Cesar Millan's Community and Forums

do dogs test and why

whildefire — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:51:21 GMT

Wyatt is three years old mini schnauzer. He has recently started sassing me. last year and early this year when I put all the dogs outside to do their dues, Wyatt would go out with no problem. In the last two weeks, he has decided to not go out when I say "everybody out". Instead he'll lay under the table or jump on the bed to lay there. I'll go up to him and say "Wyatt out." he'll give me this low growl like saying "no I don't want to" and when I take hold of his collar to lead him out he continues to growl and sometimes try to bite me. I don't know why he has started this. But now Duster is doing it and Wyatt is doing it. And I want to stop it before all 17 dogs do it. How do I "nip it in the bud"?

My husband says to flip the dogs on their back to show them who's boss, but that does not feel like the right thing to do. It feels wrong, and I don't know what to do in place of it that would be the right way to show the dogs that I am pack leader. exspecially when I have always been the one to take care of everyone and I was/am always last because I was raised to believe that I do not matter. I am going to therapy to help change that view of myself, but I think the dogs "see" that view that I see. I have very low self esteem. Help.

awsome link

Steveo02 — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:04:02 GMT

http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=42233912302&ref=mf

awsome link just found it on facebook one of my contacts had it on there wall take a look kinda sad at first 51 seconds take a look just proves how smart dogs realy are.

We miss you, Sam

ShelaghCallahan — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:33:35 GMT

It was about a year ago now that Sam trotted over the Rainbow Bridge. I say 'trotted' because I'm sure that's what he did. He never met went anywhere but with his head up and with that bouncy little Bouvier trot. Although the truth is that he died in surgery and so we never really said our goodbyes. The last thing I ever told him, in fact, was that I was going to make him feel better. Which turned out not to be exactly the truth.

I thought of him particularly today because when we came back from the dog park this morning I found an envelope from the Pest Guy on my door. We have a problem with carpenter ants in this neighborhood, so I have regular inspections & preventives done by the Pest Guy. Well on his bill, up in the 'special instructions' box was this note: 'Has a dog named Sam. Really nice dog.'

Now, that may not seem that odd. Lots of people have 'nice dogs'. But this was my Guardian dog Sam, a soldier on perpetual sentry duty. When he met an uninvited stranger, he'd puff himself up, posture, growl, look mean enough to eat Buicks & spit nails. That dog could *define* the term Threat Display. And that's the truth.

But, the other truth is that his Vet and her office staff loved him. The groomer said he was 'such a gentleman'. The playcare handlers always met him with an all-over body-rub and a "wanna play, Big Boy?" And when 2 little mischief-makers upgraded their game of 'Tag the Dog' to 'Tackle the Dog', Sam didn't nip, scratch or say one negative word. Although - in the end - there was more dog sitting on boys than boys sitting on dog.

As for service people like my Pest Guy? Sam remembered everyone that had ever been introduced to him. AND remembered where they were allowed to be! Sam liked our Pest Guy, because the man would throw a ball for him. So, not only would Sam let him in the gate, but Sam would also assemble toys for the lucky man to play with:-)

All dogs are remarkable. And Sam is certainly not the only dog I've ever loved. But we bonded so tightly for some reason. I didn't love him better than the others, but he seemed to be able to get into my head in a way that most other dogs have not. I'm a diabetic. For years I controlled very well without any medication, but then I had to start using drugs as well to manage it. I don't control well on drugs. Even little bits of unexpected exercise can send my sugars dangerously low. Sam somehow started noticing when I was about to have a bad dip. I didn't train him to it; he just figured it out. Although it took me a while to figure out why he was barking and acting so 'dominant' - always ~10 min before a bad dip. In fact, he helped me so much that I no longer take insulin.

Sam was an independent-minded, stubborn, smart, loving fellow. He would herd *anything* - not just herd animals, but seagulls, rabbits, toys, small boys:-), and one memorable day - kittens. He was deeply engaged in a serious squirrel war - he was definitely a barker/chaser, not a hunter:-). He didn't like llamas, but was continually deeply disappointed that cats didn't want to play with him (the ones he grew up with WOULD play with him).

Sam was 29" at the shoulder and 105 lbs when he was *skinny*. A Big Black Dog with An Attitude.

He was Murphy the Pionus' very best friend in all the world. They had a shared interest in squeaky toys. Sam would chew his squeakies under Murphy's house & Murphy would echo every squeak & sigh. Sam liked to watch TV with Murphy. And grouchy old Murphy never once bit Sam the dog. When Sam didn't come back home the last time, Murphy cried for him, calling & calling for him for almost a week.

I have to say; I felt just like the Murphy-Man in those days.

The picture below is my favorite one of Sam. When he was only 11wks (and 32lbs:-). It is exactly as he was even when he was older, "Hi, I'm HERE! Whatcha wanna do?"

We miss you Sam,
---Shelagh

Be The Dog

Carney — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:49:08 GMT

I thought about posting this to the thread on Sirrus the bomb detection dog that perished on September 11, 2001 - the day of the terrorist attacks on America. However, I did not want to "steal" that thread, as it is too important.

Following the terrorist attacks, I was part of a clinical counseling team that traveled to New York City and offered psychological counseling to those directly affected. My German Shepherd, a certified therapy dog, came with me and helped many children and adults find words to express their grief and horror. Over the 16 weeks I spent in NYC, I heard many stories from survivors and recovery workers. Those who escaped the horror of the WTC all seemed to have stories of being helped in some manner by complete strangers. Some of the helpers were firefighters or police officers, some simply fellow citizens trying to get away from the horror. The one common thread that kept emerging seemed then and still seems vitally important: no one, not one person with whom I spoke, ever mentioned national origin, religion, skin color, political persuasion, sexual preference or any of the many - far too many - titles by which we categorize people. For the length of the moment, sometimes mere seconds, other times days, no one cared, no one asked, no one knew. In short, for that time period, people behaved like dogs - in the very best meaning of the species.

I know this forum is about dogs, but over the past year, I've become very aware of how we have become a community. We may not always agree, but, for the most part, we are good to one another. So, at the risk of sounding lecture-y, I'm going to share some thoughts with you folks:

I want us to all be more like our dogs. Dogs don't care about our skin color, they don't care if we're rich or poor; they don't care if or how we worship; dogs don't care about any of the things so many of us [I certainly include myself here] care about. When was the last time your dog - or any dog - said you shouldn't be friends with that person because she is Jewish [or Catholic, Muslim, whatever]? When did your dog last ask you if your neighbor was black, white or any other color? Your dog doesn't care if you are gay, straight, married, single or anything else. Dogs just love and don't ask why.

It seems increasingly that hate is winning over love. Intolerance is more accepted than tolerance and discrimination made more acceptable daily. Perhaps, just perhaps, we, the regulars on this forum, the core of the community, can start a new trend. Let's be more like our dogs. Lets be patient with one another and with all new folks. Let's err on the side of kindness rather than judgment when someone posts something we disagree with. If we write something that is taken wrong, something that hurts another person or makes them feel small, stupid or unwelcome, let's "lick the hand" and be apologetic. When we make mistakes with our dogs - and all of us do make these mistakes - our dogs forgive and forget. Let's be more like them. If someone says something we find hurtful, insulting or simply wrong, let it go and move on to something else.

I promise to try my best to be more accepting, less judgmental and, overall, kinder. In short, I hope to become more like my dog. I hope some of you will join me in this effort.

Peace to all people and animals.

UPDATE ON MISHKA AND PASHA - THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS IF YOU PLEASE

mishkasmummy — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:52:20 GMT

Things that are going well;

1. Dinner time. We are all eating peacefully and respectfully and Pasha has quickly learned to sit and wait for his meals so no more pierced ears.

2. Walk time - we sit and wait for our lead to go and and for the command to enter the outer hall or inner hall on the return leg. We are walking more or less alongside or behind. I am not forcing him to stay beside me at this point. But as long as its beside or behind me or Mishka thats fine. If he lags behind I quickly loop the lead around the front of Mishka's neck and he keeps walking thus asking Pasha to keep moving forwards. Likewise if he darts behind me and around the other side of Mishka I allow the loop to drape around Mishka's backend which stops Pasha going in front.

He is more or less responsive to recall and if not as soon as Mishka comes he comes. Mishka is way more responsive because he wants the treat before Pasha so it is working very well!

3. In the car, he is a good traveller and considering his age very well behaved. The barricade seperating the two of them is now down and Pasha is sitting quietly in the boot space with Mishka. Mishka for the first time in his life is allowing another dog, male at that so sit against him and is not even batting an eyelid.

4. Pasha is spending more and more time outside his crate and both dogs are respectful of each other's space. If Pasha gets too close without permission Mishka is simply using his energy to move him away now. But I am still watchful.

5. Toilet training - fingers crossed, touch wood, rub the lucky rabbits foot - we have only so far had one accident which was my fault. I took Mishka out for the first time and left little un in his crate but he would not wee wee boggins before we went and I suspect the stress of being alone for the first time loosened the bladder and bowels! Not nice as it was in his little crate so rather messy but now instead of thinking I have to go NOW, I wait for a wee wee boggins and then we go and no more problems. He wakes up once during the night now for a wee wee boggins and thats that.

Whats a real work in progress;

1. No bite - he is very mouthy as he is teething but he does not want the replacements I offer up instead of my hands! We are getting there though so I am not too worried at this stage!

2. The washing and drying of feet after being out in the wet or mealtimes - Mishka has learned that feet and juff (beard) gets dried afterwards thus so is Pasha - Pasha currently thinks it is a big game and lays on the towel trying to bite your hands through it !! I suspect if number 1 above improves so will this as it will with repetition. Feet need washing after meals because his jaws are not yet strong enough to eat a carcass or chicken portion for example without stamping on it to rip it up! Yucky feet afterwards!

3. The taking away of food - second time he was fed he was very possessive and growled so I stood over him and corrected every time he growled or snapped and when he released took the food and waited for submission again. He did it again over two more mealtimes so now everytime I feed I repeat the procedure and he is getting quicker to release without growling.

QUESTIONS:

Crate time - I restrict where he can go in the house currently but as I am on three levels I can't watch him all the time when he is outside his crate. For example if I want to go and do housework upstairs but both dogs are perfectly fine together down should I still crate him or leave him be and come down frequently to check for wee wee breaks. The door is open to the courtyard more or less full time in summer.

What I am concerned with is him spending alot of time crated (perhaps unnecessarily) on days like this.

Feed time - is it appropriate to go through the taking of food ritual every time - my gut says yes because it will nip this behaviour in the bud but I would appreciate your thoughts.

All in all I am really pleased with our progress considering its only been a week. Do I have a good puppy or am I getting it finally - or both !!!!!!!

Any other thoughts you have on what I have said gratefully received.....

Best wishes all

Waiting for the command to go through to the outer hall!

Territorial dogs

Shayne — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:31:49 GMT

We have 3 rescue dogs, two small (30 lb) and our latest, Ollie, who is 75 lbs. We have had the smaller ones for 10 years and we adopted Ollie 2 years ago from our local city animal shelter. Ollie, we found out, is territorial about his space, his food, his water and will get into a fight with either of the other dogs at the drop of a treat. It happens quite a bit now and I have to constantly watch them to intercept any eye to eye exchanges that will trigger a fight. They draw blood if I can't pull Ollie off the smaller one in time.

We walk them every day, although my husband walks the smaller, older ones and I power walk with Ollie. Depending on the route, we will go for 35 - 45 minutes, and we walk them twice on the weekends.

But the fighting is getting worse, the little two are walking on eggshells around Ollie and I'm nervous about leaving them alone.

We are faced with having to re-home him if I can't get this situation under control. I've been an avid Cesar believer for many years and try to practice Exercise, Dicipline and Affection with all my guys, but I'm close to my wit's end here.

Please, any suggestions?

is it normal for a dog to not want to play?

pete80 — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 01:13:14 GMT

well i have got to dogs, the one does not want to play with anything mostly because the other one will stop what she is doing just to go and take the toy away from him. i have tried just having him outside by himself and giving him a brand new toy but he wants nothing to do with it, same for being inside, with just him by himself. is this normal for a dog?

hello

ladyprincess — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:08:05 GMT

Hi all.

I have a staffy named lady,she is 9 months old.

we are gradually training her.one habit at a time,cesars way I have found is surely the best way.

I am finding that I have to be extremelly consistant with her,I guess she is at a teen ahge too.

anyway.very happy to have found this forum.

Thankyou to cesar and Cesar's pack.

best wishes

Amanda

Thread splitting...Selminkara and her Bouv are here...

CASA — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:19:59 GMT

I'm splitting this thread because I think the issues are fundamentally different so I don't want to mix things up in one thread. Here is the original post for this new thread...

I noticed this old post while browsing the forum today. Could you give us an update about your dog? I have a 21-month old bouvier who behaves exactly like your boxer on walks and further, he is also aggressive with any new house guest that he met after 8 months of age. I worked with two different trainers to solve the problem and they both suggested that his behavior is mostly genetic. More specifically, they think that the puppy is resource guarding me; instead of toys or food, he guards me as his most valuable resource. Like your boxer, my dog does not try to attack people or dogs when he is walking with others and his behavior is mostly triggered when I am around. He is also very well behaved in the house, when there is nobody around, knows and performs commands without hesitation, and does not try to dominate me. In fact, my current trainer was surprised when she met him since he did not look like a dominant aggressive dog to her, listening to all my commands, not pulling on the leash, and being calm. I think sometimes people lump all types of aggression together and keep giving the pet owners the same advice: Be the pack leader, make them respect you, and show them who is the boss, etc. If your dog is protecting you, it doesn't always mean that they don't respect you. Of course, what I am saying does not change the fact that there is a serious problem here. My situation is even tougher than yours since my dog has dominance aggression too (here, I am talking about the common signs, not actual attacks: he tries to hump my friends all the time, puts his paw over the shoulder of his playmates constantly, etc.).

What my trainer recommends is a lot of desensitization exercises and also learning ways to avoid conflict. She believes that the bouvy will never be a social butterfly so it's useless trying to put him in all kinds of new situations that will trigger his aggression. Therefore, trying to find random walking partners from websites in order to show him that dogs are okay might not be a good idea. Instead, you might wish to do the desensitization exercises with people you know and trust, and avoid contact with others as much as possible. One thing I heard from people with aggressive dogs is that it is better to walk the dogs in relatively secluded places instead of trying to socialize them relentlessly. That way, when you see a passerby, you have enough space and time to react to the triggers and control the situation. Here is a simple summary of what I do on my walks for those who are experiencing similar problems (bally, you have probably already sorted out solutions yourself):

1. When i see a person or dog approaching, I cross the street and walk on the other side of the road.

2. The second my dog notices the stranger, I call his name, tell him to "watch me" (look into my eyes), and give him a treat. Then I continue diverting his attention till the strangers pass us by and disappear. The trick here is to start distracting him really early. If you allow the dogs to pay too much attention to the new stimulus, they get fixated on it (at least, mine does) and it gets very hard to snap them out of that zone.

3. If there is no time and space to cross the street but room on the sidewalk where I am walking, I change my position and put myself between the dog and the stranger. Then I arc past the stranger, instead of approaching the person on a straight line. My trainer says that dogs find indirect confrontations less threatening and it does indeed work.

4. If there is no time and space to cross the street and the sidewalk is very narrow, I recommend turning back and finding a side street where you can wait until the stranger/dog disappears.

By the way, I have been implementing these strategies (positive reinforcement + avoiding conflict) for quite a while now and it hasn't made my dog friendlier or less aggressive but made walks much less stressful.

If anyone has better or other suggestions, please share!

Mini rant - I've been "bleeped" on another forum (???)

KatMF — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:31:11 GMT

I can't believe this! This is so uncalled for!

I often frequent Dogster forum - it has lots of great info on nutrition, training, health, etc. I like to get lots of different perspectives on behavior interpretation, training techniques, etc. I love my Cesar forum, but I also get lots of great stuff from Dogster (mostly on nutrition and health). However, Dogster can be very anti-Cesar as it comprises of mostly R+/P- dog owners and Cesar fans, the minority, have learnt to for the most part keep it down or not get too into the Cesar debates which pop up maybe once a month on the behavior & training forum.

I, typically, do the same. When I do post, I try to post more light-hearted posts, with maybe just a quick note as to what I like about CM and what I might change about TDW show. But my posts seldom, if ever, rile anyone up.

But there are some amazing posts that do go up in these threads - very objective, very intelligent, and very (in my opinion) unbiased either way. I love reading these, as they offer some great insight into the whole training philosphies world and have helped me better interpret both ends of the spectrum.

So on the latest thread, after 8 pages of posts, it had been shut down by HQ (the moderators) - this is typical. Another poster wrote something like Just as it starts getting good, HQ shuts it down. So i responded something like haha, and after 8 pages I still want more!! *smiley face* .

My post got "moderated"!! What this means, is that the Moderator inserts their own post which says something about giving this post a bath or whatever to make sure no inappropriate behavior is going on. The previous post (the one I responded to) was completely deleted.

So I'm back at dogster, and notice there have been more replies, so I go check it out, see my "washed" post, and read a couple of great posts from other people. But, given that I know how it can "look" to other posters when a post has been moderated, I felt the need to defend my post. So I posted that I didn't even say anthing bad, why did I get washed? By the way, great post Tiller. And HQ edited my post to only leave in the By the way, great post Tiller part. WTF??!

By the way, it shows at the bottom of your post when any editing has been done, so sure enough it said "edited by moderator at so and such date and time".

I'm pissed, i wrote HQ very politely and told them I consider this mild defamation! *LOL*

No seriously, I explained to them that I can appreciate their wanting to keep things at a certain tone, but that their actions misrepresent my character, because I - unlike some others - do not get into arguments, am not confrontational with other people about their views, and really have always managed to stay out of trouble considering I am an out of the closet Cesar fan!

AAARRRRGGGGG!

So another thing I love about this forum - FREEDOM OF FREAKIN SPEECH!!!

This mornings walk

ladyprincess — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 10:12:35 GMT

I wonder what would Cesar do...set boundaries?

yesterday I took lady for a long field walk.

she was better off the lead than on,was good with other dogs and came back when called

when she finally came back,well,when the work man dragged her over because there was fresh tarmac.

I was firm with her.

I then made her walk behind me all the way home.

I walked like I was the pack leader.I didn't let her walk to the side of me.

when we got home,I laid her on her bed.

this morning she did what ever she felt and ignored me when I called her.

what would Cesar do?

will I keep her on her lead for the next walks and be very strict with the discipline?

thanks in advance

amanda

Remembering K-9 Sirrus Sept 11, 2001

nevadapackleader — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:43:25 GMT

I am a retired Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Department police sergeant. On 9/11/01 my department lost 37 members in the World Trade Center attack.

Also on that date my department lost one of it's bomb detection K-9's named Sirrus, a beautiful, sweet, male yellow Labrador. With the 9TH anniversary approaching I wanted to remember this dog here in the forum.

Sirrus was the partner to K-9 Police Officer David Lim, and was working at the World Trade Center on 911. When the first plane struck, officer Lim put Sirrus back in his kennel in the K-9 unit in the basement of the trade center. At that time, officer Lim felt it was a safe place for Sirrus while he attempted to help the injured victims...

When the towers fell Sirrus was killed instantly in his kennel. Officer Lim was not able to save Sirrus because he himself was trapped under debris for 5 hours before being rescued.

On Jan 22, 2002 Sirrus body was recovered and was given full police honor, having his body drapped under the American flag. Officer Lim had the closure and comfort of being one of those officers who carried his partner out...

Please understand I did not post this story to answer questions, I just wanted to share here the story of a very special dog named Sirrus who lost his life on September 11, 2001, along with so many others...

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love. his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." ...Unknown

Michele

Pictures of your dogs?

Mystique — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:53:12 GMT

I miss one thread here.. were you can post (new) pictures of your dog(s). I for instance would like to post pictures of Onyx and Romy and would love to see pictures of other members dogs.

So if everybody does that here we could enjoy them all together.

I'll start :D

And my Cairn after playing in a lake..

Loooove to see your dog(s)!!

EDIT: Just saw that there is a place were you can post your pics.. oops. Well, I think it's much more proficient to doing it here :D

Boxer - House angel street devil!

ballynoe — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:38:35 GMT

HI ALL,

I HAVE A GORGEOUS PAIR OF BOXERS, ROCKY (RED) AND ALI (WHITE), BOTH 3 YRS.

ALI IS JUST A PRINCESS, NO COMPLAINTS, WELL NOTHING THAT I CANT HANDLE.

BUT, ROCKY, IS A DIFFERENT KETTLE OF FISH. ROCKY IS A REALLY GOOD DOG (FULL SEXED), HAPPY, BOISTOUROUS, VERY AFFECTIONATE, EXTREMELY CLEVER, ALL THE LOVABLE TRAITS OF A BOXER.

THE PROBLEM IS WHEN WE GO FOR WALKS. I TAKE THE TWO DOGS SEPERATLY IF WE GO ROAD WALKING. OTHERWISE WE ALL GO TO THE WOODS FOR A GOOD RUN.

WHEN ROCKY AND I GO FOR A WALK, HE PULLS FOR 5 MINS (EXCITED, WHICH IS FINE) BUT THEN RELAX'S WALKS WITH ME HAPPY OUT NUZZLING AT MY HAND WITH AFFECTION, LOOKING UP AT ME AS IF IN OUR OWN TELEPATHIC CONVERSATION, ENJOYING THE SCENTS. THE PROBLEM ARISES WHEN SOMEONE AND/OR A DOG APPROACHES.

I USUALLY SEE THEM FIRST, I JUST SAY TO ROCKY "BE GOOD NOW, ITS ALRITE" (CLEVER DOG, HE DOES UNDERSTAND THESE TERMS). I DO NOT TIGHTEN UP ON THE LEASH I KEEP CALM AND CONTINUE WALKING AT MY PACE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE MINUTE ROCKY SEES THEM HE STANDS TO ATTENTION, PROUD AND TALL, CHEST OUT AND STARTS PULLING ME. I TIGHTEN UP ON THE LEASH WHICH IS ATTACHED TO A HARNESS (WE USED TO USE CHOKE CHAINS BUT HE KEPT SNAPPING THE LEADS HE PULLS SO HARD, I BOUGHT THIS LEATHER BRIDLE HARNESS AND HE HAS CHANGED IN HIS BEHAVIOUR, NOT AS MAD BUT STILL UNCONTROLBALE) AND SAY TO HIM "WALK ON", IN MY CALM AND ASCERTIVE TONE (THE ONE I ALWAYS USE NO MATTER WHERE OR WHAT WE ARE DOING). BUT HE DOESNT LISTEN HE WANTS AT THIS PERSON AND/OR DOG AND THATS IT. I HAVE TRIED MAKING HIM SIT UNTIL THEY HAVE PASSED BUT THIS DOESNT WORK EITHER. ONCE THEY HAVE PASSED, HE WILL 'WALK ON'. I CANNOT GET HIM OUT OF THIS ZONE. HAS ANYONE ANY SUGGESTIONS?

THERE IS ALSO A DOG ON OUR ROUTE, A GUNDOG, WHO COMES OUT OF HIS PROPERTY AND FOLLOWS US UP THE ROAD AND NO AMOUNT OF ME TELLING HIM TO GO HOME WORKS. ROCKY GOES BALLISTIC, JUMPING, LUNGING, DOING 360, 5FT HIGH TURNS IN THE AIR ON HIS HARNESS, MY ARMS ARE DEAD FROM PULLING HIM ONWARDS AND EVENTUALLY THE DOG FOLLOWS NO MORE, BUT WE COULD BE TALKING 5-10MINS OF CONSTANT ARM PULLING, MY ARMS WILL COME OFF ONE OF THESE DAYS.

THE WORST OF HIS BEHAVIOUR IS WITH ME. WHEN MY PARTNER OR FATHER TAKES HIM, OR EVEN THE TWO OF THEM, OUT WALKING, NOTHING HAPPENS. ROCKY IS AS GOOD AS GOLD, WALKS AWAY MINDING HIS OWN BUSINESS, PEOPLE CARS CAN STOP AND CHAT TO THEM, BUT NOT ME, HE'LL BE IN THE CAR WINDOW BEFORE I KNOW THE PERSON IN THE CAR HAS EVEN STOPPED FOR A CHAT WITH ME.

I DO NOT KNOW WHAT HE WOULD IF HE GOT OFF THE LEAD. THANKFULLY, THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED. (I LIE, IT DID ONCE WHEN I HAD THE TWO OF THEM OUT TOGETHER JUST BEFORE I GOT THE HARNESS, A JACK RUSSELL WAS FOLLOWING, ROCKY SNAPPED HI LEAD AND THEY PACKED UP ON HIM, BUT DIDNT HURT HIM JUST PINNED HIM DOWN AND NUZZLE AT HIM - MY DOGS ENDED UP WITH THE BITES AS OPPOSED TO THE JR).

THERE WAS ONE INCIDENT WHERE WE WERE IN THE WOODS, THE THREE OF US, AND THEY NOTICED SOMETHING AROUND THE BEND AND SHOT OFF. WHEN I GOT THERE THERE WAS A FAMILY, 2 PARENTS AND 3 KIDS. THE DOGS DIDNT DO ANYTHING, ALI WAS ALL OVER THEM LOOKING FOR ATTENTION AND ROCKY WAS JUST SNIFFING AROUND THEM, AND WHEN I CALLED AS I PASSED CAME WITH ME AND FORGOT ABOUT THEM.

WHEN I HAVE PEOPLE OVER IN THE HOUSE, THEY GO STRAIGHT TO THE BACK DOOR AND LET THE DOGS IN. THE DOGS ARE PERFECT WITH PEOPLE IN THE HOUSE, THEY LOOK TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN GET, OR WHO WILL PLAY WITH THEM, OR IF THEY GET BORED OF THEM THEY WILL GO AND LAY DOWN SOMEWHERE (MY BED MORE THAN LIKELY). BUT IF ROCKY MET THE SAME PEOPLE ON THE STREET HE WOULD REACT AS ABOVE.

IF SOMEONE CALLS HIM BY NAME AND APPROACHES HIM WITH CONFIDENCE, KNOWING HOW HE'LL MORE THAN LIKELY GREAT THEM ON THE STREET HE'S FINE AS WELL, OBVIOUSLY PULLING TO GIVE AFFECTION, ETC, NOT AGRESSIVE LIKE ABOVE.

HE ALSO ACTS LIKE THIS IN THE VETS WAITING ROOM. BUT WHEN I GET HIM UP ON THE VETS TABLE HE'S LIKE A LAMB. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING TO HIM AND HE JSUT ACTS LIKE A SLOB, THE BEST BEHAVED PET IN THE WORLD.

MAYBE ITS OBVIOUS TO SOMEONE ELSE BUT I CANT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS MAKING HIM THIS WAY. HE HAS NEVER BEEN ILL-TREATED, I AM HIS OWNER, HE IS VERY SENSITIVE TO MY FELLINGS ALRITE, IF IM UPSET HE WILL SIT UP ON MY LAP UNTIL I FEEL BETTER, HE LOVES ME TO BITS ALL HE WANTS TO DO IS BE WITH ME OR PLAY BALL OR WATCH TV ON MY LAP, HE IS A SLOB REALLY, BUT A CLEVER SLOB, I LOVE HIM TO PIECES BUT ITS BREAKING MY HEART THAT PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE HOME DONT SEE THE AFFECTION HAPPY DOG THAT HE IS.

PLEASE HELP, I HATE TAKING ROCKY OUT ROAD WALKING NOW AND DREAD IT ALL THE TIME, THE EVENINGS ARE GOING TO GET BRIGHTER NOW SO HE WILL BE TAKEN OUT EVERY EVENING AND I TAKE HIM FIRST BECAUSE I DONT NEED AS MUCH ENERGY TO WALK WITH ALI.

HELP ME PLEASE!!

I have gone walking with him with my neighbour who had two toddlers in a double buggy and two other sons. He walked perfectly with them after the initial excitement and didnt seem to care too much that they were there. But reacted the same again when we meet other people or dogs.

Stickers or tattoos representing (no)BSL or your dog?

abenitez1990 — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:42:51 GMT

I have a stricker on the back window of my car with a puppy (that looks like a pit bull) pissing on the letter BSL with a smile on him........

also i'm going to get a tattoo of my dog with his name over me left peck.....

any one have stickers that are against BSL or that say i love my dog on there cars?

knd of random but here's something we can share...

Need to rant (yes another one about "pitbulls" and arrogant people vents)

Ezzie — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:03:50 GMT

On the tv show tonight "bondi vet" (some of you may know it, i personally think the vet is a showman, he isnt the nicest of people in real life) a woman brought in a 12 week puppy, CUTE as a button who was acting very well for such a young dog.This woman was planning to adopt "snowy" fom the local RSPCA, BUT The womans remarks though kinda made a little angry.

"If the dog has pitbull in her, i will consider not adopting her, i wont put my family as risk of that breed"

Why are people so darn... blind sighted to this whole "pitbull" controversy!! The puppy is only 12 weeks old! hardly enough to become a "killer".

It frustrates me to the max when people make such stupid and arrogant remarks when in reality the dog has all the chances in the world to be the best pet ever, and all because the dog might have some "vicious" breed in her she might not get the chance at adoption!

It turns out the pup was a whippet cross a staffy.

This woman further commented:
"Oh good theres no pitbull in her, i wont have to worry about my son having friends over and her becomming vicious and attacking anyone"

GAH

/end rant

FRUIT POPSICLES

yankeeboy — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:35:22 GMT

Quick questions guys...........
It's been extremely hot the last few weeks here in California & I've seen other pet owners give their dogs a few popsicles, so I was wondering if Boxers can stomach eating this treat.

I've heard from other people that boxers have high sensative stomachs, so I've never tried this before, but instead will give me ice chips. Just though he could use a more tasty treat, so me let me what you guys think.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

DonnaQ — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:53:41 GMT

Hi everyone!
This is my first post. I'd love input on our primary issue, which is moving my dog when he's sleeping or resting. Marcel is a ten-month old terrier mix that we got from the pound four months ago. There are a few issues; the primary one is that I can not move him while he's resting, and the last two nights lunged at me badly. He shows his teeth and seems to become "someone else." We need a strategy!

Also, do you recommend the DVD package or the sessions?

Help, not sure if my dogs are playing or fighting

1tammyann — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:16:37 GMT

We rescued our female pitbull 3 years ago. We just adopted a male (nuetered) pitbull a few weeks ago, Buddy is about 6 months old. I am not use to dealing with how dogs play, they seem to play ruff, always going for each others neck, feet, growling. I try to break it up and put them in time out. My female is very jealous over the new dog, they fight over everything. My husband says to let them fight that she needs to show him that she is the domninant one as Buddy one day is going to be a lot bigger than her. I am afraid one of them is going really hurt. I know that they are probably sensing my fear and frustration. But i need to know if what they are doing is normal or if this leading to real aggression.

Through the Eyes of Dogs - Documentary Link

AMonkey — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 17:06:22 GMT

Through a Dog's Eyes

Do any of you work with service dogs? I found this documentary on PBS. http://www.pbs.org/dogs-eyes/film# I wonder how someone gets on a list for service dogs. I read about a local fundraiser for a service dog trained to assist someone with autism. The cost was listed as $10,000.

Has anyone read Jennifer Arnold's books? I almost bought an audio book.

Chick has visitors - a learning experience

ShelaghCallahan — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:19:35 GMT

We have visitors this week; some folks enjoying that Fall Vacation you can only have when the kids are gone & you don't have to worry about school seasons anymore. Now, we've had visitors before, and Chick has had dogs drop by in her house/yard. But not since she was a pup living with her natural Mama has she lived with another dog.

So far, it's been interesting!

My friends brought their 3 dogs with them. Goober is a 9yo Presa Canario, male. They've had him since he was a tiny pup & he is now at the age where he is interested in short walks and long naps:-)

Buddhy is a 2yo AmStaff/AmBulldog cross female (pronounced Boo-die, short for Buddha. Wrong gender, I know, but they named her that way to "encourage her peaceful nature" or so I've been told. Buddhy is a rescue - via the County Shelter - of a neighbor's dog. Buddhy got nippy with the neighbor's children & they gave her up. But she seems like a really nice dog (she hasn't nipped in the 6mo they've had her), with no dog aggression - and - my friends don't have small children.

And then there's Tina, an adult Italian Greyhound female. My friends have had Tina for 3 years (they are her 4th known home). She is mostly a sweet-faced cuddle-bug, but she CAN be nippy & she has a tendency to bully other dogs. She'll run both Goober & Buddhy unless one of her humans steps in and tells her to knock it off.

All 3 dogs are altered.

**** Chick meets the dogs! ****

Well, Goober & Mlle Chickadee hit it off immediately. After all, Goober *IS* a male, and *ALL* the boys *DO* love the Chickster! So far, Goober seems to be content to lumber around after Chick like some gigantic, goofy stalker, lying down whenever she stops moving. Chick seems OK with this as well, and even let him lay his head on her while they both napped.

And then there's Tina! We watched that meeting VERY carefully, knowing that Tina can be pushy (and none of us were going to let Chick be harassed in her own home) AND knowing that Chick - unaccustomed to harassment - could make an easy meal of Tina! It was interesting. Nobody seemed to want to sniff anybody else. Tina wanted to meet Chick head-on, with a hard stare & a lot of barking. Chick stared back, still as a statue, one front paw lifted. Frankly, Chick looked too much like a hunter to me. But then Chick just turned & started to amble off. THIS, however, was apparently *NOT* a retreat (we're guessing, now), because Chick's leaving seemed to push Tina's "Go" button. Tina immediately leapt forward & nipped Chick's butt! Then Chick spun back around, and - quick as a striking snake - smacked Tina so hard with her paw that she flew back a couple of feet & hit the couch! Tina lay down by the couch & Chick *stared* at her for a moment, and then wandered off. And THAT was apparently THAT. Tina, so far, has been giving Chick about 5ft clearance & she won't eat until Chick finishes. But she seems otherwise unaffected, so we're thinking it's OK. Chick hasn't followed up to pick on Tina & Tina just stays out of Chick's way.

Now, Buddhy & Chick started playing right away. They have good matching energy, that way, and aside from the danger to breakables, it seemed like that was going well.

**** The Great Hoof Caper ****

Everybody but Goober went for a run this morning. It was *great* to see Chick agree to run off with somebody else (for those of you who know Chick had previously been a little stubborn along those lines). Then everybody came back. THEN we heard this *horrible* squealing. Running into the family room, we see Chick dragging Buddhy out of Chick's house by her hind leg. In Buddhy's mouth is one of Chick's cow hooves. I told Chick, "Enough!" She gave Buddhy's leg one more jerk, swinging the AmStaff/AmBulldog around like wet laundry, and then dropped her & sat down. Buddhy dropped the hoof & ran to Papa, looking for comfort. Well, Buddhy was unharmed (thankfully), but she's staying near Papa (still looking for sympathy, maybe. She hasn't got much so far:-) And I took possession of the hoof (got a dirty look from the fuzz-girl for that!).

So, at the moment, peace reigns. Buddhy's hanging with Papa. Tina is napping in her bed. Chick is laying down in her house - possibly sulking:-). And Goober is taking a nap in front of Chick's door with his massive head plopped in her house.

So far, so good! I think this is going to be a learning experience:-)

---Shelagh

The "Say Hi" command :-)

KarenK — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:30:17 GMT

Today I realized that I had inadvertently taught Kayla that "say hi" means go greet whomever we're talking to. She used to just lunge at people in a boisterous, excited "greeting" but I've worked a long time to teach her to sit and wait to be invited. Well, today I see that's paid off! On our walk we ran into an elderly man who wanted to pet Kayla. I said, "Kayla, say hi" and she went over to gently greet the man. Then we ran into to young boys who are students at my school. I had her drop the stick she was carrying and sit. They wanted to pet her, so I said "Kayla, say hi" again and she did! It should no longer surprise me how easily dogs train themselves, but it does. I didn't intentionally train her to respond the way she does to the command, but hey, it works. :-) Dogs are amazing creatures -- and so smart!!

pass a smile on

jofi3365 — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:38:25 GMT

Hello hello hello!

I just wanted to pass a smile on to my friends here at this virtual pack so hope you enjoy , have a lovely evening, morning, afternoon and day peeps.:)

Looks of Disappointment..
A man was just waking up from anesthesia after surgery, and his wife was sitting by his side. His eyes fluttered open and he said, 'You're beautiful.' Then he fell asleep again.

His wife had never heard him say that before, so she stayed by his side. A few minutes later his eyes fluttered open and he said, 'You're cute..' The wife was disappointed because instead of 'beautiful,' it was now 'cute.'

She asked, 'What happened to beautiful?'

The man replied, 'The drugs are wearing off.'

Much metta!

Dog friendly restaurants?

abenitez1990 — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:42:56 GMT

has any one gone to a dog friendly restaurant? if so how was it? i found this cool place on W. Morena Blvd, in mission vallley andf they look awsome. they have food drinks (beer and whine) you can eat inside or outside and they have a 15 foot outdoor projector screen to watch football games. AND THEY EVEN PROVIDE BEDS FOR YOUR DOG. i've never been to a dog friendly restaurant before i just want to get your input on things like this......... and here's the website if you guys are interested.......

http://www.bullssmokinbbq.com/

oh one more thing anyone from San Diego been there?

Going "Walkies" for the very first time

LouiseJB — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:42:10 GMT

We are able to take Bella out for the very first time tomorrow follwing her injections etc last week. We are very excited about it!

Are there any tips to ensure a successful first walk in the big wide world?