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5 steps to a better-behaved dog

Posted Wed, Mar 05, 2008, 4:39 pm PST
Five steps to a better-behaved dog: 

1) Provide exercise - Your dog needs a productive way to use his or her physical energy. Your dog's exercise schedule should include a daily walk -- preferably two a day. I recommend that you go out for at least 30 minutes each time.

2) Master the walk - You should be the pack leader, and one of the best times to establish your position is on the walk. Start right: Walk out the door first. While on the walk, your dog should be by your side or behind you -- never out in front! After the walk, be sure you're first in the door.

3) Provide rules, boundaries, and limitations - In the wild, dogs claim space by asserting themselves in a calm and confident way, and by communicating ownership through clear body language and eye contact. Follow their example. Set household rules for your dog -- and stick to them!

4)  Reinforce positive behaviors - Share affection when your dog is in a relaxed, calm-submissive state, like after exercising and eating. You can also show your love when he has changed an unwanted behavior into a behavior you asked for, or responded to a rule or command.

5) Only give affection at the right times - Remember that when you give affection or food you are reinforcing the behavior that preceded it. Don't give a dog affection when he or she is displaying negative or unwanted behaviors, such as whining or acting aggressive. 

If you are not already implementing these five simple steps, start now! It may happen immediately or take time, but with patience and consistency you will see results.

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  • 1. CJ Anderson - 10:23PM on 03/05/08

    What a difference this has made to the dogs that I have been working with! The younger they are the more intense the exercise they need so I have been greatful for Cesar's teachings about the treadmill which I use to take the edge off their energy ~ they are so much less distracted by other things, and dont have to deal with pulling nearly so much! Understanding the importance of dogs having jobs, once they have done the :"exercise" through my variable speed/incline treadmills, then our disapline comes from the work with obedience or therapy dog training. Feeding time has turned into a dream , with the dogs completely calm and quiet waiting for permission to eat, looking at me instead of the food! My biggest challenge is STILL the consistency of the affection, of not giving in when they come over for pets - especially when I am in weaker energy from being tired, upset or distracted! But I didnt get this way myself over night - with time, I will change my own behavior - using Cesar's Pack Leader Ways - lol!

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  • 2. Kris Hejna - 4:38PM on 03/06/08

    CJ I notice that I'm the biggest problem in my dogs' behavior. I'm doing better since I've been working on it. The big thing I have is routines. I've done somethings consistently enough for long enough that I get reminded if I'm not following the plan. My little dog sleeps in a kennel in a pen, and she waits to be put in her pen if we look like we are leaving the room. She is rewarded by a kibble from the dog food container, the same stuff that is part of meals. A sad fact is the dogs don't think we are planning to stay long if the TV isn't on. Another thing that is working for me is a set of "commands" for exchanging affection. I have a big old dog and a small young dog. The big dog is very mellow and passive now and not a problem. The little dog is energetic. She has her Rally Novice title and we work on other obedience skills, and cuddle skills - puppyup gets her to jump when I lift her, so I can brush her and put her on the show table, and cuddle her in my lap. In my lap she might get the "kiss" command allowing her to lick my face. Both dogs are double-coated, so grooming is a great way to reward them for simple cooperation. They get better at it with time, knowing when to flip over and change sides.

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  • 3. lorrainevigue - 4:49PM on 03/08/08

    I have found my dog likes a regular routine and does his best to keep me organized in that way. His built in clock tells me when it is time to go for a walk, time to eat, or time to go to bed. At walk time he will go get his leash and it is never 15 minutes off in either direction. Meal time he comes to me and goes to feed dish, Bed time he goes and gets one of his toys and sits and stares at me. So now you all know who is the smart one in this house. He is a red heeler and just to smart.

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  • 4. somewhereovertherainbow - 8:25PM on 03/08/08

    It's almost always the same common sense message.

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  • 5. eaglestare2 - 10:36PM on 03/08/08

    Before studying Cesar's philosophy about dog psychology and using his techniques, our german shepard used to growl and snap at me. I was afraid and nervous. Now that I have been transformed into a pack leader, we now have a beautiful and strong bond that I had never experienced before. He looks up at me with loving eyes on our walks, like "Now I know what you want! I will do whatever you say, and I will follow you wherever you go!", ears laying flat as pancakes. I could not imagine my life without him. I am a better person because of Cesar, and my relationship with our german shepard is amazing beyond words!

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  • 6. jaditejedi - 9:16AM on 03/09/08

    Been watching Cesar for a long time and have adopted his "rules" of the pack. I agree with it all. IT WORKS! However my female Yorkie had a broken front leg and has a plate and screws to make it hold and heal. LONG walks are NOT on the agenda for her as it is causes her pain. My male Yorkie, CESAR, loves the walks and thrives from them. Thanks to Cesar Millan I am learning to be the Alpha and the pack leader. (When I remain calm and submissive!)

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  • 7. Zoica S - 9:30AM on 03/09/08

    By observing the remarkable wisdom and grace with wich animals handle the winds of change,you can learn how to better handle the gales that inevitably blow into your life and the lives of those you love.

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  • 8. christine - 9:31AM on 03/09/08

    I've only been watching Cesar Millan for a couple of months now, but I have learned SO much. My shihtzu and I are walking more and we're both loving it. I've learned some things that help me in my job as a Relationship Coach. and I swear, the Exercise, Discipline, Affection thing works on my boys ages 8,9 and 12 too!! We're all happier thanks to your feedback Cesar! Christine Godwin Ojai, CA

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  • 9. j.d.harker@sbcglobal.net - 10:06AM on 03/09/08

    PATTI HARKER IS A RESCUE DOG. SHE HAS BEEN IN OUR HOME FOR 3 YEARS. SHE LOVES TO PLEASE. AND THEREFORE NO PROBLEMS. AM.WALK. THEN PLAYTIME. DOG FRIENDS, NAP, WALK... TO THE COFFEE SHOP OR STORE...... OUT TO LUNCH ONCE A WEEK. VERY WELL BEHAVED. BECAUSE? SHE IS DEVOTED AND UNDERSTANDS MY WORDS. AND TONE OF VOICE. SHE WANTS TO PLEASE... THEREFORE A DELIGHTFUL PET. TRULY DELIGHTFUL.

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  • 10. Marcella L - 10:13AM on 03/09/08

    this has helped me so much i cant even begin to explain.the way he has helped me is a life changing process and i and doing soo much better with my dogs.we walk around the block once or twice and when we get back home they are so energized and the love me even more then they ever did and i am sooo happy fo that THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • 11. Deborah D - 10:24AM on 03/09/08

    I adopted a Jack Russell about 3.5 months ago. She is very well behaved. The only complaint I have is that she barks nonstop in the yard at squirrels and birds. I have tuned it out but I'm very concerned about my neighbors. Is there any hope for getting her to stop or is this the nature of the breed and impossible to stop. If so what suggestions do you have as to how to get her to stop?

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  • 12. corvairhelper@att.net - 11:22AM on 03/09/08

    as the owner (sic) of a scottish terrier, i have learned that it is my bad behavior that he acts out on. he also let me know, as a 50 year old man, that the walking is for my benefit. he says he likes me to lead (on walks and in life) because i have all the keys and can reach the high things! it seems funny that he gives me affection only after i have done something nice (for him). he has turned me into a kinder, more compassionate man. i think cesar has it backwards!!!! mike

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  • 13. jhargett@att.net - 11:26AM on 03/09/08

    Debbie D you are so fortunate to have a Jack Russell thewy are by far the most intelligent loving breed I have experienced in my life, They love to please and understand everything you tell them. You can get her to stop or even teach her to whisper. yes she can be taught. We had one in our lives for about 15 years she will never be forgotten. She brought so much joy to our entire family. I hope you enjoy her, you are very fortunate.

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  • 14. Lisa J - 11:34AM on 03/09/08

    I've been watching Cesar for two years. I have learned more about training my "baby" (and myself) than we did at obedience school.

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  • 15. daddyjefe - 11:36AM on 03/09/08

    Cesar rules! You see the love he has for all dogs in every episode of "Dog Whisperer". He has made the world a very cool place for dogs and the rest of us.

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  • 16. bucheger@att.net - 11:36AM on 03/09/08

    I got involved in obedience training when we got our Ollie 6 years ago - we had just lost our 13 year old, Max, and my husband was especially devistated. Ollie filled the hole in his heart, but I was suddenly doused in new puppy training. Our lives had been very different when we got Max (a lot simpler?), so I called a local trainer and nearly demanded to get into their next puppy class. Years later, we laughed about how I insisted, and how leery Peggy (the trainer) was about accepting us. Peggy and Dick led us through 3 puppy trainings ( Ollie, Harvey and Mo) and into the world of obedience and agility. Their leadership and example made such a difference in MY handling! I love the Cesar shows, but recently was confronted at a club meeting by a vet tech who HATES the dog whisperer show. I came to understand.... owners who don't regularly practice being calm, in-command leaders until they are at the vet when they hiss and poke at their dogs. Turns out, vet techs understand that the poor dogs are totally confused by their owners behavior, are already leery of the surrounding and become more likely to bite. So - if you're going to train your dog, do it first in private, then expand to public! Your dog will know what to expect and behave well... and you won't scare the techs because your dog will be obviously calm and submissive. It's great training... just follow it all the time! Sue p.s. We lost Ollie this past week to kidney failure. He was an awesome pet and companion, we all miss him, but know that he is finally at peace after years of ups and downs from Addison's and diabetes, cateracts and then glaucoma. It's been a wild ride, with a sad ending that came too soon.

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  • 17. Ambassador for The Dog Whisperer - 11:39AM on 03/09/08

    CJ I agree. I quickly took to the Treadmill method based on Cesar's Way, to drain the energy out of my dogs and then to place Discipline, such as waiting for food, walking on a loose leash, coming into work with me to meet and greet customers, Calm and Submissive, just the way a good dog should be. They workout 25 - 30 miles on a Variable Speed Incline /Decline Treadmill each week, and have been for years. As I work they are running on the Treadmill alongside me and customers are amazed, and some have even implemented this technique at their own homes. Plenty of Happy, Healthy Balanced Dogs is what it should all be about.

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  • 18. bucheger@att.net - 11:52AM on 03/09/08

    To Deborah D - teaching your dog to not bark at things that he instintively chases is going to be difficult, but I don't think it's impossible. Do the animals run away when he barks at them? Or can you make them run away when you go out? Then you can tell your dog "enough" and praise him for chasing them away. But accept no more barking. If he barks, it's back inside. We have deer and rabbits, which both will run if we come out to the deck. It works for our dogs, they bark until the critters leave. We have also been successful with "leave it" when they are inside and the animals are outside. They bark at first, but if I acknowledge their alarm and tell them "leave it", they settle down somewhat. They are still on alert, but not yapping. Good luck, there is a way to find a common ground.

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  • 19. SCOOTERDOWN - 12:02PM on 03/09/08

    What are your feelings on the shock fences used today? I find the dogs contained by them to lack social skills. The cause. Pet owner gets lazy and think that is enough for the dog. "Its in the yard." Not to mention nothing should be shocked to make things convenient for someone.

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  • 20. SUSANNA M - 12:04PM on 03/09/08

    THE BEST WAY IS TO BUY A BOYKIN SPANIEL THERE IS NO OTHER DOGE THEM A BOYKIN THE STATE DOG OF SOUTH CAROLINE ITS THE BEST SECRET IN DOGS SMART AND EASY TO TRAIN AND IT ACTS LIKE A LITTLE PERSON AND I HAVE HAD DOGS ALL MY LIFE AND IM 58

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  • 21. ammasue4@sbcglobal.net - 12:30PM on 03/09/08

    I have a 5 ry.old Bishon. He was not treated good at all. He is recovering from his mis-treatment, and doing well. I watch you shows and you have helped both of us so much. teddy is a great dog with problems with his fear and will act likr he is going to eat you alive. With your help he is doing so much better. We took him to PetSmart yesterday and he did great, avoid is better than bite. I want to thank you, as Teddy is getting better and better in all kinds of situations that 2 months ago he could not handle. God Bless you and your love for the most trusting animal on the planet. May be we should all learn to do what the dogs do.

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  • 22. toopher - 12:31PM on 03/09/08

    To me most things Cesar says I believe and agree with. He's amazing of course and a APBT lover. I have a two year old APBT/Lab mix and have tried many of his techniques and she is one amazing pooch. She has a command or a motion for practically everything and she abides by them very well. I d.v.r. "The dog whisperer" for her...and me, mainly her I've never her seen her so attentive to the Tely. To everyone out there please train your dogs, theyre not just toys and an unruly dog is just not cool to deal with

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  • 23. SanJuanKid - 12:39PM on 03/09/08

    The main thing I have learned over the years is to use the right tone with my dogs. So when I say "No," I make sure to lower my voice and speak in a forceful way. Of course, too rough a voice, or screaming, is useless. It really takes a while to use just the right inflection, and the dog's owner has to control their temper. The bottom line is, you train yourself FIRST, and the dog will happily do what you want.

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  • 24. Jean W - 2:06PM on 03/09/08

    Hey folks, it's not just dogs that benefit from learning obedience and manners. We have always had at least 2 dogs and 1 or 2 cats. At bedtime they all go outside...I walk to the door, say, "Come on, kids," and they all come running. Our pets understand the words we say, not just our tone. They watch us and respond to motions also. cats are, indeed a bit more independent, but they enjoy affection and will earn it. By the same token, you must earn their affection. Rules, playtime, training, and lots of love. It works.

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  • 25. Christi S - 2:39PM on 03/09/08

    He truly is the master of fixing what we, as human's have screwed up !! I'm a follower.

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  • 26. Gerald P - 4:57PM on 03/09/08

    I have read your book and I can't apply any of these things to my cairn terrier. She is aggressive and unruly and only 11 months old. It doesn't matter who gets out of the house first when a car goes by she lunges. Putting my hand on her shoulder does nothing. I don't believe Ceaser's method works with all dogs. Though I have seen his TV show and it appears he has the ability to make dogs listen I challenge him with mine!

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  • 27. jslater061365@att.net - 5:11PM on 03/09/08

    how do you stop a dog from digging up your yard?

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  • 28. lionheart2331 - 5:55PM on 03/09/08

    what stupid advice tell us something we dont know most people needing manuals to raise pets shouldnt be a pet owner anyway its not a pc its a living being figure it out my last dog lived 16 years a big rotweiler he never bit nobody rarely barked and o i let him wander ahead of me everytime we went on a walk so i guess youre wrong they are dogs not wolves

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  • 29. lionheart2331 - 6:00PM on 03/09/08

    i trained my pets by giving them love and when they get rough u dont yell at them they are usually only playing they think yelling is playing more often than not u do like a lil kid does when hes bad he cant play with his friends i ignored him if he would bite or was bad he would eventually come to me licking me saying hes sorry

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  • 30. jozettodame@att.net - 6:36PM on 03/09/08

    I just recently rescued a 6 mo. male boxer from a very neglectful and abusive home. I am concerned about how soon should I start correcting some of his problems such as tearing the house up when I am gone, pottying in the house, normal puppy stuff. I am afraid of being too dominate with him because he is so submissive. I'm afraid of him thinking I don't love him and I definatly do not want him to fear me too. He's had such a rough go of it for only being six mo. old.

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