4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Happy-Mama]

Hi, not sure if I am posting this in the right section or not...

 

Have just started watching the Dog Whisperer on TV and am now reading his first book.

 

Has anyone tried his methods and with how much success?

 

I mainly want to have Blaine walking on a loose lead when I am pushing the pram (so have a few months to train him yet).

 

I am thinking of trying his DVD sit and stay the cesar way but to order it from the US will cost around $40 and take up to 21days. Does anyone know of any UK distributers as I can't find any.

 

I have taken Blaine to puppy training classes and while they were very good I have not succeeded in having him walk calming at my side on a loose lead which is what I really want him to do.

 

Any opinions (good or bad) and or advise appreciated.

[Lewis]

I've never watched it, but this may be useful

[milli]

I must say I used to be an avid watcher but I have since discovered that a lot of people in the dog training world do not like Cesar Milan's methods. I have since done a lot of reading up about the reasons for this and I can see why people don't like him.

 

Have you tried reading up on positive reinforcement methods? Have you tried the method of walking him and as soon as he pulls, you walk in the opposite direction? Also I know a lot of people have success with head collars, so when the dog pulls their head is turned round and it stops them pulling.

 

There is a web forum at http://www.dogpages.org.uk where they have a section to ask about training but don't mention Cesar Milan as it always ends in a war over there.

 

Hope you have success with your doglet whatever method you end up using.

 

 

Just wanted to add a link to a thread on dogpages that shows a very heated debate about CM, might give you an insight into why people hate (or love) him: http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php?s=6058ef08fbe986f9d95e81c194337dc3&showtopic=189467&st=0

[yvonne]

Hi

The interweb gods seem to have lost a reply I just tried to post, but as a canine psychology student, I would agree with Milli.

Please try a positive training method, classes can provide good support and remember dogs can get jealous of new babies - the Dogs Trust have a good factsheet on the topic.

Good Luck

[yvonne]

Managed to retrieve my "lost" posting:

 

Hi Jen Jen,

 

Whilst I have not tried his techniques, I am currently studying canine psychology and the "pack leader" ideas are controvercial to say the least.

The more accepted view these days is a less aggressive/assertive appoach as put forward by trainers such as Dr Ian Dunbar.

 

Personally, I would probably advise trying to find another training class you feel comfortable in (NOT one that advocates choke or "check" collars.) where good behaviour is always rewarded and bad behaviour ignored (your dog will feel that losing your attention is punishment enough) this would give you some support at the times we all have when your dog seems to always do the opposite of what you want.

 

Whatever approach you chose, best of luck with the training, but do be aware that a dog can get jealous of a new baby.

 

Hope all goes well

[Happy-Mama]

thanks for the replies and thank you lewis for the link.

 

I have only just discovered the dog whisperer series and have just started reading the book, what drew me in to wanting to discover more about these methods was the non violent approach which they are claiming to use. However, having looked at the link to the other thread I am concerned about the use of prong collars (ok kinda horrified rather than just concerned)... I trained my horses using natural methods, I do not ride with a stick, spurs or and harsh tack as it is unnecessary and I would never hit or use physical force such as prong collars on my dog he is my little babykins (though I keep getting pointed out he is a dog not a baby lol)

 

Yes I am very aware that dogs can be jealous of new babies and am doing as much as possible to prevent any future issues now I got a lot of leaflets and advice from the trainers I took him too who were really good and I do have a good dog who will sit, lye down etc my only issue really is him pulling on the lead, I just need him a bit better on that and I'm happy really. Thankfully Blaine is already really good with children, his breeders had small children and a baby in the house when he was born and he loves my sister and brother 8 and 6 years old so while I will be vigilant as anyone should be with a baby and dogs I do not see any problems with this Blaine is a very friendly loving animal.

[Hens@HalfMoonLane]

I think you're being very sensible thinking about this before your baby arrives. I'm not a big fan of the dog whisperer but some of the things he achieves are amazing.

 

We have a rehomed dog who came with a lot of issues and sought the help of a few behaviourist before we discovered Jan Fennell who based her methods on work inspired by Monty Roberts. Although we are not there yet I would recommend her method. She has a few books, DVD's etc.

 

We did the same as you in terms of aiming to prevent any issues arising when he was born and basically just made sure we carried on her method quite strictly. We had no problems when we brought our son home.

 

I think some people fall into the trap of giving the dog a lot of attention when a new baby comes into the house to prevent jealousy thinking that they have feelings like humans but we did quite the opposite and ignored the dog and rewarded her good behaviour. Some people might think this was wrong but it worked for us.

 

I'm sure you'll find the way which works for you.

[Happy-Mama]

thank you Hens@HalfMoonLane. I will definitely look up Jan Fennell. It's Monty Roberts' methods that I use with my horses, I have seen his tours too and those of Kelly Marks.

[Shirl]

I'm another Jan Fennell fan. Most of it is common sense but sometimes if you have a problem you need someone outside of the situation to see the problem clearly and her books help you to do that.

[chocchick]

I'm quite shocked to read about it as love the show and didn't realise it was controversial. I followed links and found a reasoned response from a dog trainer.

http://www.4pawsu.com/cesarfans.htm

 

This critic does like "it's me or the dog" with a British trainer.

[Happy-Mama]

I'm glad I posted here asking for advice as I think it is great to find out other peoples views especially as I have only just started watching the show. I am glad the negative aspects have been pointed out to me as the last thing I would ever do is anything to hurt my dog (If I had gotten the dvd and it instructed me to be at all negative towards my dog I would have thrown it in the bin), as it is I think I just have a young dog who is learning and growing and improves a little each day, I believe in patience above all (when it comes to my pets most of all) and I am pretty sure he will be walking on the lead without pulling me soon. we are not long back from a great long walk and he is now cuddled up asleep beside me