A couple of days I finished reading this book, Cesar's Way. It is by Cesar Millan of Dog Whisperer fame. It was I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E! There was so much in it that I knew already, but even more that I didn't know. For example, I treat my dogs like dogs, but I didn't really know how to do that properly!
Cesar's whole philosophy is to treat your dogs like dogs, not like little humans. He says that us humans must be the leader of the pack, and not let our dogs walk all over us. Even though dogs are domesticated, they still have the same pack mentality that wild dogs do.
One of the biggest things I learned was to not give affection when my dog is doing something I don't want him to do. Like growling at another dog. It is wrong to say "Oh, it's ok, lets get you out of here." It is more important to correct that behaviour and not let the dog act like that at all. Cesar stresses exercise, dicipline, and affection, in that order. I really learnt how important it is for a dog to go on walks, not just for the exercise, but for the dog to feel like it is migrating with the pack. Just like wolves do everyday, dogs need to feel like they have migrated with their pack, searching for food or whatever.
Cesar suggests a leash that tightens when the dog pulls ( like the one I have pictured) and it is to be worn at the highest point on the neck, not one the lowest like it usually is. He also says when you are walking your dog, it should be beside you or behind you, not infront. You must lead the dog. Let me tell you, this methods works great! Example:
I was taking Paris out to train her to walk properly, when Finn ran through his electronic fence. So I put Paris inside and went to get Finn. He came to me right away and I positioned the leash around his neck just like Cesar says. I started walking him home from the neighbors and as soon as the leash tightened around his neck he flipped out. Growling and crying and stuff. I was scared cause I have never seen him be that like before! But after his little freakout he relized I was in control. I walked with him for about 15 minutes and it was UNREAL how good he was! He walked calmly and nicely beside me and was not in front pulling like a manic like usually! I was so excited! I just had to call Eric and let him know!! We have now been on 5 more walks and he has been so good everytime. It is so nice to have a dog that walks calmly beside you, and I am so shocked how easy it was!! I am now practicing with Maeve, Paris and Fleury. The Chihuahuas are doing awesome but Maeve is taking a long time to learn. Today she finally started to get it, but it will take a while for her, it is ingrained in her the most to pull, cause she is the oldest.
I am not going to explain everything in this book, you will just have to read it yourself if you are interested. I really believe EVERY person who has a dog or wants to get a dog should read this book! It is not a how-to, it is just an explaination of what his methods are and where they are coming from. It was such an eye opener. I feel like a better dog mom now that I have read it. You are doing a great injustice to your dog if you have not read this book! I really believe that!
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