In order to experience Sessions with Cesar, you must ensure that you have the latest version of the Adobe Flash Player and that JavaScript is enabled in your browser.
Please visit Sessions with Cesar Help for additional information on technical requirements.
Carlos, my 3-1/2-yr-old Beagle, is very skittish of a lot of things. I own and operate a pet grooming salon in my home and we've been working on his fear of strangers coming into the yard. Although he loves all dogs, it's their owners he is leery of . For a long time I've been trying to train him to run alongside my bicycle. He is fearful of it and pulls to the side. I won't give up and can hardly wait until Spring so we can start again because...we've finally mastered the dreaded treadmill.
After finishing "Be the Pack Leader" I was filled with determination to master this with Carlos. I purchased a used treadmill from a friend and happily walked on it a while in front of Carlos. He did the duck and weave thing he does when he's scared, but he could not escape the closed doors. After 10 minutes of watching me and feeling my positive energy while seeing visions I was sending him of him walking happily on it, he sat quietly and almost fell asleep.
Then it was his turn. I calmly, assertively led Carlos onto the treadmill before I had a chance to think too much about it. He stiffened his legs and was "skiing" on it as the beeps and motor sounded off. I held onto his leash and in less than 3 minutes he was walking! I remained calm but sent him happy vibes, inwardly telling him how proud of him I was. I then was able to sit down in front of him while he continued to look up at me then down at the belt, up at me and down again. After just 8 more minutes I saw his tail come up ever so slightly and I knew he was feeling more confident. A few more minutes and then I allowed him to get off in a calm and relaxed manner and on a positive note.
Four days later and we're walking on it together. He still would rather not get started on it, but once he's on and going strong, he seems to relax. Thank God for Cesar. I feel so empowered by this simple, but life-altering milestone and it will continue to change our lives. He is already visibly calmer when clients come for grooming as we walk on the treadmill before our work day begins.
Congratulations! We to just got a treadmill, and I have 2 out of 3 dogs walking on it. I haven't tried the 3rd dog, as she doesn't have the same high energy the other 2 do!
Luke - My Treadmill Dog
Carlos & I say thanks for the congrats! I have learned through watching Cesar that Carlos is my mirror. So, a big hurdle is relaxing and being calm in all situations. I had no idea my energy was so jittery. It must be the reason Carlos is nervous and skittish most of the time. I am determined to conquer this in myself, thereby helping Carlos. One big thing that Cesar said in his book was that being anxious most of the time is very stressful. And we all know that stress is not good on our bodies. A dog that is allowed to remain anxious and run rampant all over the yard on a regular basis due to being afraid of strangers can actually shorten his life!! This was a huge eye opener to me. It's not just annoying to me and clients, but it is actually wreaking havoc on Carlos' immune system. Unacceptable as far as I'm concerned. As his Pack Leader it is my duty to do right by him. And I will.
Good job with the treadmill yourself! Hope you decide to let your lower energy level dog on the treadmill. I'm pretty low energy but I need the treadmill too! I'm sure she'd like it just as much as they do.
I notice it's tomorrow for you already. Are you in Australia? I'm in the US - Midwest area...brrr!
Forgot to say that Luke's a cutie! Being a groomer though, better you than me with that coat! ' ) I had my husband take a video of Carlos and me on the TM. I'll have to take a pic of him and show you how cute he is. At present he doesn't let me get too far away from it without trying to get off. We'll see how he is in a week. My cat clients think I should try my cat on the TM as well. What do you think? What would Cesar think? Hmmm.
Congrats to you both on your treadmill success! I have also gotten my dog to use the treadmill. I was lucky, she was so willing and eager to do it from the start. I do get a lot of crazy comments from people about having her do it though. They think Pit bull + treadmill = dog fight training!? BUT, I ignore their ignorance and as long as my girls are happy doing it, so am I. BTW ... you both have adorable dogs!
Top - Kumiko ~*~ Middle - Bully ~*~ Bottom - Moo