Claim your space

Dogs know that the pack leader has an area of space that is his/hers.  Dogs are amenable to this but they do they will test these boundaries until the Pack Leader claims there space.  It is an interesting concept and goes hand and hand with the idea of energy projection.  Our energy state is how we communicate with our pack.  If we are calm-assertive we can create our own space without saying a word.  The dogs in our pack will get a sense of energy that says this is my line in the sand, don't cross it or you will be violating the rules of the pack leader.  As we have mentioned before, dogs do not want to violate pack rules because instinctively they know order in the pack is necessary for their survival. 

So then why is it so hard for people to claim their space? 
The main reason is energy projection.  If we are not in the calm-assertive mode, our dogs will not feel secure, stable or deferential to us as the leader.  They will automatically sense a void or a vacuum in the leadership role.  The result is predictable.  Dogs value a stable pack, they need this structure to feel safe and secure.  One of the dogs will usually act out in more dominent ways or become more agitated with the other dogs.  However, if we are in the right state of mind, projecting the calm-assertive energy that brings the firmness of structure to the pack, claiming your space will be a mere formality.  It take a little longer with a puppy but they will catch on very quickly too. 

The way to claim your space is simple once your energy is calm-assertive.  If your intent is to move your dog out of your space you need to stand up tall, facing the dog.  At times you can use a stick or a tennis racket or anything to extend your arm length.  This is not to hit the dog or hurt the dog in anyway, it is just easier to calm the dog down once he feels he is "locked in" the space right in front of you.  Some dogs will resist and turn sides, some will sit and aquese, some will growl, but eventually most will lay down and relax and accept the boundary.  You can gradually move closer to the dog until he gets the message that you are the pack leader and you are claiming your space. 

On rare circumstances dogs may try to bite or nip at you in resistance but if you are in the right state of mind and you are doing it with your own dog, a dog that you are familiar with, you should get a postive result. It will take repetition and have to be done each time your dog enters your space uninvited but after a few time it will be all over. 

Information for this article was taken from the book "The Power of Calm-Assertive Energy-How It Can Make You The Pack Leader" .  The books discusses how to be a pack leader to your dogs and how to apply the power of calm assertive energy to your daily life. 

Be Pack leader and still learn from your dogs

You can get a lot of help from your dogs.  Your dogs will instinctively protect their pack from instability.  They will also instinctively protect their calm-assertive pack leader from this negative energy.  Most stable dogs know that stability of the pack is essential for their survival.  Dogs can not be constantly fighting for dominance or breaking from the pack routine.  For thousands of years dogs have used their innate ability to live within a stable pack as an advantage over less successful species.  This should make it clear that dogs understand the importance of being in a pack and the importance of keeping the pack healthy.  They also understand the importance of the pack leader and will go to great lengths to keep the pack leader safe and free to lead.

It was such a long day following the Pack Leader

You can see behavior like this often at the dog park or in your home when bringing an unstable dog into the mix.  The other dogs will rally around the pack leader and warn the unstable dog.  Often it is just do that is unfamiliar with the pack rules and how to approach and interact with the pack.  Certain dogs, especially younger ones, tend to be unschooled in back etiquette but tend to learn quickly if the other dogs are persistent.

The biggest obstacle I have seen lately when taking I try to be pack leader for my dogs and the dog park is the dogs staring each other down through the fence.  For some dogs it seems to be a territorial thing and for others more fun or play when they race up and down the on each side of fence.  It is a challenge to get certain dogs to pay attention to the pack leader when when there are dogs to run with on the other side of the fence. 


I also have noticed that a recent addition to my pack tends to become more playful and a bit more aggressive at the dog park.  He is young and loves to play but has yet to take his well adjusted in home pack behavior to the park.  I am working on keeping him a bit more calm and more focused on me rather than all of the smells, sounds and other dogs.  It is taking a while but I am seeing progress daily and soon expect him to be fully adjusted and enjoying calm yet fun trips to the dog park. 

Rescue a Dog and learn to be the pack leader

These dogs get their own couch.

Many dogs that are up for adoption are not bad dogs but they need to have a strong pack leader.  Rescuing or adopting a dog from the shelter can be a very rewarding experience if you are willing to do what it takes to be a leader of the pack.

 You have to keep in mind having a dog is not that much different from having young children.  You have to spend time with your dog everyday, make sure they get exercise everyday, make sure they have food and water everyday and you can't go on vacation unless you take the dog with your or find a dog sitter.  You will have to spend time training them and working with them if they are young or old.  You will have to work hard to be a good pack leader. 

You will not have complete freedom in your life and you will have to sacrifice some things in order to be a good pack leader.  Dogs take a lot of time and a serious commitment and once you take the dog with you, both you and the dog deserve a fair chance to become good pack members.  One of the worst things you can do is to take a dog home for a few days and change your mind.  You have to be prepared to stick it out and to accept the responsibility that comes with having a dog.  Dogs deserve a chance to have a good home. 

Bobo in one of her favorite shady spots

It is very important to realize that the problems you have with your dog will likely have to do with how you interact with the dog.  The dogs will follow you if your are a good pack leader and have the calm-assertive energy that dogs understand.  Usually this takes time and a lot of practice on your part.  Dogs are receptive and want to learn.  They understand rules and boundaries because this has been their way of life in pack for thousands of years. 

As the pack leader you will be responsible for acting like a pack leader and be sure the pack is doing well.  Please adopt a dog from a local shelter.  Just keep in mind that you will probably have to change a few things about yourself in order to be a good pack leader. 



If you getting dog you should know that it will be a great way to evaluate your own personality and energy.  You will have to become more aware of your energy state and be sure to learn how to project calm-assertive energy that is needed to be a good pack leader.

Normal Dog Behavior, despicable human behavior on The Dog Whisperer

  Watching the show The Dog Whisperer today I have seen something that was both good and disturbing at the same time.  Cesar was called on to help a woman and her dog that have moved back in with the woman’s mother.  It was clear from the consultation that this was going to be trouble because the anger and passive aggressive energy was running deep.  I could see the tension in the house between the mother and daughter with 30 seconds.  I could actually feel it coming through the screen.  This dog had no chance of being in a calm-submissive state unless her owner made drastic changes to her behavior.  She was clearly self-centered and self-righteous while showing little will to do what was best for her dog and the household.  It became clear that she was not willing to make the effort or to accept the responsibility of being a dog owner. 

Cesar even said he cut the consultation short because of the tension between the mother and daughter.  I could see the daughter was domineering and angry but the mother was not able to express her repressed anger about the entire situation.   It was classic case of enmeshment and a classic case of the angry daughter coming home to live with her mother who was clearly not happy about having a new roommate.    

The daughter brought her rescue dog into the home and blamed her mother for her dog’s behavior.  She said her dog misbehaved because her mother’s dog was a Prima Dona.  It was a bit disheartening to see her reactions because she was just verifying what I already knew about her. 

It was going to be the dogs fault, the mother’s fault, or the grandson’s fault but never her fault as the dog owner.  I could tell the daughter was never going to take responsibility for her behavior enough to give her dog a good home. 

It was very disturbing to think of how easily she was willing to take the dog back.  She tried within days of adopting her but thankfully the shelter talked her out of it.  She made the reference that the people at the shelter made her feel guilty so she kept the dog.  It was disgusting behavior if you ask me and it was clear that this woman needed a psychologist, not a dog whisperer.   Of course she didn’t realize what she needed so she blamed it on her dog and fortunately for the dog, she called on Cesar. 

It was one of the few times when it is clear from Cesar’s statement about the consultation that he knew this was not a good situation.  I watched in horror as Cesar returned for a check up and they woman was talking about taking the dogs teeth out so they would not have to worry about it biting.  If this wasn’t bad enough she also said she was considering putting the dog to sleep.  I was disgusted.  I could not believe someone could be so irresponsible and self absorbed to think about putting a dog to sleep because they couldn’t accept responsibility for their negative energy that was affecting the dog. 

This was one of the nastiest and cruel people I have ever seen on the Dog Whisperer Show.  A few times there have been people there were completely out of touch with how their behavior was affecting the health of their pack.  However, this was the most disturbing, cruel and horrible human behavior I have ever seen on the show.

Cesar seemed a bit shocked at the thought of removing the dog’s teeth to solve the problem and thankfully he stepped in and offered to take the dog and find a new home for her after a stay at the rehabilitation center.  You could see that he was very confident that the dog was going to be just fine in short period of time.  They showed how the dog was doing at the rehabilitation center and at Cesar’s home and she was having a good time being a dog and was ready to be adopted by a good, knowledgeable family. 

It was the best of both worlds on this episode of the Dog Whisperer.   The despicable behavior of one human and the generous behavior of another had been clearly revealed on a show that is supposed to be about dogs. 

The show often reveals just how intertwined human psychology is with dog psychology.  Of course this was an episode that lets us know, again, that dogs are more receptive healthy energy than most people. 

pack leader and dog whisperer make for a special bond between man and dog

They look so innocent. 

Becoming a dog whisperer doesn't happen over night.  As humans we are used to communicating everything through speech or the written word.  Our energy is important but people are less perceptive than dogs in reference to our energy.  We may be able to to pretend we are strong and assertive to humans and they might to for it, but our dogs can sense what is behind the facade.  If our energy is not calm-assertive our dogs will know right away and will not willingly follow as part of your pack.  But humans may believe what you tell them.  We all have been fooled by someone who was a smooth talker that later turned out to be a cheat or a fraud. 

Our dogs can read between the lines better than we can but we have the potential to use our intuition more.  We have instincts and senses that we have let go dormant for years.  As we evolved we learned to trust our senses less and less and it often has left us vulnerable to the "smooth talkers".  But as we become a better, stronger pack leader we will be projecting calm-assertive energy as well as developing our intuition.  As pack leader we will be using our intuition to assess the health and energy of our dogs.  They won't be able to tell us what is wrong.  But the more we get in tune with our pack and our dog training becomes more of a partnership, we will be able to tell things about our dogs that no one else would ever know. 

I could see something wrong with one of my dogs several years before she died.  I had spent a great deal of time with her for 5 or 6 years and I could tell if something was wrong.  The problems arise when our special bond with our dog can not be matched by the vet.  I noticed one of her eyes seemed to be drooping or bulging out and I took her to the doctor right away.  They assured me that it was nothing and it was normal for Labradors and it was totally fine. 
I knew it wasn't totally fine had her checked several times and everyone seem to placate me but never really give me a good answer.  I don't think modern medicine can account for intuition and vets tend to see most people as overly nervous about their dogs.  But about a year or two later the vet said it may be glaucoma in her eye and started her on daily eye drops.  This went on for a few years and I knew it wasn't working and that something just wasn't right  but I deferred to the doctors expertise.  I have sense changed my philosophy on that with my other dogs and cats. 

More to the story here. 



Related Articles HERE

Cesar’s Way or another dog training method?

Cesar’s Way or another dog training method?  

This article will give you a few suggestions on how to find the right dog training method for you and your pack. 

There are hundreds of dog training methods to choose from when you get your new dog or puppy.  It seems like there are dog training experts everywhere selling their “best” ever dog training methods.  Since Cesar Millan came on the National Geographic Channel as the Dog Whisperer, everyone decided dog training was a new money maker.  I am sure most trainers have the expertise they claim but before you pick a method you will have to do some research.  After you have gathered enough information you can then make a much better decision. 

A lot depends on you the dog owner.  Her are a few questions you need to answer when you start your search for a dog trainer or dog training method. 

1. Do you want what is best for the dog or do you just want obedience? 


2. Do you want to hire a trainer or be the trainer? 


3. Do you want to train your dog using treats and positive reinforcement?


4. Do you want to use the Clicker method?


5. Do you want to use electronic collars that use electricity to control your dog?


6. Do you want to illicit obedience by force or by creating fear in your dog?  

                                          -OR-

7. Do you want to use training as a way to develop a stronger bond with your dog? 


8. Do you want to use a method of training that has little need for the use of treats?  A method that does not call for you to hit, spank, prod or abuse your dog in anyway?    

This method relies on your energy as the Alpha dog and pack leader rather than electricity.  This way of training is commonly referred to as Cesar’s Way.  If you want to be a dog whisperer this is the method you need to use. 

One of the things I had always tried to resist was the use of treats as a reward to train any of my dogs.  I had little training or experience in training dogs but I just didn’t want to have to “bribe” my dog into behaving.  I was not sure this was possible but I was certain that I wanted to have a stronger bond with my pet.  My thought was that the treats might get in the way of building a better handler/dog relationship.  It wasn’t until several years later I was fortunate enough to see the Dog Whisperer show.  I immediately realized this was what I was looking for all along. 

 

However, this method of training had many more hurdles for me to get over before I felt like I was making any real progress.  I was not surprised that I was influencing my dog’s behavior with my energy but I wasn’t so sure that I wanted to train myself first before I could project the calm-assertive energy necessary to be the top dog.  So I was going to have to be learning about pack behavior right along with my dog Bobo.

I can say with out hesitation, after using the Dog Whisperer techniques on 7 dogs and having my own pack for over 10 years, that the way of the pack leader is the most rewarding and most satisfying way to train your dog.  If you are truly concerned about what is best for your dog and are willing to look in the mirror at how your own behavior influences the behavior of your pets, you will love Cesar’s Way.  You will be doing what is best for you and your dog.  You will not regret it. 

RELATED ARTICLES
Why do dogs take so well to Cesar's Millan Methods?

What we can learn about instincts from our dogs.

Instinct is in animals is similar to what we call intuition in humans.  Our dogs operate on instinct that has been part of their evolution and they don’t question it.  Dogs can sense something is going wrong or when a person is in a bad mood or if someone is nervous.  Dogs had to rely on their instinct to survive in the wild before they became more domesticated.  However, dogs still use there “intuition” or instinct to sense what is going on around them.  They can tell what kind of energy is in the air at that moment.  The calm-assertive energy given off by a good pack leader is the energy that dogs naturally follow.  They are drawn to this energy because this was the energy of their pack leaders when they were living as wolves in the wild. 

Dogs are always tuned in to the alpha dog, or pack leader.  They are continually assessing their energy state and will automatically act according the energy they sense from the pack leader.  The structure of the pack is necessary for survival and since dogs don’t have the luxury of talking, they have to communicate in much more subtle ways. Training dogs or a pack of dogs requires constant monitoring of the energy we are projecting. 

If you are training your dog but you do not maintain the proper calm-assertive energy level dogs will be nervous and uncomfortable around you.  They will be more likely to act out or just be more difficult to train.  Dogs naturally have a lack of trust for anyone or anything with a nervous, frustrated or angry demeanor. 

Humans have learned to communicate in other ways often to our detriment.  We have learned to push our intuition to the side in many cases.  Of course there are certain times when it is good to push our fear aside and move forward. In certain cases it is imperative that we push back against our fear, but this is usually when we have an abnormal fear or a fear that is not aproportionate for the level of risk. 

For example if you have a fear of public speaking, it may be a worth while goal to battle that fear and become more comfortable speaking to an audience or classroom.  It would be to your benefit if it was important for your work.  Also overcoming this type of fear will often improve your self esteem. 

However, if we get the message as children that are feelings don’t matter as much as someone else’s or if our feelings are not treated with proper respect from our care givers, we may be suppressing the very important messages from our intuition.  People will even go as far as trying to convince themselves that their intuition about someone or about a certain situation is wrong and will repress the fear. 

Cesar Millan references the book “The Gift of Fear”  by Gavin De Becker when he discusses how energy and intuition can play a vital role in having a well adjusted and stable dog or pack . 

      {De Becker gave an example of how we forget that we have powerful intuition when as he told the story of his friend not selecting a contractor because her dog growled at him.  De Becker said the dog was likely an expert at reading her and she was an expert at reading people without realizing it.  He said the dog was likely just reading her and sensing her concern.  De Becker goes on to say that humans have something dogs do not have and that thing is judgment.  He states that this is what allows us to disregard our intuition unless we can explain it logically.  We tend to honor our intellect rather than our intuition.  We succumb to our judgment and are distracted from reality by our hopes and wishes of how things could or should be in spite of the reality.}

The extra special thing about dogs is how much of a gift they are to us once we realize they are teaching us to become more self aware.  They are letting us know when our energy is out of balance.  All we have to do is pay attention and be willing to get better in touch with our feelings and our energy level.  Most people go through life with no clue what type of energy is ruling their lives or what they are projecting in the world.  (At least until they get a couple dogs.)

Being a good trainer for your dogs and a good pack leader is not only enriching to the lives of our dogs but it helps us become more calm and centered. It is not fair to your dogs if you refuse to open your eyes to how your behavior can have negative or positive consequences on your pack.  

Learn to trust your intuition more and you will be opening the door to a more calm-assertive energy in your life.  Your stress level will also go down and you will create a much greater more loving bond with your dogs. 

If you want to train your dog in the most loving way possible, bond with them in a special way, and never have to punish your dog then you need take a look at the dog whisperer’s DVDs on being a good pack leader.

Pack Leader at the Dog Park-a dog training lesson

Don't Forget the Treats

 

Sammy, Buddy, Jake, Bobo, Scruffy and Jack

Yesterday I was at the dog park and saw a perfect example of a pack leader.  This was the best dog training lesson for anyone to witness because it is much different to see it happening before your eyes rather than on the Dog Whisperer Show.  It was fun to see. 

 The dog park is set up with three large areas that are fenced off around the outside and divided with two fences down the middle.  The large square area and the two dividers have gates to pass from one section to the other.  A woman with a medium size dog and very small dog was walking in the farthest corner of the third section.  On one end of her section some larger dogs were playing and it looked as though she didn’t want to go that direction.  I was in the middle section with my six large dogs, one of them a young Pit Bull who likes to greet everyone who comes into the gate with great enthusiasm.  It was quite clear she felt a little trapped. 

The only way for her to get out was to go through one of the areas with the large dogs.  She tried the back end gate which is always locked in order to keep a limited number open so there is not complete chaos at the park with dogs coming and going from every direction. 

 I was getting ready to approach the woman and ask her if she wanted me to corral my dogs so she could walk through with her dogs on the leash.  My dogs are typically very good with other dogs.  However, I have Aussies and they like to herd anything in site and if they all start off together it can frighten some of the dogs.  If I am not close enough to get their attention I don’t like it.  Keep in mind this is a huge dog park that is over 10 acres and if I am by one gate and someone comes through the other gate I can’t keep up with the dogs if they decide to go investigate. These three are usually so interested in chasing the tennis ball that they don’t even pay attention to other dogs.  The Pit Bull puppy still has puppy energy and is a little over friendly at times.  He is learning though and doing well when I am being a good pack leader.

The woman in the other section was on the phone so I didn’t say anything to her and then got distracted picking up a few tennis balls a few hundred feet away from the gate.  The next thing I see is this young woman walking through the end gate with no warning.  She had both her two smaller dogs on leashes and she was in complete control.  She exuded calm, assertive energy as she entered the gate, her dogs following perfectly. My Pit Bull ran over to say hello to the dogs and I was a little nervous being a long way away.  But her pack was on a mission. 

She held her head up, had one hand on the phone, the other hand holding both leashes.  As my dog approached she paid no attention to him and told her dogs to keep moving.  My dog got in one sniff and they were still on the move.  His playful energy was completely neutralized by the woman’s strong assertive energy.  She was going to complete her mission and get through the park without any big dogs bothering her or her little ones.  She did it just the way Cesar would have done. 

It would be nice to have gotten it on video because it would have been a great dog training aid while reinforcing the dog whisperer methods.  It was the first time I have seen another person practice being the pack leader in person.  I have seen it on the Dog Whisperer Television show, read about it in books, and try to be a good pack leader myself but witnessing this event totally convinced me that dog training is all about energy.  I could feel it myself and my Pit Bull didn’t know what to do.  He was completely obedient and did not try to disrupt her pack. 

I already was a big believer in the methods Cesar teaches but this made me even more certain that it really is possible for our calm, assertive energy to have a major influence over our dogs.  If you are interested in doing what is best for your pack I would recommend watching the Dog Whisperer Show or go ahead and try the Cesar Millan DVD’s on dog training. 

Dog Walking as Part of over all Dog training

It is hard to over estimate the importance of walking your dog during training. The dog whisperer way is big on dog walking and using this exercise as a way to reinforce your bond with your dog. It is also a chance to act like the pack leader and be in control of your pet. The biggest issue that has to be corrected on the walk, which is having the dog walk you, can be fixed very quickly if you can take over the role as the calm assertive leader.

A lot of dogs are trying to fill the void if their masters are not behaving like the alpha dog. As I mentioned before in a previous post, dogs want structure and they are very willing to follow the pack leader. They won't just follow you because you think you are top dog, you have to act like it and have the energy of the pack leader. The calm, assertive energy that displays leadership and strength to your pack must be the default energy level. As humans, we sometimes fail to realize just how perceptive dogs are and just how in tune they are with our energy. They are monitoring us all the time and they will pick up even the most subtle of cues as they will act accordingly.



Don't believe this? Think of another example when your dog knows what you are going to do about 5 minutes before you even start to move. Do you start to think about going for a walk a few minutes before you want to leave? Have you ever made the effort to get ready to go without making any mention of a walk or going out to your dog? How does the dog know something is going to happen soon?

You move up from your chair casually and try to plan your mission to get everything ready for the walk so you can then spring it on your dog just as you are ready to leave but it never works. As soon as you move from your chair with the intention of getting ready for a walk, your dog starts to get excited, barks and head for the door. They gather a lot of information very quickly without you ever saying a word.

Of course you know if you even say the word WALK your dog will go wild. You may even have to resort to spelling the word out one letter at a time, only to find out that as soon as you say W it will trigger your dog to get ready. This doesn't say anything about sensing your energy but it says something about dogs ability to learn. They are intuitive and intelligent so it is our job to be the pack leader to give them a stable and well balanced life.

Dogs have outstanding senses and will pick up on our assertion to be the pack leader if we can manage to stay calm and exude the right energy. You can make walking with your dog a great pleasure. Once you become a great pack leader you will never again fear being pulled down the street by your Rottie.

Walking your dog really can be fun.



Related Articles Here

Dog Whisperer technique for dog training

If you are interested in dog training you have to look into the dog whisperer Cesar Milan.  He is amazing with animals and has a unique approach to he says he rehabilitates people first to get them to see how their behavior is effecting their dog or dogs.  The philosophy is that it paramount to be the pack leader so you can interact with your dogs on their natural instinctual level. 

In order to be the pack leader you have to behave like the alpha dog.  The alpha dog is the boss and is the one that the other dogs look to for leadership and guidance.  This is natural behavior to the dogs and they are most at peace and comfortable when they are in the presence of a strong pack leader.  Dogs have evolved from wolves through natural selection and breeding and but they have many of the natural instincts of wolves deeply ingrained into their psyche.  This is why we have to be conscious of the ways of dogs and not treat them the same way we treat humans.  Dogs understand this natural hierarchy and unless there is a strong pack leader in their pack, which typically will be you and your pets, spouses and children etc, one of the dogs will want to fill that void. 

It is like a vacuum in nature.  It is always said that nature does not like a vacuum so the empty space is soon filled with something naturally.  The void in the dog pack come when there is no leader and one dog will instinctively move to fill that void and you will have a very confused and unstable household on your hands.   Dogs are social and pack animals and they will be part of your pack whether you have one dog or several.  The humans can be just as good of a pack leader as another dog and it is a must if you are going to have a stable dog and a stable household. 

There are several things you have to do to be a good pack leader and Cesar recommends the walk as the most important bonding exercise with your dog.  However, this can not be a walk where the dog pulls you up and down the street.  You have to walk with your dog like you are the pack leader and you must be able to channel your strong assertive energy in order to be in control. 

The calm assertive energy is what dogs respond to the best.  If you ever see a mother dog dealing with an unruly puppy you will get the point.  The mother dog reaches her breaking point but it only takes a calm and assertive grasp or bite on the scruff of the neck and the puppy usually gets the message that it is time to settle down.  It is quick and simple and has little aggression or aggressive energy behind the discipline.  This is a key for humans to understand when training their own dog.  It is difficult for the dog to understand what you are doing if you act out of frustration or anger.  If you raise your voice and try to discipline your pets with an aggressive or angry tone, you will be just confusing your dogs and causing them more undue stress.  Your energy will be mirrored by your dogs and if you are angry and aggressive you will be making it much harder for your dog to be calm and well adjusted.