Reply #37: Dookus... check out "The Dog Whisperer" on National Geographic Channel.

[VolcanoJen]

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

Cesar Millan is one amazing dog trainer. The biggest mistake people make is viewing dogs as human children, when in fact they are dogs. It's best to get in tune with their pack mentality, and understand the way they view you as their leader, and their longing to understand their role in life, and what you must do to assert that. It really all comes together when you start thinking like a dog.

He's worked miracles with troublesome dogs, and yours is just a puppy who really isn't a problem at all. Dogs communicate with their mouths. They don't have hands, and they need to be taught that they can't reach you, command attention from you, or even play with you, using their mouths. It's the same way a pack leader, or mother of pups, teaches submissive dogs not to bite and nip. Firm, corrective touch first, followed by reward (affection) when the puppy stops nipping at you. You've got to be consistent, every single time he nips too hard for your liking, every time he crosses the line. Exude a relaxed confidence, always letting the puppy know you're the leader. Practice lots of firm corrective touch, and eye contact, the way his pack leader would. Your job is as exhausting and frustrating as that of the pack leader, and every bit as rewarding in the end. Voice training comes later, once the puppy learns his role in your life.

At any rate, The Puppy Year is challenging. It gets better, easier, and more rewarding.

Check out that show... it's entertaining, and amazing. On today's episode, Cesar saved a healthy, happy Boxer from certain euthanasia by showing his family that he is not an aggressive dog, but had not yet learned his role within his pack. It was a beautiful, uplifting thing to watch this dog's transition. :-)