Apologies to Cesar Millan who seems like a real nice human with some exceptional skills.
But...
Speaking as a member of the "average human" population, Cesar... you are a pain in the posterior. I have no doubt that what you say is true and your approach can work...but... it's just that you make it look so easy!
I have always though of myself as a decisive and authoritative person, a leader type even. My dog has quite a different view.
I think my conflict stems from also having 4 Tonkinese cats that are extremely loving and potty trained and pretty well clean themselves just fine thank you! The breed is often referred to as a "dog in cats fur". They really love laps and attention.
Since I'm not stupid, I have never tried to walk them on a leash. They are also totally indoor cats so the whole outdoor thing never comes up. Also, they exercise themselves quite well, again, thank you!
The shock of going from just cats to cats and a dog has been severe. You also have to factor in that the cats are always around to remind me how loving they are and how low maintenance they are. Clean the litter box daily and make sure there is a bowl of food and fresh water and then just pet them. Since they love laps, cat affection is always an opportunity.
Learning... I have a dog. The dog is not a cat. The dog is a puppy. He was "schooled" as a puppy by his mother (Tara the Terrible - owners name, not mine!) and his 6 litter mates. Any bad habits he now shows come from me and what I am doing or not doing. It still doesn't make things easier.
When falling off a roof, reminding yourself that it's going to hurt a lot, does not lessen the pain. I can speak from experience there. That last thought of "oh shit, this is going to hurt!" really doesn't change anything.
Ok Cesar, I'm learning... and you are still a pain in the patootie!
I have a dog.
A really wonderful dog that is going to make me do things that will improve my health and may even lead me to improvement in other areas. I'm evidently not the "pack leader" type I thought, or at least not communicating it very well in "dog speak".
I have a dog. This is a "good thing". (now watch Martha sue me!)
Web Mouse
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Hehe - Cesar talks at length about the number of assertive, authoritative people he's come across (many celebrities and leaders) who melt when trying to show the same calm, assertive traits to their dogs. Try reading his book: aside from the fascinating personal story, you'll come away with some "dog philosophy" thoughts that are actually pretty profound, although never presumptuous , and which aren't actually sales/marketing gimmicks.
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