Charles asks…

Has the Cesar Millan Method of training dogs worked for you and your dog?

I just adopted a rescue dog. He kind of just fell into my lap and I have no idea what I am doing. He is a great dog and is picking up on being a house dog really well. He is very smart but after teaching him to sit I have no Idea how to teach him anything else. He has a few minor behavior problems (leash pulling) that I would like to correct and I need a method to stick to and be consistent with. Any advice would be great. Thanks

admin answers:

Cesar Millans methods are VERY outdated and should not be used by anyone. They work well for him because he has been working with dogs for years, for the average owner they would be ineffective at best, detrimental at worst.For example if I used his training methods on a sensitive dog, or sensitive dog breed such as my border collies, they would completely shut down and become totally unresponsive to my training. They dont respond to the pack leader mentality. They where bred to work side by side with their owners its completely unnatural for them to be dominated by its ‘shepherd’. They want to work with you not for you. Keep in mind there is also a ton of editing done for television shows and nothing is as instantaneous as they appear on t.v.

Pretty well all modern dog trainers utilize positive training methods, whether that be treat/lure training, clicker training, or using praise, play, or toys as rewards. The dog learns that yes it has to obey you, but it is motivated to do so because it is beneficail to them. A relationship based on fear of what will happen if they dont obey is not enjoyable, or safe. Sign up for an obedience class, lots of shelters offer them at discounted rates to adoptive dog parents

Joseph asks…

dog training questions?

Ive had good luck with dogs house training, leash, and any behavior problem you can think of but I cant get my 5yr old White Shepherd to stay off the furniture when I’m not home!! She leaves dog hair every where Ive provided her with a bed but she still gets on the couch I know she just wants to be near my sent but what can I do?

admin answers:

Certified vet tech here . Okay your dog is now five years old and those habits are hard to break so put something plastic and durable on the couch while you are out . Plus a blanket under it so the dog hair does not get on your couch . What does your dog dislike the most . If you are able to put that on the couch do it as well. But while your gone make the couch look as uncomfy as possible and find something that will annoy her to keep her off of it . Sometime plastic works because of the noise and feel it has to it . Plus get like an old t-shirt that smells like you and put it in her bed . Lead her to wear the bed is and have her smell the t-shirt . Then leave it in her bed. One other thing find an obstacle to put in front of your couch that she cant get through . That is if you really hate her being on it before you go out put it there . And there is the good old NO do not get on the couch and scold her with something . Every time you catch her on the couch get a skirt bottle with water in it and spray it at her in the face tell her no and take her off the couch the more you do that the more she will connect no and the couch together plus the water bottle or even a noise maker

William asks…

I have dog problems! Please help!?

I have a 9-month old Siberian Husky mix. He has red fur and a pair gorgeous icy blue eyes. He almost looks like a fox. He has major separation anxiety issues. His previous owners abused him and starved him (he’s apparently a rescue dog). He does well in the crate but once I leave, he goes on a rampage and breaks out and destroys everything. I’m currently working on containing him. Does anybody have any ideas about how to encourage him to get over his anxiety? I know it takes lots of time and positive reinforcement but I would like a good way to really show him that I AM coming back and he has nothing to worry about. I’ve been reading all I can about Huskies, dog behavior and training. I thought perhaps somebody on yahoo answers would be able to provide insight that I might not be getting from the books and articles I’m reading. Bo, the dog, is a very high maintenance dog and is really hard for me to work with but he has a great personality. He has amazing communication with other dogs at the dog park. He knows how to avoid conflict (which is what dogs are known for) with almost all dogs. However, he has serious resource guarding issues and has gotten into some scuffles over a toy (but no blood). Once all toys and food have been confiscated, he’s great! His two most serious issues are resource guarding and separation anxiety. Whats the best way to handle this? He’s a good dog that deserves a second chance. Please help, give ideas, etc! Thank you.

admin answers:

I know exactly what your going through. My Rottie mix had the same problem when I first got him at 1 yr. Of age.
Concerning the separation anxiety: Put Bo in his crate and shut it. Give him a SAFE toy that he can’t chew up or swallow. Leave the room so he can’t see you but can still hear you. Only do this for 1-5 minutes-depending on how he acts. If he’s good then let him out and give him a treat. Keep doing this and work your way up SLOWLY to about 10-15 minutes. The second he acts up then reduce the amount of time to when he was being good. Just keep doing this and when you get up to about 20-30 minutes then leave the house so he can’t see or hear you. Only do that for about 1-5 minutes at a time and then work your way up. Do this and eventually you’ll be able to leave for longer and longer periods of time.
Concerning the guarding issues: Does Bo growl/snap at you or is it just other dogs???

Nancy asks…

On average how much does at home dog training usually run?

I live in indiana if that is any help. My new 4 month old puppy (German Shepherd/Black Lab) has a bit of a behavior problem so looking to get at home sessions with a dog trainer. Anyone know around what it would cost?

admin answers:

$100-$200

Laura asks…

Is Cesar Milan the real deal for a dog trainer?

I watch his show the Dog Whisperer. Cesar Milan can train any dog with behavior problem. Is this just a show or he’s the King of the dog??

admin answers:

He thinks he can train dogs when in fact he is dangerous at times he is also not the best actor either.

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