"Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices, but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence and fulfills the duty to express the results of his thought in clear form." - Albert Einstein
Beyond Cesar MillaN HATERS.
I'll be debunking the Lies and Misinformation, I'll be Exposing those who Twist the Facts and make use of Libel and Slander against Cesar Millan and any other Dog Trainers that use more Balanced Methods.
I'll be providing Information, Research, Links to Websites and video, please standby!
On Dog training there is not such thing as Black and White
Stay Calm and Assertive is the advice of Cesar when comes to address a issue with our dog, a principle that ANY professional dog trainer/behaviourist knows.
Rules, Boundaries and Limitations are the basic steps towards accomplish the goal of create a balanced dog, dogs easily can understand and follow rules, boundaries and limitations. That is a Fact.
Exercise, Discipline and Affection in that Order, every one agree and understand that concept, except that followers of the Dogma of the 'purely positive' training believe that Discipline is the same as 'abuse' and even some Extremists call the Exercise 'exhaustion'
Cesar counsels people to use Calm-Assertive Leadership and consistently gives dogs Rules, Boundaries and Limitations to establish themselves as solid Pack Leaders and help correct and control unwanted behavior.
He asserts that the Pack Instinct is perhaps the Strongest Natural Motivator for a dog and teaches that in order to properly Fulfill both our dogs and ourselves, owners need to Become canines' calm, assertive pack leaders. He believes that a dog that does not trust its human to be a good Pack Leader becomes unbalanced and often exhibits unwanted or anti-social behaviors.
Since dogs live in a human world, they need us to provide them with a degree of structure so that they feel safe and so that they do not harm others or themselves. They also need a balanced leader who is able to protect them, and show them how to behave in stressful situations
- " I’ve used the word dominance to describe the energy of Leadership, but in the animal world dominance doesn’t mean "brutality," and assertive certainly doesn’t mean "aggressive." I believe that good Leadership never involves bullying or intimidating; instead, it depends on confidence, knowing what you want, and sending clear, consistent messages about what you want." - Cesar Millan
Visit his site for more info
http://www.cesarsway.com/
Stay Calm and Assertive is the advice of Cesar when comes to address a issue with our dog, a principle that ANY professional dog trainer/behaviourist knows.
Rules, Boundaries and Limitations are the basic steps towards accomplish the goal of create a balanced dog, dogs easily can understand and follow rules, boundaries and limitations. That is a Fact.
Exercise, Discipline and Affection in that Order, every one agree and understand that concept, except that followers of the Dogma of the 'purely positive' training believe that Discipline is the same as 'abuse' and even some Extremists call the Exercise 'exhaustion'
Cesar counsels people to use Calm-Assertive Leadership and consistently gives dogs Rules, Boundaries and Limitations to establish themselves as solid Pack Leaders and help correct and control unwanted behavior.
He asserts that the Pack Instinct is perhaps the Strongest Natural Motivator for a dog and teaches that in order to properly Fulfill both our dogs and ourselves, owners need to Become canines' calm, assertive pack leaders. He believes that a dog that does not trust its human to be a good Pack Leader becomes unbalanced and often exhibits unwanted or anti-social behaviors.
Since dogs live in a human world, they need us to provide them with a degree of structure so that they feel safe and so that they do not harm others or themselves. They also need a balanced leader who is able to protect them, and show them how to behave in stressful situations
- " I’ve used the word dominance to describe the energy of Leadership, but in the animal world dominance doesn’t mean "brutality," and assertive certainly doesn’t mean "aggressive." I believe that good Leadership never involves bullying or intimidating; instead, it depends on confidence, knowing what you want, and sending clear, consistent messages about what you want." - Cesar Millan
Visit his site for more info
http://www.cesarsway.com/
Cesar re-habilitate Dogs and Train People.
In a perfect world, if every one who owns a dog, has a clear understanding of which the dogs needs are and from the beginning start a complete relation, Fulfiling the dog needs, providing Exercise, Socialization and Estructure and a setting of clear Rules and Boundaries, achieved through Basic Training, Basic Obedience, Exercising dog's Habilities or Giving him a Work.
Achieving this through CONSISTENCY, using whatever method or philosophy that you understand better or feel more comfortable with.
Probably that we wouldn't have to see a lot of dogs and owners with problems of coexistence.
But...
We don't live on that world...
There are many dogs that need help due to misbehaviours that threaten their well being and others, people don't need Dogmatic views on training.
Cesar and other balanced trainers provide a wide range of options, comprehensible and Efective options on training that in Fact, save dogs lives that otherwise would be abandoned on shelters or put to sleep by these "humane" "purely positive" trainers.
There is a Big difference between traditional training and Re-habilitation if you ask.
Achieving this through CONSISTENCY, using whatever method or philosophy that you understand better or feel more comfortable with.
Probably that we wouldn't have to see a lot of dogs and owners with problems of coexistence.
But...
We don't live on that world...
There are many dogs that need help due to misbehaviours that threaten their well being and others, people don't need Dogmatic views on training.
Cesar and other balanced trainers provide a wide range of options, comprehensible and Efective options on training that in Fact, save dogs lives that otherwise would be abandoned on shelters or put to sleep by these "humane" "purely positive" trainers.
There is a Big difference between traditional training and Re-habilitation if you ask.
The Philosophy behind Cesar's Way
Dogs use constant energy to communicate. (Energy is what I call beingness; who and what you are at every moment.)
Dogs don't know each other by name they know each other by the energy they project and the activities they share. They also know humans in the same way._
- Cesar Millan
Important Tips for Dog Lovers
From Cesar Millan
1. Dogs are not people. What makes them happy isn’t necessarily what makes us happy. What dogs desire is simple: regular exercise, a stable pack leader, and affection that is properly earned.
2. Walk your dog for at least 45 minutes every day. A structured walk on a regular basis is crucial, especially for dogs with behavioral problems, and it is the most powerful tool you have to bond with your dog.
3. Be consistent. Make sure all family members set the same rules, boundaries, and limitations for your dog.
4. Affection at the wrong time can foster an unstable mind. Share affection after your dog has exercised and eaten, changed an unwanted behavior into a behavior you asked for, responded to a rule or command, or entered a relaxed, calm-submissive state.
5. Dogs experience the world with their nose, eyes, and then ears. When meeting a dog for the first time, establish its trust by allowing it to experience your scent before engaging in eye contact or speaking to him.
6. Breed is not destiny. More important than choosing the right breed is selecting a dog with an energy level that is compatible with your energy and lifestyle.
7. Dogs need leadership. Establish yourself as the pack leader by mastering the walk and following the guideline "exercise, discipline, and then affection."
8. Let your dog check the weather. Allow your dog to step outside and feel for itself that it is too hot, too wet, or too cold to go on a long walk. Instinctually, the dog will understand that it has to shorten its walk or come back inside where it’s safe.
9. Never leave your dog in a parked car. Even in the shade, a car retains more heat than an open area. Plus, a dog may get overexcited in the car because of passersby or panic from claustrophobia, making dehydration more likely.
10. Be aware of the weather. During the summer, carry a bottle of water on walks and watch for signs of dehydration. In the winter, protect your dog with doggie boots and gear made specifically for cold weather.
11. Dogs get bored just like humans. Provide mental challenges like a game of catch, an agility course, or a reward-oriented obedience game.
12. Project balanced energy. Dogs feed off your energy, so if you are frazzled, your dog will be too. Always remain calm and assertive!
Dogs don't know each other by name they know each other by the energy they project and the activities they share. They also know humans in the same way._
- Cesar Millan
Important Tips for Dog Lovers
From Cesar Millan
1. Dogs are not people. What makes them happy isn’t necessarily what makes us happy. What dogs desire is simple: regular exercise, a stable pack leader, and affection that is properly earned.
2. Walk your dog for at least 45 minutes every day. A structured walk on a regular basis is crucial, especially for dogs with behavioral problems, and it is the most powerful tool you have to bond with your dog.
3. Be consistent. Make sure all family members set the same rules, boundaries, and limitations for your dog.
4. Affection at the wrong time can foster an unstable mind. Share affection after your dog has exercised and eaten, changed an unwanted behavior into a behavior you asked for, responded to a rule or command, or entered a relaxed, calm-submissive state.
5. Dogs experience the world with their nose, eyes, and then ears. When meeting a dog for the first time, establish its trust by allowing it to experience your scent before engaging in eye contact or speaking to him.
6. Breed is not destiny. More important than choosing the right breed is selecting a dog with an energy level that is compatible with your energy and lifestyle.
7. Dogs need leadership. Establish yourself as the pack leader by mastering the walk and following the guideline "exercise, discipline, and then affection."
8. Let your dog check the weather. Allow your dog to step outside and feel for itself that it is too hot, too wet, or too cold to go on a long walk. Instinctually, the dog will understand that it has to shorten its walk or come back inside where it’s safe.
9. Never leave your dog in a parked car. Even in the shade, a car retains more heat than an open area. Plus, a dog may get overexcited in the car because of passersby or panic from claustrophobia, making dehydration more likely.
10. Be aware of the weather. During the summer, carry a bottle of water on walks and watch for signs of dehydration. In the winter, protect your dog with doggie boots and gear made specifically for cold weather.
11. Dogs get bored just like humans. Provide mental challenges like a game of catch, an agility course, or a reward-oriented obedience game.
12. Project balanced energy. Dogs feed off your energy, so if you are frazzled, your dog will be too. Always remain calm and assertive!
This is what I and those who follow Cesar's Philosophy call a Balanced Dogs, Listen closely what this Guys say about their Methodology to train this dogs and how it work, They call it The Mirror Method.
Beware Pigeons Followers of the Dogma of "pure positive" training, you may hear some "Horrendous" words like: LEADERSHIP, HIERARCHY, PACK, ENERGY.
FIRST PART OF THE METHOD:
HiERARCHY IN EVERYDAY LIFE, WHICH MEANS THAT THE OWNER SHOULD FILL THE LEADING ROLL IN THE PACK, DOGS REFLECT THEIR OWNERS BEHAVIOUR AND PERSONALITY ... IT'S ALWAYS UP TO YOU TO MAKE CHANGES IN YOUR OWN BEHAVIOUR IN ORDER TO GENERATE CHANGES IN YOUR DOG BEHAVIOUR.
THE OWNER HAS TO GAIN RESPECT IN ORDER TO SET UP AND KEEP THE RULES that can be understood and followed by the dog.
YES, WE DO NOT NEED and WE (I) DO NOT MAKE USE of "VIOLENCE" or "FORCE" IN ORDER TO TRAIN MY (OUR) DOG like those acolytes of the "pure positive" Dogma claim and accuse any one who use Cesar's approach. SIMPLY YOU HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO SHOW THINGS IN DOG LANGUAGE.
SECOND: POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING (CLICKER TRAINING)
BUT IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT OBEDIENCE DOES NOT WORK WITHOUT A WELL SET UP HIERARCHY AND IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF TEACHING.
THIRD PART: FULFILL YOUR DOGS NEEDS.
ANYTHING THAT CONNECTS TO THE DOG'S ANCIENT ENVIROMENT AND TASKS.
WE HAVE TO GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK DOWN THE INSTICTS ENERGIES, IF THESE ENERGIES STAY INSIDE, THE DOG CAN BE SICK AND THEY CAN ALSO CAUSE BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS AS WELL.
This Guys ARE NOT A CLOSE MINDED like those followers PIGEONS of the "pure positive" DOGMA
I understand Perfectly the Philosophy of this Method and I'm NOT saying that this is Cesar's Method, but the Philosophy behind it's similar.
My Dog had serious bad behaviours (see, about me) I tried the at first the "pure positive" approach, I follow the advice of Ian Dunbar and it DO NOT WORKED was useless!
When I start to watch Cesar (2004), all make sense, not just with my dog (my first) with all my past experiences with other dogs , everything! the reactions, the behaviours.
When I used Cesar's Approach with my Dog, everything changed for good and Certainly was Not a "Quick Fix"
Also I was able to take her to a training classes, something near to impossible before Cesar.
Now, maybe she do not go to win titles on Schutzhund trails but she is a Well Behaved, Trusted, Loved for every one in the Family and Happy Dog.
FIRST PART OF THE METHOD:
HiERARCHY IN EVERYDAY LIFE, WHICH MEANS THAT THE OWNER SHOULD FILL THE LEADING ROLL IN THE PACK, DOGS REFLECT THEIR OWNERS BEHAVIOUR AND PERSONALITY ... IT'S ALWAYS UP TO YOU TO MAKE CHANGES IN YOUR OWN BEHAVIOUR IN ORDER TO GENERATE CHANGES IN YOUR DOG BEHAVIOUR.
THE OWNER HAS TO GAIN RESPECT IN ORDER TO SET UP AND KEEP THE RULES that can be understood and followed by the dog.
YES, WE DO NOT NEED and WE (I) DO NOT MAKE USE of "VIOLENCE" or "FORCE" IN ORDER TO TRAIN MY (OUR) DOG like those acolytes of the "pure positive" Dogma claim and accuse any one who use Cesar's approach. SIMPLY YOU HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO SHOW THINGS IN DOG LANGUAGE.
SECOND: POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING (CLICKER TRAINING)
BUT IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT OBEDIENCE DOES NOT WORK WITHOUT A WELL SET UP HIERARCHY AND IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF TEACHING.
THIRD PART: FULFILL YOUR DOGS NEEDS.
ANYTHING THAT CONNECTS TO THE DOG'S ANCIENT ENVIROMENT AND TASKS.
WE HAVE TO GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK DOWN THE INSTICTS ENERGIES, IF THESE ENERGIES STAY INSIDE, THE DOG CAN BE SICK AND THEY CAN ALSO CAUSE BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS AS WELL.
This Guys ARE NOT A CLOSE MINDED like those followers PIGEONS of the "pure positive" DOGMA
I understand Perfectly the Philosophy of this Method and I'm NOT saying that this is Cesar's Method, but the Philosophy behind it's similar.
My Dog had serious bad behaviours (see, about me) I tried the at first the "pure positive" approach, I follow the advice of Ian Dunbar and it DO NOT WORKED was useless!
When I start to watch Cesar (2004), all make sense, not just with my dog (my first) with all my past experiences with other dogs , everything! the reactions, the behaviours.
When I used Cesar's Approach with my Dog, everything changed for good and Certainly was Not a "Quick Fix"
Also I was able to take her to a training classes, something near to impossible before Cesar.
Now, maybe she do not go to win titles on Schutzhund trails but she is a Well Behaved, Trusted, Loved for every one in the Family and Happy Dog.
Cesar's Bites !
Recently writing for Parade Magazine, Cesar shared the eight critical life lessons that dogs have taught him, summarized and paraphrased, below. For the full article, go to the magazine's website.
1. Live in the moment: Copy what dogs do and live in the Now. Don't regret the past or worry about the future. You'll be a lot happier and more peaceful.
2. Nurture a balanced life: Apply Cesar's canine mantra to yourself; give yourself daily doses of exercise, discipline and affection. (Have you had a hug today?)
3. Trust your instincts: Don't let your giant brain talk you out of something you feel in your gut. "Pay attention to nonverbal cues such as body language and energy." Dogs don't second guess themselves; we shouldn't either.
4. Be direct and consistent in your communication: Cut out the passive-aggressive business. State what you need openly and directly. It's okay to do so. Is there ever any doubt when your dog wants a treat or a pat on the head?
5. Learn to listen: Make some room in your busy schedule for a loved one who needs a heart-to-heart. You don't need to fix their problems. Just learn to give your full and focused attention, instead of going, "Huh, what did you say? I was just thinking I forgot to pick up my dry cleaning."
6. Don’t hold grudges: Ohhhh-weee! This is a big one for us humans. Dogs, according to Cesar, "resolve the situation when disagreements arise, then move on. Holding onto negative feelings tends to make them multiply and prevent us from moving forward." We should do what dogs do and just shake it off--literally flail our bodies around for a few seconds, as dogs do--then just let it go.
7. Live with purpose: If you feel bored, aimless, anxiety-ridden, and are starting to chew the furniture, find something meaningful to do with your time. "All animals," Cesar believes, "including humans, have an inborn need to work for food and water." Moreover, If you don't derive fulfillment from your job, find a hobby or a new career. As Spencer Tracy says to the Hedy Lamarr character in I Take This Woman, "It's very hard to be useful and unhappy at the same time."
8. Celebrate every day: "Our pets rejoice in life's simplest moments," Cesar writes. "For a dog, every morning is Christmas morning. Every walk is the best walk, every meal is the best meal, every game is the best game." These may not be the best of economic times, but maybe there is some little tiny thing we can find to be grateful for every day.
1. Live in the moment: Copy what dogs do and live in the Now. Don't regret the past or worry about the future. You'll be a lot happier and more peaceful.
2. Nurture a balanced life: Apply Cesar's canine mantra to yourself; give yourself daily doses of exercise, discipline and affection. (Have you had a hug today?)
3. Trust your instincts: Don't let your giant brain talk you out of something you feel in your gut. "Pay attention to nonverbal cues such as body language and energy." Dogs don't second guess themselves; we shouldn't either.
4. Be direct and consistent in your communication: Cut out the passive-aggressive business. State what you need openly and directly. It's okay to do so. Is there ever any doubt when your dog wants a treat or a pat on the head?
5. Learn to listen: Make some room in your busy schedule for a loved one who needs a heart-to-heart. You don't need to fix their problems. Just learn to give your full and focused attention, instead of going, "Huh, what did you say? I was just thinking I forgot to pick up my dry cleaning."
6. Don’t hold grudges: Ohhhh-weee! This is a big one for us humans. Dogs, according to Cesar, "resolve the situation when disagreements arise, then move on. Holding onto negative feelings tends to make them multiply and prevent us from moving forward." We should do what dogs do and just shake it off--literally flail our bodies around for a few seconds, as dogs do--then just let it go.
7. Live with purpose: If you feel bored, aimless, anxiety-ridden, and are starting to chew the furniture, find something meaningful to do with your time. "All animals," Cesar believes, "including humans, have an inborn need to work for food and water." Moreover, If you don't derive fulfillment from your job, find a hobby or a new career. As Spencer Tracy says to the Hedy Lamarr character in I Take This Woman, "It's very hard to be useful and unhappy at the same time."
8. Celebrate every day: "Our pets rejoice in life's simplest moments," Cesar writes. "For a dog, every morning is Christmas morning. Every walk is the best walk, every meal is the best meal, every game is the best game." These may not be the best of economic times, but maybe there is some little tiny thing we can find to be grateful for every day.
THE DOG WHISPERER'S TOP TRAINING TIPS
- I WOULD say to children who are getting a dog: no touch, no talk, no eye contact to start with. That way you honour "nose-eyes-ears". You allow the dog to connect with smells, sounds and so on: you're connecting with the animal dog.
- IF YOU begin a relationship with a dog looking for a soul-mate, you're only going to fulfil yourself. You also make a dog too much of a person if you focus on what their name is going to be; that should be avoided.
- WHAT people most often do is humanise the dog. And from that point on, they're going to practise human psychology on a dog. And when they really want the dog to listen to them, the dog is not going to because this is not the dog's state of mind. So we need to understand the psychology behind dogs.
- DOGS need to be fulfilled. And the fulfilment is based on exercise, discipline and affection, in that order. Most dog lovers like to fulfil dogs with affection first - and then they practise affection again, and again. Sometimes dog lovers feel that if they practise the role of authority figure, their dog is not going to love them as much, but it's important to be an authority figure. That does not mean you're angry or frustrated. Discipline versus punishment are two different things. I don't practise punishment.
- WHEN choosing a dog, consider your family's energy style. An active family will have better luck with a high-energy dog than would, say, a family whose shared activities tend more towards lazy Sundays spent doing crosswords or playing Scrabble.
- ON MEETING a dog for the first time, do not approach it. Pack leaders don't go to followers; followers pursue pack leaders. If you want to earn a dog's respect and trust right away, allow the dog to come to you.
- WHEN walking your dog, always begin with calm, assertive energy. You don't need to "psych your dog up" for walking by telling it in an excited voice what you guys are about to experience. The walk is about bonding and creating a primal pack experience, not going to Disneyland.
- IF YOU begin a relationship with a dog looking for a soul-mate, you're only going to fulfil yourself. You also make a dog too much of a person if you focus on what their name is going to be; that should be avoided.
- WHAT people most often do is humanise the dog. And from that point on, they're going to practise human psychology on a dog. And when they really want the dog to listen to them, the dog is not going to because this is not the dog's state of mind. So we need to understand the psychology behind dogs.
- DOGS need to be fulfilled. And the fulfilment is based on exercise, discipline and affection, in that order. Most dog lovers like to fulfil dogs with affection first - and then they practise affection again, and again. Sometimes dog lovers feel that if they practise the role of authority figure, their dog is not going to love them as much, but it's important to be an authority figure. That does not mean you're angry or frustrated. Discipline versus punishment are two different things. I don't practise punishment.
- WHEN choosing a dog, consider your family's energy style. An active family will have better luck with a high-energy dog than would, say, a family whose shared activities tend more towards lazy Sundays spent doing crosswords or playing Scrabble.
- ON MEETING a dog for the first time, do not approach it. Pack leaders don't go to followers; followers pursue pack leaders. If you want to earn a dog's respect and trust right away, allow the dog to come to you.
- WHEN walking your dog, always begin with calm, assertive energy. You don't need to "psych your dog up" for walking by telling it in an excited voice what you guys are about to experience. The walk is about bonding and creating a primal pack experience, not going to Disneyland.
10 commandments for curing a fearful dog.
1. Monitor Yourself
One of the biggest lessons Millan teaches owners is to pay attention to their own feelings. "If you feel tense, the dog is going to pick up on it," he says. "I always stay calm. If I get nervous with her, my actions won’t be precise."
2. Acclimate Your Dog
If your dog is afraid of something, part of the problem may be that the fear only surfaces when that item is being used. Millan suggests leaving the tool around so your dog can get used to it. "Feed your dog, give it water and affection around the tool before you even turn it on," he says.
3. Use treats
When dealing with a fearful dog, use treats to get the dog comfortable with the object. "Slowly introduce her to the vacuum using treats, so it becomes a positive instead of a negative experience," Millan explains. "But don’t push the vacuum toward her. If you do that she’s going to be more fearful, but if you pull it away she’ll become curious."
4. Gauge the Level of Fear
Leila’s fear wasn’t nearly as acute as it could have been. Millan says you can tell that by how quickly she relaxes. "Her fear is not as bad as I thought," he says. "Dogs with a high level of fear won’t take food that they want."
5. Be the Bridge
Assuming your dog already trusts you, you can use that to build trust with the feared object or household tool. "She trusts me—even though I brought the vacuum, which she doesn’t trust—so I can slowly engage her with the vacuum," Millan says. "If you just always do the vacuum and let her run away, it becomes traumatic. And that moment of love and trust goes out the window; we don’t ever want to lose love and trust."
6. Make the Dog wait
Giving treats is actually not the most important part of having them. According to Millan, they’re even more effective when your dog waits for them. "If you give, give, give, they get used to it and they get bored. Making them wait makes them more attentive to the activity." If you lose your dog’s attention, be sure to pull the treats up to reclaim focus. Millan says you always want your dog to be progressing forward.
7. Give Small Dogs Some Height
When helping smaller dogs get over fear, Millan says it is particularly useful to put them up on a table, chair or couch, where they can sit above the action and watch. "The use of the higher place allows little dogs to deal with the situation much better," he says
8. Don't Baby your Baby
Instead of mothering your dog when she acts afraid, stay calm and in control. "When she hesitates [around the feared object], no food," Millan demonstrates. "When the body is in an uncertain position, if you give her a treat, you’re only going to nurture that state."
9. Don't Anticipate Bad Behavior
One of the problems Millan sees a lot is that just as our dogs are conditioned, so are we. But as humans, we’re supposed to act as pack leader. The next time you’re in a situation where your dog usually misbehaves, don’t anticipate bad behavior or your dog will react to you—with bad behavior. "If he misbehaves, he misbehaves," Millan says. "But I’m not going to anticipate it. He’s in tune with me, and it becomes like a command."
10. Be Calm and Assertive
That’s the Dog Whisperer’s number-one message. We don’t realize how much our dogs are affected by our own moods, but according to Millan, their bad behavior is often just a reaction to us. "You need to get into manager mode," he says. "[The first thing] I observe [is] how the human moves when he touches the leash, and what tools will make the human become more assertive."
One of the biggest lessons Millan teaches owners is to pay attention to their own feelings. "If you feel tense, the dog is going to pick up on it," he says. "I always stay calm. If I get nervous with her, my actions won’t be precise."
2. Acclimate Your Dog
If your dog is afraid of something, part of the problem may be that the fear only surfaces when that item is being used. Millan suggests leaving the tool around so your dog can get used to it. "Feed your dog, give it water and affection around the tool before you even turn it on," he says.
3. Use treats
When dealing with a fearful dog, use treats to get the dog comfortable with the object. "Slowly introduce her to the vacuum using treats, so it becomes a positive instead of a negative experience," Millan explains. "But don’t push the vacuum toward her. If you do that she’s going to be more fearful, but if you pull it away she’ll become curious."
4. Gauge the Level of Fear
Leila’s fear wasn’t nearly as acute as it could have been. Millan says you can tell that by how quickly she relaxes. "Her fear is not as bad as I thought," he says. "Dogs with a high level of fear won’t take food that they want."
5. Be the Bridge
Assuming your dog already trusts you, you can use that to build trust with the feared object or household tool. "She trusts me—even though I brought the vacuum, which she doesn’t trust—so I can slowly engage her with the vacuum," Millan says. "If you just always do the vacuum and let her run away, it becomes traumatic. And that moment of love and trust goes out the window; we don’t ever want to lose love and trust."
6. Make the Dog wait
Giving treats is actually not the most important part of having them. According to Millan, they’re even more effective when your dog waits for them. "If you give, give, give, they get used to it and they get bored. Making them wait makes them more attentive to the activity." If you lose your dog’s attention, be sure to pull the treats up to reclaim focus. Millan says you always want your dog to be progressing forward.
7. Give Small Dogs Some Height
When helping smaller dogs get over fear, Millan says it is particularly useful to put them up on a table, chair or couch, where they can sit above the action and watch. "The use of the higher place allows little dogs to deal with the situation much better," he says
8. Don't Baby your Baby
Instead of mothering your dog when she acts afraid, stay calm and in control. "When she hesitates [around the feared object], no food," Millan demonstrates. "When the body is in an uncertain position, if you give her a treat, you’re only going to nurture that state."
9. Don't Anticipate Bad Behavior
One of the problems Millan sees a lot is that just as our dogs are conditioned, so are we. But as humans, we’re supposed to act as pack leader. The next time you’re in a situation where your dog usually misbehaves, don’t anticipate bad behavior or your dog will react to you—with bad behavior. "If he misbehaves, he misbehaves," Millan says. "But I’m not going to anticipate it. He’s in tune with me, and it becomes like a command."
10. Be Calm and Assertive
That’s the Dog Whisperer’s number-one message. We don’t realize how much our dogs are affected by our own moods, but according to Millan, their bad behavior is often just a reaction to us. "You need to get into manager mode," he says. "[The first thing] I observe [is] how the human moves when he touches the leash, and what tools will make the human become more assertive."