Dog Whisperer Question

[-Grey Ghost-]

After watching quite a few episodes of DW, it seems to me that every problem is resolved by becoming the pack leader and being calm and assertive.

Is it really that simple?

What do the trainers on this site think of his methods?

[MonElite]

Id say that along with teaching your dog some comands than yes.

But I dont think that becoming a pack leader, calm and assertive is simple. For most people it isnt.

[Staranais]

I train my own dog (and help with friends), but I'm not a professional trainer, so my answer may not be what you're after.

But personally, I do think many dog behaviour problems can be solved by the owner simply being a better leader and setting clear boundaries for the dog.

I also think that there are many behaviour problems that can't be solved that way. Not every problem behaviour is caused by the dog being unsure of who the leader is.

To take a completely random example, if your dog pees in the house, he's not necessarily going to stop just because you become a stronger pack leader. It all depends on what motivates the behaviour. I can think of scores of reasons why a dog might pee in the house, and lots of them have nothing to do with leadership.

I mean, perhaps he does respect you as a leader, but he still gets separation anxiety when you're away, so is marking in order to reassure himself when you're not around. Or perhaps the dog genuinely misunderstands what you want him to do, so he couldn't do it no matter how much he wants to please you. Or perhaps he has a medical condition, like a urinary tract infection, causing the problem!

Same goes with most behaviour problems, IMO. Some might be caused by poor leadership, but lots aren't.

JMO.

Edited September 27, 2007 by Amhailte

[TNT]

A couple of 'experts' use the calm and assertive theory- especially after a separation. We tried it with our two- and the response was amazing and almost instantaneous. Our dogs became a lot calmer and a lot more responsive.

[sigzephyr]

A couple of 'experts' use the calm and assertive theory- especially after a separation. We tried it with our two- and the response was amazing and almost instantaneous. Our dogs became a lot calmer and a lot more responsive.

Can you explain what you did to give your pets the message that you were "calm and assertive"?

[jesomil]

Yes, i believe it is that simple but as someone said, being the leader and being calm and assertive does not come naturally most people so it takes a bit of work.

I have just got his new DVDs so have spent alot of time this week watching him. While i dont agree with everything, I think he is great.

[Kelpie-i]

I think the "calm, assertive" notion is derived from mimicing the alpha wolf. A true alpha is calm and assertive which is the way the pack is controlled and hence holds respect.

Myszka is correct in saying that not everyone can mimic this and therefore this is when most behaviour problems can occur.

I provide many in-home consults and I can honestly say that 95% of behavioural problems I see stem from some sort of lack of leadership and guidance on the owner's behalf. The remainder comes from either lack of training/socialisation, bad experiences and even some medical related.

I love watching Cesar and find his "teachings" (not necesarily all of his techniques) amazing.

[-Grey Ghost-]

Wow and here I was thinking it was set up for TV. I guess I should give him more credit. It just looks too easy.

I do like that he tells everyone to excerise their dogs more often.

What are the techniques poeple disagree with the most. Mine would be physically forcing the dog onto its back.

[stevieg]

im really not sure if he is that great. the theroy has been used by many people as their own i believe. i may be worng and there are people on this forum who know way more than i, but for example, jan fennell. she calls it amichien bonding.

i think that the alpha wolf idea is important. just think of it like respecting another human, at school did you listen to teachers that you didnt respect. having said that dogs do think very differently and a common idea though some of the books i have read, (which isnt as many as i must be mmaking it sound), is not to put a human framework onto dogs.

i just dont like CM, mainly because of the less savory techniques that happen in his dog training facillity. but i do think that he is educating alot of people in a positive way by telling them to exercise there dogs... which is great. just not sure about everything he says.

[stevieg]

i hope that makes sense, i didnt read through it and i appear to have skipped ahead of my self, oh well...

[Nekhbet]

i've been watching his show and I really do think he is on the right page [with what I have seen] he also understands that dogs are dogs and should be treated accordingly which I think is the most important point. But Kelpie-i has a point, most peoples problems stem from lack of leadership and thinking that the dogs offering of behaviour means they are 'obedient' and under control. But I have implemented some of his methods and the control people have over their dogs again, especially larger dogs, is such a confidence boost for them and helps them see that to regain control over their dogs they just need a bit of effort but it will happen.

His calm assertive leadership is the basis for the relationship for the dog. Its not the cure all but if you have a dog that doesnt have any serious mental or health problems that require veterinary attention, then yes you need to be a calm and assertive leader before you get anywhere with your dog.

E-collars have a time and place as well, as well as using what the americans call 'dominant dog collars' which are nylon slip leads. wish we had more of those here actually.

[Mushaka]

i used his methods on a particularly difficult to walk dog ,when going volunteer walking.

I found that once she realised i meant business..she walked perfectly. No dramas,by my side,no lunging. FANTASTIC dog. I listened later in the day as another walker was leaving,say to her friend that walking that dog was a nightmare.

I'm by no means a "dog expert",but it just goes to show that even if some of us get some of what CM is saying,then we might have an improved relationship with our pets.

[Mushaka]

someone mentioned Jan fennell. Can anyone here tell me why she doesnt reccommend socializing early? Or did i misinterprate(spelling) what she was saying?

[noneybur]

I too have watched the Dog Whisperer on TV and I have been practicing what he preaches. For over 3 years now I have been going to Herding Clinics run by people who do exactly the same techniques that he teaches and they didn't learn that from him. It is all about being a leader. Dogs operate in a pack and thats why they respond to authority. They look for someone to lead them. The instructors that teach me, roll over the pups from an early age and I too can roll over all of my dogs onto their backs. I am the alpha leader. None of my dogs have been obedience trained but all of them have manners. They come when they are called every time. Get out of my way when I walk forward and are happy, healthy dogs. The three of them will all lay down when told. They are never allowed on my lap or on furniture because that would elevate them off the floor which would give them a position of being at my level, thus being an equal. I can hand feed treats individually with them all sitting side by side. I say each dog's name and then give the treat. They know I am the boss and I say who gets what. Sorry but I could rave on and on about how much dog handling I have learnt from my herding instructors over the few years I have been going to them. And yes I know there are people out there that won't agree with what I do but thats their choice. I think everything the Dog Whisperer says and does is spot on, and if he can help some Aussies out there then its a good thing.

[cavNrott]

Sorry noneybur but I totally disagree with you. Being the leader or Alpha has nothing to do with being physically dominant, it means that they know you are in control of resources. My dogs respect me as leader and I have never dominated them physically. The resources available to my dogs are dependent on their behaviour. If they want to go out the dog then they must sit. They want to eat they sit and wait until I give them the ok to eat.

As a training technique Alpha rolling dogs went out of vogue about 20 or more years ago. It isn't necessary to get physical with dogs to gain their trust and respect. My dogs are obedience trained and they eat shoulder to shoulder without interference with eachothers food. The four of them will also line up and take a treat from me when I call their name.

My dogs are allowed on the couch and the bed at my invitation. They are not 'equal' as I am the one who allows them to do that....or not... and they know it. They accept that what I say goes. They trust me to do right by them and I have their respect.

[Mushaka]

Gosh u two..

I enforce a lil from both posts.

I dont alpha roll as such,but o DO pick up my babies and sit them on my lap belly up..rund thier tum tums and we "kiss"

I thnk that shows them i wont hurt them and me that they trust me.

I so agree with NILIF ,which by the sound,is what cavnrott uses.

I DO allow my dogs on lounges,WEN I SAY.

But a previous behaviourist said i shouldnt.

ALL i know is,with my dogs,when is speak,that and mean business..they listen.

Now if i can get my newest Lewis (rescue) outta his DA,i will have perfect dogs.

Tonight i took Lewis and Indie to the supermarket.

Hubby went in n did shoppin while i controlled the beasts.

I could hear two yappies carryin on at the sight of my dogs,..i practiced "look at me"

with Lewis,..this went very well.

OFF TOPIC..sorry!

Speak to Erny for advice...U will get the best instruction there.

ETA sorry bout spellin errors..

Edited September 29, 2007 by Lewis & Lyn

[4leggedvariety]

Hi, new to this but I am a Cesar fan. I tried Cesar's techniques on my pack of 4 dogs. I am finding I am gaining more respect from them than ever before. Not a lot of talk but a lot of body language to convey to them "I" own everything and control everything. I am a positive trainer and I found combining that with leadership (no harsh treament) works wonders in our pack. Proper leadership does prevent most problems before they beome problems. It is the calm energy we want to project, and for some people it has to be learnt. Cesar demonstrate that very well because it is very hard to describe in words.

[noneybur]

Some people may say that rolling over your dog went out of vogue as a training technique 20 years ago. Well I know of people who are still using the method and they don't care what is in or out of vogue because they are getting respect from their dogs. The person that I go to for training was the Australian National Yard Dog Champion last year. So he must be doing something right, as he and his family are always winning yard dog trials. Anyway everyone has different ideas on training their dogs and I respect that. But I think Ceasar Milan is on the money and I will recommend his program to whoever needs help with their dogs.

[Lablover]

After watching quite a few episodes of DW, it seems to me that every problem is resolved by becoming the pack leader and being calm and assertive.

Is it really that simple?

What do the trainers on this site think of his methods?

No idea, never met the man.

Videos and made for TV programs are very limited, and not what is normally applied.

[Tonymc]

GreyGhost,Humans and Dogs both have inbulit Species specific needs.Humans to be loved and accepted.Dogs to have a place in the pack and secure Leadership.Once this basic need is being met,then one can go onto other aspects and refinements.

Its much like Building a House.The House has a basic need for a good Foundation.Once the House has that strong Foundation,then one can go on and look at refinements like colour schemes,furnishings and finishings. Tony