The Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan
 

Has anyone else watched this show? I was just astounded at what I didn't know.
After seeing a few shows, I began to see flaws in my own methodology as well ;)

If you haven't seen it yet, here are some highlights:
1). Dogs have their own language and don't respond to human psychology.
They act on instinct, and don't correlate things which are obvious to us.

2). Yelling"NO" in a rising tone of voice simply doesn't work at all. Pushing them off is also just rough play to them. They respond to a quiet "psst" and a simulated bite when they're thinking about/right after bad behavior, and nothing else works.
Talking is often counterproductive.

3). It is impossible to train a dog who has nervous energy. Humans included.

4). What we consider cruel to other humans gives them a place and a purpose in "the pack". Discipline is different from punishment.
He recommends exercise, discipline, then affection.

5). Don't repeat yourself. Pack leaders DO SOMETHING and the dog pack follows instantly. Tell them once, then show them how. Repeating yourself is just repeating yourself to yourself in repetition, over an extended period of time. It gets frustrating for the human and accomplishes nothing.

6). What we consider affection like tugging the leash, or jumping/licking on a person is the dog establishing dominance and should be stopped.
Brush it off, ignore it, and/or correct it.

I have been training my dog with an e-collar. I thought it might be cruel, but he really has responded. And really wants to please me.

Cesar is pretty amazing on how he can read a dog. We have learned a lot from watching his show. One of our dogs used to start whining in the morning to be fed. He was persistent enough to get me up and going in the morning. After watching the show I learned to just "bite" him and said a firm NO and I went back to bed. The dog shut up and never did it again.

One of our family friends has a full size poodle. It is a very friendly dog and a little too friendly. When we first went in to the house I did not acknowledge the dog and I established my space. My wife did the same thing. We can go over there now and everyone is amazed how the dog does not bother us until I call him to me. I can put a plate of chips and dip on my lap and watch a football game and the dog does not try to steal my chips. Every other guest has to be on constant guard of their food.

I like his style/teachings & his show.
Much of what he states comes straight out of the book

Mother Knows Best: The Natural Way to Train Your Dog: Carol Lea Benjamin: 0021898056665: Amazon.com: Books

I bought this book just after getting my two Tibetan Terriers yrs. ago. It's based on how the mother dog trains her pups. For example, to correct some bad behavior, she'll bite the hair on the side of the pups' face and give a little shake. Followed immediately with a lick to show her love. I learned how to discipline them with affection. I also learned a more productive way of interacting with others. ;)
Great book.

I have found his techniques work well with my Son ...

How should you "bite" a dog?

We are semi-fluent in dog thanks to this guy. Amazing how he relates to these animals!

i find his techniques kinda dangerous. he approaches some very dangerous dogs. i'm sure he is a confident pro with dogs. hope some regular non-pros dont try the same stunts. i think he has only been bitten once.

i like that british lady better. especially when she dresses in all black..with tight pants..

Very carefully.

If only more humans would understand the pack-leader philosophy.....the world would be a better place for dogs and humans!

I presently have a Min. Poodle (inherited) and I will often guide him with grunts of disapproval. I really haven't formally "trained" him but have just assumed the position of a giant Min. Poodle mother. He really just wants to please.
Of course, it helps that he's so smart that I can watch him think.

It is done with your fingers. It does not have to be a literal bite. Just hold your fingers in a circle like a big claw. Poke the dog on the side. It is just to snap the brain out of the mode they are in and make them pay attention to you. It does not hurt the dog at all, just re-directs the brain.

That's kinda what the ecollar does. Gives a little shock to get their attention and let them know you're trying to tell them something. What channel is the dog whisperer on? I'd like to see it.

I have been using this guy. Northern Virginia Dog Trainers | Off Leash Dog Training he has a lot of videos, its really impressive.

Dog Whisperer and the follow up show is on National Geographic Chanel. I am sure re-runs are on some of the others channels. They are all produced by Nat Geo.

His foundation is a client of mine. When I first went to meet with them, fortunately, I was wearing jeans. It was a rainy day and I had to park the bike and rent a car. They all bring their dogs to the office. I love dogs and don't mind at all having them jump all over me. Sure am glad I was in jeans that day. It was messy.

i hate when dogs jump up on me..or others.

I think it's safe to say Cesar has not personally trained his employees' dogs.

ahahahhaa..

cesar gets them to not bite and walk politely on lease. which for some dogs..is enough.

I love dogs as well and have always had a pretty good understanding of them. What he illustrates is that so many well-meaning people have no clue how dogs think. There are some other really good dog trainers with books, (and many awful ones), I've always had German Shepherds and I like the "Monks of New Skeete" book. They are an order of monks in upstate NY, (I think), who raise and train GSDs for their subsistence.

Both the MNS and CM understand the importance of exercise for the proper mental state of an animal. Good for humans to remember as well.

Had the same problem with my wife. Worked like a charm...