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By Sam Basso, Dog Trainer & Behaviorist
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Copyright 2006 All Rights Reserved
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What is Dog Whispering?
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- There are
more and more dog trainers out there starting to call themselves “Dog
Whisperers”. So, what does that mean, and how do you know if you are
working with a Dog Whisperer?
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- The
foundation of “Dog Whispering” is the belief that the most psychologically
healthy environment for a dog is a working dog pack, and that non-medical
mental disorders can be resolved within a dog pack. Thus, Dog
Whispering is a behavioral modification method using human leadership and
dog packs to rehabilitate dogs exhibiting aggressive, anxious, compulsive,
destructive, hyperactive, and/ or fearful mental disorders.
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- In
addition, for some practitioners, Dog Whispering also involves the use of
sensory techniques such as massage, and homeopathic therapeutic agents,
such as alternative medicines and therapies. Further, some Dog Whisperers
claim to be able to manipulate mystical spiritual energy fields emanating
from people, animals and the environment.
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- The method
also teaches dog owners how to behave around their dogs, to project
safety, leadership, calmness, and confidence. The method stresses that the
humans in the home are to be the absolute leaders of the dogs.
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- At Paws
To Play, we can and do offer “Dog Whispering” services. We have packs
of stable, well adjusted dogs which can be used to help rehabilitate your
dog’s behavioral issues. This method is not suitable for all situations,
and after an evaluation by our Head Trainer, we can recommend the
appropriate behavior modification program for your dog. However, we do not
practice homeopathy, nor do we claim to be psychic, able to determine your
dog’s spiritual needs. There are sound principles behind the Dog
Whispering method. On the other hand, there has been a mystique presented
in the marketing of this method, which we feel is deceptive trickery.
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- Like
everything in behavior, this method doesn’t solve all the problems you
will have with your dog. Dog Whispering traditionally doesn’t involve
any kind of obedience training. Thus, this method won’t teach your dog to
come when called, or prevent your dog from jumping up on the countertop
and stealing your hamburger. It also isn’t as complicated as some trainers
will make it out to be. All good trainers are aware of, and practice,
using leadership, socialization, behavior modification, and training to
improve dog behavior. The difference with Dog Whispering is a method that
focuses on using dog packs to address certain types of mental disorders.
The method also does not employ any kind of obedience training, thus your
dog won't be an obedient companion if all you do is employ such services.
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What About Cesar Millan?
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- The most
famous Dog Whisperer is Cesar Millan, founder of the Dog Psychology Center
in Los Angeles, CA. He focuses on three elements when dealing with any
dog: exercise, discipline and affection, in that order.
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- Regarding
his method, Cesar Millan runs a type of doggie daycare. He uses
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- a.) a
considerable amount of exercise, including the use of treadmills and
backpacks, as a way of relaxing dogs to prepare them for
counter-conditioning exercises
- b.) packs
of dogs to rehabilitate unstable, fearful or aggressive dogs;
- c.)
Leashes and chain collars to block jumping, whining, possessiveness,
biting, aggressiveness, excessive barking, mounting, fighting, active
dominance challenges;
- d.)
Redirection to get dogs doing alternative behaviors in play areas,
obstacle courses, a pool, a feeding area, a sleeping area, and an eating /
drinking area;
- e.)
calming techniques using hand feeding;
- f.) a
limited amount of obedience training, such as teaching the dogs to heel on
a loose lead at the handler’s side;
- g.) a
“claw” technique, his own version of the “alpha rollover”, and a pursuit
technique to deal with dogs that don’t show submission to other dogs or
people;
- h.)
“flooding” for phobias;
- i.) “calm
/ assertive” handler techniques;
- j.) touch
and sound techniques to interrupt, correct and / or redirect behaviors;
- k.) a
variety of traditional manners rules, which are implemented with the “no
free lunch” type of approach;
- l.) a
variety of games and other “mental challenges”; and
- m.) human
intervention.
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- He also
believes that obedience training doesn’t fix everything, and feels that an
“all positive” approach to behavior modification is not justified for many
dogs, especially those that are dangerously aggressive or on the verge of
being put to death for behavioral problems.
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We use some of these same techniques in our Dog Whispering program.
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Is The Dog Whispering
Method Effective?
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- In my
experience, the Dog Whispering method is effective… sometimes. It has been
oversold, however, because it has become a new way for trainers to charge
for their services. The use of dog packs for behavior rehabilitation is
nothing new. The crazy claim that people have mystical powers to
communicate with animal spirits isn't new, either. But, the specific
marketing of these dog pack rehabilitation methods is new.
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- We have
worked to develop a Dog Whispering program that doesn't involve mysticism
or false claims of miracle cures.
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- True Dog
Whispering is especially effective
for fearfulness, some forms of aggression, and for spoiled dogs.
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- On the
other hand, if your dog has not completed obedience training, your dog
won't be easy to live with... the other dogs won't teach your dog to come
back and not get hit by a car, or to not jump up on guests, or to stay off
the furniture.
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