The Real Dog Blog

Scuba Diving Cat and Dog

Now here is a bizarre idea. Talk about finding something you and your pet can do together...this cat and dog go scuba diving. Click her to see the video

The Dog Whisperer - Cesar Milan

I often receive information about National Geographic's hit show, The Dog Whisperer. Many people ask me for my thoughts on the show. ...so here they are.

I have watched the show, and I have trained (many years ago) using some of the same techniques seen in the show. However, I consider the methods used fairly old-fashioned and prefer to use a different style of dog training.

You can train animals in a variety of ways. I choose to use more dog-friendly methods. The methods I use don't rely on intimidation or force. When methods rely exclusively on intimidation and force the training is often easily accomplished by the trainer, but not so easily accomplished by the owner. Methods based on intimidation can work. However, when they don't work, the handler is at great risk of getting bitten and making the dog worse in the process of training. (Hence the "don't try this at home warnings on The Dog Whisperer).

I don't believe dog training is all about 'the ends justify the means". I think dogs should be trained using minimally invasive techniques based on principles of learning and not methods based on force and intimidation.

The Dog Whisper is a great show to watch if you would like to observe signs of stress and fearful body language in dogs though.

For more information about training methods click here.

Chicago "Dog Whisperer" arrested

Speaking of “dog whispering”..here’s another article about animal abuse.  This is a long article but well worth reading.  It's rather rather disturbing, but it also gives a good overview of the history of dog training.  If you’re looking for a dog trainer, check out the guidelines here.

Cesar Millan Lawsuit Settled

Last year, Cesar Millan was sued for a dog that was injured at his facility.  Read here for the case settlement.  It seems amazing to me that no one at Cesar's facility or any instructor working with the dog noticed the fairly easy-to-identify signs of stress long before the dog collapsed. 

Dog Scootering

Recently, I've starting teaching my dog to scooter. Actually, I started last fall using my kid's scooter and a leash. My friends encouraged me to get a helmet and I soon realized they were RIGHT! My dog quickly pulled faster than I was ready to go. So, I got a helmet....then realized I needed a scooter with better breaks. (OK, the kids scooter does have a brake, but I'm not talented enough to balance and use my foot to press the brake behind me). So, this week I got my NEW SCOOTER. It's a Diggler Dirt Dawg and it has brakes on the handles. I'm looking forward to more training this week.

I'm hoping that Scootering will be a fun and easy exercise outlet for both my dog and me. You should try it!

For scootering information click here. For information on scooters, check out the diggler website.