Dog Whispering Can Save Lives - But Opposition Persists

Some may criticize dog whisperers, claiming that their methods are questionable. But people must understand that there are families out there that need help; they are scared that their dog will become out of control and hurt themselves or others. These people have been to trainers and obedience schools with their dogs, and some have taken their dog to the vet to determine if there could be other problems causing aggression.

Dog whispering techniques vary, and tap into the natural instincts of the animal you are working with. Dog whispering is about helping the dog owners to become successful leaders of the pack, which is what dogs are looking for in their home. If you are not stepping up and showing the dog (in his or her own language) that you are the pack leader, he or she will assume that the position is up for grabs, and take over your home. These are the people we strive to help, because they feel that they have lost control – and worse yet, they are left with the overwhelming feeling of wanting their home back.

In the recent months, I have noticed something that was apparent to me before. I don’t readily tell people what I do, nor do I make it a point to try to “whisper” their dog while they aren’t looking. However, I do take the time to work with my dog, and it does not go unnoticed.

But the strange thing is, people see the way I interact with my dog, and lately I have become aware of some harmless joking – at my expense, of course! I have heard it said recently, “She thinks she’s the Dog Whisperer,” or “What’s with the noises, you’re not the Dog Whisperer!” But while they joke, I watch their reaction to the way my dog behaves. With a simple sound, I can get my dog’s attention, get him to ignore a stranger near the yard, keep him from barking or reacting to other dogs near our fence, and allow our 95-pound bulldog to safely romp with chihuahuas and pugs, or Rhodesian ridgebacks and pit bulls.

Some say we are lucky to have such a well behaved dog. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a handful – full of energy, loves to run for hours, enjoys wrestling with anyone brave enough to take him on! But on the other hand, he’s gentle with kittens, rats, hamsters, puppies, and other small animals, as long as we make sure he isn’t sitting or stepping on them! He has never used his teeth in an aggressive way, and we hope that he will always remain a calm, submissive, wonderfully behaved member of our pack, and our family.

Please, before sending angry emails to us for promoting dog whispering techniques, try to imagine all of the people who have learned that they can have a healthy balance in their home again. Think about the dogs that were once penned up in a yard without human interaction, because people were afraid of them, but now are living as a part of the family. Some dogs will naturally submit, and give you the position of leader of the pack. Others are more dominant, and will take over a human’s home, if not properly dealt with. If this is not you, and you are able to find another solution, that’s wonderful. But some dog owners are even told by trainers to consider death a solution to bad dog behavior, and we are here to help in even the most extreme situations, where dog trainers have unsuccessfully attempted to calm the beast with treats, clickers and commands. These techniques simply do not work when establishing the leadership roles within the pack.

Let us not only remember to be kind to animals, but remember to care for our fellow humans, some of which are suffering extreme stress or confusion, and are sometimes at the end of the leash. Pardon the pun, I couldn’t resist.

Dog Whisperers are Springing Up Across the Country

Over the past few years, people have become more familiar with the work of Cesar Milan, the country's most famous dog whisperer. But while National Geographic has glorified the field of dog whispering and behavior modification, making it seem like a gift uniquely given to Cesar alone, people are increasingly becoming aware of local dog whisperers throughout the United States.

Most of these dog whisperers have been working in the field for many years, some with well over 20 years experience. Dog whispering, just like horse whispering, has been a form of successful form of behavior modification that involves an understanding of the specific species of animals that these people are working with.

While traditional dog training methods have long been the standard for teaching desired behaviors to dogs, dog whispering methods modify undesired behaviors in your dog. The difference between the methods are as different as night and day, but serve very different purposes.

When it comes to sit, stay, and fetch, dog trainers are usually fully qualified to teach your dog. However, when it comes to behavior problems and issues, such as aggression, fear, dominance, excessive chewing or destructive behavior, you're going to want the expert methods of a dog whisperer. In fact, you'll find that most dog trainers will avoid dealing with aggressive dogs, and encourage other dog trainers to do the same - typically for safety issues, and lack of proper understanding of how to deal with canine aggression.

If you have a dog that could use the expertise of a dog whisperer, there just might be one in your local area. NW Dog Whisperer works in the Portland/Vancouver metro area of Oregon and Washington, but there are many qualified whisperers throughout the nation.

Most Commonly Asked Question: Why does My Dog Listen to You and Not Me?

This is the question we are most asked by dog owners who ask for our help with their dogs. People are often amazed that we are able to have such an immediate response from their dog, especially in cases where they expect their dog to be out of control, and they aren't with us. Plainly put, dogs are "pack" animals. This means you need to shift your way of thinking from the way humans think, to the way dogs and pack animals think. This is where so many people tell us about their "But I . . . "

There's no question that dogs are pack animals, the question is usually whether or not the owner is willing to accept that and alter the way they interact with their dog. Dogs function in a very instinctive manner, and do not understand the ways of people. We, on the other hand, have the mental capacity to understand how they think, and use their behavioral instincts to guide their behavior.

There are methods that we do NOT use to modify behavior:

• No treat bribery
• No abuse - emotional, mental or physical
• No harsh methods

Understanding Behavior from a "Pack Mentality"

• Observation and understanding of the problems
• Reading behavior and mannerisms
• Mentally challenging walks
• Gently setting rules and boundaries

What we do with the dog is not only helping the dog by gently modifying the behavior, we help the owners understand how to become the "leader of the pack" and a command of respect within your pack. You are the leader, your dog is the follower, and the sooner that is established, your home will be a more relaxed place for you, as well as for your dog.

I Go First - Method of Establishing the Pack Leader Role

These "firsts" that you will be showing your new pup will establish your role as the pack leader. Practice this "I'm first" behavior on a regular and consistant basis, and develop an excercise (such as the front door) that you can repeatedly practice. Spend at least 15 minutes at a time on the excercise, and then repeat it randomly throughout the day. But definitely remember to do things first. If he or she attempts to begin something first, before you, then correct the behavior and have him or her sit while you do the action first.

• When it is mealtime, YOU should eat first, feeding the dog second.


• Sleep time, if she sleeps with you, YOU should first find your comfortable spot on the bed, and then invite your dog to find his or her place after you.


• Entering or exiting doors, YOU should walk through first, then your dog can enter or exit through the door. If you are opening the front door, the dog should be made to sit several feet from the door and wait. This is perhaps the most important excercise, and should be repeated over and over, even if you're not planning on actually going through the door.


• When any treats or toys are given, make sure you have the dog either sit, lay down, or if your dog knows any tricks, have him or her do one before you give the treat or toy to your pup. Be sure to also eat (or at least pretent to eat) a snack first.


• Regular walks (daily) would be best, and use the opportunity when you leave the house to go through the door first. While walking, switch directions unexpectedly and say "Come". The dog will see you in front (because you have changed directions) and hear you say "Come." This will put your dog in a following position, and puts you in the "I'm first" position again. After a short distance, turn around and say "Come" again, repeatedly putting him or her in the following position, letting you be seen in the "I'm first" position. This will help to enforce your role as the pack leader.

Is There a Difference Between Whispering and Training?

We've had quite a few emails recently asking the difference between Dog Whispering, and Dog Training. There is definitely a difference, however, neither is more correct than the other. Each is just a different method, each with its own success.

Dog Training: Obedience training uses sounds and rewards to encourage the dog to perform or present certain actions. From the dog's perspective, it is in control of the trainer, because by presenting specific actions, it will get a reward. There are several common forms widely in use today, and most involve treats as the "bribe" to get the action desired, which is considered "positive reinforcement," and often a clicker to keep the dog focused. This method works well for training a dog to perform specific actions, and with show dogs.

Dog Whispering: It is a behavior science based on OBSERVATION and understanding of the type of animal you are working with. By understanding the dog as a pack animal, one can begin to see and feel how a dog communicates, and learn to communicate with them by using only body language. It begins with watching dogs in the wild, and being able to discern a kind of "dog language" in which the dogs use body language, eye contact, and sounds, all non-verbal forms of communication. Whispering uses the dog's natural tendencies toward socialization to gain trust. This method works well for behavior issues in the home, for performing specific actions, and obedience.

In comparison, both methods work well for teaching a dog to perform certain very specific, commanded actions. However, treats and bribes does nothing for the behavior problems that many dog owners experience. In fact, a great deal of misbehaving dogs have been to dog trainers and obedience training in the past, only to return to the same behavior. Remember, dogs are pack animals. It is entirely possibly for you to gently and respectfully gain the dominant "alpha-dog" status, and become the leader of the pack.

Choosing a Breed that's Right for You

Before you go out and adopt the first dog you see, or buy that cute little puppy, you just might want to research breeds a little bit, especially if you don't know anything about your "favorite" breed. Many people choose a pet based on the "cuteness factor". This can lead to all sorts of personality conflicts, as well as behavior and training difficulties. Some breeds aim to please, however, others can be very stubborn, and much more work is involved when trying to change undesirable behavior.

Your first decision should be whether or not you wish to go through puppy potty-training, which can test the patience of even the most forgiving human! If that is not for you, consider adopting an adolescent or adult dog, and be sure to ask all of the right questions. If you have pet peeves, you should make a list of them and ask about all of them, this involves "choosing" a member of the family, so choose wisely.

Be mindful of the personality traits that are common to certain breeds, and match that with your personality and habits. If you are an active person, who enjoys walking (a lot), then you may do well with a working breed. However, if you lack the gumption to get outside and get a little exercise, you'll definitely want to look for a less active breed. All dogs should be walked daily, or least several times a week. But some breeds will tear your apart the house, your things, or the garbage, and even could display other negative or aggressive behavior if you don't give him enough exercise. Some breeds are particular to certain types of weather, and can become sick in weather that's too hot or too cold. Others don't like water, and refuse to potty in the rain. Some breeds are extremely stubborn and hard to train, others display a desire to do anything you wish. These may sound like simple personality quirks, but some quirks are more prevalent in certain breeds than in others.

What is Dog Whispering?

Animal whispering is something special that we possess, and not the kind of job that you can fill out a job application to get. Whispering uses the dog's natural tendencies toward socialization. It is a type of understanding that you have with the animal, communicating with it in ways it naturally understands. It is a type of communication between you and the animal, physically, mentally, and spiritually. The main focus of whispering is that the animal (as well as the person) understands that the human is the leader, and the animal is to remain submissive, calm, and under control. With dogs, this would mean to enforce the idea that you are the pack leader in a way that dogs understand. Robert Redford popularized whispering in the movie "The Horse Whisperer". Cesar Millan popularized dog whispering in a National Geographic Series, "The Dog Whisperer".

While an obedience trainer could cause a dog to learn commands such as sit, stay, heal, lay down, or even sign language, whispering gets to the core of the dog's behavior, and the issues that could be causing the negative behavior. Barking excessively, running through an open door or gate, biting, jumping, and other problems can be solved by using simple techniques based on behavior psychology, or whispering. Exercise is extremely important, followed by a good diet. If you are not walking the dog every day, you could be facilitating the negative behavior. This process is useless if the dog owner refuses to establish rules and limitations.