What Petey has taught me.....

I have posted an article that came from the Parade Magazine. It is written by Cesar Milan. Although I don't ascribe to most of his training techniques for typical family pets who have no serious issues, I do like a lot of what he has to say about dogs and what they can teach us. The article is posted at the bottom of the Blog.

You would think that after close to fifty years of sharing my life with dogs, I'd be some sort of expert. The truth is, when Petey BURST into my life on January 12, 2007, I found out very quickly....that I knew NOTHING. Nothing about training, nothing about drive, nothing about working dogs, nothing about temperament, nothing about good vs. bad breeders,nothing about health testing a sire and dam should have, nothing about anything that related to my dream dog that I waited twenty three years to acquire. It was scary at first having this crazy, active, high drive Doberman puppy who started gaining a half a pound a day, that was expected to be around one hundred pounds at maturity, I was worried that I was in way over my head. Everyday was a new adventure. To say I was overwhelmed those early weeks and months, would be an understatement. Be very careful what you wish for, you might just get it! I wanted a Doberman, and I got one! His lines and breeding make for a dog that isn't for the faint hearted, he is no Labrador or Golden Retriever. He is a highly intelligent, cocky and manipulative boy. He isn't afraid of anything. Nothing unhinges him. I've never had a dog like him before. Petey pushed me in to reading every book that I could get my hands on about dog training. What I learned immediately...was that training had changed drastically in my life time, and some how....I didn't know that there were much more humane ways to teach a dog how to live in a human world. How I wish that I had learned all of this before my three rescues came into our lives, how much better our years with them would have been. What Petey immediately taught me is, I needed to step up to the plate and train him, he demanded it! I had gotten away with very little training for all of my other dogs, I was way too lazy with all of them, well it was very evident very quickly that was not going to work with this boy. He would have run our house if he had half a chance, I promised my hubby as we drove to pick up our ten week old puppy, that he did not want...this dog would be different, I will raise him right, he will be a good dog. As soon as Petey's immunulations would protect him, we went to positive puppy training classes,a whole new world was opened up for him and I. Everything I had been doing that I had learned in my past, that wasn't working, except to beat Petey down, was stoppped. How wonderful to not say NO every thirty seconds! How wonderful to put baskets of toys all over the house, to give treats for good behavior! Puppy-hood became FUN! Not easy but not misrable. I continued on with training classes with different methods, and will go back again at least a couple of sessions a year, maybe Agility next. The second lesson that Petey taught me was, ALL dogs are good, the problem is we humans make excuses and mess them up. We don't take the time to teach them good house manner and proper behavior. We make excuses about their pasts. They know how to be dogs,they live in the moment and we need to learn their language and train them in such a way that they understand, respect and love us. I found relationship based training methods really fun and easy. I love clicker training...it is the first training method I've ever liked. Petey at 28 months old, is still a work in progress, and I get the feeling that with a dog as smart as he is....I will need to train him for the rest of his life, he likes to learn new things and if his mind isn't engaged....he is sure to make my days miserable! I do agree with Ceser's three rules, exercise, discipline and then the love! Having your dog live his life in that order really does work best. They are dogs, and it IS what they understand.



The Dog Whisperer:
What Your Pet Can Teach You
By Cesar Millan
Publication Date: 01/11/2009
I am honored that so many people look to me to help them enjoy more fulfilling relationships with their dogs, but the truth is that the dogs themselves have been my teachers. The most valuable lessons I’ve received have come from animals. Here are some of the ways dogs have helped me become a better, happier, and more-balanced human being.

Live in the moment.
People often wonder how I get such quick results with the dogs I rehabilitate. The answer is simple: Dogs live in the moment. They don’t regret the past or worry about the future. If we can learn to appreciate and focus on what’s happening in the here and now, we’ll experience a richness of living that other members of the animal kingdom enjoy.

Nurture a balanced life.
I tell my clients to follow this simple rule with their dogs: Offer exercise, discipline, and affection every day. Do the same for yourself. We humans are happier if our routines include physical activity, a sense of structure, and the opportunity to give and receive love on a daily basis.

Trust your instincts.
Animals don’t care about words. They recognize that what’s really going on in any interaction is beneath the surface. Many of us have lost touch with this all-important instinctual part of our natures. By paying attention to nonverbal cues such as body language and energy, we can learn more about our friends, our loved ones, and ourselves.

Be direct and consistent in your communication.
Many of my clients only intermittently enforce rules, leaving their pets confused about what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. Great relationships, no matter the species, begin with clear and consistent communication. This is a lesson we should carry into other areas of our lives—with our family, our friends, and at work. Remember: We teach people how to treat us.

Learn to listen.
Make the time to lend an ear to those you love or those who want to transform their lives. But don’t try to fix their problems, and don’t take their problems personally, either. A great leader is also a great follower and knows that everybody counts.

Don’t hold grudges.
There’s a remarkable lack of conflict in dog packs. That’s because members resolve the situation when disagreements arise, then move on. Imagine what our world would be like if we dealt with our conflicts before they escalated out of control. Holding onto negative feelings tends to make them multiply and prevent us from moving forward.

Live with purpose.
When dogs are bored, they develop issues ranging from anxiety to aggression. But when given a job and a way to contribute to the pack’s well-being, they turn around almost immediately. All animals—including humans—have an inborn need to work for food and water. Ask yourself how you can contribute more to your job, your family, and the world around you. You’ll feel much better about yourself if you earn your food and water, too.

Celebrate every day.
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. We can learn so much by observing the way our pets rejoice in life’s simplest moments. Take time every day to celebrate the many gifts that are hidden in the ordinary events of your own life.

Cesar Millan is the author of “A Member of the Family” and star of the National Geographic Channel’s “Dog Whisperer.” Photo courtesy of Michael Reuter.