[T-Bird45]

I love watching this guy's show on the National Geographic channel. Dogs can only be as disciplined as the people that own them are. I learned a long time ago dogs want to know where they stand within the pack. When you establish that you are the "Big Dog", they can accept that as long as you maintain that authority at all times.

[Emmalein]

I have found that with mine as well, however, not all dogs fit that model. My Springer refused to believe he was a dog and never learned "dog etiquette" which frustrated the heck out of my other dogs. He passed away last year, so thanks for post--it brought back fond memories of him. :-)

[GLDNGUN]

I love the show. At first I thought "oh, great, this guy is going to be some wimp who tells people they aren't treating their dogs enough like people." Actually, it's the other way around. Just about every episode ends the same, and I think it's a symbol of what is wrong with the parent/child dynamic in this country. If there are 2 things that today's children lack more than anything it's exercise and discipline. Since people treat their dogs like children, then that is also what their dogs lack. Every episode ends with Cesar Milan telling the owners that the dog needs exercise and discipline. He has to train people how to do this on many ocassions since many people are unfamiliar with either concept. They were raised by lax parents who didn't push them, or they are lax parents who don't push their children and it just seems all so unnatural to them. Milan pulls no punches. He tells like it is. I saw him tell the male owner of a female dog that the reason his pet is so aggressive is because he is not the man of his house and lets the women (wife and daughter) be the dominant ones.

Ultimately, it wouldn't be so bad if people treated their dogs like they do their children IF they knew how to treat their children.

[iPod Shuffle]

From what I've heard, Milan is very heavy handed. Some dogs may require this kind of training, but there are more gentle and effective methods available as well.

[HairOfTheDog]

Ping!

Other articles with keyword "DOGGIEPING" since 12/29/04

[American Quilter]

Cesar Millan is great. Having watched his show many times, I'm convinced that no one should be allowed to own a dog until they can pass a class demonstrating a thorough understanding of his technique and the need for it.

His show makes it abundantly clear that the problem is with the owner, not the dog. And his firm but gentle handling of the toughest dogs is extraordinarily effective. You can see the dogs' eager response to someone who actually sets boundaries and enforces the rules. Dogs need that just like kids do.

Now that I'm thinking about it, it's too bad prospective parents don't have to take a similar class!

[ironman]

I've seen every one of his shows. Almost every time he begins his work with the dog by taking it for a walk. It's amazing how many people can't get their dog to heel. The walk establishes him as the leader and the dog as the follower. I've also seen him get in conflicts with dogs over toys, or trying to trim them, etc. The key is to win the conflict every time when it comes to that. The dog must submit and cease the unwanted behavior.

[CajunConservative]

I have a female German Shepherd and if I don't continually maintain my authority over her she would take charge in a heart beat.

His techniques work well with juvenile delinquent snots too. It's all about commanding authority through tone of voice and stance. If they smell fear you are toast. That goes for the kids and the dogs. ;)

[pcottraux]

I watch Ceasar Millan's show sometimes. He is really good. I could definitely use him for my dog.

[Petronski]

It's a great show.

[Fester Chugabrew]

There ain't nobody nowhere can calm a poodle.

[WestCoastGal]

.

[MikefromOhio]

Being the "Big Dog" as you put it is easier said than done, depending on the breed.

I have 2 Siberian Huskies, one is purebred, the other (older) has some German Sheperd in her. The older one took to what my wife and I taught her, but the puppy, being a complete knucklehead, hasn't quite figured it out yet.