Cesar's Way

[Barney's Mom]

Cesar's Way is a book that was recommended to me by a lady my sister works with who owns Cairns. Has anyone read this book? I think it is really good but it really has put a guilt trip on me for some things. He talks about how dogs need to run free and "work" in some way each day. Anyone who works out of the home and has to keep the dogs inside all day is going to feel guilty after reading this book. Basically Cesar says that we are damaging our dogs and creating behavior problems because we are not letting them be "dogs". I have to agree, but for most people, this is nearly impossible, given 9 to 5 jobs. I happen to be blessed with a job that I can do out of my home, so I am home with Barney all day. Even so, I still cannot take a run with him in the woods to nurture his instincts every day! What's the reasonable solution?

According to Cesar, Brad has probably the most well adjusted dogs in the world, given all their earthdog events!

Just wondering if anyone has gotten this impression from the book.

Thanks!

[goforette]

I haven't read the book - but maybe I shouldn't if I'm going to feel bad. I'm a 8-5 which is hard and then am running my own business from home in the evenings/weekends. I have to say that I spend as much time with them as possible - especially in the evenings and weekends and have help from Chris - and I know that since getting them I've taken a break from doing my out of home business as heavy as I was. I do feel guilty about leaving them alone all day while I'm at work. We had discussed dog doors, but I have some really crappy teenager neighbors that I fear would use them for target practice or throw something scary over the fence without me being there so we're not sure what to do when they get older. Dog door or not? I think we feel guilty in general sometimes like am I doing the right vet, are we feeding them the right things that won't give them cancer or food deficencies - I just want to give them the best that I can. What else does the book say? If I make my dog beg for a treat is that considered work?..... HA!

[bradl]

Don't feel guilty. Just engage with your dog. Agility is work. Obedience is work. Tracking is work. Canine freestyle (doggy dancing) is work. No time for that? Learning 'tricks' is work. Solving puzzle games is work. Hide and seek is work. Soccer is work. Frisbee games are work. Treadmill is work. Anything that engages both the mind and the body is work, or at least better than letting them run wild.

To be honest, for most dogs simply being in a new environment is work. Note how heavily they sleep after being in a new place, or visiting somewhere, even if they weren't particulalry active there. (Example, a long ride in the car, overnight in a motel with just a potty walk or two or three. Hardly any exercise at all, yet our dogs are exhausted after a road trip. Me too, for that matter ) Even a new route on your walk can add interest and absorb energy.

To the point, though - I agree that if not given a job to do ("Heel") that dogs will generally find a job to do on their own ("Dig to China!" "Repel all pedestrians!" etc.)

[goforette]

Brad,

First I have to say I'm so wishing I had your skills! So you'd be a great person to ask this question. I'm currently trying to teach my girls some language meanings. And somewhere (I think in the behavior forum) someone recommended the word drop as an emergency word. Where your dog would drop to the ground and not move until you got to them - how on earth would I teach them this skill? So far we've mastered the art of sitting, no - they'll stay but only for a short period of time and only when they feel like it. We do play this food game with Brystal - if we throw her kibble she'll bounce like a bunny and pounce on it (she's got some good mouse skills) it's really the only way she'll eat more is if we make a game out of it (hopefully that's not a bad thing to be doing). And I agree mine never run wild. They've actually never had an unsupervised time in the backyard yet - Chris and I will spend hours out there playing and entertaining. We dance to VH1 and MTV in the mornings - we sing to them - they study us - they probably think they have freaky parents but it takes the focus off of pouncing on each other or eating something they shouldn't. I so need you to give me some good lessons.

[Anna_525]

As always, Brad is right

We only have the time to walk Alfie for 30-45 minutes in the morning, but our household is so busy with people coming in and out -- teenagers, relatives -- some playing with Alfie. And when we do our chores, he participates by 'directing' us, following us wherever we go, chasing the vacuum cleaner, etc. He gets really tired at the end of the day. Just last night he went to his crate on his own at 9:30, really early, and went to sleep right away. We usually tell him to go to his crate at around 11. He's usually indoors, and when he is outdoors anyway, he just sits and guards the territory. He does get to bark a lot and I think that's a lot of work.....

[Pepandfriend's mom]

It is easier to give mine a good walk when it is not so hot. Everyone wilts pretty quick when it is still 104 here in the AZ desert at 8:00 pm. I also feel like "Goforette" does on doggie doors; I just don't know what could get thrown at them over the fence by some bad person. But I play with them inside, which mainly consists of me running around the house like a crazy person and them chasing me or each other.

Pam

[Barney's Mom]

Cesar is big on letting dogs be dogs, and not making them into little humans, like Paris Hilton and Tinkerbell. I definitely agree with him on that one. He stresses that we are humans and they are dogs and they just don't think the way humans do. They don't obsess or fret or worry about the past or the future. They live in the present, all the time. I think dogs have a way of adapting to us, just like we adapt to them. I can tell Barney is perfectly content when he knows the routine: Walk, eat, rest, hang out with mom and sis, eat lunch, rest, play, dinner, rest, hang out with the family and maybe another walk, potty, then bed. I think that makes a contented dog, when they know what is coming next. I always let Barney rest after he eats, so his food digests before he gets wound up.

For all it's worth, it's an interesting book, and most of it really makes sense. There are parts of it though that just aren't practical for the average person to do. Oh well, I guess it's a goal if nothing else. Brad, I like your suggestions and some of them I do already, like vary our walk route to add some interest for Barney (and for me!) Now, if I could just get him to quit dragging me and walk right! I am seriously thinking of trying the Gentle Leader collar on him. I hear that it works great!

Goforette, regarding sit... Barney is in a constant "sit" position because he wants treats ALL the time, even right after his supper! He knows he can't have a treat until he sits, so he sits all the time! The down command sounds like an excellent one to teach but I don't think you or I would have any success with that one until our little ones are older. They have the attention span of a 2 year old!

[ckthomas00]

I just purchased this book and the video... and I'm a big fan of the Dog Whisperer. However, I think I'll have to learn/use whats practical for Bruski and our lifestyle.

I have already used some techinques from the show:

- Bruski has a separate collar for walks and when he puts it on, he knows he's about to "work". He heels and sits automatically when I stop. He's a totally different dog on these walks!

- I've also used the "owning something" technique. When Bruski gets territorial about a new bone, I immediately step in between him and the bone and "own" it so he knows I'm the Alpha in the house, and over the bone.

- I have NOT mastered the calm, submissive state all the time, however!

I think the funniest part of the show is when you have a horribly-behaved dog and with a few "Shhh"s, Cesar has him acting right in a matter of minutes. I think fancy editing may have something to do with it... or mabey he's that good?

[Cairns2]

I have read the book and it has some good info but I think you have to tailor some things to your specific situation. Not all methods will work with all dogs. I have also read two other books recently that provided a lot of insight to me in dealing with Maggie, our recent rescue. She had no socialization or training in the past year and is very hyperactive. The normal methods of a shake can, etc. don't work with her. She needed a calmer approach and lots of exercise. If you have a shelter or rescue dog please read "Your outta control adopted dog" By Eve Adamson. She will help you understand why your dog behaves the way he/she does. The other book has been mentioned in this forum before, "Understanding your dogs adolescence" by Carol Lea Benjamin. Fantastic training info! Again, take what you need. She recommends teaching an hour long down-stay! Yeah, try that with a terrier!

[Aurora5000]

Don't know about his books or tapes other than they are IMHO expensive. When he was in OKC last month, the only way to meet him was to pay for his seminars. Granted, it was 4 hours long but the cost was $85 and if your spouse wanted to go, another $85. Needless to say we did not go. I am sure I would have enjoyed it and learned a lot. Guess I will have to settle for watching him on TV.

It's sad that its " all about bucks, and the rest is conversation".

[hallswel]

He does have alot of good points and I enjoy his show but I very seldom see him working with Terriers. I look at his pack and think why no terrier? I think it takes a very special person to own a terrier!

I do believe exercise is very important. I have one that loves frisbee and another that likes the agility jumping and then Sugar who likes walking the best. I think you just have to find what works with your dogs.

When I have gone to training with any of my dogs I notice they do better for the trainer than for me. I wonder if it just because of what we expect from them. If we expect them to be bad they usually are. Maybe if we expected them to behave and we were in control then we would get the behavior we want from them.

[mrskti]

I like watching Cesar too, but havent seen it for a while. And Liz you're right, he very seldom has done a terrier. He did however once had a cairn mix on there.

For some reason, my trainer doesnt think much of him. Maybe that's typical between trainers. I havent brought his name up yet, but I'm going to one of these thursday nights to see what she thinks.

I love it that my trainer is terrier specialist. Class was full last night, and the opposite side of the room was BIG!!! Rottie, Dobe, Monster German Sheppard and a tempermental blue healer. Could have been scary but everyone really did awesome. Ellie did perfect on her round around the room, stopping at stations to sit and wait. It's such a good feeling leaving class when things have gone good.

It is amazing to see a good trainer take an idiot acting dog and see him/her do good. Pat is really good at that.

[Lisad]

I've read the book too. If I remember correctly, Cesaer exercises his "pack" from 6:30 am to 11 am (before it gets too hot) and then they rest, eat, work and exercise again. Obviously, this is his life's work and passion, but the majority of us cannot even come close to that kind of exercise schedule. I thought the book was very reaffirming and a nice guide.

Mrskti, it's funny, my trainer had nothing to say (neither good nor bad) about Cesar. I got the feeling that my trainer's "vow of silence" was his personal protest. I don't know why he doesn't like him either.

To comment on what Brad said about giving our pups a job, I have seen my pup much more tired and satisfied after a good hunt for frogs in my parent's frog pond than a long, fast paced hike. There is absolutley something to quality rather than quantity in this case.

[Kirbysmom]

Regarding "sit"-This is how I taught Kirby to wait. Once she got sit mastered, I held the treat longer and longer while telling her "wait." When she was four months, she could go up to a minute waiting as long as I had the treat, and she could see me. I still can't leave her sight, she'll follow me, but I could move around the room. We're working on "stay" and "take it" or "go get it" now. I get her to sit, tell her to stay, and then throw her ball (fetch is a game she could play with this ball until she literally falls over and falls asleep. Have you ever seen the "dead goats" where they fall over on their sides? It kinda looks like that. ), when I'm ready, I tell her to "go get it" and she goes tearing off. I have MUCH more limited success with this game and treats-like Barney she wants treats all the time. But we're working on our impulse.

[MikeC]

I have only seen Cesar once and he seems to know what he is talking about but like Liz pointed out, he has no Terriers. He usually has dogs that are far more docile and easily swayed than our Cairns. I truly believe that if our chosen breed can stay active, even if it is playing with their toys, romping with each other in the backyard, going for walks and being mentally engaged by us, their humans, that they will thrive. I know that mine are. While I sometimes enjoy reading what these "experts" have to say, I also keep in mind that what they are putting out there does not, and cannot apply to everyone. Our circumstances are all different, just as our Cairns are all different and what works for some, will not work for others. Barney's Mom, don't get caught up in the guilt thing. You are giving Barney a wonderful life, and if he is happy and healthy then I truly believe that you are doing your job as a responsible pet owner.

Mike

[chrissysb]

When I have gone to training with any of my dogs I notice they do better for the trainer than for me.

Cody was the same way. The trainer said it was b/c he knows he can walk all over me and the trainer would not put up with it. I've learned to be consisent and firm and NEVER give up - > I must always win the battle. However, when I see the happy little face with the ears down and the tail wagging a mile a minute -> It takes everything in me not to give in.

[Eliz222]

I have not read his book, but I saw him on Oprah once (I think?). He's very calm with dogs! I remember that he talked about dogs that have to work. I give my dogs stuffed, frozen Kongs for this reason. It usually takes them between 20 to 30 minutes to eat. I also (although it doesn't happen every day) take them on different routes when walking. I am home right now, and the kids are home from school, but all this will change in a few months and my two will be left alone all day. Sometimes I feel guilty leaving them home all alone, but I try to make up for it in the evenings and on the weekends...and you know what? They are very happy, healthy dogs!

[mrskti]

Mike I think you're right. I'm trying to get down the basics, trying to have two dogs with manners and that dont drag me down the driveway!!! I'll be the first to say I'm too lazy to put all that effort in hours of training!! I have certain things that I work on, and I knew they're not going to be perfect, but manageable.

[tena]

I've seen the show, and have used the "shhh" myself. Sophie gets bratty if we don't play a rousing game of chase the toy through the house every day. She gets bored and cranky without some type of vigorous activity. Since she is never off a leash while outside and our off leash options are very very limited, we engage her inside. It works.

[dianer]

My first cairn went through two obedience classes (had to repeat) and the trainer got fed up and called him "little Mr. Independent", handed me his leash and walked away and pretended we weren't even there for the remainder of the classes! She gave up. Now I adore "The Dog Whisperer" but I'd just love to see him train a cairn because it's a true challenge. How about it Cesar?