Cesar's New Book

Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, has a new book, Cesar's Rules.

There is so much confusion about dog training out there -- what works, what doesn't, what's best, what does it even mean?

According to Cesar, training is about conditioning. He claims that what he does is not "training" in the traditional sense, but what he cares most about is "balance." That means fulfilling the instinctual needs of the dog. When a dog is balanced, training is much easier to perform.

The idea for Cesar's Rules came about because of this very thing. People say to him, "Cesar, will you train my dogs?" and he says, "I train people."

According to Cesar, in our society we don't always understand the needs of the dog --we humanize them and this can never lead to a balanced relationship.

Cesar's Rules is his first book about training. He addresses the various methods and theories, talks to other experts, and gives people a comprehensive guide to choose what works best for them.

Cesar believes that the most important aspect is that you feel comfortable. What makes you feel confident will help you feel calm and assertive, and step up as the pack leader. Dogs are learning all the time. They’re constantly making associations and taking in information from the world around them. To Cesar, reward-based training to rehabilitate a dog is not natural. But to train a dog, it’s the best method. As long as the dog’s needs are met, promoting positive behavior with rewards is just another way to establish trust between you and the dog.

Cesar says that once you have earned your dog's trust, respect, and loyalty, training will be that much easier. Your dog will look to you for protection and direction.

How Many Dogs?

For the next two weeks I am "baby sitting" my son's dog, Ginger. Adding a second dog to the household has its challenges.

I find that I am constantly watching the dogs and training Ginger to our routines. She is a "city dog" and not use to the amount of freedom Ebony has taken for granted. I have also realized that Ebony and I have a good relationship and understanding of each other's needs.

Ginger and Ebony Ready To Go
My plan is to take the dogs for a good long walk each morning; hopefully, this will keep them content for the rest of the day. Ceasar Millan, the Dog Whisper, believes that a walk is the dog's work ethic.

So how many dogs is too much?

One thing is for sure, how many dogs you can humanely care for depends on your availability, energy and resources. For most people, owning one or two dogs is a full time job, but some may be able to balance upward of four to six dogs. Anything above this number requires a special kind of person with special circumstances if each animal is to receive the kind of attention he should receive as a pet.

I think I will stick to one dog!

Summer Time

Summertime is such a great time for you and your dog to have fun together.

So go ahead, have fun. It is a wonderful opportunity for you and your dog to spend time together, and it will do you both a lot of good both body and soul.

But remember rules still apply. Freedom for a dog is understanding rules, boundaries, and limitations. In the wild, animals are not just roaming around aimlessly. Their parents teach them a structured life.

Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, recommends that before you start to play, set the limits in your own mind. Will you play for 10 minutes, 15 minutes—longer? Make sure you and your dog are relaxed before you begin and that she understands that playtime is over when you say so. Then wait until she is relaxed and calm before you start another game or activity.


Cesar also suggest to check your own emotions too. How are you going to enjoy summer if you are not emotionally free? Stop and acknowledge how you really feel. Try using breathing exercises to put yourself in a calm state.

Spending time on a trail, in the park, or at the beach gives you and your dog the chance to reconnect to nature together, which will strengthen the bond between you. Structured play can also work with your dog’s natural instincts.

Whatever you decide to do this summer, make sure there is some structure to your activities. You will know your dog is happy when he ends the sessions tired but fulfilled.

Vacation is a state of mind, and if you use your imagination, even a trip to your local park can be a great getaway. It would be wonderful to reach that state of mind every day!

Three More Mistakes Dog Owners Make

This is the second in the series of the top TEN mistakes dog owners make. Previously, I posted the first three mistakes and following this one will be the last four mistakes.

Mistake 4: Dispensing Too Many Free Treats

Why this is a mistake? Treats lose their training value if your pet gets them for no reason.

How to avoid it: “Think of treats as currency given to a pet to reward good behavior,” says Marty Becker, a veterinarian and a coeditor of Petconnection.com. Assign each type of treat a value, and pay according to how well your pet behaves. Kibble is worth a dollar; a chicken strip, five; bologna, 10. “But it’s important to not pay off the good behavior all the time,” Becker says. “That way, your dog will always hope he might get that piece of bologna, and he’ll eventually perform without seeing a treat.”

Mistake 5: Neglecting to Socialize Your Pet

Why this is a mistake? Pets that are not exposed to a variety of animals and people at a very young age can develop fears and aggressive behavior.

How to avoid it: Introduce your pet to adults, kids, animals, and environments so he will take every novelty in stride. It is optimal for a pet to start the process before you bring him home, since the critical socialization period is early in life. “For a dog, it’s between the ages of 3 and 12 weeks, says Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, in North Grafton, Massachusetts. The breeder or the shelter’s adoption counselor can tell you how much socialization an animal has had.

Mistake 6: Skimping on Exercise



Why this is a mistake? Pets have pent-up energy that needs to be unleashed through physical activity. Otherwise it will be channeled into barking, jumping, or even hostile behavior.

How to avoid it: “Walk your dog at least twice a day for a minimum of 30 minutes each time,” says Cesar Millan, host of The Dog Whisperer, on the National Geographic Channel. “To your dog, that’s a primal activity ― birds fly, fish swim, and dogs walk.” Pamela Reid, vice president of the ASPCA’s Animal-Behavior Center in Urbana, Illinois, recommends that dogs get at least 40 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. “Dogs need more exercise than people do,” says Reid. Try running or biking with your dog or playing fetch or Frisbee.

Dog Park Advice

Cheri Lucas, founder and president of Second Chance at Love Humane Society, a no-kill dog rescue in Templeton, California, gives advice on how to have a successful experience at the dog park.

In 1999, Cheri began mentoring under Cesar Millan,
the Dog Whisperer.

She believes that when you take your dog to a dog park or any other setting where there are other dogs, you have a responsibility to make sure he or she practices acceptable social behavior. Yet, dog parks often become a venue for excited, dominant and even aggressive behavior.

The key to having a successful experience at the dog park is for your dog to see you as his pack leader. Asking your dog to behave properly in any setting is futile if you have no position of authority over him.

Assuming you are practicing rules and boundaries with your dog on a regular basis, you may be ready to introduce him to the challenge of a dog park. Keep in mind that the dog park or any other play situation should be seen an as occasional treat for your dog, and should never be a substitute for his routine, structured walk.

It’s natural for your dog to co-exist with other members of his own species. However, a dog park is nothing like a pack in the wild! A dog or wolf pack in their natural state is calm, orderly and balanced. To make your dog park experience more like that of a natural pack, ask your dog to earn everything he gets prior to leaving the house for the park. This will set the stage for good behavior as the activity continues. Does this advice sound similar to raising children?

Since your dog can pick up on subtle cues you’re giving him, as you’re getting ready to leave the house, he may begin to exhibit excited behavior. Ask your dog to sit, wait and proceed calmly through the front door to your car. Challenge your dog one more time by requesting he sit and wait for you to release him into the car.

If you’re driving to the park with someone else, ask him or her to correct your dog if he becomes overly excited again. When you arrive at the park, go through the “sit, wait, release” ritual with him again before allowing him to exit the car.


Ebony, Koda, Ginger, and Brinkley ready to go to the Dog Park!

Rather than entering the park right away, take your dog for a brisk walk for 15 minutes, keeping him right by your side. Keep your demeanor calm, assertive and relaxed during this time.

When you arrive back at the entrance of the park, continue to enter the park with your dog on his leash. Continue your walk making sure not to allow tension on his leash. Once you are confident that your dog’s state of mind is calm and balanced, unsnap his leash and allow him to explore on his own.

Your personal challenge will be to remain relaxed yet vigilant. Remember that just because you may have perfect control of your own dog, others may not have control of theirs. As with children, playing can sometimes turn into fighting if intensity levels are not kept in check.

May your next experience at the dog park be relaxing, rewarding and balanced!

If Your Dog Could Talk

Do you ever wonder what your dog would say if he could talk? Do you ever wonder what’s on his mind when he looks up at you with that plaintive expression and those big, warm, brown eyes?

You could be in for a surprise. I am going to guess you would find out that it is you who needs the training more than your dog! We humans do a lot of things that leave dogs puzzled.

According to Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, treating your dog like a child is one way to wreck your relationship.

We all know those houses, right? The ones with the framed pictures of Spot all over the walls. His name embroidered on all of his pillows and emblazoned on toys of every kind, scattered from kitchen to bedroom to bath. Spot's owner never stops obsessing over him as though he were a one-year-old. You can see how the human starts to get confused sometimes and starts thinking that Spot is a child — but of course Spot is under no illusions at all. He is a dog, and he wants to behave like a dog — that is in his DNA. Like all dogs, he wants to run, he loves to chase things, and he wants to use his nose to track. Your “baby” is also a pack animal and needs the structure and discipline in his life to feel fulfilled and not become frustrated.




There is nothing wrong with showing your dog love, but remember,Cesar recommends: first exercise, then discipline, and finally affection.

Patience

According to Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer,
patience is the key to rehabilitation.




He has found that one of the most important traits you can have as a canine professional is patience. He believes that you have to work with the dog over and over until he gets it. Sometimes a behavior change can be quick, but even then, it requires follow-through. He warns that you cannot revert back to your old behavior, or the dog will, too!

Remember, Cesar insists, rehabilitation is a process – not a quick fix. You need to send a clear and consistent message 24/7 and 365 days a year. The behavior change will not necessarily happen overnight. You have to celebrate the progress along the way and know that success is in the dog's future!

In our multi-tasking, instant access world, many of us have little patience. If this is true of you, look at it like this: your dog is giving you an opportunity to work on your development as a human being! Take the skills you are learning with him and apply it to other areas in your life. Be patient with your friends, family members, co-workers, and even complete strangers. You may find yourself a happier person for it.

K9 Veterans Day

In the United States, we rest safe and sound at night thanks to the service of brave men, women… and dogs!

Every year on March 13th, K9 Veterans Day honors not only those in the K9 Corps, but also the Police K9s, Customs K9s, Border Patrol K9s, Secret Service K9s, Airport Police K9s, F.B.I. K9s, and other dogs that protect us every day.

Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, often says that dogs need jobs. Few jobs are more important than those performed by these K9 Veterans. These dogs protect us from bombs, sniff out criminals, guard our borders, and protect our police force. Their intelligence and unwavering loyalty make them perfectly suited for the work, and the jobs they do are indispensable.

These dogs are true American heroes, but often, they go unrecognized. Only their human partners and families celebrate their accomplishments.

Let's acknowledge their contributions and thank them for their courage!

The Importance of Affection

Love is one of the greatest gifts we can share with our dogs. Dogs are affectionate animals. Touch means a lot to them, both in their natural world and when they live with us. However, affection that hasn't been earned and is shared at the wrong time can be detrimental to a dog.

Here are a few of Cesar Millan's, The Dog Whisperer, thoughts on sharing affection.

Give affection - but at the right time! Remember anytime you give affection, you reinforce the behavior preceding it. Reward stability. Share your love when your dog is in a calm-submissive state.

Share affection after a dog has... exercised and eaten, changed an unwanted behavior into a behavior you asked for, responded to a rule or command, or entered a calm-submissive state.

Don't share affection when your dog is... fearful, anxious, possessive, dominant, aggressive, whining, begging, barking, or breaking a household rule.

Don't forget exercise and discipline. Prove your love by giving your dog what he or she needs: long walks; rules, boundaries, and limitations

Give your dogs as much love as you have! Give as much love as your heart can handle and then some! But please give it at the right time.

Daddy's Emergency Animal Rescue Fund

Daddy
In life, Daddy effortlessly served as a canine role model, working with Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, to save the lives of wayward dogs and their disheartened owners by setting a positive example. To honor his memory and the contribution he made to improve the lives of animals in need, the Millan Foundation has created Daddy's Emergency Animal Rescue [DEAR] Fund, which will provide assistance for dogs who are victims of abuse or violence, man-made disasters (hoarder and puppy mill rescues), and large-scale natural disasters (hurricanes, fires, and other natural catastrophes).


Contribute to the DEAR fund

Remembering Daddy

First Habit of a Successful Dog Owner

Take a close look at the behavior of any successful pack leader (dog owner), and you see it mirrored in the behavior of successful people from all walks of life.

The FIRST HABIT of a successful dog owner
is to PROJECT CALM, ALWAYS!

Scientists now know that animals are not in tune just with other animals—they have an uncanny ability to read the energy of the earth as well. We have all heard anecdotes about a dog who predicts earthquakes, a cat who “smells” an impending tornado, or a captive elephant who breaks through his fence and heads for higher ground hours before his human companions learn that a tsunami is headed straight for the village they all inhabit.

One of the most important things to remember is that all the animals around you—especially the ones with whom you share your home—are reading and interpreting your energy whenever they’re in your presence. When you talk to them, you can use any combination of words that pop into your head, but the energy you’re projecting cannot and does not lie. You can scream and shriek till your face is blue when your dog jumps onto your new sofa, but be aware that, in losing your cool, you’re also losing your dog’s respect.

Because dogs often perceive loud vocalizing by excited, overly emotional humans as a sign of instability, your dog will either be frightened by your tantrum or, worse, completely un-affected by it. What he won’t do is respond the way you want him to. Humans respond to unstable leaders; dogs do not. With your dog, you want to project what Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, calls calm-assertive energy at all times. It means that you are relaxed but always confident that you are in control.

Calm-assertive personalities are the leaders in the animal world. (Think about the way the mother of a litter of newborn pups conducts herself.) And though they are few and far between in the human kingdom, they’re always easy to spot. They’re the ones who are powerful, confident, inspiring, and successful. For example, Oprah Winfrey exudes calm-assertive energy. She is consistently relaxed, curious, and even-tempered, but she is also always undeniably in charge. Her personal magnetism is impossible to deny, and it has made her not only one of the world’s most powerful women but also one of the richest.

Exercise Limits?

Is there such a thing as TOO much exercise for a dog? For puppies?

According to Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer, he has always adhered to the theory that, as long as you are careful, the dog is the best one to tell you what is too much exercise. Puppies often do not have enough muscle tone to take long runs, but there are always exceptions. Most dogs and puppies will tell you when they have hit their limit, and it is important to resist pushing them beyond this point.

Even if your dog or puppy wants to keep going, some things you should be cautious about are:

1. Be sure that your dog does not overheat. If you are too hot, assume they are. Provide water or try to run in a cooler area.

2. Be consistent with exercise. The weekend marathon after a week of couch potato life is very hard on the joints.

3. Be cautious with your dog's feet. Running on cement (especially hot cement) can cause sloughing of the foot pads, so try to have breaks on softer surfaces or at least work your dog up to the harder surfaces to give them a chance to form the necessary calluses.

4. Be aware of your dog's limits. Until you understand your dog’s stamina, be sure that you are able to stop when your dog starts to lag behind. (i.e., Take the short route 5 times instead of the long route once.) If you feel that he or she is not able to go as far as they should, consult a vet to see if there is a reason for the intolerance.

Problems on the Walk?

Many people don't take their dogs on as many walks as they should because they have issues keeping their dog under control. Whether it's pulling, lunging, or other problem behaviors, there's hope!

Here are The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan's tips for a successful walk:

Be aware of your energy and body language. Make sure you are communicating a message that says, 'I am the pack leader!' Keep your head up and your shoulders back. Think positive, and envision the walk going well. You might be surprised at the results.

Keep the leash short – but not tight. This simple tip can save you a lot of headache. Flexi-leashes and other longer leashes make it harder for you to communicate with your dog and easier for her to go wherever she wants. But, don't forget, it's also important to keep the leash loose. If you make a correction, it should be quick, and then the leash should be returned to the relaxed state.

Position the collar at the top of the neck. If you've ever seen sledding dogs, you'll notice that the harness is around the lower part of their neck, near the shoulders. Why? This is where their pulling power is located. You're actually helping your dog to pull you around if you have the collar placed there. Instead, position it on the upper neck, which is the most sensitive area.

Record the walk. Ask a friend or family member to help you film you and your dog on the walk. It may be easier to see your problem areas after the fact. What's your posture like? How do you react when your dog misbehaves? Are you putting tension on the leash? These are the types of things to look for while you watch. If you don't have access to a camera, ask a friend or family walk with you and then share what they noticed.

Enlist the help of balanced dogs. If your dog barks or lunges at other dogs that you pass on the walk, take time to do just that activity with another dog you trust. That way, you can practice remaining calm and correcting your dog. Then, when the situation arises when you're not expecting it, you'll feel better able to handle it, and that confidence will be communicated to your dog.

Practice! You and your dog won't get better if you don't go out there and do it! Celebrate every success along the way. Learn from the bad days, but don't dwell on them. And then one day, you'll find you've done it! You've mastered the walk!

Puppy Training

The training you do in the first months of a puppy’s life is all important for a successful relationship in the years to come. Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, believes you must be the pack leader from the start.


He says: Puppies are hard-wired for a structured life. From the time they are born, they seek out boundaries and want to learn what they are supposed to do and what they are not supposed to do. Some people feel uncomfortable asserting authority over their dogs and will say things like “my baby is only two months old! How can I make rules for it?” But dogs, like all social animals, need structure in their lives. They need to feel a sense of direction and stability.

In nature, the puppy’s mother started making rules the moment it was born. She was the first pack leader, and as soon it was old enough, she took it on walks and set boundaries for it. She made it wait for food – not feeding it on the puppy’s schedule. In nature, that is what all animals do. Food has to be hunted and doesn’t just show up. It’s important that dogs still work for it.

This is why training is vital – and why you must establish yourself as pack leader. Your dog is an animal, not a human. It is a pack animal and needs leadership and structure to be fulfilled and happy. Exercise and discipline are both good for the dog; they fulfill him as a member of the pack. Fail in this and you are opening the door to trouble – in the form of an unfulfilled, annoying and even aggressive animal.

Cesar Shares What Dogs Teach

When humans bring a dog into their lives, they are most often looking for a companion; what they may not realize is that they are getting a teacher as well.

Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, says, "One of the most valuable lessons my dogs have taught me is how to have a healthy relationship. In any relationship - human-canine, human-human, human-pachyderm you cannot have the bond you are looking for unless you fulfill the others' needs. If you're not giving your dog what he requires, he'll let you know by chewing your shoes, jumping up on your guests, pulling on the walk, or one of many other behavior problems. It's not malicious. He's just finding another way to meet the needs programmed in him by Mother Nature."

According to Cesar, "In order to fulfill one another, we need to look outside ourselves and really understand what the other needs and how their psychology works. That's the foundation for a balanced, healthy relationship with any species."

But that's not all dogs have to teach us. Cesar states, "They educate us about the value of consistency. If you apply Exercise, Discipline, then Affection every day without fail, your dog will reward you with loyal companionship."

He emphasizes that "They show us how to live life to the fullest by being balanced and celebrating every moment. They have taught me to value the simplicity of life itself. They intensify every moment that I am with them. And for that, I am eternally grateful."

How Does He Do It?

Do you ever wonder how Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, "rehabilitates" dogs?


Cesar Millan


Cesar says, "I believe there are two main things that make me successful in rehabilitation. First, I don't know anything about the problem, so I don't come in with any preconceived ideas. I don't know anything about the past. I'm just meeting the dog as who he is at that moment. Second, I look to the environment to see what can help me to help him. Most of the time, it is the environment and the humans that empower the dog. The dog becomes territorial, and the dog becomes dominant."

He then asks himself, "What do I need to do to help this dog achieve a calm-submissive state?"

"For the most part, the dog is not lacking affection. These owners love their dogs very much. Usually, it's exercise or discipline that is missing. In what order? It depends. If I'm dealing with an aggressive or territorial case, the dog needs discipline. If I'm dealing with a hyper or nervous dog, it's exercise. Exercise builds self-esteem and creates trust. Psychological challenges create respect."

Cesar believes that it's not an intellectual process. He says, "It's about instinct and intuition. I am a big believer that God will show me the way and that the dog will tell me what I need to do."

Insight For Dog Lovers

The more you learn about dog psychology, the better you will be able to connect with your canine companion.

Here is some advice from The Dog Whisper, Cesar Millan:

Dogs are not humans. Before they receive love and affection, they need exercise, clear direction, and leadership. Giving them love alone doesn’t create balance in their lives. Be a pack leader!

Rehabilitating a dog is not about “fixing” it. It’s about you, the owner, creating the intention for what you want, not what you’re feeling. Dogs pick up on feelings of fear, doubt, or worry – and they will move to fill them by attempting to become dominant.

Practice unwavering leadership every day, especially on your walk. The energy you’re projecting internally is the message you’re sending to your dog.

Dedicate at least 45 minutes of time to the dog’s walk in the morning. Let the dog know you have a consistent pattern that you expect it to follow. Utilize your dog’s energy in a positive manner.

Don’t expect more from your dog(s) than your own children. Dogs need discipline, too. Give them rules, boundaries, and limitations as well as love.

Avoid nurturing your dog’s fears or unstable mind. Imagine a successful scenario and hold it in your mind when dealing with your dog.

You are the source of your dog’s energy. You are the role model.

Challenge the dog’s mind – dogs want to know what to do with their lives. Let the dog work for your affection. Once in a calm-submissive state, your love will intensify those qualities in your dog.

Dogs need “on” and “off” time. Engage them fully in structured times together; then they can relax and avoid impatient or destructive behaviors.

Dogs show us how much we can learn – they live in the moment. Try it!