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.

Keeping Your Dog Under Control Around Guests - A Balanced Environment

When you have visitors or guests to your home, it is important for you to maintain a balanced environment - not only for your guest, but for your dog as well. Not only will your dog feel more comfortable, but your guest will appreciate that you are in control of the situation.

Typically, if a dog is aware that his or her owner does not have a situation under control, he or she will most likely try to take control. However, if the owner is respected as the "leader of the pack", then the dog will most likely trust that the situation is under control.

When a visitor arrives, there may seem to be a brief moment of chaos, and it's up to you (the leader of the pack) to restore balance in the environment before allowing the guest to enter your yard or home. You can practice "guest etiquette" with your dog by inviting a few neighbors, friends, relatives, or even some neighborhood kids to randomly knock on your door over a period of an hour or so, and going through the motions with your dog. That way when you do have actual guests, you will know exactly how to respond to your dog's instinctual behavior.

Tips:

• Try having your dog back away from the door when you let him or her out for potty or play, allowing you full control of the door. This is a key dominance area of the home, as it would seem logical in the dog world that "He who enters and exits the door first is the leader." Therefore, you should always by mindful to exit first when walking your dog as well.
• You could say "One Moment" through the door to your arriving guest, and then tell your dog to sit, lay down, and stay (if your dog is trained in these commands.) Once seated or lying down, proceed to answer the door - being mindful of your dog's willingness to remain seated.
  
• Do not allow your dog to jump on or bombard your guests. Not only will your guests notice and appreciate the respectful behavior of a well led dog, but they will feel at ease in your home knowing that you have your animals under control.
  
• If your guests feel comfortable, and your dog feels comfortable - you have succeeded in creating a balanced environment in your home, and with your pack!
  

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.

Preventing Dog and Puppy Behavior Problems from Day One

All too often, dog behavior problems stem from when they are first brought into our homes. This is especially true when bringing home a puppy or adopting a dog who has been through a traumatic experience. Because puppies are cute and young, new owners assume they should allow the puppy to do things that they would not allow an older dog to do. This can be the start of future behavior problems, and puppies should have the same rules, limitations, and boundaries as any adult dog would have.

When dogs are adopted after a traumatic experience, they are often given special treatment.`People generally tend to try to spare the feelings of the dog, not wanting to further the suffering that the dog has already been through. However, this can lead to unwanted behavior, and these owners are unknowingly enabling bad behavior.

Dogs and puppies, just like kids, actually want to know that you have everything under control. It prevents worry, and keeps stress at bay. But with dogs, they are especially in tune with our behavior, our emotions, and our expressions. By establishing yourself as the decision maker, you are becoming the leader of the pack. You must dominate the scene, such as passing through doors first, eating first, and choosing whether or not to allow the dog on the furniture. If you let your dog sleep on your bed, you can establish your role as the leader by first choosing your place on the bed, and then extending an invitation to your dog or puppy. If your dog makes the decision to do these things on its own, you may have a dominance problem, and you should work to correct the issue at hand.

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.

Walk Your Dog - Don't Let Your Dog Walk You

When you walk your dog, it's extremely important that you walk with "purpose". In otherwords, don't just let your dog pull you along, taking you all of the places he'd like to go. You've got to let your dog know that you are in control, and the dog must submit the control to you. It sounds harder than it actually is, but you've got to do it. Otherwise, you'll end up in some really strange places!

Make sure that you have a sturdy leash and collar, especially strong if you have a large, pulling dog. Use the chain and leash with caution, you're never trying to hurt the dog, it is only a tool to let the dog know you're trying to get his attention.

Walk confidently, with your head up. Stop often, and have your dog sit down. Do not leave until you are ready, and your dog should be able wait in sitting potition until you are ready. Once you start walking again, if your dog strays in front of you, tug gently but quickly upwards on the leash. Not in a way that will hurt your dog, just a signal to your dog to stay focused on the walking process.

You are leading the way, and if that's not happening, try switching directions often, allowing the dog to see you "in front" as the leader of the pack would be. Walk a few yards in any direction, then switch and say "Come". Repeat this every few yards or so, establishing that you are the leader, not the dog. That's an important thing to establish, and once you've conquered walking with purpose, you'll find that you have much more control, and a happier dog.

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.