Cesar Millan´s Tips

CESAR MILLAN´S TIPS

Index

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The Basics o Dogs in Nature o Exercise: Challenge Your Dog Physically o Mastering the Walk o Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations o Importance of Affection o Feeding Ritual: Working o Feeding Ritual: Negative Behavior o Glossary of Terms

3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7

Issues and Problem Behavior o Understanding Aggression o Breed and Aggression o Case Study: Aggression o Nuisance Barking o Jumping Up on Guests

9 9 10 11 11

Retrain Yourself o Achieving Balance o Energy as Communication o Humanizing Your Dog

13 13 14

Your New Addition o Find a Dog with the Right Energy o Establish Leadership with Your New Addition o Start Your Puppy Off Right o Introduce Your Dog to Your Baby

15 16 17 17

Quick Tips o Insight for Dog Lovers o Beach Tips o Holiday Tips o Summer Tips o Travel Tips o If Your Dog Has Ticks

19 20 21 23 24 26

THE BASICS Dogs In Nature Understanding how dogs behave in nature can help us to better fulfill their needs when we bring them into our homes.

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When a puppy enters the world, his first pack leader is his mother. Canine moms teach rules, boundaries, and limitations from day one!

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Newborn puppies don’t get a name like we do.

The closest thing to a personality is a dog's status within the pack. In the animal world, there are two positions: the leader and the follower.

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As newborns, first the puppy's nose starts to work, then the eyes, and finally the ears. As they grow older, dogs still experience the world in this order: nose, eyes, and then ears. This is entirely opposite of how we do: ears, eyes, and then nose. Keep this in mind when meeting a dog for the first time. Let the dog explore your scent fully before attempting any other interaction. This is how she gets to know you.

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In their natural habitat, dogs earn food and water and experience the world around them by walking. This activity is ingrained deep within a dog’s DNA. Walking exercises your dog’s body and stimulates her mind.

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There can only be so many pack leaders, so most dogs are born submissive. This creates a balance in the pack that fosters healthy and happy dogs.

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As adults, dogs look to their pack leader to create that stability. They don’t question the pack leader’s position, and the pack leader doesn’t look to the dogs to affirm his position. This is the natural balance of the pack.

Your goal should be to provide your dogs with the same calm-assertive leadership that they would experience in a pack.

Exercise: Challenge Your Dog Physically All dogs require exercise to lead balanced, healthy lives.

Just because a dog is small doesn’t mean he needs less exercise, and, although breed can give an indication of the dog’s energy level, the final judgment must be made on the individual dog’s needs.

As your dog’s pack leader, you must help her to expend her energy in a productive way. For all dogs, this means a daily walk. Some dogs may require additional activities, such as running, Frisbee, or swimming, in addition to—but never replacing—the walk.

Remember that dogs are animals, and animals need to travel and discover the world. A big back yard is no substitute for a good walk. Master the walk and your dog will relate to you on a deeper level.

Mastering The Walk I often walk about ten dogs at a time, sometimes even off-leash if I’m in a safe area. People are amazed by this, but it’s simple: the dogs see me as their pack leader. This is why they follow me wherever I go.

Position matters. Walking in front allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.

Use a short leash. This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog. If you need additional help, consider the Illusion collar. Always keep your dog's safety in mind when giving corrections.

Set aside time. Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and keep an eye on your dog's behavior to see if his needs are being met.

Define exploration time. After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over.

It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.

Don't punch out. When you get home, don't stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes.

Share food and water. By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to "work" for food and water.

Pick up after your dog! Set an example: be a responsible dog guardian.

Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations A dog’s mother begins training puppies from birth. She makes them wait for food; she controls when they play and how far they travel. Adult dogs need these same rules, boundaries, and limitations from you, their pack leader.

A pack leader doesn’t project emotional or nervous energy, so neither should you. In the wild, the pack leader uses calm-assertive energy to influence how the dog interacts with his surroundings. She enforces these laws in a quiet way, as is the case when a mother picks up a puppy by the scruff of the neck if he strays outside the den.

Ownership of territory is very important. Dogs in the wild claim space by first asserting themselves in a calm and confident way, and then communicating this ownership through clear body language signals and eye contact. A dog who understands that you, as the pack leader, own the space in which he lives will respect your asserted authority.

Waiting is another way that pack leaders assert their position – puppies wait to eat, and adult dogs wait until the pack leader wants them to travel. Waiting is a form of psychological work for the dog.

Domestication means dogs don’t need to hunt for food, but they can still work for it.

Establish your position as pack leader by asking your dog to work. Take him on a walk before you feed him. And just as you don’t give affection unless your dog is in a calm-submissive state, don’t give food until your dog acts calm and submissive. Exercise will help the dog, especially a high-energy one, to achieve this state.

In all of these ways, the pack leader in nature sets rules, boundaries, and limitations for her pack, and in doing so, nurtures her dog’s healthy state of mind.

Importance of Affection Love is one of the greatest gifts we can share with our dogs. Dogs are affectionate animals. Touch means a lot to them, both in their natural world and when they live with us. However, affection that hasn’t been earned and is shared at the wrong time can be detrimental to a dog. Here are a few of Cesar's thoughts on sharing affection.

Give affection – but at the right time! Remember anytime you give affection, you reinforce the behavior preceding it. Reward stability. Share your love when your dog is in a calm-submissive state.

Share affection after a dog has… exercised and eaten, changed an unwanted behavior into a behavior you asked for, responded to a rule or command, or entered a calm-submissive state.

Don’t share affection when your dog is… fearful, anxious, possessive, dominant, aggressive, whining, begging, barking, or breaking a household rule.

Don’t forget exercise and discipline. Prove your love by giving your dog what he or she needs: Long walks; Rules, boundaries, and limitations.

Give your dogs as much love as you have! Give as much love as your heart can handle and then some! But please give it at the right time.

Feeding Ritual: Working Domestication has made it possible for dogs to receive their food without having to hunt it down themselves, but it’s still in their nature to feel the need to work for it. Before my dogs eat, I take them for a walk. In this way, I ask my dogs to work for food and water. This is a form of waiting, which is psychological exercise that helps nurture a balanced, happy dog.

The morning routine should look like this: 

You project calm-assertive energy before you give your dog affection.

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You walk your dog to exercise her body and allow her to explore the world.

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When you get home, prepare her food.

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While you fill the bowl, ask your dog to sit.

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If she sits quietly and projects calm-submissive energy with no negative behaviors, place the bowl of food in front of her.

Some of my clients think this routine sounds too rigid, but from your dog’s perspective, it is instinctual.

Focusing the mind and body brings the dog back into a more natural, balanced state.

Feeding Ritual: Negative Behaviors Food carries a powerful message in the dog world. Puppies work for food by waiting patiently for their mother. This is a form of psychological exercise, and it’s important for a healthy state of mind.

Domestication has brought about a change in the way dogs receive their meals and in the way they behave before mealtime. Dogs will often become excited, anxious, or aggressive at the prospect of being fed. If you feed your dog when he displays negative behaviors, you are reinforcing the behavior, and it will almost certainly reoccur.

I feed many dogs at the same time with no problems. Dogs that show calm-submissive energy get to eat first, and dogs that show negative behaviors such as aggression or nervousness must wait. When these dogs project calmsubmissive energy, I reward them with their meal - much like their mother or pack leader would do.

Mealtimes are a useful tool to help you connect with your dog and work to shape his demeanor.

Make sure your dog has reached a calm-submissive state before you place the food bowl in front of him. By doing so, you are not only providing him with nutrition, you are helping him lead a balanced and happy life.

Glossary of Terms 1. Calm-assertive energy – This is the energy you project to show your dog you are the calm and assertive pack leader. Note: assertive does not mean angry or aggressive. Calm-assertive means always compassionate, but quietly in control.

2. Calm-submissive energy – In nature, this is the appropriate energy for a “follower” in a dog pack, and thus the ideal energy for a dog to project when living in a household with humans.

Signs of calm-submissive energy include a relaxed posture, ears held back, and a nearly instinctual response to the “pack leader’s” commands.

3. Exercise, discipline, and affection… in that order – These are the three ingredients for creating a happy, balanced dog. Most dog owners give only affection, or don’t provide these three necessities in the correct order. a. Exercise – walking a dog at least one hour every day, and in the correct way. b. Discipline – giving a dog rules, boundaries, and limitations in a nonabusive manner. c. Affection – a reward we give to our dogs and to ourselves, but only after the dog has achieved calm submission in our “pack”.

4. Master the walk – The walk is an extremely important ritual for a dog. It needs to take place a minimum of twice a day, for at least thirty to forty-five minute each time, so that both the dog’s mind and its body are given a workout. This means the dog walks next to the owner or behind him/her – not pulling ahead. If a dog is “walking” a human, the dog perceives itself as pack leader at that moment, and the human is not in control.

5. Rules, boundaries, and limitations a. Dogs need to know that their pack leader is clearly setting the rules, boundaries and limitations for their life both inside and outside the house. b. Anger, aggression, or abuse toward the dog will not establish you as pack leader; an angry, aggressive leader is not in control. Calm-assertive energy and daily, consistent leadership behavior will make enforcing the rules easier.

6. Issues – If a dog doesn’t trust its owner to be a strong, stable pack leader, it becomes unclear about its correct role within the pack. A dog that is confused about who is in charge is actually concerned about the ability of the pack to survive, so it attempts to fill in the missing leadership elements, often erratically. This can cause aggression, anxiety, fear, obsessions, or phobias – what I call “issues”.

7. Balance – A balanced dog is in the state Mother Nature wants it to be in – as a calmsubmissive pack follower, who is fulfilled physically with exercise; psychologically with rules, boundaries, and limitations; and emotionally with affection from its owner.

8. Dog training – Conditioning a dog to human commands – sit, stay, come, heel – isn’t what I do.

9. Dog rehabilitation – This is what I do: help a dog with issues to return to a balanced state of calm submission. Sometimes it may appear that I can “fix” a dog instantly, but as I’ve said, “a dog is not an appliance that can be sent out for repairs.” Permanent dog rehabilitation can occur only with a calm, assertive, stable, and consistent owner.

10. Nose, eyes, ears… in that order! – I remind dog owners that dogs see the world differently from the way we do. We communicate using our ears first, then our eyes, and lastly our nose.

Dogs begin with the nose, then the eyes, and lastly the ears. Allowing a dog to experience our scent before we engage it in eye contact or speak to it is one way to establish trust early on.

11. Humanizing a dog – Many owners make the well-intentioned mistake of thinking of their dogs as children. I advise people to try to see the world through a dog’s eyes. Cute outfits, fancy dog food, and a millionaire’s mansion will not make for a happy dog. Regular exercise, a strong stable pack leader, and affection that’s earned will result in a dog that’s calm and balanced.

12. People training – When I am called in on a job, many owners assume it’s their dog that is the problem. I try to help people understand that their own behavior has a powerful affect on their dog, and I offer them suggestions for “retraining” themselves to be calm-assertive pack leaders.

ISSUES AND PROBLEM BEHAVIOR

Understanding Agression Dogs become aggressive out of frustration and dominance. The frustration comes from a lack of exercise, and the dominance comes from a lack of calm-assertive leadership.

When dealing with red zone dogs, I start by working with the owners, explaining how to establish themselves as pack leaders and to understand the animal in their dog. This is a crucial part of rehabilitating your dog: changing your behavior. If you revert to your old ways, so will your dog.

For many of these dogs, it is a lack of adequate exercise that is the root of the problem. Physical activity burns the dog’s excess energy and helps maintain his healthy state of mind. This is important because, in order to talk to the mind, you need to remove the energy from the body.

If you live with an aggressive dog, I urge you to find a professional dog trainer to work with you and your dog. Most cases can be rehabilitated with time and dedication, and we owe it to our dogs to try.

Breed and Agression I deal with a lot of red zone cases, and I often hear people incorrectly blaming the breed. Any breed can cause trouble. The difference between an aggressive Chihuahua and an aggressive pit bull is that the bigger breeds can cause proportionately bigger damage. It is important to recognize the power of a strong breed, like the pit bull, the Cane Corso, and the Mastiff. These dogs are very powerful and, if they are unbalanced, they can cause serious injury.

Remember, these dogs don’t dream of being in the news when they grow up. Dogs don’t premeditate bad acts like people do. Bad things happen when powerful breeds (or mixes of powerful breeds) live with humans who like the breed but don’t understand and fulfill the animal in the dog. Many people consider the look or popularity of a breed before thinking about whether the dog works for their lifestyle. This is a recipe for disaster.

To control a powerful breed, you need to become the dog’s pack leader and establish rules, boundaries, and limitations. You need to fulfill the dog as Nature intended him to be fulfilled. If you are considering adopting a powerful breed, make sure you are willing and able to take on the responsibility.

Case Study: Agression Pit bull Emily was a classic red-zone case. She pulled her owner on walks. She growled and barked at passersby, especially those walking other dogs. Emily’s owner would drag along after her and yell at her to be quiet. Not surprisingly, this tactic didn’t work.

It is important to understand that red-zone dogs are usually frustrated animals. To control a powerful breed, you need to master the position of pack leader.

The sheer size and strength of a pit bull, Mastiff, Cane Corso, Rottweiler, or any other large dog can quickly transform a frustrated and dominant animal into a serious threat. You must gain control of the situation before it escalates.

It was clear that Emily held the dominant position in my client’s household. My first focus: training the owner! I explained to my client that he must become Emily’s pack leader; set rules, boundaries, and limitations; understand the importance of recognizing the animal in the dog; and fulfill the dog as Nature intended her to be fulfilled.

Next I turned my attention to rehabilitating Emily. I suspected she wasn’t receiving adequate exercise for her breed and energy level. This was probably the cause of a lot of Emily’s frustration.

Out came my rollerblades to give Emily a good, tiring workout.

Remember, in order to talk to the mind, you need to remove the energy from the body. Emily loved our fast tours through the neighborhood, and she easily kept up with me. She started to ignore distractions along the way and focus on where we were going. With her excess energy gone, I was able to get her to follow commands.

The results of our workouts helped Emily’s owner recognize the importance of exercise in maintaining a dog’s healthy state of mind. Most dogs require daily walks, but please don’t think of exercise as one-amount-fits-all. Exercise needs vary depending on the dog’s breed, energy level, and size.

Emily now receives ample exercise, and her owner has established himself as her pack leader. His calm-assertive leadership means Emily doesn’t need to fill that unnatural role. Balance has returned to Emily’s life, and she and her owner are the better for it.

Nuisance Barking Dogs bark as a form of communication. If your dog barks, there is a reason why. It may be simply a response to a stimulus, like a jogger running by the house—or it may be your dog's way of asking for help.

Ongoing, Excessive Barking – This is your dog’s way of sending you a distress signal. Somewhere his needs as an animal are not being met. Is his world anchored by a pack leader who projects calmassertive energy? Are you walking with him every day, which exercises his body and his mind? Is he living a balanced life? If nuisance barking is a problem, consider these issues to find a solution. It’s the best way to show real love for your dog.

Barking as Greeting - Some clients tell me that they love coming home because their dog greets them excitedly by jumping and barking. They feel this proves their dog's love for the family. But in a natural setting, dogs don’t bark, yelp, or jump on pack mates in a burst of affection. Dogs that greet their owners in this way are trying to communicate. But rather than professing undying love, they are probably trying to tell you that they are lonely and bored; their needs as a dog are not being met. The excitement is your dog’s way of burning off the excess energy that has been building throughout the day. Don't be disappointed by this revelation. Dogs simply don’t use emotions like people do. Remember, they’re dogs. To love a dog means you must treat him like an animal, which means fulfilling him as Nature intended him to be fulfilled.

Jump Up on Guests How can you tell if your dog is the pack leader? It’s simple: if she jumps on you when you arrive home, she is the pack leader. If she jumps on your guests, she is making sure that these new arrivals also know she is in charge. What can you do to stop this unwanted behavior? 

Establish yourself as pack leader. When a dog doesn’t have a clear pack leader, she tries to fill the vacant role, usually to disastrous results (for the owner and for the dog!) The pack leader leads by projecting a calm-assertive energy.

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Don’t shower your dog with affection when you walk through the door. This kind of attention is wonderful for a human child, but not for a dog. Remember dogs are animals, and the kindest thing you can do is to treat your dog like a dog and communicate in a way he’ll understand.

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Correct bad behavior. The dog’s mom, the ultimate pack leader, would never tolerate inappropriate activity. If she sees something she doesn’t like, she stops it by moving the puppy out of the way in a calm-assertive manner. The puppy learns an important boundary from the lesson, and her firm and unambiguous leadership balances the puppy’s submissive role in the pack.

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When your guests arrive, ask your dog to sit patiently. Your dog will follow your commands when he respects you as his pack leader. Remember, the animal pack leader doesn’t negotiate to get what he or she wants.

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You can’t be a leader only some of the time. Leadership is forever; inconsistency triggers confusion and anxiety in a dog. Animal pack leaders never waver from their leadership role, and neither should you!

RETRAIN YOURSELF

Achieving Balance Many of my clients call their dog their soul mate or their baby, but the dog tears up the furniture and drags them all over the neighborhood on a walk. The client pleads with the dog to behave, cajoles the dog, and offers her treats with no change in the dog’s behavior.

Why? Dogs are animals, and they respond to calm-assertive leadership—not emotional arguments or negotiations. If you have a dog in your life, it is important to understand how to allow her to live in a balanced way and achieve a healthy state of mind.

Dogs have found themselves in an odd predicament by living with humans. In the wild, dogs don’t need humans to achieve balance. They have a pack leader, work for food, and travel with the pack.

But when we bring them into our world, we need to help them achieve balance by fulfilling their needs as nature intended them to be.

How does this work? Through my fulfillment formula: exercise, then discipline, and finally, affection.

As the human pack leader, you must set rules, boundaries, and limitations and always project a calm-assertive energy.

When you fulfill your dog on a primal level as nature intended, you will feel in tune with your dog and connect with your dog in a deeper way. Put your dog's needs first, and take responsibility for our dog's state of mind. Only then will you experience all the love your dog has to give!

Energy As Comunication Dogs use constant energy to communicate. Energy is what I call beingness; it is who and what you are in every moment. Dogs don’t know each other by name, but by the energy they project and the activities they share. They know humans in the same way.

As humans, we too are communicating with energy—whether we realize it or not. And, though we may attempt to persuade, explain, and rationalize all day long, these energy signals are the only messages getting across to our dogs.

The first energy that a puppy experiences after birth is mom’s calm-assertive energy. Later, the puppy will follow a pack leader who projects the same calm-assertive energy out of association. As pack followers, dogs return a calm-submissive energy that completes the pack balance. It is important to understand that most dogs are born to be submissive, because there can only be so many pack leaders.

When a naturally submissive dogs lives with a human that does not lead, he or she will attempt to right the pack balance by filling what they see as a vacant pack leader role. This is how behavior problems develop.

To establish yourself as the pack leader, you must always project a calm-assertive energy. If you don’t know what I mean by calm-assertive energy, think about Oprah Winfrey. She is calm and assertive in the human world. This natural balance (calm-assertive leadership with calm-submissive behavior) nurtures stability and creates a balanced, centered, and happy dog.

Humanizing Your Dog One of the most important things I want to get across is that dogs are dogs—not humans!

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Find a canine solution. Often, the solution we would use for a human is totally wrong for solving a dog’s issues. For example, when a human sees a scared or nervous dog, s/he will first offer comfort and consolation. This would never happen in the animal world and can make the problem worse instead of better, because it reinforces unstable behavior.

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Speak the animal language. When dogs come into our homes, they meet emotional energy for the first time. We shower them with affection and babble at them in high-pitched babytalk, so they see us as excited energy. This is why many dogs don’t listen to their human caretakers. Their mothers never acted this way; where did that calm-assertive leadership go?

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Treat your dog like a dog. We often develop a different agenda for our dogs. We want to make puppies our babies. From day one, many humans forget to fulfill and understand their dog's needs and instead project their own needs and desires on the animal.

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Be the pack leader! In the absence of a clear leader, a dog, even a submissive one, will seek to fill what they see as the vacant leadership role. The dog will ignore the owner, act out, and can lead to serious behavior issues.

Imagine if your significant other mistook your needs for the needs of a chimpanzee; where would that leave you? Confused and disoriented. It’s the same for dogs. But their confusion and disorientation manifest in bad behavior such as tearing up the couch or incessant barking. If we don’t fulfill them as a species, our dogs won’t live a balanced, centered life.

Understanding and projecting a pack leader’s calm-assertive energy will create a positive and lasting connection with your dog.

YOUR NEW ADDITION

Finding A Dog With The Right Energy Choosing a dog is a decision that should be made with care and deliberation. A dog is not a toy or a clothing accessory; it’s a living creature. The decision to adopt a dog should be treated with the same careful attention that you would use if you were deciding where to live, to have children, or whether or not to get married. Too often, a dog is adopted because it is “cute” or “fashionable,” rather than based on the merits of its behavior and energy levels. In these situations, the dog may be returned to the rescue shelter, kennel, or pet store, and each return is a black mark on that dog’s record. It suggests that the dog is un-adoptable, and the more often a dog is returned, the more likely it is to eventually be euthanized.

When selecting a dog, it is vitally important to take into account how that dog’s energy will harmonize with your own. The most important step is to take some time for self-reflection and to identify what your own energy levels are. Do you wake up early every morning, pound a power bar and a health shake, and go for a run in the mountains? Or do you take life at a more leisurely pace?

When energy levels conflict, resulting frustrations on the part of both human and dog can create tensions and issues with dramatic repercussions, so take into account how your energy will affect your decision.

Once you’ve identified your own energy levels, begin your research on dogs and their energy levels.

Remember, a dog’s breed doesn’t necessarily dictate its personality, but some breeds are known for having a certain energy or disposition. Once you’ve done your breed research, you can begin your search for a dog with a few ideas in mind. It never hurts to be prepared.

If you decide to begin looking at shelters and rescues, keep in mind that a dog in a cage at a shelter will be difficult to appraise in terms of its level of energy. Dogs in cages for any significant length of time can be frustrated and edgy. It may help to have a professional or someone with some expertise assist you in gauging your potential dog’s energy levels.

Don’t be afraid to ask the rescue staff about the dog. They aren’t concerned with getting dogs out the door at any cost – most are dedicated to finding good homes for the dogs in their care – so you can be pretty confident that they’ll give you the straight story. Find out what the dog is really like and how he gets along with the staff and the other dogs. How does he act at mealtimes? What is he like when people come by to view the other dogs? The answers to questions like these will give you a better idea of what he will be like with you and your family at home.

The walk is an excellent litmus test for a new dog. Find out from the shelter if you can “test drive” the dog that you’re interested in. Take him out for a spin around the block and see how the two of you get along. Not only will you get an early idea of how you work together in a pack-oriented activity, but you’ll get a better understanding of his underlying temperament once you’ve drained away the frustration and pent-up energy he has from being in his cage.

Most importantly, do your best to leave your emotions at the door. You will have plenty of time to bond with your dog once you’ve brought him home and incorporated him into your family. For his sake and yours, try not to let the environment of the shelter and the weight of the decision influence you. Adoption centers can be heart-breaking places if your thoughts are focused on the fate of every single dog present. It’s crucial for you to choose the right dog, and not just one that you feel sorry for.

Feeling pity for a homeless dog won’t benefit him or you in the long run.

Keep an open mind, do your research, and have patience! In the end, you’ll both be better off for it.

Establishing Leadership With Your New Addition Here are some important points to remember in your role as pack leader for your new dog or puppy: Create a schedule that includes a daily 30- to 45-minute power-walk in the morning. This is critical for your dog’s health, both physical and mental.

When getting a new pet, make sure to set aside time every day to provide mental exercise by maintaining rules, boundaries, and limitations. When these needs are met, the affection you give to your dog will be channeled as a reward.

Enlist your whole family in the process of bringing a new dog home. Discuss what their responsibilities will be before the puppy or dog arrives.

Make sure you find a breed that fits your lifestyle. For example, more active breeds, like hunting and herding dogs, require more exercise to stay physically and mentally content. But remember, breed is not destiny. Assess the individual dog's energy level before taking him or her home.

Always walk out the door ahead of your dog when leaving the house. This will show your dog who is in the leadership role.

On walks, make sure that your dog is not in front of you, pulling you down the street. Instead, keep your dog to your side or behind you. This will also demonstrate to your dog that you are the alpha figure.

Give your dog something to do before you share food, water, toys, or affection. This way the dog earns his treat. For example, have him or her perform the Sit or Down command.

Set aside a budget for unexpected circumstances, like medical bills and training classes. A healthy, well-trained dog makes a wonderful pet.

A dog will adjust best if his new family learns these lessons before he arrives. Remember, dogs don’t crave a fancy treat or bed; they need you to become their stable pack leader to demonstrate love in a way they understand.

Start Your Puppy Off Right People often ask me at what age they should start training their puppy. The answer is "immediately!"

New puppy owners often make the mistake of endlessly worrying about finding the right accessories, puppy treats, or bed. They spend little or no time thinking about how or what they will teach their new puppy. Yes, a puppy needs nutritious food and a safe, warm place to live, but another equally powerful and important biological necessity is the need for a strong pack leader.

Puppies are naturally hard-wired to follow a pack leader. A pack leader is, by definition, strong, stable, and consistent; traits many new puppy owners forget.

Many of my clients are strong leaders in their jobs, but, when they come home, they turn to mush with their dogs. Then they come to me puzzled as to why their dog won’t behave.

Puppies sense our confidence levels and will take control if they perceive us as weak. When this happens, bad behaviors, such as excessive barking, leash-pulling, or anxiety, will develop.

The most important thing you can do is become your puppy’s pack leader. This role doesn’t begin when your dog is six months old or when he’s bad. For your puppy to grow into a healthy, balanced dog, you must demonstrate leadership from day one!

Introduce Your Dog To Your Baby Our dogs are very in tune with us, so with an event as monumental as a pregnancy, your dog has already sensed that something is up. But just because she has picked up on the new feelings hanging in the air, doesn't mean that she understands what they mean. Here are a few tips for preparing your dog for the new arrival.

Focus on leadership. Nine months is more than enough to time to work through most issues and establish yourself as the unwavering pack leader. Smooth out any small problems you may be having.

Break her of unwanted habits. If necessary, hire a professional to work with you. You will appreciate the work you put in now when you bring your newborn home to a calm, well-behaved dog.

Be aware of your energy. A pregnancy affects the entire household. You may feel excited, anxious, or worried. Remember, your dog will mirror your emotions.

Claim your baby's scent. Bring an item that contains your baby's scent, such as a burp cloth, from the hospital before bringing home the baby. During this exercise, it is crucial that you set clear boundaries. Challenge the dog to sniff from a distance, while you are holding the item. By doing so, you are communicating to your dog that the item is yours and then giving permission for the dog to sniff. “This new item belongs to me, and you will need to follow my rules when around it.” This helps start the process of creating respect for the baby.

Establish boundaries around the nursery. I recommend starting with the nursery off-limits.

Condition your dog to understand that there is an invisible barrier that she may not cross without your permission. Eventually, you can allow your dog to explore and sniff certain things in the room— with your supervision. Then you decide when she needs to leave. Repeat this activity a few times before the baby arrives. This will let your dog know that this room belongs to a pack leader and must be respected at all times.

Control the introduction. Start by taking your dog on a long walk. Be sure to drain all of your dog's energy. Before returning, wait at the door step; make sure your dog is in a calm-submissive mode before inviting her in. Upon entering, your dog will instantly know there is a new scent in the house. If you have already introduced the scent, it will be somewhat familiar. The mother or father holding the baby must be in a completely calm-assertive state. The dog should be allowed to sniff the baby, but at a respectful distance. During this first meeting, do not bring the baby too close. Eventually, the dog can be allowed to get closer and closer to the baby. By doing this, you are teaching the dog to respect the baby as another pack leader.

Teach your baby. Once your child is in the exploratory state, it is important to supervise all interactions between him or her and the dog. This is a great opportunity to teach your child not to bother the dog, yank her tail, etc. These lessons on mutual respect cannot begin early enough; too many children have inadvertently provoked an otherwise peaceful dog, simply because they were unsupervised or their parents had not given them proper instruction.

Don't forget the dog. A dog does not need toys or special attention to feel important; you simply need to maintain the routine, providing daily walks and consistent leadership. This will help your dog feel secure and allow her to relax about the new addition to the family.

Forget breed. Don't assume your dog will not pose a problem based on breed alone, or vice versa.

Sure, babies have been bitten by Rottweilers and pit bulls, but they have also been injured by labs, chows, and mixed breeds. A baby in Rhode Island was killed by a cute little Pomeranian. What is the key? Leadership. Be honest with yourself. Can you control your dog at all times in all situations?

Your child’s safety comes first. If, after working with a professional and on your own, you are still not able to be 100% pack leader with your dog, then you must seriously think about using those nine months for finding your dog another home.

QUICK TIPS

Insight For Dog Lovers The more you learn about dog psychology, the better you will be able to connect with your canine companion!

Dogs are not humans. Before they receive love and affection, they need exercise, clear direction, and leadership. Giving them love alone doesn’t create balance in their lives. Be a pack leader!

Rehabilitating a dog is not about “fixing” it. It’s about you, the owner, creating the intention for what you want, not what you’re feeling. Dogs pick up on feelings of fear, doubt, or worry – and they will move to fill them by attempting to become dominant.

Practice unwavering leadership every day, especially on your walk. The energy you’re projecting internally is the message you’re sending to your dog.

Dedicate at least 45 minutes of time to the dog’s walk in the morning. Let the dog know you have a consistent pattern that you expect it to follow. Utilize your dog’s energy in a positive manner.

Don’t expect more from your dog(s) than your own children. Dogs need discipline, too. Give them rules, boundaries, and limitations as well as love.

Avoid nurturing your dog’s fears or unstable mind. Imagine a successful scenario and hold it in your mind when dealing with your dog.

You are the source of your dog’s energy. You are the role model.

Challenge the dog’s mind – dogs want to know what to do with their lives. Let the dog work for your affection. Once in a calm-submissive state, your love will intensify those qualities in your dog.

Dogs need “on” and “off” time. Engage them fully in structured times together; then they can relax and avoid impatient or destructive behaviors.

Dogs show us how much we can learn – they live in the moment. Try it!

Beach Tips I grew up in Mazatlan, Mexico, so, to me, the beach is home! I love to bring my pack to the Southern California coast at the end of a week of good behavior. Every pack member experiences the beach in a different way. Some head straight for the water. Others love the opportunity to get their paws dirty. And then there are those who just like to kick back and enjoy the sun. Whatever your dog's preference, here are a few tips to make the beach a fun and safe experience. 

Know the local laws. Some beaches do not accept dogs. Others require that they be on-leash at all times. Find out before you head out.

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Prepare. You may not be aware that, like humans, dogs need protection from the sun. Talk to your veterinarian about protective goggles and canine sunblock.

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Be confident in your pack leadership. For a dog to get the full benefit of a beach visit, off-leash (where permitted) is ideal. But remember, the beach is full of interesting scents of the sea life there. This can send your dog into a very primal state. If you don't have your leadership skills down pat, you could lose your dog.

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Protect your dog from fleas. This is not an issue most people associate with the beach, but sand fleas are prevalent in some areas. Be aware that a wet flea collar is ineffective and can also irritate your dog's skin. Consult your veterinarian to find the best solution.

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Let your dog dig! This is the perfect spot to let your dog try to make that tunnel to China he's been dreaming of.

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Check conditions. Sea lice, jellyfish, undercurrents, and rip tides all pose just as much of a threat to dogs as they do to humans. Before you let your dog roam, verify with a lifeguard that the environment is safe.

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Keep your dog hydrated. Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water—and never let your dog drink salt water. It can make him sick.

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Be aware of your dog's physical and emotional state. A trip to the beach isn't the time to punch out. Your dog may be having so much fun that he looses track of how tired, hot, or thirsty he is. It is up to you to watch for signs of dehydration or over-exhaustion. Sand and heat can make a normal exercise routine more strenuous. Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, call your dog back to rest in a shady spot.

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Be respectful of other visitors. Whether canine or human, other visitors to the beach may not appreciate your dog's company. Make sure to keep your dog in check.

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Be vigilant. Remember that many items washed ashore, like fishing lines, litter, plant-life, and dead fish, may not be safe for your dog. When he goes exploring, keep a close eye on the objects he finds.

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Pick up after your dog! Help keep the water clean and the beach pleasant for other visitors.

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Give your dog a bath. If possible, give him a good rinse with fresh water before leaving the beach. When you get home, make sure to wash your dog immediately! Chemicals from sea water can be harmful to your dog's coat and health.

Holiday Tips 1.) Tire your dog out before visiting or receiving holiday guests. Keep in mind that holiday visits are not typical visits. They may involve more heightened energy than normal, since often we haven’t seen these people in a while, and dog people have a tendency to get excited around others’ pets.

Your dog is more likely to behave if it’s just had a nice long walk. If they’re not dog people, your guest may be nervous, insecure, and unsure; a tired dog can help these people relax.

2.) Don’t forget rules, boundaries, and limitations just because it’s the holidays! When it comes to the aromatic holiday food, sweets, and candies lying about the house, there are many temptations for your dog.

You have to remind him or her that the rules, boundaries, and limitations are the same. Use the holiday as a chance to intensify good behavior instead of intensifying bad behavior. It’s up to you to take the opportunity to make it a great holiday by working on your leadership skills!

3.) Protect your dog from the cold. Many breeds are not built to handle cold weather. Check out your local pet store for the many ways to handle this. You can buy doggie boots and gear made specifically for cold weather. There are also paw waxes that protect from the cold and aid your dog’s grip on slippery surfaces like ice or snow.

4.) Let your dog check the weather. Dogs don’t have the Weather Channel, so they don’t know why they are being denied a long walk for the day. Allow your dog to step outside and feel for itself that it is too cold or too stormy to go on a long walk. Instinctually, the dog will understand why it is coming back inside where it’s safe. But, be careful not to allow them to do this too often. They can learn to use this open door to manipulate and control you. Also, some dogs, if out in the cold for too long, will develop thicker fur and maintain their fat as a natural protection, so they may not feel the cold as intensely as we humans do. This can be an advantage if you want to continue to take your dog for walks in cold weather. However, please keep in mind that many short-haired breeds do not have this natural resistance to cold weather.

5.) Be cautious when around the fireplace! Animals are instinctual about fire; it is natural for an animal to stay away. However, during this holiday season, many owners like to dress their dogs up.

Never use a product which may contain alcohol, such as hairspray, silly string, or entertainment paint, on a dog that will be around fire. Always be cautious near a fire with an animal that is wearing clothing. A stray piece of fabric can quickly cause the entire outfit to light on fire. A screen is a good way to keep a “done-up” pup safe. Also, never leave an animal alone in a room with a lit candle. As a general holiday precaution, test your smoke alarms, and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times!

6.) Be aware of dangerous holiday items. The festive poinsettia causes dogs to vomit. Chocolate is a poisonous treat. And tinsel has sent many a dog to the emergency room, as it can easily cut up intestines. Paper-based tinsel is generally a safer option, but the plastic or metallic-based varities should not be used.

7.) Protect your presents and decorations. Remember that a dog will know if a gift contains something edible, even if you don’t. Ask your guests in advance if there is food inside the presents, and keep them out of your dog’s reach! Keep fragile ornaments toward the top of the Christmas tree; only place sturdy ones near the bottom. Often people use a pen to keep dogs away from their tree.

Keep it fun by decorating the pen with ribbons. And, above all, set rules, boundaries, and limitations!

8.) I don't recommend giving a puppy as a holiday gift. Most often, giving a puppy for emotional reasons turns out badly. Love is never the problem. Who doesn’t love a puppy? But most people don’t know how to keep a puppy balanced, and the puppy is going to suffer the consequences from the first day. In particular, if a person doesn’t know they are getting a puppy, they will be in the wrong state of mind to receive him or her. I highly recommend holding off on affection for a week or, at the very least, until the end of the day when the puppy is quiet, in his kennel, and ready for sleep.

This is virtually impossible to do if you just received a puppy as a surprise!

I strongly believe that people need to have some basic knowledge about the commitment and responsibility of pet ownership and how to play a leadership role even though it’s a puppy. The beautiful part about starting with a puppy is that, if you know what to do, you are going to prevent problems. But if you don’t, you are going to create problems. We have to take the same philosophy as adopting a child. You don’t just give a kid away. You have to get the whole family involved.

Everyone has to understand the responsibility they are taking on.

9.) Live in the moment! Be happy! Laugh! Celebrate! Want to do something special for your dog for the holidays? Be balanced. Don’t be nervous. Don’t be fearful. Don’t be tense. Don’t think about anything that makes you sad, depressed, or angry. Really live in that moment. Believe it or not, that is one of the biggest gifts we can give to our dog--and ourselves! Everyone, rich or poor, can practice this simple activity. It has more meaning than any gift you can buy. Live in the now, with your dog right next to you and your family around you. Your dog is going to get the benefit of it, particularly if you don’t have days like this on a regular basis. This special day will linger in his or her memory, and, hopefully, you can learn to practice these days more often, not just during the holiday season.

Summer Tips With record temperatures around the country, it is important to keep your dogs in mind when it comes to keeping cool.

Here are Cesar's Top 10 Tips for beating the summer heat!

1.) Exercise your dog early in the morning or late at night.

Since these are the cooler parts of the day, this will make the walk more comfortable for both you and your dog. I’m a believer in vigorous exercise for healthy dogs, but this is the time of year to back off on exercise intensity.

2.) Use doggie boots. You can find these at your local pet supply store. If you can’t walk your dog during the early and later hours of the day, this is a good way of protecting him.

Heat rises from the ground, especially on surfaces like cement and asphalt, and dogs absorb and release heat through their feet. Just like boots prevent the dog from absorbing the cold in the winter, they also isolate heat.

3.) Watch for signs of dehydration. Dogs can't sweat. They cool off by panting, so an overheated dog will drool excessively. It will become lethargic, its eyes will be bloodshot, and it may appear a little pale. If you lift its skin, it will take longer than usual for the skin to fall back into place.

4.) Keep your dog hydrated! Different dogs have different needs when battling the heat. Keep in mind that darker coats absorb more heat than lighter coats. Also, overweight dogs are at higher risk for dehydration. Carry a bottle of water when going on a walk with your dog. Better yet have your dog carry it for you in a backpack or a vest! The water in the bottles will keep the dog cooler and also give the dog a sense of purpose.

5.) Find innovative ways to cool your dog. Don’t have air conditioning? No problem! Find a spot in the shade and set up a kiddie pool. Lay down a wet towel for your dog to lie on. Or simply set up a fan in front of a pan of ice. At the Dog Psychology Center, we have sprinklers that spray the dogs with a gentle mist of water.

6.) Dogs cool from the bottom up. Make sure to spray the paws and stomach, not just the top of the dog, when spraying it with water. A wet towel does more good on the bottom of your dog than when laid on the top of its coat.

7.) Let your dog dig! Your dog may resort to finding his own way to avoid the heat. Dogs in nature dig their dens not out of frustration but to find food, hide, give birth--or keep cool! If it’s possible, locate a shady area where it’s okay for your dog to dig.

8.) Let your dog check the weather. Dogs don’t have the Weather Channel, so they don’t know why they are being denied a long walk for the day. Allow your dog to step outside and feel for itself that it is too hot, too wet, or too cold to go on a long walk. Instinctually, the dog will understand that it has to shorten its walk, or simply come back inside where it’s safe.

9.) Never leave your dog in a parked car. The car retains more heat than an open area, even if it is in the shade. Plus, a dog may get overexcited in the car due to passersby or panic from claustrophobia, making dehydration more likely. On longer trips, make sure you have water for the dog and keep the AC running.

10.) Use hot weather as an excuse to swim more often! The best activity you can do in summertime or hot weather is swimming. Instead of walking the dog, take the dog on a swim! If you hold on and allow your dog to take you around the pool, it becomes a powerful bonding experience for the two of you, similar to the walk.

Travel Tips Don't forget to book your travel plans on MillanFoundationTravel.com!

A portion of the sale will be donated to the Millan Foundation in support of the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of abused and abandoned dogs.

1.) Prepare. Don't make it a last minute "pack-and-let's-go." Your dog will sense your anxiety and tension. Be ready days in advance, so that your dog has a normal experience before he has to get in the car or on the plane.

2.) Don't feed your dog for at least 6 hours before plane travel. Some people recommend 8 or even a full 24 hours. However, make sure your dog has access to water – enough to keep hydrated but not full.

3.) Bring your dog's blankie. Or his favorite stuffed animal, toy, bone--any item which is familiar to your dog and will comfort and relax him.

4.) Use a soothing scent. Instead of using drugs, try reaching your dog through his nose! Lavender is a great scent that can relax the brain. Drugs can make a dog drowsy and may leave him feeling disoriented and uncertain how to establish himself in a new environment.

5.) Go on a long walk. A recently exercised dog will be in a more relaxed state during any long trip.

6.) Take a break. On a long car ride, stop every four hours during the day for your dogs to relieve themselves, move their organs, and learn that they’re going to another environment. It is important for a dog to experience the different temperatures, smells, and feelings that come with a new environment. This will help make them feel that they are part of the process of moving to a new area.

Once the sun goes down, you can go eight hours non-stop.

7.) Don't leave your dog in the car. Summer temperatures can make a car heat up fast. Add an overexcited dog, and dehydration could be the result.

8.) Go on another walk. Once you arrive at the hotel, ask the staff where there is a nice, safe place to walk around. Then take your dog there for a walk to relax him.

9.) Claim your new space. Now you are ready to go to your hotel room. Enter first. Get the dog to stay where he is. Don’t let him wander around or he’ll assume control of the situation. While you are unpacking, showering, or making phone calls, he is waiting. The only one who should move in the environment is you--until you are ready, then you initiate activity. It’s important that your scent is everywhere before the dog settles in.

10.) Balanced dogs make better travel companions. There is no specific breed or size of dog that naturally travels better than another, but an unstable dog will not make a good travel companion.

Always nurture a balanced state of mind in your dog, and you will create a more pleasant traveling experience for both of you!

Can't bring your dog along? Find a good substitute pack. In a kennel, your dog should be immediately adopted as a member of the pack. The staff should be able to get your dog focused on what is there for him – and not leave him mourning over the fact that you left. It is a big deal for a dog to detach himself from a pack. The new pack should equal or better the pack he just left.

If Your Dog Has Ticks Here are three steps to follow.

Remove the tick immediately. An infected tick can transmit disease in only a few hours. Wear latex gloves, if possible. Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull gently. Clean your hands, the bite area, and the tweezers with disinfectant.

Place the tick in a small container of alcohol. Make note of the date. In case of future illness, tick identification will be important.

Never try to burn, smother, or otherwise get a tick to "back out." Also, do not attempt to remove a tick with your fingers. These methods do not work and can cause the tick to regurgitate more potential pathogens into the dog's skin.