espencer
Posted : 10/25/2006 11:23:59 AM
Your dog wont change if you dont change, the way you act towards her affects her, Cesar Millan says:
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Bringing Home a Newly Adopted Dog
In my work, I get to meet the most wonderful people and I try not to be too hard on them when they are my clients, but usually I'm telling them exactly what they don't want to hear – that they are usually the reason for their dog's problems and they need to change the way they relate to their dogs for their own good.
It is hard to resist wanting to spoil a new pet, especially if you have just adopted a homeless animal. Owners will bring their new friend home, constantly hug the dog, stroke the dog, bring the dog to bed with them, and tell it, "It's all right. You're safe now.”
The problem is the dog doesn't feel safe at all. It will sense it is with a person who doesn't have a "plan,” knowing that they are not with an assertive leader. One of two things will happen: The dog will develop an issue stemming from that insecurity –or existing issues will get worse–or the dog will immediately take the leadership position so that at least someone is in charge! Remember that the majority of shelter dogs are already stressed and nervous or afraid and can become aggressive if they don't feel they have that strong, calm-assertive leader at their sides.
In the wild, when a new dog joins an existing pack, they already have a position for it. It will either be a leader or follower. The new dog knows what's expected of him, and what to expect. Most people don't have such a plan, and when a dog finds himself in front of owners who do not assert themselves correctly, the dog is going to create the plan for them.
The right way to bring a rescued dog into your home involves understanding the leadership role. The first thing you must do upon leaving the kennel or shelter is to take the dog for a walk. This will rid him of some of his anxious energy. Resist the urge to coddle it. Affection must come later, when the leadership role is fully established. And don't worry that you are hurting the dog's feelings by withholding affection. You are not. The most important thing it needs to know is where it belongs in the new pack."
"How the Family's Behavior can Affect Balance in Dogs
A healthy family should be able to function as one unit. Like dogs, we are pack-oriented, though some family members often insist on acting entirely independent. If everyone in the family has their own way of caring for the dog, he becomes confused, and then feels that he has to let the rest of the pack know who is going to run the show. He can't say, "You know what? Somebody's off the track. We are not all working together here.” Inconsistency will not only create tension within the family, but will affect your dog too!"
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A Common Mistake People Make When Adopting a Rescue Dog
The most common mistake people make when rescuing a dog is feeling too sorry for her. They obsess about what a sad life she's had, what must have happened to her in the past and treat her like breakable china, letting her get away with anything. It's important to remember that dogs live in the moment. They don't retain the past; they don't really care about the past. When two dogs meet, they always relate to each other in how they feel and what energy they are projecting at that moment. Now, that's something our own species can take away from dogs!"
Hopes it helps [
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