rocknhorse: blog 
rocknhorse's blog
dog whisperer
Published May. 12, 2008
As you know, I have horses and if you've read many of my blogs/comments, I train them using 'gentle and natural' training techniques. That is, I try to consider how horses interact in a herd in the wild. I try to 'see' the world through their eyes and I train them accordingly. The first step is in establishing myself as the herd alpha mare.
Well, I also have a dog. Abby is a great dog, but she has some 'issues' that drive me a bit nuts. She jumps up on me (and others), she has no "table manners" with others in my house, though she knows to leave me alone at the table. That's one of my biggest peaves with dogs. DON'T beg at the table.
Long story short (from me? Yeah, right!), my sister-in-law suggested I read, "Cesar's Way" by Cesar Millan - Nat'l Geographic's Dog Whisperer. I don't know why I wasn't receptive at first, especially since I practice the techniques with my horses. But I put off reading the book for a while.
I finally started reading the book and have watched a couple of episodes of the show. I have to say I'm impressed. I have begun some subtle things with Abby, like ignorning her and putting her away from me when she jumps. She's really beginning to listen and take the more submissive role. I didn't realize that I was encouraging (or at least not disuading) the dominant role in her.
I plan to start re-asserting myself as the pack leader with her. Already, in small ways, I can see improvement. During the thunderstorm last night, she was much calmer. Normally she wants to sit on top of your head during t-storms. But I practiced "calm-assertive" with her and she laid down and, while not completely relaxed, was at least not climbing all over me and/or cowering in a dark corner. She stayed in the middle of the room, alert, but relaxed. It was good to see.
I'm enjoying the book. I personally feel that learning to work with animals can teach us a LOT about interacting with people. This book has been enlightening on that front as well. I am experimenting with "calm-assertive" with my kids. It works.
Anyone else read the book or watch the show? What do you think about it?
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It's just funny to me that all these years I've worked with horses, I train according to THEIR natural instincts. But they are prey, not predators. It's not that I didn't understand the concept for dogs, I just didn't know how to apply it. It will be an interesting journey. I'm looking forward to it.
GOLO member since July 18, 2007
May 12, 2008 12:43 p.m.
GOLO member since July 3, 2007
May 12, 2008 12:34 p.m.
GOLO member since July 3, 2007
May 12, 2008 12:31 p.m.
GOLO member since September 1, 2007
May 12, 2008 12:26 p.m.
May 12, 2008 12:03 p.m.
Good Luck!
May 12, 2008 11:51 a.m.
GOLO member since July 18, 2007
May 12, 2008 11:43 a.m.
GOLO member since September 14, 2007
May 12, 2008 11:41 a.m.
I SO glad my SIL referred this book. I'm really enjoying it.
GOLO member since July 18, 2007
May 12, 2008 11:16 a.m.
GOLO member since April 1, 2008
May 12, 2008 11:14 a.m.
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