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5 Things You Need to Know About Your Dog

Posted Fri, May 18, 2007, 10:00 am PDT

1. DOGS ARE NOT PEOPLE. They don't have the same needs, and they interpret the world differently. Dogs are unimpressed by fancy dog clothes, expensive toys, large houses, or what you do for a living. What they desire is regular exercise, a stable pack leader, and affection that is properly earned.

2. AFFECTION AT THE WRONG TIME CAN NURTURE YOUR DOG'S FEARS -- AND FOSTER AN UNSTABLE MIND. Never give affection to a frustrated, nervous, tense, aggressive, or anxious dog. This will not comfort the dog; it will simply reinforce the negative behavior. Share affection after your dog has exercised and eaten, changed an unwanted behavior into a behavior you asked for, responded to a rule or command, or entered a calm-submissive state.

3. DOGS EXPERIENCE THE WORLD WITH THEIR NOSE, EYES, AND THEN EARS. Many humans communicate to their canine companions "backward," using sound, then sight, and generally ignoring scent. When meeting a dog for the first time, establish his trust by allowing him to experience your scent before engaging in eye contact or speaking to him.

4. BREED IS NOT DESTINY. Many people blame the breed of the dog for problem behaviors. This is like making a generalization about human races -- like saying all Latinos are lazy, or all Italians are mobsters. Although certain dog breeds have been selected to accentuate certain characteristics, all dogs share the same innate abilities. Selecting a dog with an energy level level that's compatible with your energy and lifestyle is far more important than choosing the right breed.

5. DOGS NEED LEADERSHIP. Without a strong, stable pack leader, dogs feel insecure and can develop issues -- such as anxiety, phobias, fears, aggression, and obsessions. In order to establish yourself as the pack leader, you must master the walk and be sure to follow the guideline, "Exercise, discipline, and then affection."

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259 Comments

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1. Renee / 32paws - 11:50AM on 05/18/07

Cesar is so wise! I learned many of these points from his book Cesar's Way. Using them made it much easier introducing my two latest rescue dogs (1 year old Chow/Golden Retriever mixes) to my home. Thank you Cesar for continuing to provide education on how to further enrich our pet's and our own lives.
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2. CJ Anderson - 12:42PM on 05/18/07

You betcha Renee! I canot believe the difference between trying to convert my pre-Cesar's way dogs and bringing them in following the above rules! I was raised in a home where I was taught that it was federal, state and local law (not to mention my Mom's law) to humanize our dogs! Now what will always be true is that they are my kids! (Ha! wonder how much better behaved kids would be if we used Cesar's way with them!) They are on the bed with me right now because I CALLED them up NOT because it is their devine right as I was taught by my mom! I also used to feel sorry for my scardy dogs and try to reassure them and of COURSE was reinforcing that behavior. One of my greatest epihanies with Cesar's way was when he warned about low self esteem dogs taking the lead! My scardy dog meja would lead me all over the house. So when I was home, I started using a waist leash on her to have her FOLLOW me around the home and what a difference it has made. You can see the anxiety energy drain out of her when I do this with her. Dont look dont talk just smell is what allowed me to safely do a red-zone rescue that 75 men were terrified to do. You can read about that red-zone rescue here: http://www.paradigmsanctuaries.com/id7.html mid page. Breed is not destiny is why I have gotten invoved with breed specific legislation (BSL) which you may want to learn more about here: http://www.rott-n-chatter.com/rottweilers/laws/breedspecific.html when I found out that it would be a FELONY if my dog were lose (having gotten away from me) OR that the police can shoot into my 6 foot concrete fenced backyard if they feel "THREATENED" by my dogs barking! County ordinaces that I had NO idea had been passed that I now monitor veryyyyy closely! Finially, and this was the most unexpected blessing of learning Cesar's way,~ learning where and how I had weak energy with my dogs showed me how and where I had weak energy with my pofessional life (and other human relationships), as well. Not only did this pay off successfully, when I had to deal with a red-zone client that had been tyranting me for years, but I am also contesting a billing dispute that may result in litigation where these skills in my energy control are paying off beyond belief!
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3. RVAS Director - 1:09PM on 05/18/07

Cesar talks of common sense when working with dogs. He practices more observing and less talking, a wise lesson to all. One of the most powerful tools that I learned for my dogs, was to correct without speaking when possible, since talking was more often than not, a form of affection. In the effort to balance my pack, I balanced myself. It's a never ending circle...negative to negative or positive to positive. Balance is positive, in all aspects of my dogs life, and my own, including my relationship with my family. Thank you Cesar for redirecting us as humans into calm/assertive people, through our canine companions. Everyone, in my opinion, benefits from the exercise/discipline/affection rules creating balance and calm energy.
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4. Jackie Cassada - 12:55AM on 05/19/07

If more people would pay attention to just those five statements, there would be fewer problems between dogs and their owners. I try (with varying success) to put these points to use with my own dog, a rescue Plott hound named Eve, and together we are slowly learning. One of the easiest things to teach her was the voiceless command -- she now does "sit" and "down" without my having to talk! And thanks to focusing on being calm and assertive, it was relatively easy!
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5. longevity032003 - 8:45PM on 05/19/07

DOG LOVER,GOD MADE DOGS AND CATS, BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE SO STUPID AND HEARTLESS. MY CHOW'WOW'WA THINKS HE IS A GERMAN SHEPARD.
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6. Fyre Majick - 5:36AM on 05/20/07

I love Cesar. His spirit is inspiring and I enjoy watching his show. He is an amazing person.
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7. LUCY - 10:50PM on 05/20/07

I will raise my hand and plead “guilty.” My dog on-leash used to lunge and bark at other dogs uncontrollably. I didn’t realize by telling him, “it’s okay…” that I was encouraging this behavior. What Cesar says works. I am so grateful to him. Lucy and Schroeder
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8. Dr. Death - 12:23PM on 05/21/07

I'm printing these 5 out for my girlfriend. She's guilty particularly of #2. Almost always wanting to show affection constantly. To be fair, I'm guilty ,too. When she goes off on Rufus ( a little [profane]zoodle, part [profane]zhoo{sp?}-part poodle), he turns to me and I try to comfort him because he is shaking from nervous fear.
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9. h133tuh - 1:34PM on 05/21/07

I have 6 of the most beautiful little Shih Tzu Dogs that have to be let out with a leash so I can handle them otherwise they will go each to their own place. Is that just normal of these little ones or are all the dogs in this size pack the same or do I just have to leash them anytime I take them for a walk? I thought that they could learn to walk together with me as the pack leader, or that is the nature of all dogs to wonder and must be confined to leash if they are to go anywhere? I have also seen people take their dogs without leash and the dogs don't wonder off. I have had to go all over the neighbors' houses taking 2 at a time til I have gathered all back into my place. Just thought that by using the 5 things I need to know about dogs I could eventually take all of them with me instead of taking a few at a time, they all beg to be taken at the same time and I feel bad leaving any behind, I know I will be back for them.
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10. Joey M - 4:07PM on 05/21/07

Cezar knows what makes a dog act bad or good he has taken mis-understould dogs who show bad behavior and turned them around.
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11. misscheerios2 - 7:17AM on 05/23/07

Cesar is the best dog trainer out there. I love watching his show or going online to read his tips. I've tried many of his suggestions, and each one made my dog a better companion and more calm. I'm really happy! Thanks, Cesar.
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12. john62811 - 7:22AM on 05/23/07

These principles sound great and logical but what I'd like to know is whether or not it's ever too late to begin using them? I have a mixed breed dog that I rescued from someone who was going to have her put down because she couldn't afford to take care of her and it turned out to be one of the greatest blessings. This dog is just amazing, however, I tend to be guilty bending/breaking of a lot of the aforementioned rules. I've had her for about 8 years now and she's quite old, even though she doesn't look or act as such. She's very "skiddish" which leads me to believe she might have been abused so I tend to overcompensate with her and definitely show her too much affection, especially at the wrong times. Is it too late to correct years of bad conduct or can I still salvage some things? Thanks in advance.
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13. Christy M - 7:39AM on 05/23/07

I love Ceasar and he has helped us over the years become a stronger, more assertive pack leader. Watching his shows helps my dogs adapt the appropriate behavior. Walking our dogs on a regular basis really helps as well as providing affection at the right times. We are thier world and they wait for us to come home all day. Our animlas are easier to manage now and it is not as stressful as it used to be. I rarely have to "yell" at bad behavior now.. I love to continue to learn from Cesear.
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14. ana_organa - 7:49AM on 05/23/07

Whatever. My dog, Starbuck, is a precious princess who loves pretty clothes. She gets very excited when she has a new dress to wear. She also loves toys. She doesn't care if they're expensive, but she prefers that they be PINK toys that squeak. Cesar may be right about some things, but he doesn't know MY dog.
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15. xhellerx - 8:11AM on 05/23/07

wow....thats all i can say ana...you are every reason why so many dogs are unhappy...because you think you know whats going on in their heads because you have chanel sunglasses and a D&G bag. Try reading a book like ceasars way, and see how much of what is said in there you already knew. Then come back and pontificate how much you love pink if you wish, but when you've seen how much difference there is between your way and his, then you will know the value of the advice he gives to people. Keep an open mind.
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16. rebecca w - 8:13AM on 05/23/07

Ok so when i first heard of Cesar i was so unimpressed i rolled my eyes but then i began to watch his show and see how quickly the dogs responded to pack. Its amazing to watch Fido fall in line just like his ancestors might have. He does great work with the "red" case dogs that would be euthanized without his help, if only there were many more Cesar's in the world that took the time to understand their animal and their innate behaviors we wouldn't have so many animals crowding our "shelters" & being put to death for being a "bad dog"
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17. Lily_ava - 8:19AM on 05/23/07

it all seems like good advice, but im curious about number 2. For example my dog gets very nervous and scared when a cell phone battery is dying and the phone starts beeping. Is showing her affection wrong in this scenario? Or am im i taking the word "nervous" out of context? I understand when the dog is angry (like barking at something), in this case i tend to be stern with her, but not when shes scared or nervous. Just curious.... thanks
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18. numbr1duzi - 8:34AM on 05/23/07

I have 2 Dalmations, 1 pure breed, 1 half Mutt and they are both poorly trained. They bark at everyone. They nip at anyone. They were never trained from their previous owners. They are both over 4 years old. I understand dogs bark but they bark violently. I don't know what to do. They chew everything, they don't come in when asked. They don't even answer to their own names. Only when you have food. Is there any advise someone can give me?
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19. jamie C - 8:52AM on 05/23/07

I have a Jack fox Russle Terrier, to most people i have heard that they are so wild and out of control.. although we have our moments. as any parent might have.. (=o) SHE IS THE BEST dog ever.!!! I have aplied these tips for my dog and she listens quits she knows all kinds of tricks (as her grandpa would say, she should be in a curics) The hardest thing for me is that I am not home i work so at night we go for a long walk but if i am sick or just not in the mood her behavor changes. Dogs def. need lots of attention and a VERY STRONG leader. Thank you so much for the best advise ANYONE has ever gave me.
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20. shrlcrrn1014 - 8:53AM on 05/23/07

I agree to what Ceasar. I have a labradoodle and her name is Desi and she is very sweet,smart and very affectionate. The only thing I don't like her doing is when it's time to go to bed she doesn't sleep with me on the bed. Once the lights are turned off she goes right to her cuddle bed or under the bed. I bought king size bed because when I had a queen size bed I thought the reason she wouldn't lay in the bed because it was too small, but as soon as I got a king size bed she still sleeps in her cuddle bed or underneath the bed. Maybe she likes her space, I don't know.. What should I do... Ive tried everything from putting doggy treats on the bed, to hiding her toys underneath pillows but still doesn't stay on the bed once the lights go out.
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21. shrlcrrn1014 - 8:53AM on 05/23/07

I agree to what Ceasar. I have a labradoodle and her name is Desi and she is very sweet,smart and very affectionate. The only thing I don't like her doing is when it's time to go to bed she doesn't sleep with me on the bed. Once the lights are turned off she goes right to her cuddle bed or under the bed. I bought king size bed because when I had a queen size bed I thought the reason she wouldn't lay in the bed because it was too small, but as soon as I got a king size bed she still sleeps in her cuddle bed or underneath the bed. Maybe she likes her space, I don't know.. What should I do... Ive tried everything from putting doggy treats on the bed, to hiding her toys underneath pillows but still doesn't stay on the bed once the lights go out.
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22. BK - 9:10AM on 05/23/07

I saw an article on Cesar some years back and the photo of him surrounded by all his dogs and what he said impressed me considerably. I didn't know he had a show until recently which by that time was too late for my dog Toby who was shot to death in my front yard by our local police after he had dug out under our fenced in yard. He was a shelter dog with "issues" and if I only knew then what I know now by learning from Cesar his short life (he was 3 yrs old) would have been much happier and balanced. My two dogs now benefit from his wisdom and they are extremely healthy happy dogs -even my vet gives me high praise for how they behave and interact with other people and animals...thank you Cesar.
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23. Jennifer D - 9:19AM on 05/23/07

I have a Pit Bull, who is the biggest baby. He loves to play with children and just run around a be a goof ball. However, he chews everything! He is about a year and a half now and I was hoping the the puppy phase was gone, but he just recently starting chewing again. I dont know if he is mad at us b/c we moved, or if he is still teething. I buy him bones and chew toys but they are destroyed in a matter of minutes. I need to figure out something that I can do to stop the chewing. When he does so something wrong we put him in the cage and let him know that he has done wrong, but not it's at the point where he will chew my shoe to shreads and then go and put himself in the cage! I dont get it. Maybe someone can offer some advise. Also, when I do punish him by putting him in the cage, how long should I leave him there before I bring him out and show him love again?
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24. heather lee s - 9:27AM on 05/23/07

wow, don't know where the "all Latinos are lazy" thing comes from. I've been working closely with them for 20 years now and rarely encounter one... I know you meant it as a generalization, but it's a pretty ignorant one if you ask me...
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25. Aimee Watson - 10:04AM on 05/23/07

Dalmatian owner...I have owned dallies for years and volunteered with a dalmatian rescue. It is never too late. Dogs are smart and they only do what they can get away with. As far as the dogs not coming when called, can they hear? 1 in 12 pure bred dalmatians are born deaf. Have your vet check hearing. Dalmatians are high energy, people dependent dogs. They are well behaved and easy to train as long as they are getting enough exercise and spending alot of time with you. An outside only dallie is a disaster waiting to happen. They will dig, chew and destroy anything in sight. Set boundaries for your dogs. Give them things they are allowed to chew on. And walk them every day. EVERY day. A bored dog with too much energy will find someway to burn the energy. They are really a fantastic breed when they are trained and a part of a family. They are extremely smart, and stubborn. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. Be consistent with them. Check out www.rockyspot.com for advice. They have loads! Good luck.
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26. chevygrrl_94 - 10:15AM on 05/23/07

i was just wondering how early can i start training my 11 week old puppy, he's pritty big, about a foot tall already, but he's a pit-boxer-mix. i've got him pretty well potty trained and teaching him to only chew toys, but when should i start leash training and commands? i'm afraid that if i wait too long he'll be too big.
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27. Jennifer H - 10:18AM on 05/23/07

I have a 9-month-old yellow lab puppy who is very insecure, and chews up all the shoes in the house. If we leave the room, or run outside for something without taking her along, she looks for shoes and digs them out from under beds and in closets and chews them up until we get back. We do kennel her when we leave the house for more than a few minutes. Does anyone have any suggestions for destructive chewing??
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28. jason s - 10:18AM on 05/23/07

Cesar rocks - his techniques work on every dog, all the way down to chihuahua's - Both of mine are insanly curious and very stong willed but both listen to me well enough that they usually do not have to be leash walked because they know that i lead and they follow. Cesar's show changed my relationship with ALL dogs, not just my own. People are constantly amazed at how dogs respond to me all because of the calm assertive energy.
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29. GOLDSTAR!gun - 10:20AM on 05/23/07

Lily, if it's your phone that is beeping when the battery is dying, I suggest plugging it in. The sound might be hurting the dog's ears. I know there's a certain commercial on TV that my dog hates, so I change the channel for her - one of the character's voices is irritating to her ears. If it's not your phone, I recommend leaving that place, if possible. Or if you're friends with the person, ask them to plug it in. Then your dog won't get anxious and yippy. Your dog's not scared - it's just an irritation.
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30. o0Princess Angelica0o - 10:23AM on 05/23/07

I love this man!! He is a great inspirer.. and I wish I could personally meet him!!
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