Establishing Dominance

[GSD07]

Cesar doesn't train dogs. He rehabilitates dogs with issues. I agree, he doesn't tell or do anything that other trainers don't know but he's willing to work with not so perfect dogs and not so knowledgeable owners.

Many trainers/dog owners have experience with solid stable dogs, train them, title them, give advice to others, and think they are experts and know everything about the dogs. Then they encounter a dog WITH ISSUES and all their previous knowledge goes down the drain. I see this a lot on this board too.

For example, a dog training facility around here that is considered very good with great credentials doesn't admit male dogs for training if they are not neutered after 10 months. The dogs are evaluated prior to the class and if there any signs of any issues then Good bye, poor dog and desperate owner... That's called setting themselves up to success, probably a very good business practice. Great reputation and everybody loves you, and who cares about the struggling dogs and their owners. At least Cesar doesn't give up on ANY dog or ANY owner.

[Packen]

I like the show and think it has given insight to a lot of owners with bad "pet handling" habbits that transform into behavior issues. He has done a great job spreading the exercise, discipline and then affection message. He has a HUGE audience, the positives about Ceaser Milan clearly outnumber the negatives.

We do have to remember that most of the time "The only things 2 trainers agree upon is what the 3rd trainer is doing wrong"

[breezy]

how do I know what training method to use when I getmy GSD. After reading about all these issues and hiring a trainer and shock collars it makes me alittle nervous . I did have a male gsd years ago and I trained him as I thought was right. I did do the heel on left side and sit when I stopped walking. What a great dog I had. He came from a therapy dog is this the calmer breed ?I need to look at?

[GunnerJones]

Originally Posted By: Breezyhow do I know what training method to use when I getmy GSD. After reading about all these issues and hiring a trainer and shock collars it makes me alittle nervous . I did have a male gsd years ago and I trained him as I thought was right. I did do the heel on left side and sit when I stopped walking. What a great dog I had. He came from a therapy dog is this the calmer breed ?I need to look at?

Assuming you get your pupper from a good breeder, just use a positive only type of training for the first six months and then re evaulate which way you want to go, my first two GSDs are nerve bags and I rarely used any compulsive or negative training with them. mark and treat for most everything. My other two from SchutzHund/police lines I use a Louisville slugger

[RamboGSD]

I use the roll technique in certain situations, like when he attempts to show excessive dominance over our Jack Russell, when he fails to listen to the other warnings. The first few times his tail tucked but now he understands that I'm not hurting him but his behavior is uncalled for. And if you guys watch how the mothers interact with their puppies you will see them put the dog on its side when it's acting up

[RamboGSD]

Oh and neither of the dogs act fearful of me and they're not at all handshy. Dogs need structure in their lives and all dogs respond differently.

[LisaT]

Rather than "establishing dominance", I prefer the term, "earning respect by providing appropriate leadership".......

I get so tired of threads on how to "establish dominance".......

[JasperLoki]

Originally Posted By: LisaTRather than "establishing dominance", I prefer the term, "earning respect by providing appropriate leadership".......

I get so tired of threads on how to "establish dominance".......

Ditto

[Lauri & The Gang]

Originally Posted By: RamboGSDAnd if you guys watch how the mothers interact with their puppies you will see them put the dog on its side when it's acting up

Yes but we are NOT DOGS!!!

Dogs communicate not only with their mouths but with their ears, tail, eyes, feet, legs, body, hair, etc.

We could NEVER imitate dog language and can only make matters worse if we try.

[JasperLoki]

This quote was from this article (in regards to an alpha role), has other info as well. It's up to the reader to decide their view on the subject manner. I agree with the quote.

"Closer observations of wolves over the last 40 years have shown that this infamous behavior is an act of submission, not dominance. A wolf voluntarily rolls on its back in a subordinate display. No contact is made, thus avoiding dangerous physical conflict"

http://4pawsu.com/dogpsychology.htm

I posted this article on another thread.