Well, cat and dog related chat really .....

[pinklizzy]

I'd like to use a prong collar on Cesar

[Moli]

Originally Posted by pinklizzy

I'd like to use a prong collar on Cesar

Me too Liz!!

[Velvet]

What about the idiot owners who buy the heinous gadgets in the first place!

[wilbar]

Originally Posted by angieh

wilbar ............. I'm shocked

I think it's just so very sad that someone with such a high profile & such a popular TV programme uses such cruel & dreadful methods on dogs. It's even worse in the US where he's even more popular.

He's also partly responsible for promoting all the old "leader of the pack" type theories ~ i.e. you must show your dog who's boss by eating first, not allowing the dog on the bed or furniture, going through doors first etc etc . Jan Fennell's another one that lives in this fantasy world with her very silly & unscientific methods .

Wolves don't form linear hierarchies struggling to take over the pack, so why we ever thought that theory could apply to domestic dogs, & then extrapolate that to think that dogs would view humans, cats etc as "pack members" is just daft!

But don't let this put you off getting a dog ~ there's a wealth of very knowlegeable dog trainers & behaviourists out there who give very good advice & who keep up to date with the latest scientific research ~ lots of good people on Dogsey too ~ well worth a look.

[calismum]

Originally Posted by wilbar

I think it's just so very sad that someone with such a high profile & such a popular TV programme uses such cruel & dreadful methods on dogs. It's even worse in the US where he's even more popular.

He's also partly responsible for promoting all the old "leader of the pack" type theories ~ i.e. you must show your dog who's boss by eating first, not allowing the dog on the bed or furniture, going through doors first etc etc . Jan Fennell's another one that lives in this fantasy world with her very silly & unscientific methods .

Wolves don't form linear hierarchies struggling to take over the pack, so why we ever thought that theory could apply to domestic dogs, & then extrapolate that to think that dogs would view humans, cats etc as "pack members" is just daft!

But don't let this put you off getting a dog ~ there's a wealth of very knowlegeable dog trainers & behaviourists out there who give very good advice & who keep up to date with the latest scientific research ~ lots of good people on Dogsey too ~ well worth a look.

The first dog I ever owned was an extremely intelligent GSD/Border Collie cross. I went (briefly) to a dog training class with her, it was great for socialisation and some of the more basic commands. After a few weeks we went on to the 'always ensure you go throught the door before the dog' bit.

Please consider if this is always going to be useful!!! Tarah, as I said, was very clever and a quick learner. It took me a long time to work out why, in the house, if she was lying near a door and I approached that she would jump up and walk backwards into me. Dangerous if you have arms full or are carrying a tray etc. She was only doing what I had taught her to do - letting me go first.

I did find another class that was less 'rigid' and she bacame a great fun and obedient dog,and a lovely member of our household. Allbeit right up to her 14th year I tripped over her at doors!!

Angie, don't tie your self in knots over training. Dogs generally imo want to please - that's why they make such great pets. Be consistent - and enjoy your dog they will become a best friend.

[angieh]

I am going to wait until I have the little bundle here before I start any sort of worrying ...... I am sure dogs are all as individual at cats. We will definitely enrol in puppy socialisation classes - must have a dog who is happy around other dogs and people.

Thanks for your input peeps - next time I watch Dog Whisperer, I'll be on the look out for "continuity" or collar errors!

I am a member on Dogsey, but haven't been on there much recently - life has taken over a bit atm.

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by calismum

The first dog I ever owned was an extremely intelligent GSD/Border Collie cross. I went (briefly) to a dog training class with her, it was great for socialisation and some of the more basic commands. After a few weeks we went on to the 'always ensure you go throught the door before the dog' bit.

Please consider if this is always going to be useful!!! Tarah, as I said, was very clever and a quick learner. It took me a long time to work out why, in the house, if she was lying near a door and I approached that she would jump up and walk backwards into me. Dangerous if you have arms full or are carrying a tray etc. She was only doing what I had taught her to do - letting me go first.

I did find another class that was less 'rigid' and she bacame a great fun and obedient dog,and a lovely member of our household. Allbeit right up to her 14th year I tripped over her at doors!!

Angie, don't tie your self in knots over training. Dogs generally imo want to please - that's why they make such great pets. Be consistent - and enjoy your dog they will become a best friend.

Good post

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by angieh

I am going to wait until I have the little bundle here before I start any sort of worrying ...... I am sure dogs are all as individual at cats. We will definitely enrol in puppy socialisation classes - must have a dog who is happy around other dogs and people.

Thanks for your input peeps - next time I watch Dog Whisperer, I'll be on the look out for "continuity" or collar errors!

I am a member on Dogsey, but haven't been on there much recently - life has taken over a bit atm.

Ive only ever had two puppies to socialisation classes - vet run. A lot of vets run their own so you could ask your own vets

I dont think you will have any problems at all Angie.

Years ago I had a friend who had Boxers and kept Siamese cats and she always extolled how well the two got on. Granted we dont have Siamese but its amazing how well the dogs get on with Tim + Amber. Before we got Amber, Tim was convinced he was a dog

The last socialisation classes we went to, it was with Harvey and it was quite a big class. About 12 in all. We were holding each others puppies and Harvey being the typical Boxer thought it was just great - got over excited and did a wee on the lap of the lady who was holding him. The shame of it. She was really nice about it. I just wanted to crawl out of the room.....

It was at the end when we were giving our names for the puppy packs that I thought her name was familiar and not too common and yes, she just happened to be the wife of one of the doctors in the hospital where I worked - is that or is that no a co-incidence Fortunately Harvey grew up to have very good bladder control

[Kobster]

I'm excited that you are getting a puppy, and yes, I agree that a calm household is a better environment for most pets, BUT, if you do what Cesar does to his dogs, your dog will be anything but calm.

Milan is a hollywood fabrication, a sham, a fake, a phony. He has singlehandedly taken dog training back to the dark ages and put animal welfare back just as far. His methods are cruel and outdated.

I think you will be just fine without Cesar. Pups raised with cats tend to adore their kitties siblings. Schnauzers aren't known for their predatory instinct either. You'll be fine.

Do spend some time on Dogsey though. Lots of nice folks there who know their stuff!

[Kazz]

I think raising a dog is like everything a little common sense and forward thinking.....if you don't want you dog on the sofa don't let the cute "oh she's little" puppy on the sofa.
If you want your dog to bite everyone he she comes into contact with then encourage that from cute puppyhood!!!! see what I mean comon sense and work out the gorund rules and stick to them.
Want a dog that is a pain at mealtimes whinning crying beggeing etc and when stopping at a cafe or pub is a no no because of the dog then feed the pup from the table....See what I mean.

Common sense. Your dog is a "refelction of you" in my opinion the best of the best of you.
Sal shows the best side of me. Manners, calm and kind.
My other Staffs have been similar but one was none dog friendly, yet would not consider even trying to lunge and attack but she would not be "picked" on either. But all have been confident, calm and approachable.

Oh and I like the dog whisperer common sense I think excercise, control and affection.