If you’re bored, you might Google your favorite celebrity. If you’re comatose bored, you might Google your favorite celebrity’s pet. It’s amazing what entertains us these days but believe it or not, celebrity pets are two highly researched internet keywords that bring in a whopping 47,000,000 results. I had to copy and paste that in, there were so many zeros. Of all the pets in the world they could have, is it any surprise that dogs are the most popular? Fun to play with, unconditionally loving, dogs are just as unique as their owners and sometimes, even more so. They’ll also give every celebrity a run for their money, and by run, I mean literally. Dogs are by far the most active house pets and you’d better be in some sort of decent shape if you want to keep up with them. Here are 5 hot celebrities seen out with their best friend.

Demi moore recently added a gorgeous new black Chihuahua to her family, naming it Vida Blue. This adorable pup with its trademark ears larger than its head is the sweetest little thing. If you have ever had a Chihuahua you’ll know how easy to love they are. It’s been said you can tell a lot about a Chihuahua just by looking into their full, round and expressive eyes. Wonder what Vida Blue’s thinking being squeezed by Demi Moore!

Typical yes, but Paris Hilton has so many pups she couldn’t be left out of this article. No, those cuties were never eaten alive by vicious coyotes as tabloids would imply. They’re happily at home in their doggy mansion along with their owner, who’ll occasionally take them outside to accompany her on her many socialite adventures. Paris who’s reputed to never go anywhere without her teacup Chihuahua Tinkerbell has been known to rent her pup its very own hotel room for over $250.00 a night. If you look into that doggie’s eyes, you just know what its thinking: Cha Ching!

Slightly bigger than the previous teacup sized pups, are Jessica alba’s pugs which are stars in themselves. Of her two pugs, one is named Nancy after her character in Sin City 2005 and the other Sid (also referring to Sid and Nancy the Sex Pistols duo) Is this Syd or Nancy; I’m not entirely sure but one of these lucky dogs is often seen in various casual every day activity pictures like shopping, eating out or in transition from one place to the next. This busy lady’s found herself the perfect dog to keep up with her busy life.

Matthew McConaughey’s mixed breed BJ is commonly seen jogging alongside his owner but really who wouldn’t want to be running next to this hottie. BJ is always without a leash and clearly loves his freedom. From the pic, BJ looks to be a Staffordshire bull terrier cross or perhaps a Kishu ken and he makes for an adorable companion. It sure helps to have a friend beside you trying to keep up or pushing you to keep up.

Jessica Biel’s Pit bull Tina is a powerful pet. This dog, unbeknownst to most is a friendly canine that when trained properly can be just as loving as the next pup. Tina is a great guard dog too, as just the reputation of a Pit bull alone can frighten away any threat to its owner. Often photographed out and about together, walking her pup is only one of the many ways Jessica seems to keep in shape.

This season, hit the streets with your pal and go out for some exercise, fresh air or just a walk in the park. You might discover the only friend you need in that moment is the one right at your heels. ]]> http://www.petyourdog.com/hot_dog_topics/celebrity-pets/feed/ 3 http://www.petyourdog.com/hot_dog_topics/overweight-dogs/ http://www.petyourdog.com/hot_dog_topics/overweight-dogs/#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:19:26 +0000 admin http://petyourdog.com/beta/?p=2870

Standing at the grocery store this afternoon, I saw the cutest dog I’ve seen in a while. There he was lying down waiting for his master tied up on his leash panting with the smallest little face, tiniest paws, but it was his eyes that captured my heart. When he finally stood up, something about him captured my breath…his weight! This dog wasn’t chubby…he wasn’t fat…he was downright obese. It was the first time I’d ever seen a case this bad; it was frightening and sad really. This dog, I’ll name him Charley, had spindly legs that could barely hold up his weight; he was at least the size of an oversized toddler with ruler width limbs and a stomach that grazed the ground. Worst of all, he could hardly walk, much less run if he ‘wanted’ to lose weight.

Would anyone in their right mind allow their child to get that way? Would anyone in their right mind want themselves to get that way? Of course not! Alright, so I’ve spent enough time on the problem, let’s focus now on the solution. Diet and exercise! Not a surprising combination since humans follow the same advice. Now of course we all know there are several causes of canine obesity, but whether your dog is overweight because of overfeeding or because of a disease process, one thing is for certain, he is still taking in more calories than he is using.

The most common reason for an overweight dog is the same most common reason for an overweight human, over eating. For a dog however, the primary reason they over eat is because often we use food to reward them or feed them table scraps. It might be cute to see Charlie’s puppy dog eyes staring down our barbeque ribs intently, but rather than give in with a soft heart initially, train him to stop begging for food by not giving in to his cuteness.
Low calorie pet food exists and a vet can recommend some great brands that will satisfy the hunger of all the Charlie’s in the world without sacrificing on quality or taste. Then again, having never eaten dog food myself, I can’t say for sure. Increasing fiber or water intake might also be a great for Charlie to get some energy back. You might have to walk him a little more frequently but consider it a positive since you’ll get some exercise too.
Little or no exercise is another common reason why dogs gain weight. The doggy paddle wasn’t named the doggy paddle for nothing. Unfortunately an obese dog might sink instead of swim if they can’t stay afloat but staying with your dog, holding around their belly the way you would with a small child allows them to stay up, paddle their limbs and get some exercise.

Your Charlie’s lungs and heart can’t function properly at an ‘obese’ level, so be sure not to over-exasperate them with long running bouts or jumps. Short walks with your dog for a few minutes every day with increasing daily activity such as playing fetch, will help burn stored fat. And when he brings back the toy, don’t reward him with a cookie, instead give him some loving by rubbing his fur for a minute or two and send him back out to play again.
Most dogs require an 8 to 12 month weight loss plan to reach their ideal weight so be patient when seeking desirable results.
Here are some tips that might help you to better deal with Charlie’s oversized love handles:

• Reduce his daily caloric intake by 50 percent of that required for his ideal body weight. He won’t starve but he might linger around the kitchen table longer than usual.
• Speak to your vet about a pet food product specifically designed for weight loss containing:
  - between 5 to 10 percent fat
  - less than 340 kcal per 100 grams of food on a dry matter basis-
  - between 10 to 30 percent crude fiber- greater than 25 percent crude protein
• Give Charlie a prescribed measured amount of food several times daily – no more than required
• Low calorie snacks or raw or cooked veggies make great treats – give them only as instructed
• Get Charlie to exercise exercise exercise
• As he loses the weight, make regular visits to your vet to adjust your pets meal sizes

By Pam Whyte
Dogs are social beings that are very closely related to the wolf and to the wild dog. They are genetically programmed for both harmonious coexistence within a close knit social community, and for survival. In other words, for both hunting for their food, for danger and protecting their turf, as well as for love, loyalty, compassion, and caring for one another within loving mutually supportive families under a trusted leader. There is a moral code that is strictly adhered to, and political power play is expressed according to very rigid and complex rituals.

These communities are actually structured in a very similar way to a human society. Indeed, all social systems function according to the same underlying universal principles, such as: unity is strength; leaders lead by example; the survival of a society depends on cooperation amongst its members; children are reared within families and their parents are their role models. Environmentalists have noted that when food is adequate, wild dogs actually feed their puppies before the adults eat and even care for their weaker members. A pack of dogs is in fact a cameo of an ideal social system.
Dog owning is a unique relationship in that it exists between two different species (cano-sapiens, and homo-not-so-sapiens) – who each speak a different language. Members within a pack of wolves and dogs communicate with one another through the use of a highly developed networking system of body signals, nuances, ego jostling… And when we learn to understand these simple and natural signals, we are able to control and enjoy our dogs to the full.

A pack of dogs is a social system that is interconnected with the politics of leadership, the social cement of love, the protocol of respect, and the networking of non verbal communication amongst the pack, in a highly mutually synergistic manner, which has enabled them to exist through countless centuries in a kill or be killed, eat or be eaten environment, where unity and close cooperation are vital for their survival.

We make a very big mistake when we divorce dogs from reality, creating long term problems for both ourselves and our dogs. Instead of trying to impose our own logic onto our dogs, when we shift our perspective and look at the world and at ourselves and our actions through the eyes of our dog – then bingo, dog owning becomes a mutually enhancing experience – the way dogs within a pack are designed to enrich one another’s lives with love, loyalty, trust, respect…

Alpha power is won through complex ritualistic power play and ego jostling – which is remarkably similar to that of humans. The influence gained through this power play is far more powerful than instilling fear of punishment into our best friends. So when we try and impose our own human logic onto our dogs, we jam up their finely tuned instincts and stifle their true personalities and label the consequences “no ears”, etc. which are, in reality, merely a result of a one sided relationship in the culture clash of domestication. So what is the solution?
Simple. All healthy relationships are built around meeting one another half way. Dogs are not the only aliens that we find ourselves having to live with. We also coexist with other aliens – toddlers, teenagers, the opposite sex, other cultures, cats, a parrot or two… none of whom are on the identical wave length as ours. How then, do we meet our dog half way?

On our side, we:

• learn their language;
• meet their needs;
• allow them to be who they are.

in order to assist them to adjust to domestication and our life style, and develop their full character potential.
And on their side, they:

• live by our ground rules,
• protect us (or at least show loyalty),
• respect our possessions and visitors, etc., (etc.)

then dog owning cannot be more mutually enriching! Sounds easy? You know why? Because it is. It is man who complicates things! Nature is always simple. And this is an ideal that every dog owner can achieve!
The thrilling and empowering connection that this mind shift gives us adds an extra dimension to the very special relationship that we have with our four legged family members – plus giving us more control over them. It enables us to enrich and to enhance one another’s lives. Most of us own dogs to be our friends, companions – and children. Yes, many families that even have six (or more) children – their dog is still their child to them. (So they tell me.) And if you treat your dog like a child, because he is designed to live within a family, he is equipped to simply slot into our two legged families. All we have to do is make dogsense (not nonsense) to them!
But remember, dogs are not babies! Babies are helpless, children aren’t. And there is NOTHING helpless about a dog! Not even about a puppy! (They did a Leadership Course in their litter.)
So here we have a dog that is designed to live within a family, to abide by a strict moral code, under the direction of a loved and trusted leader; and to communicate with the other pack members with their highly developed communication system; who are made for loyalty, devotion, compassion, caring, love… and it is our identification with these parallels within our own social system (albeit subconscious – on our part, anyway) that draws us to one another.
Now once we have achieved this healthy relationship with our dogs, through achieving a 50/50 relationship, then there will be no more raised voices, chewed objects, messing inside, pulling on the lead, barking for nothing, jumping on visitors. Just Nature’s ideal of a loving, mutually cooperative and loyal social system. Which is what we got our dogs for! And which is what they are made for! – because dogs are born with a desire to please the Captain of their team. We just need the key to unlock this potential. And that key is – the Law of the Jungle. So let’s go to Mother Nature (who wrote the original instruction book within the dogs’ DNA.) And you will see it work right in front of your eyes. Not unlike speaking Chinese to a Chinese person.
Relationships (in both the green and the concrete jungle) are built around trust, communication and cooperation. However, there are 6 vital steps we have to take in order to achieve this goal. Once we have taken these steps in our relationship with our dog – he will have the security of having his needs met and of being understood, and we will have the control that we are looking for and the enrichment that dogs bring into our lives.
And these are the Six Steps to Love:
1) No one thinks about love when they are in survival. Natural Dog Training teaches dog owners how to get their dogs out of survival mode so that they can concentrate on love, affection, protection, obedience, etc.
2) There is no love where there is civil war. So when we have established a healthy power platform, our wish will be their command.
3) People abuse people they love – but not people they respect. So respect is even more powerful than love! The way to earn our dog’s respect is not to allow him to control to us. Then we have earned his respect simply by not being his doormat. (Remember – dog owning is a relationship.)
4) Trust. We can love someone and not trust them, and we can trust someone and not love them. Love comes easy – trust, like respect – is earned.
5) It is difficult to have a healthy relationship with someone we cannot understand. So we learn the very simple Language of the Pack to help our dog adjust, fit in and cooperate with us.
6) Then, ah at last…. Now you are at “love”!! But like in all relationships, parameters need to be kept in place, (after all, they are only human!). In other words – you treat him like a child.
Because that is what our dogs are – our children.

By Susan Cava

Different dogs have different requirements during the four seasons but there a few basics good for every dog. Whether it’s mittens for the cold pavements in the winter or sunglasses for the dog days of summer – dressing your dog up has never been more fun with today’s innovative and adorable pet essentials.

Summer

Summer is a time where the less a dog carries in the hot weather the better. Short, summer haircuts on Sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers, Elkhounds and other long-haired dogs are recommended and common. However, without weighing down your dog in the scorching summer temperatures, there are a few fun items to protect your pooch from the hot temperatures of summer.

For dogs that suffer with cataract it is important to protect eyes from the sun – dog visors, sun glasses and “Doggles” (goggles made for dogs) are available at many different pet sites on the Web. These eye protectors usually feature an elastic band that goes around the head and under the chin – hardly cumbersome to your dog’s comfort.

If you plan on including your dog on the family’s boating adventure, be sure to invest in a dog life jacket which is just like a human life vest and will provide the same life-saving protection. If your dog has a thin coat and/or suffers with skin issues pet sunscreen is now available to prevent sun damage. So while you lather on your own sunscreen your little buddy can have some too.

Spring

While the Spring season tends to be increasingly warmer each year – one thing that is always consistent about Spring: it is the start of tick season. The most important piece of gear you can purchase for your dog is a preventive tick collar. While using sprays and shampoos is a deterrent as well, an old-fashioned tick collar remains the best method of choice for avoiding ticks. An average collar lasts three months so be sure to pick up a new collar for the summer months. Additionally, be sure to brush your dog often during the warm weather months so you can consistently check for ticks and fleas.

Fall

Fall is ideal weather for dogs – it’s crisp, mild and the perfect time to take your dog for a hike. During your hike why not let Fido carry a gear bag containing his own gear? Gear bags are harnesses equipped with saddlebags – the equivalent of a dog fanny pack. Most dogs love them because it gives them a sense of purpose and duty. On top of that, it’s a great place to put all your dog’s items in one place when you take your pooch to the park – collapsible water bowls, dog first aid kit, treats, balls, etc.

If you are hiking, there are rough terrain booties available to protect your dog’s paws as well as help his/her grip and traction while hiking in steep, rugged areas.

Winter

When the temperatures drop, if your dog has short or wiry hair then a doggy coat is in order. Longer hair, like those found on a Golden Retriever, Saint Bernard or Irish Water Spaniel is water repellant so an additional coat is redundant. However, for smaller dogs (Maltese, Chihuahua) or dogs with shorter hair (American Staffordshire, Weimaraner) who live in climates with colder temperatures a dog sweater and/or coat is a necessity. Before purchasing a coat be sure to get your dog’s exact measurements to ensure a good fit. Additionally, for wetter weather there are great water resistant raincoats available – and once you see your dog model a raincoat it will be hard to resist the cute factor.

Dog booties or paw mittens are a great idea for areas where snow plowing is common as often salt is sprinkled on the ground and this burns a dog’s paws. Booties easily slip over the paw on and stay in place via a Velcro strap over the dog’s paw. Some dogs dislike the booty and owners can instead use wax, specifically Mushers Secret Wax or Shaws Paws Wax. By spreading the wax on the base of the dog’s foot, a barrier is created that prevents the paws from absorbing what is on the surface. The wax prevents abrasions, burning, drying and cracking (making it suitable for hot walks in the summer as well).

As the four seasons come and go, do think about the weather and how it might affect your dog. After all, humans aren’t the only ones who need sunglasses nowadays.

By Susan Cava

When your dog is young and chasing a tennis ball at 100 mph it seems unimaginable that he will age…but he will. And there is a clear difference in caring for an elderly dog as opposed to a younger dog. Most dogs are considered “seniors” at around age eight or nine. This varies depending on breed; larger dogs like Great Danes or Mastiffs usually only live to about eight so six years old is considered elderly. Whereas smaller dogs, like Bichon Frise’s or Poodles can well live to seventeen or eighteen years old so their elderly age would begin at ten or twelve.

If your dog’s golden age is approaching, here are some tips for making you and your dog’s older years as enjoyable as the younger ones.

Veterinary Visits

Most likely when your dog was young you took him to the Vet for shots or ear cleansings about once a year and occasionally for a toy that went missing in his intestines. But when your dog reaches senior age you will most likely need to get there about three-four times a year for anything from ear cleanings, growths/warts, blood work to the ever appealing anal gland release. Older dogs are just like older people – after a long, good life the body needs a bit more attention.

“Elderly care for dogs has become a big part of veterinary practice,” Dr. Anthony Cillis of North County Animal Hospital in Yorktown Heights, New York says, “Dogs are mirroring humans in that they are living longer due to medical innovations and better care.”

While there is no need to bring your older dog to the Vet for no reason, do pay attention to the little things, especially incontinence. Many people wrongly assume incontinence means “the end” and this is not the case; often dogs develop urinary tract infections in increasing numbers as they get older which cause incontinence. This is normally resolved with medication from a vet.

Diet

At around eights year of age it is time to switch your dog to food designated for SENIOR dogs. Senior food contains more vitamins and usually will include glucosamine and chondroitin – mineral supplements that improve joint health in dogs. Nutro Senior, Eukanuba Senior, Nature’s Recipie Senior are just a few of the many brands that use glucosamine and chondroitin in their senior dog food

Also ask your Vet about supplements – there are different types for different ailments. Stephen Schmidt, owner of Petrus, a twelve year old German Shepherd mix says, “”I noticed Petrus was getting stiff climbing the stairs to our fifth-floor walk-up apartment. The Vet suggested glucosamine hydrochloride (500 mg daily) and fish oil supplements (2,000 mg), which I now give him — the pills have made a real difference. He is much more limber and as a bonus the fish oil pills have given him a beautiful shiny coat.”

Exercise

Keeping your older dog in good physical shape is extremely important. Obviously as the dog ages he will want to move around a little less and you will probably find yourself a little more generous with treats. This is not an ideal match as it will result in the dog gaining weight. Weight gain not only causes stress on the heart but puts major stress on joints and that will create pain in mobility. And dogs, no matter what age, must stay mobile. While your dog might not want to walk as much he used to he can at least sit outside and enjoy the sun or passing dogs – keeping your dog involved in activities will give them a sense of purpose.

Be aware of the weather weather; humidity and cold are hard on aging joints – both human and canine. Don’t push your dog if they seem in any type of discomfort especially on a frigid winter day. It sounds obvious but sometimes we think it’s good to push them and have a hard time accepting they can only walk five blocks instead of twenty; the fact is your dog is probably going to want to walk slower and you should accommodate that. On colder days ignore your dog’s possible disdain for a sweater and put it on them. As we get older our blood gets slower and it’s harder to keep the body warm, the same goes for dogs, especially short-haired breeds like Weimaraners or American Staffordshire Terriers.

Grooming

As elderly dogs walk less, the natural process of their nails getting filed down on a hard surface diminishes. Most pet groomers charge $10-20 for nail clipping or you can purchase a clipper and do it yourself. Additionally depending on your dog’s hair summer cuts on long-haired dogs are appropriate in keeping your elderly dogs as comfortable as possible; as they age it is harder to breathe so the less hair on a hot, summer day will make it easier.

If your dog is having problems walking in general both harnesses and dog carts/wheelchairs are available on the internet. Harnesses are ideal for helping dogs upstairs – it is a simple piece of strong material with handles on each side that slips right underneath the chest or back end and allows them to walk with your help.

The Rewards of an Older Dog

Aside from the obvious reward that you won’t have to throw a ball every six minutes for your dog anymore there are other rewards in caring for an elderly pooch. The first being that they are usually a bit calmer – perhaps grumpier – but calmer nonetheless. When you see a large Labrador puppy dragging it’s owner down the street you can look at your well-behaved slow moving pooch and think “Been there, done that, have the ripped up tee shirt.” Your dog is finally fully trained, calmer and you both have established a routine together. All your hard work of training has paid off…enjoy it!

The greatest reward of caring for an older dog is that you have seen them through their entire journey. Whether you adopted them as a puppy or an adult, you have kept your end of the bargain and been a responsible owner throughout. It is not easy to see your dog get old but there is a grand sense of accomplishment in looking at your pooch and thinking that you took care of them for all those years and can proudly say: I did this right.

Owning a dog is all about responsibility and this begins by wishing to own a dog in the first place for the right reasons. Dogs are supposed to be our companions and become a member of the family.

When you own a dog you wish for him / her to become all that he / she can be, you wish to help your canine companion through life being happy and content.

Some people will obtain a dog for the wrong reasons, to breed dogs and make money or perhaps as a guard dog. Many people will enter into breeding dogs purely for the money and thinking that it is easy money.

This is so wrong. Breeding dogs can and invariably does work out expensive. It is not always as simple as it may appear either; there can be complications during the birth and the heartache of losing 1 or more of the puppies.

Owning a dog as a guard dog is fine but you must know what you are doing. A lot of people keep the dog away from other dogs and people thinking that this is what the dog requires in order to make it more protective. This behaviour only makes the dog more aggressive and fearful of other dogs and people, the dog’s fear can also make it destructive.

Prior to purchasing your dog complete some research on your chosen breed and ascertain truthfully why you wish to own a dog in the first place.

Allow your dog to meet and greet just about any situation that he/she can, let them mix and interact with plenty of other dogs. By permitting and encouraging your dog to socialize you are being a responsible owner. Ensure that you take your pooch along to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations.

Make certain that you worm your dog regularly and also treat them for fleas and ticks. When you are out and about with your dog always pick up after him / her.

Above all else make sure that you spend some decent quality time with your loyal friend and make the most of each precious moment that they grace your life, not everyone is fortunate enough to experience the true bond that lies between an owner and their dog.

Author: Puppies for Sale will help you find the perfect pet for your home.

Dogs bark as a form of communication. If your dog barks, there is a reason why. It may be simply a response to a stimulus, like a jogger running by the house—or it may be your dog’s way of asking for help.

Ongoing, Excessive Barking – This is your dog’s way of sending you a distress signal. Somewhere his needs as an animal are not being met. Is his world anchored by a pack leader who projects calm-assertive energy? Are you walking with him every day, which exercises his body and his mind? Is he living a balanced life? If nuisance barking is a problem, consider these issues to find a solution. It’s the best way to show real love for your dog.

Barking as Greeting – Some clients tell me that they love coming home because their dog greets them excitedly by jumping and barking. They feel this proves their dog’s love for the family. But in a natural setting, dogs don’t bark, yelp, or jump on pack mates in a burst of affection.

Dogs that greet their owners in this way are trying to communicate. But rather than professing undying love, they are probably trying to tell you that they are lonely and bored; their needs as a dog are not being met. The excitement is your dog’s way of burning off the excess energy that has been building throughout the day.

Don’t be disappointed by this revelation. Dogs simply don’t use emotions like people do. Remember, they’re dogs. To love a dog means you must treat him like an animal, which means fulfilling him as Nature intended him to be fulfilled.

Remember the Fulfillment Formula: Exercise, Discipline, and then Affection! Are you providing this for your dog?

About The Author

Cesar Millan is a world-renowned dog behavior specialist, known for his uncanny ability to walk large packs of dogs at a time. For more information, please visit www.cesarmillaninc.com

Dogs use constant energy to communicate. Energy is what I call beingness; it is who and what you are in every moment. Dogs don’t know each other by name, but by the energy they project and the activities they share. They know humans in the same way.

As humans, we too are communicating with energy—whether we realize it or not. And, though we may attempt to persuade, explain, and rationalize all day long, these energy signals are the only messages getting across to our dogs.

The first energy that a puppy experiences after birth is mom’s calm-assertive energy. Later, the puppy will follow a pack leader who projects the same calm-assertive energy out of association. As pack followers, dogs return a calm-submissive energy that completes the pack balance. It is important to understand that most dogs are born to be submissive, because there can only be so many pack leaders.

When a naturally submissive dogs lives with a human that does not lead, he or she will attempt to right the pack balance by filling what they see as a vacant pack leader role. This is how behavior problems develop.

To establish yourself as the pack leader, you must always project a calm-assertive energy. If you don’t know what I mean by calm-assertive energy, think about Oprah Winfrey. She is calm and assertive in the human world. This natural balance (calm-assertive leadership with calm-submissive behavior) nurtures stability and creates a balanced, centered, and happy dog.

About The Author

Cesar Millan is a world-renowned dog behavior specialist, known for his uncanny ability to walk large packs of dogs at a time. For more information, please visit www.cesarmillaninc.com

One of the most important things I want to get
across is that dogs are dogs—not humans!

Find a canine solution. Often, the solution we would use for a human is totally wrong for solving a dog’s issues. For example, when a human sees a scared or nervous dog, s/he will first offer comfort and consolation. This would never happen in the animal world and can make the problem worse instead of better, because it reinforces unstable behavior.

Speak the animal language. When dogs come into our homes, they meet emotional energy for the first time. We shower them with affection and babble at them in high-pitched baby-talk, so they see us as excited energy. This is why many dogs don’t listen to their human caretakers. Their mothers never acted this way; where did that calm-assertive leadership go?

Treat your dog like a dog. We often develop a different agenda for our dogs. We want to make puppies our babies. From day one, many humans forget to fulfill and understand their dog’s needs and instead project their own needs and desires on the animal.

Be the pack leader! In the absence of a clear leader, a dog, even a submissive one, will seek to fill what they see as the vacant leadership role. The dog will ignore the owner, act out, and can lead to serious behavior issues.

Imagine if your significant other mistook your needs for the needs of a chimpanzee; where would that leave you? Confused and disoriented. It’s the same for dogs. But their confusion and disorientation manifest in bad behavior such as tearing up the couch or incessant barking. If we don’t fulfill them as a species, our dogs won’t live a balanced, centered life.

Understanding and projecting a pack leader’s calm-assertive energy will create a positive and lasting connection with your dog.

About The Author

Cesar Millan is a world-renowned dog behavior specialist, known for his uncanny ability to walk large packs of dogs at a time. For more information, please visit www.cesarmillaninc.com

How can you tell if your dog is the pack leader? It’s simple: if she jumps on you when you arrive home, she is the pack leader. If she jumps on your guests, she is making sure that these new arrivals also know she is in charge. What can you do to stop this unwanted behavior?

Establish yourself as pack leader. When a dog doesn’t have a clear pack leader, she tries to fill the vacant role, usually to disastrous results (for the owner and for the dog!) The pack leader leads by projecting a calm-assertive energy.

Don’t shower your dog with affection when you walk through the door. This kind of attention is wonderful for a human child, but not for a dog. Remember dogs are animals, and the kindest thing you can do is to treat your dog like a dog and communicate in a way he’ll understand.

Correct bad behavior. The dog’s mom, the ultimate pack leader, would never tolerate inappropriate activity. If she sees something she doesn’t like, she stops it by moving the puppy out of the way in a calm-assertive manner. The puppy learns an important boundary from the lesson, and her firm and unambiguous leadership balances the puppy’s submissive role in the pack.

When your guests arrive, ask your dog to sit patiently. Your dog will follow your commands when he respects you as his pack leader. Remember, the animal pack leader doesn’t negotiate to get what he or she wants.

You can’t be a leader only some of the time. Leadership is forever; inconsistency triggers confusion and anxiety in a dog. Animal pack leaders never waver from their leadership role, and neither should you!

About The Author

Cesar Millan is a world-renowned dog behavior specialist, known for his uncanny ability to walk large packs of dogs at a time. For more information, please visit www.cesarmillaninc.com