally obedience, flyball, and
agility but I can only compete with her in Rally O,
because of her aggression.  Dog aggression is her only
issue now, I cannot walk down the street without
making her down, or distracting her.  I would love to
see him work with a dog aggressive pitbull.
You know I have been searching for his show, and
tonight I actually saw it!! I am so excited!!  It was
the one with the chihuahua and then the great dane. I
am glad i saw this because I have heard comments about
him being very aggressive to the point of abusive with
the chihuahua and making the owner cry because of what
he was doing.  But he wasn't being aggressive at all,
and she wasn't crying because of what he was doing.
People find him aggressive, I just think he is
misunderstood. I have also heard of people who have
gone to him and their dogs ended up worse...but not
every trainer or behaviourist will work for every dog.




--- Denise Henderson <LHendRN@...> wrote:
---------------------------------
Wow Jane, the only contact I have ever had here is
just watching the shows?



Jane, Tarot, Kali, Joey"In dog training, jerk is a noun, not a verb."-- Dr.
Dennis Fetko

______________________________________________________________________
Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca

Wow Jane, the only contact I have ever had here is just watching the shows?

What was said by those who were criticizing his techniques?  I can't imagine
how you could find something wrong with a technique that lets people keep
their aggressive dogs, retrain them, and avoid putting them down.  If my
friend had known about Cesar's techniques, they might not have had to be
afraid of Jakey.  He was ill-bred ( shame shame shame on that breeder!) but
they didn't find out until well after they began having various kinds of
troubles with him.  He may not have been retrainable, but it would sure have
been worth giving it a shot and I know she'd have done it.  But when the
whole world is telling you, " This dog is a ticking time bomb" what are you
going to do?

And, oh, what is APBT?

Denise
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jane Godley" <evil_lil_jane@...>
To: <DogWhispererFans@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2005 3:15 PM
Subject: [DogWhispererFans] introduction


> Hello,
> My name is Jane.  I live in Nova Scotia Canada.  I
> recently saw Cesar Millan on Oprah and have heard
> differing opinions about him.  People either really
> love him or really hate him.  I haven't seen his show
> because we don't get it yet, but I really want to
> learn more about what he does.
> I think it is great that he has an APBT and apparently
> rehabs fighting dogs (from what i have heard).  I have
> a dog aggressive APBT, although she isn't as
> aggressive as some.  I would love to learn about his
> method, I know I have to calm myself inside, but not
> sure how to do it.  Anyways, I look forward to reading
> your posts and learning more.
>
> Jane, Tarot, Kali, Joey"In dog training, jerk is a noun, not a verb."--
> Dr. Dennis Fetko
>

Hello,
  My name is Jane.  I live in Nova Scotia Canada.  I
recently saw Cesar Millan on Oprah and have heard
differing opinions about him.  People either really
love him or really hate him.  I haven't seen his show
because we don't get it yet, but I really want to
learn more about what he does.
I think it is great that he has an APBT and apparently
rehabs fighting dogs (from what i have heard).  I have
a dog aggressive APBT, although she isn't as
aggressive as some.  I would love to learn about his
method, I know I have to calm myself inside, but not
sure how to do it.  Anyways, I look forward to reading
your posts and learning more.

Jane, Tarot, Kali, Joey"In dog training, jerk is a noun, not a verb."-- Dr.
Dennis Fetko

______________________________________________________________________
Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca

Just got through watching two new to me episodes.

I was astounded at the discovery that "Alice" wasn't being the aggressor at all,
but that when you have multiple dogs, one spoiled dog can spoil the whole pack. 
I wonder how long that could have gone on with nobody really understanding?

Maddie does the same thing thing that J. does when she thinks we're going
outside.  It's fun to watch her zoomzoom - she circles and bounces and you can
tell she really wants to go outside.  All I have to do is pick up my purse or
step into my shoes.

Who'd have ever thought it wasn't because she's necessarily happy, but that
there is a difference between happy and excited.

We are lucky to live in an area where she has a lot of room to run. Our place
backs up to about 10-15 acres of woods and we leave the door open for her to
come and go as she pleases when we're home and the day is nice enough.  She
doesn't lack for exercise, but what she really wants is us outside with her (
there is always, of course, the Hope of the Ball)

At any rate, now that I know that the zoomzoom is undesirable behavior and that
we are feeding the excitement ( what we're really trying to get her broken of is
overexcitement and bouncing) I'll start working on that.

My foot is recovered somewhat. I doubt that I can to a 45 minute walk like he
suggests but we can start somewhere.  I do need to get someone to help me
stimulate her ( make her want to jump on them) right after that so I can correct
her while she's still in that submitted state from the walk.

Denise

Proverbs 31:15 (The Message)  She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
     for her family and organizing her day.
  17First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
     rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I am learning so much from watch Cesar, I was excited to see there
was actually a Yahoo group started.  I know that exercise is at the
core of solutions, and he just has such a great understanding of
canines.

I am learning so much from watch Cesar, I was excited to see there
was actually a Yahoo group started.  I know that exercise is at the
core of solutions, and he just has such a great understanding of
canines.

--- In DogWhispererFans@yahoogroups.com, "niecee_72941"
<LHendRN@c...> wrote:
> You are the first member of this group - glad to see that there is
> another fan out there.
>
<<<Have you seen the episode with the springer?  There must be one;
> there is a clip with a springer on the opening credits.>>>>

  <<<<  No I have not seen the episode with the Springer yet, but I
will look forward to that. >>>>> Joy
>
>>>>> niecee said I was dismayed yesterday that Maddie did something
she's never done -
>  she sort of growled at a 4yo who was petting her.  She definitely
> is excited-dominant and I MUST get that under control.  We have
> gained a ready-made group of 'grandkids' in the past six months;
> both dd and ds have partners with preschool children.>>>>

<<<<   How old is your Maddie?, and what breed is she?  I would not
let her be cornered or overwhelmed by kids, and I would do alot of
positive reinforcement when she is good.  When you feel she can be
trusted I sould have her sit, and let the little kid give her her
favorite treats.>>>>>Joy

>>>niecee  My two favorite episodes are Emily the pit bull - who'da
thunk that
> a pit bull could be rehabbed that way?  and the boxer that was
> destined to be euthanized the next day if Cesar's method hadn't
> brought about such dramatic change.
>
> >>>niecee Since seeing what a difference these techniques make, I
am sick
> about the fact that I also encouraged a friend with an
unpredictable
> and snippy standard schnauzer (and two small girls which he
bruised
> regularly) to put that dog down, and she did.  The information out
> there is that NO dog that shows agression in any form should be
> allowed to live because they are dangerous, and yet it seems that
> there is actually hope for them.


<<<<I know, well whats done is done, its amazing how many people get
the wrong breed for their lifestyles.  I find its true with
springers, people like the looks, but they are very high energy and
need alot of exercise and a job to do.>>>>Joy

>>>>niecee  I also watch the Animal Precinct
> shows and just bawl when a sweet dog fails to past the temperament
> test.  Do you suppose that if those dogs had the rehab techniques
> available to them that they would not be euthanized?


>>>> I cannot stand to watch Animal precinct because it is such a
cruel side of life with people who do not care for their animals.  I
think people need more traing and then the dogs would not be the
ones jeopardized for the most part.  Ususally the dog is not the
problem.>>>>    Joy

>>>>I am excited to be one of the first members of this group and to
see what we can learn.  Nice to meet you Deniece!!

                                    Joy

You are the first member of this group - glad to see that there is
another fan out there.

Have you seen the episode with the springer?  There must be one;
there is a clip with a springer on the opening credits.

I was dismayed yesterday that Maddie did something she's never done -
  she sort of growled at a 4yo who was petting her.  She definitely
is excited-dominant and I MUST get that under control.  We have
gained a ready-made group of 'grandkids' in the past six months;
both dd and ds have partners with preschool children.

My two favorite episodes are Emily the pit bull - who'da thunk that
a pit bull could be rehabbed that way?  and the boxer that was
destined to be euthanized the next day if Cesar's method hadn't
brought about such dramatic change.

Since seeing what a difference these techniques make, I am sick
about the fact that I also encouraged a friend with an unpredictable
and snippy standard schnauzer (and two small girls which he bruised
regularly) to put that dog down, and she did.  The information out
there is that NO dog that shows agression in any form should be
allowed to live because they are dangerous, and yet it seems that
there is actually hope for them.  I also watch the Animal Precinct
shows and just bawl when a sweet dog fails to past the temperament
test.  Do you suppose that if those dogs had the rehab techniques
available to them that they would not be euthanized?

Denise

Hello there!  I am Denise, owner of this group.  So very glad that
you have taken an interest in discussion the training techniques as
shown on The Dog Whisperer.

We are an empty-nest family.  The only kid we have left is
our 'hairy daughter' 4 year old English Springer Spaniel Maddie.

Maddie is an awesome dog - I'd recommend springers to anybody that
has the energy to keep up with them.

She, like many dogs though, has 'issues'.  As wonderful and perfect
as she is, there are a few things that drive us nuts.  She's
dominant and hyper.  It was nearly impossible to walk her- instead,
the human is the one being walked! She's so powerful she could
nearly pull your arm out of socket, and could certainly pull a
smallish person to the ground.

Another problem was jumping up on people.  Nobody likes to have
their hands gnawed by a slobbery dog and nobody likes to be jumped
on.  Plus she barks so violently at people like the UPS guy that
they are sure she's about to eat them, especially when she lunges
and jumps toward them.

We began applying Cesar's first principle immediately:  That we are
the pack leader and she has to act as though she believes it.  We
stopped letting her go through doors in front of us.  Twice she has
knocked me down the back steps while lunging past.  Now she waits
for us to come through first.

It used to be that when we walked her, not only would she pull our
arms off, but she'd do it while wearing the pinch collar!  Copying
the DW, we began walking her without using the hook end of the lead
(slick webbing type) and instead made a slip knot by threading the
end of the leash through the handle and slipping that over her
neck.  Then we made sure that it was placed high on her neck, right
behind the ears, like show dogs in a ring.  Before we got away from
the front of the house, she was walking beside us without pulling.
When she tried to pull, one sharp yank of correction brought her
right back. The slip knot loosened up as soon as the yank was
finished, and soon she was walking with no tension on the leash.

That leash - the feel of that around her neck- makes all the
difference! And there is hardly any pressure.  It's certainly not
like her pinch collar.  When someone starts up the walk, I grab it
and slip it over her head. She sits down and if she tries to get up
and do her hyperdoggie thing, she gets correction.  She hasn't
lunged at a single person since we started doing this.

Shortly after I started with her, I injured my foot and haven't been
able to do the long walks.  That is making her 'rehabilitation' take
longer, but she's already a much better behaved girl than she has
ever been.

If you have seen The Dog Whisperer and want to share your stories
and anecdotes or discuss a particular story, please post!  If you
have a dog with unwanted behavior, post about the behavior, and the
members of this list might have helpful suggestions for you.

TDW is currently shown on The National Geographic Channel (NTGEO) on
channel 186 for Dish Network subscribers.  If you are with another
cable or satellite system, let us know where you watch it too!

Denise
DWF Owner