anyone watch that show with victoria stilwell? dog trainer?

[vash]

she host a show "it's me or the dog". i thought the show was ok, barely watchable actually. my wife loves it, and takes up DVR space by recording her shows.

some of you know i just adopted a 75 lb, black lab. he is unruly, and had no rules. i got "jackson" (jack) day after christmas, and i used some of the stuff victoria preaches. jack now sits, stays (mostly), and learned to lie down. i broke him 90% from jumping up on me, he backs off when i eat on the couch, and he wont come in the kitchen if we are cooking. jack isnt perfect. he still torments the cat a bit, but i expect charity the angry cat to teach jack about the many sharp implements of a cat. jack just wants to sniff the cat. jack has made crazy progress in 3 days. oh, he is at zero house accidents. he sleeps in our pantry locked up so the cat can roam the house. no issues.

the dog we got is being treated for heartworm. that means the worm meds have been injected and the critters are dying. worm body parts are floating amuck in the bloodstream and jack cannot get excited at all for EIGHT WEEKS!!! he could die suddenly from an stroke or something.. keeping a lab quiet for 8 weeks is going to be difficult. and we have CHICKENS. jack already chased them. i think i can break him from doing this with a ball. jack wants to play all the time. fetch is king. as soon as this worm thing is done, i will work on his prey drive.

victoria never spanks the dogs...i havent spanked jack yet either. for all you dog folks out there, check out victoria's show. she isnt hard on the eyes either...the brit accent helps.

[varmint]

she dresses like she spanks.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by varmint

she dresses like she spanks.

Boy howdy! Love her E type.

[Paul K]

I'd hit it too. Another good source of dog training tips is Cesar Milan's show 'The Dog Whisperer'. We have a lab, and the calm, assertive energy thing works wonders on her.

[TerryH]

We record it also. I find it amazing that the owners are stupid and dogs are the ones with all the brains. They do find some rather bad cases of spoiled rotten animals. The dogs will take over if the owners allow it. Dogs love to please us and it's amazing how a little training can make an unmanagable pet a nearly perfect pet. Most dog owners would do well to watch a few episodes of that show.

[Jim Richards]

We watch it from time to time. She changes her methods a bit for seemingly the same issue with different dogs. Not sure why yet, but we'll keep watching.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Paul K

... Another good source of dog training tips is Cesar Milan's show 'The Dog Whisperer'. We have a lab, and the calm, assertive energy thing works wonders on her.

I'm dogless for the first time in years (put my 14 yr. old girl, yellow lab, down several months back), and I've just recently watched Milan's show for the first time. I've always had a "knack" for training dogs ever since I was a kid, and didn't even realize I was using a lot of his techniques over the years. Good show! I'm starting to get the urge for another one to "pick me"

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by KC911

I'm dogless for the first time in years (put my 14 yr. old girl, yellow lab, down several months back), and I've just recently watched Milan's show for the first time. I've always had a "knack" for training dogs ever since I was a kid, and didn't even realize I was using a lot of his techniques over the years. Good show! I'm starting to get the urge for another one to "pick me"

Just don't make the mistake I did and expect the new dog to be like your old girl. Our last lab was 1) Obsessed with fetching and 2) Would never dream of 'pushing the envelope'. Our new lab has v. little interest in retrieving and constantly tries to push it. She behaves for me but walks all over the wife. Also, I had forgotten how much energy it takes to make a lab tired. However much it is, I don't have it!

Cheers,

Paul.

[varmint]

a celebrity likes me!


i work at an ad agency in santa monica sometimes. the creative director's dog, sadie, was on "the dog whisperer". look for the sar-pei with the savage aggression problems. she tried to maul caeser milan, but she loves me. she sleeps under the desk while i work.

apparently the secret is to feed them peeled prawns and skittles.

[KFC911]

I hear ya Paul. My "Layla" was about as laid back as a lab can be, but my first trainee (as a teenager) was an alpha male doberman, so I know they're all as unique we "human dogs" are. I love 'em all and have been biding my time with a good friend's two pups and my next door neighbor's new pup (all mixed mutts & great dogs)...it's just a matter of time

[azasadny]

We prefer the Dog Whisperer (Cesar Millan) and the British lady doesn't do anything but irritate us.

[BlueSideUp]

What was her technique for house training? We have a rescue Husky and Puggle that don't want to go outside all the time (like when it's raining or they just don't feel like it).

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by BlueSideUp

What was her technique for house training? We have a rescue Husky and Puggle that don't want to go outside all the time (like when it's raining or they just don't feel like it).

Jess,

You may want to spnd sometime with a local dog trainer to figure out the best way to get what you need. My wife and I were first time dog owners when we got Maggie and the hour or so we spent with a trainer was immensely helpful in helping us develp a plan to make Maggie the obiedent, friendly dog she is now.

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by azasadny

We prefer the Dog Whisperer (Cesar Millan) and the British lady doesn't do anything but irritate us.

I haven't watched Cesar; however, I've heard that his techniques are more aggressive and perhaps create a more fearful relationship with one's dog. I wonder how true this is.

Stillwell relies on positive reinforcement.

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

I haven't watched Cesar; however, I've heard that his techniques are more aggressive and perhaps create a more fearful relationship with one's dog. I wonder how true this is.

Stillwell relies on positive reinforcement.

Jim:

I've heard this too, and have even listened to Cesar being interviewed on the radio, then as soon as he is off air they berate him for not being professionally trained, using contact, etc. I say B.S. to them. Cesar communicates with dogs in dog language- using calm, assertive energy. It works. Most often the problem is that the owner is not willing to be the pack leader of an animal that does not get enough exercise. Cesar trains people, and rehabilitates dogs- teaching the dog how to act as part of a pack. People treat dogs like their friend, and the dog takes advantage of that- trying to (often successfully) become the pack leader. But then, I'm no expert- watch the show and see what you think, I'd be interested to hear.

Cheers,

Paul.

[Jim Richards]

Interesting. Thanks Paul.

[vash]

housetraining.

she first gets the house spotless. she makes the owner use that enzyme cleaning stuff to break down the urea (ammonia?) to get rid of the smell, and then she sets up a rigorous schedule to get the dog outside. on the dot. apparently it works. oh, she doesnt let the dog drink unlimited water.

i have watched the dog whisperer. believe me, i am trying to sponge all the info i can. cesar is more of a one shot type of guy. his methods are harder to copy for me. hell, i cant speak dog. her techniques i can follow. body check the dog, make him look at me, loud sounds...i can do that. i think cesar puts out a vibe i just cant do.

[KFC911]

I've never watched the British trainer either, and have no professional experience, but have to agree with Paul too. IMO, "most" dogs will attempt to please the pack leader (me), once communication is established, and particularly for puppies, I've always believed that "bribery will get you everywhere" in that regard (along with being firm and in control). I've never touched a dog aggressively, but my techniques have always worked for me (and I have no problem biting a puppy lightly on the nose a few times - that's all it takes and sends a strong message). People have always been amazed at how my dogs behave, and almost all dogs I've ever been around "listen to me", and love it. To be clear, I've only seen Milan's show a few times, and don't do a lot of the things he does, but I think I will try his techniques on my next "me owner". For example, I've never been a "leash walker" after they're six months old or so, and have no problem with them "leading" when appropriate, but mine will always obey (sit, stay indefinitely, come, heel, etc). upon either voice or hand signal commands if I want them to. As far as house breaking, I've always "crate trained" mine initially, but typically acquire them when they're 7-8 weeks old and don't even let the bad habits develop. There are lots of ways to achieve the desired results, and I've just learned and modified mine over the past 40 years in finding something that works out for every dog I've been around. Just typing all this makes me want another one REAL soon. Thanks for "letting me type"...it's theraputic

[vash]

keith, folks like you should have a dog. what are you waiting for?

[KFC911]

Vash, as much a I love 'em, it's hard to put one down (after 14 years), and I needed a few months. My neighbor's wife asked me the same thing after they acquired their pup a couple of months ago. I told her I was just about ready "for one to pick me" . New year, new pup...??? Good luck with yours...you've "done good"!!!