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.
Recently my border collie mix has become somewhat aggressive with dogs outside our pack. I noticed her hackles going up and pulling when walking through Petsmart. It was getting worse and I realized I was not following through with my corrections because I was afraid that people would say or do something negative or rude. Cesar is not overwhelmingly popular around where I live, and most disapprove.
I took her to work with me yesterday and she almost went after another coworkers dog. Luckily I saw the signs and was able to correct her before it happened. I made the decision that I was going to fix this no matter what people thought or said. It wasn't fair to Kimber to not do something because I didn't want to be embarrassed. So after work I took her to a pet store where people bring dogs and they sell puppies (unfourtunately). As soon as we walked in, she lunged at a dog. I did a side-touch and snapped her out of it and made her sit next to the dog, ignoring it. Next, I took her to the puppies in cages. This was much more challenging because the dogs were VERY excited. While having her lay down next to a dog cage that was really getting a reaction, I was doing the corrections and almost had her completely calm. A woman came up and started petting and talking to Kimber very excitedly. Saying things like "poor thing, it's ok, good dog" while giving me dirty looks. Of course this sent us way back and I had to start over again.
I was determined to not care what others said or did, so I continued with it and now have her 90% over the dog aggression. I know this was very long, congrats if you read the entire thing. :D Has anyone else had times where strangers said or did anything negative, or even postive when you were using Cesar's methods?
I'm so glad you wrote this! I am having the same problem with my dog and have been kind of reluctant to do all I need to do to correct him for exactly the same reasons you gave. I'm glad you were brave enough to do the right thing to help your dog, even if people shot you dirty looks. Next time we are out, I'm doing the same as you!!
My friend, very well done!........ you were the right kind of pack leader for your dog and I commend you 100% for sticking to your guns, although I don't get that reaction that you do, I do get funny looks sometimes when asked why my dogs behave so well, one starts to tell them and you can see their faces glaze over, "oh my dog wouldn't be like that", this is the battle constantly, and sadly people are not listening, truly listening to what Cesar and his like are saying, My dogs are not afraid of me, they respond to every word I say, they are happy, we have such fun, I know I can take them anywhere, but to a degree one cannot control others if they are not willing to listen.
I would rather have my dogs the way they are than a dog that never listens and will more than likely be in a fight, there will always be doubters and misbelievers, but I find leading by example and those doubters seeing how my dogs behave can hopefully if nothing else make them think about what life islike with THEIR dogs. ;) What counts my friend is you and your pack, the people that constantly knock Cesar is because they do not "get it", how he is and where he is coming from, don't let ignorance and lack of education from others sway you from being and having the best relationship with your pack. I do not understand why we always have to have two camps, Fear of the unknown always creates hatred, I understand this,can we not take a little of everything and apply it to our dogs for the benefit of that dog? would our lives be much easier, instead of putting all their energies into hate? Why does it always have to be my *** is bigger than yours ;)
Anyway, very much metta my friend, do not let them grind you down, don't ever be afraid to ask someone to please refrain from touching your dog(s) I never approach a dog without the owners permission, gosh human beings are so ARROGENT!!!!!
peace and light my friend, at least you know you have like minded people here;)
jofi
I'm by no means an expert here, but I have a dog that tends to growl and lunge at other dogs on walks as well. She also makes a high-pitched squealing noise when she sees one and can't get a chance to meet it (and show it who's boss). I made another post about how she's getting better with the use of corrections and positive reinforcement. I've never had to put her on her side (don't think I could, anyway, quite honestly) but I do have to give her leash corrections and "nos" when she gets worked up.
I've seen a couple episodes of the show where he's talked to people about letting go of what others think, because if you don't, you can't project the right energy and be in the moment. You'll be worrying about what's happening and what others think about it, rather than doing what the dog needs.
I've never taken her to PetSmart or any place like that. I don't pay attention to how people on the street might be reacting when I walk her, except to ask if I can have her meet their dog and tell them she's practicing social skills. I figure that people appreciate that I'm trying to train my dog, and if they don't, that's their problem. I'd rather be seen correcting my dog than be seen letting her pull me all over the neighborhood, growling at other dogs.
Thanks to everyone who replied! It makes me feel so much better and more confident :D.
Gretsign: so so glad I could help!
Jofi: You truly inspire me and I'm always reading your responses to things. Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. And thats very true about how people always think their way is the only way, and they have the right to your dogs. I knew I was going to get more people against me in a pet store that sold puppies. Most likely the people there don't know much about dogs, or are against using discipline. But I knew it was the best place to help Kimber. It IS a great comfort to have people here that I know will support me and help offer good advice.
Cairo: I did read your older post about your dog reacting to other dogs on the walk. I wasn't 100% sure what to do in your specific situation, so I was hoping others would know more. Thanks for your support also :)
It also doesn't help that I am only 17, and most people that are out taking their dogs places like me are adults, so they automatically assume I don't know what I'm doing or talking about. I know they are thinking 'look at that little girl, we need to show her what to do.' But I feel good when my dogs are the best behaved at the dog park (for example), and ADULTS ask me, amazed, how I get them to do that. :)
hey kiddo, wow you have greatly humbled me, please forgive me but I accidently removed you as a friend, my main-coon decide to lay across the keyboard at the most inopportune moment!!!! would you consider inviting me again ;)
As for you, anytime you just come back here whenever you need to we shall walk a while ;)
much metta my friend
peace and light
My hat is off to you! Your age should not be an issue and the people that make it one need to take a longer look in the mirror! Bravo to you for seeking out the opportunity to help your dog in spite of other peoples reaction. When you said that lady came up to your dog and pet her and talked to her un-doing your efforts I thought why would some one interfere like that? Now I know she felt she could because you were a teen, my boys get that all the time around various circumstances.
I live in a neighborhood that has walking trails, creeks and lakes, there are many people walking their dogs all day every day. When I walk my dogs (2) I try to keep them next to me and we move at a fast pace. When people want to talk to me about my dogs I have learned to; smile and pleasantly but firmly say "sorry, we are in training" I also have them wear their back packs which causes people to ask if they are training for helping dogs ;) People just do not know what to think and they are curious.
One of my dogs is more aggressive towards other dogs and has bitten a UPS guy so now he has to wear a muzzle. The muzzle has helped me to worry and stress less, I got him a bright pink one so he would not look like "Cujo". He is a rescue dog and he has taught me a lot, although I am not sure I have succeeded in teaching him much!
The people in my neighborhood stick their noses in to our business quite regularly, I actually changed my walking pattern from the lake to the creek because there were less people and they were less likely to interfere. I also believe that having a dog with you makes others think it is OK to talk to you and offer unwanted advice. One woman interjected herself so many times I had to ask her to let us work it out our way-it is very difficult not to be angry with people like that! Truth is people around here also tried to tell me what to do with my children when they were little, I guess if you mean well you think everyone wants to hear your opinion. LOL :)
Anyway my long rambling point is keep up the good work. and don't expect them to mind their own business on their own, find a way that works for you to let them know you are focused and working right now. I've learned it is easier to just say "we're in training" and leave Cesars name out of it so I don't have to have that discussion! It is amazing how many people want to give advice to a complete stranger but don't want to listen to their point of view! Also stopping your dog before she goes to far is a lot easier than trying to stop her when she is in full out "Cujo" mode, trust me! For that reason don't be afraid to let people know you can't talk while you are trying to focus on her, I had to learn that I was out there to train my dogs not all the people in the neighborhood whose dogs were taking them for a walk ;)!
Keep up the good work
Suzanne :)
Vision without action is a daydream Action without vision is a nightmare
Would you permit us to have YOUR name, we are here not just for your dog but you also ;) I want you to read this, and remember it, the ones that burn your buns, the ones that are negative and frustrating be it dog or man are sent for a reason into our lives, look at them as a valuable lesson, they are here to teach you tollerance, patience, understanding how to be calm, just smile and say no thanks but I wish you well.......... then you will have peace of mind and it is you who will be the better human being ;)
"Do not believe in anything simply because you heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it has been spoken and rumoured by many.Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down by many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all.......... then accept it and live up to it!
The founder of buddhism
Much metta my friend
Jofi: My name is Halie. And thank you again for the valuable insight. It helps a lot. It isn't really possible to feel a persons energy through online messages, but you seem to have such a calm, just good energy from the things you say. I really really appreciate your support and guidance. I will start seeing people that try to interfere or give their thoughts as challenges to be met and overcome.
Suzanne: I know exactly where your coming from. It just seems like everyone thinks they should 'help' you, but they don't want to listen to what you have to say. The backpack is a good idea. I have been wanting to find a backpack or a vest that says 'in training' on it. Everything I find is out of my price range though. Hopefully I find one though. Thank you for your support also. It makes me feel so mcuh better.
Hi, Halie! I commend you highly for the courage and strength of character it took for you to help your dog despite what others might have thought! I'm not sure I'd have done it when I was 17. Good for you!! As for those meddling adults -- like Jofi said, see them as challenges and you'll find yourself growing. (I wish I had Jofi's great energy -- but old habits are hard to overcome, so I must always be working on myself.)
We are all here to support and encourage one another so don't worry about those fools who think they know better than you do just because you're a teenager. Continue to help your dog become balanced and your reward will far outweigh anything anyone else can say.
By the way, I don't know what your budget can handle, but I was able to find doggy backpacks that my own budget could handle at PetSmart....they have a logo on them that says "Outward Hound". They may not be the best product in the world, but they do the job. I use them for all of our walks at the park. I think "Are they in training" is a universal question posed by every human who sees a dog wearing a backpack while walking with another human. I usually just answer "yes" and keep going. If that human has a well-behaved dog with him/her, I might stop & chat for a few minutes while the dogs greet each other...depending on the circumstances of the moment.
Keep up the great work! Sounds to me like you're well on your way to being part of the next generation of Dog Whisperers!!
Sue
Callie & Shadow
Listen guys, please I am most certainly not perfect, to a degree it does come easy to me, but I never take it for granted, as there will always be one situation that arises where I could quite easily poke someone in the eye, but if you just seperate yourself for one moment from that frustration, take a deep breath, when one comes to re-asses that scenario again it is with clearer sight, one can think clearer, more logically.
I treat people whether it be a new person or someone familiar exactly as I would like to be treated, at the end of my day I know I have been honest and true to myself, there does not have to be great displays of generosity, something as simple as a mere smile could lighten someones day, it may well have been the only smile and true kindness that person has had all day, knowing that makes me happy, there is nothing wrong with being selfish as long as out of that selfishness one has passed that good feeling on ;)
Believe me, there are days when it all goes *** up and I want to scream at the sky, so what's stopping you scream your lungs out, better to release it in a positive way than to direct it at oneself or any other being. ;) Be true to yourself Halie, you cannot control what others do or feel, but hopefully through actions and deeds that you feel are right,and have honest intention and your heart is good, your light will shine and you will make a difference, you already are with one creature on this planet, in my eyes as another human being you are worthy, and I am honoured that you have reached out. You are most certainly welcome in our "virtual Pack".
I hope you will still consider inviting me again as a friend, and be assured that my door is always open Halie.
much metta kiddo ;)
I think when we worry about what other people are thinking, we invite the negativity. My dog emits a high-pitched squeal when she gets worked up and used to flail around trying to get to other dogs, so I'm sure we did not go unnoticed on our walks. I' ve met more of my neighbors in the last 4 months of having her than I did in the previous 9 years of living here. And all have been supportive. A couple of them that I had never talked to told me they'd been watching my training efforts and were very impressed. And I met an older man with dogs that often walks the same time I do who embodies calm-assertive energy and he's helped me tremendously, introducing my dogs to his and just modeling how to stay calm without even knowing he was doing that.
I do believe that "when the student is ready, the teacher appears". But if we walk around worrying about what others think, we will manifest those kinds of people, the negative ones, in our life. I'm sure there are people out there criticizing my method of handling my dog, but since I don't worry about them, I guess they don't show up. Every person I've talked to while out with my dog has been helpful to me.
Hallo jofi
Just stopping by to introduce myself to you as I love some of your replies. You sound like a true doggy person. Just joined the site yesterday and loving the prospect of meeting people who won't be bored by my droning on about how wonderful dogs are! I have two lovely Rottie girls, both rescue, both been dumped and were on "death row". They are my angels and, blowing my own trumpet, both super obedient and friendly.
You should see some of the looks I get when I'm out with them as I'm only a small woman. Why are people so amazed that dogs can be well behaved without it having to be a question of brute force? Mind you, when you see how most people behave towards each other, why should we think they're capable of understanding animal psychology? I'm lucky in that I can spend all day every day with them, training is just an extension of living together. In fact, someone once said to me "you don't keep pets you, you just live with your animals". It was meant to be an insult but it's one of the best compliments I've ever had!
Can you tell me how I get some of you guys as friends?
Thanks once again for the words of wisdom.
Mary
Hey Mary, welcome to the forum our "virtual pack" is very friendly and there are some very knowlededgeable experienced and not so experienced people who will welcome you with open arms.
I would also have taken the comment as a compliment ;) I too am lucky to be in the situation with our two, I spend twenty four seven with my boys and exercise and "training" are just part of everyday, I do believe I am truly blessed in my life throughout my life, when I was a child I dreamt I am sure like most to live on a desert island surounded by wild animals who I befriended........... now 30 years on I live in a place surrounded by water linked by a road to Glasgow but it has an island mentality and the peoples are treated like islanders AND I spend all my time with animals, yes they are cats and dogs, but I think most people forget it is still an animal with natural behaviours and instincts when one realises that and actually absorbs that what a relationship ! ;)
As for inviting friends if you go to the top of the screen where it says ones name and edit and help, click on the friends bit and I think it asks you to invite and you then choose who you would like to invite, again Mary welcome, would be nice to see pics of the girls, if you would like a keich(look) at my wall you can get familiar with my boys, I also have a couple of videos on you tube under jofi's boys, I am always open to others observations so please feel free, objective eyes are a blessing ;)
I look forward to chewin the fat with you mary and reading your posts ;)
You only love some of my replies?................... i'm kidding :)