The Dog Whisperer

Watching his show, it usually ends by saying the human is doing the wrong things. Sometimes it has dogs that have suffered a traumatic event that has changed their behavior but it is most often the result of us humans relating to our animals as our baby - or humanizing them. ***raising hand *** (I was so guilty with my lab/retriever Oscar, "who" passed this previous March). I love the show, he is amazing. He says we can love them as part of the family; however, they are dogs and should be treated as such.

We have his books and I gotta say.... most of his suggestions are DEAD on! I've trained border collies since I was about 13-14 just by trial and error, but in the last 5 years or so, I've found the methods I've found effective match what he's used also.

From what you've described Jessica, it sounds like since you've been occupied with Aiden, that your puppy is starting to see you less as an 'alpha' role and is developing that mentality about Brian and Aiden instead. You're lucky because a lot of people don't prepare their pets for the arrival of a baby very well, and what can happen is that the animal starts to see the child as an interruption/threat to his masters. Which, if not dealt with, can lead to aggression toward the child. Granted, some of it depends on how strong these kind of traits are genetically built into the dog breeds too (like, more likely in chow, but less likely in labs).

A lot of what Cesar does deals with these general principles about dogs, and then measures them to the individual dog. Kind of like therapy---- your books teach you about methods to promote communication and resolution, but when you meet the person, you determine which methods will work best. Really, a lot of what Cesar Milan talks about is based on animal behavioral studies from a scientific standing. If I remember correctly from his book, he studied under someone for quite awhile and really just "took to it" naturally once he had the general foundation of knowledge....

Anyone who can roller blade while toting a pack of 10 calm pit bulls is doing something right....lol I used to watch it all the time, and the principles make sense. Dogs follow the leader and know who the leader is - and is not.

I used to walk my dog and get nervous when another dog approached, and every time my dog would growl and try to get at the other dog.

In applying some of what I learned on the show, I see a dog coming and tell myself nothing is going to happen because I'm walking the dog, not the other way around. It's gotten 90% better because animals are big on reading energy, and if my dog can tell I'm calm and cool she is more likely to be.

Jessica that doesn't exactly apply to your situation, but maybe your pup is acting out as a result of the changing energy in your house? Try to wait it out, it may improve as things settle.

Ive seen him live at a show in Baltimore. He is right with his training. I have also read one of his books and recently started his latest book. One of biggest problem is that we humanize the dogs. We treat them like babies, the way we talk to them, let them get away with thing, etc. I know, you just love em.. I am at fault here too and i bet most pet lovers are. Its just our natural way to show our love. Dogs have different needs, they love all that attention and love but too much of anything is a bad thing. They also need discipline and exercise too! Exercise is very important. I have a weimaraner and if she doesnt get the exercise she needs, it shows. She ends up getting into things, eating carpet, shes also no as responsive. Cesars techniques do work! I highly recommend his book, especially if you have a puppy, its much easier to break bad habits when they are younger. The older they get harder it is, it can be done, takes more work. Its all about being the pack leader!

I haven't seen his show, but I am currently working with trainer who uses a lot of his methods. Basically establishing that YOU are the alpha dog, and yu decided what happens, when and where. Like in nature, you have to tune in to a dog's pack-mentality, and you have to be the leader of the pack. It's great, I can't believe the positive changes and imrovement in behavior - and a lot of it is training ME how to speak to my dog in a language that he can understand - he does not understand when I get mad and yell or if I get so frustrated that I don't know what to do with him. Basically, my dog was ruling me and telling me how we would do things - not repecting my authority.

But, one of the fundamentals of his training is to give what he calls the 3 things your dog has to have to survive: Excerice, disapline and affection, in that order. So, with a little one taking up a lot of time, your pup is probably feeling the lack of at least one of these things. The Cesar Milan site is so-so, you pretty much have to buy his stuff to get anything out of it, but it might be a good read, or seek a trainer in your area who uses his methods. There are some who come into your home for problem dogs- I know of a similar problem with a woman who worked in my office. She had a small dog who was heavily misbehaving when the new baby came home - it turns out she saw the baby as a threat, and they needed to work past it.

I totally agree, I am reading Cesar's book "Cesar's Way". It is a very good book and easy to understand (especially for those who do not like to read like myself). I love how he explains when we raise our voices and yell at our pups they just think we are nuts and out of control. I keep telling myself "calm assertive" when dealing with my furry kids.

Ever since I adopted my labradoodle Rusty (he's 8 weeks old now) I've been addicted to watching The Dog Whisperer. Funny thing is, my brother adopted his dog about 2 years ago and I thought he was crazy for (1) watching the show and (2) watching the show so often! I find the show very informative and interesting. Plus, I want to learn all about raising a healthy puppy! Growing up we didn't have ANY pets so I'm pretty much clueless!

Anyhow, I was just wondering, any other Dog Whisperer fans out there?!

Yes! He really is a miracle worker! We watch the show often!!