No sooner does Victoria Stilwell put out an appeal for anyone interested in appearing in It's Me or the Dog, than Cesar Milan is on the lookout for dog problems to solve! He is particularly interested in Australian problem dogs. Anyone dealing with, "unusual phobias, obsessions, fearful behavior, aggression, or any other unique situations that Cesar could help transform" should make a short five to seven minute video. To find out more details go to this page. If you live in America you can make a tape too, and details are on this page.
It always amazes me when I watch Victoria Stilwell or Cesar Milan at work, how bad a situation some people are willing to put up with. I suppose problems develop slowly and worsen over time, and because we love our dogs, it takes a lot to push us to the edge. Also, one person's problem behaviour is another person's acceptable behaviour. For example I love my Lab nudging me or attention, but other people find it irritating. Solution - stop asking those people to my house. It might not be what Cesar or Victoria would come up with, but each to his own.
What is also amazing is how these trainers do find training regimes that fix apparently unfixable problems. I do like positive reward-based dog training. At the end of the day, I think it boils down to show the dog, reward the dog, and repeat as necessary. Hey that doesn't sound bad - if I get me a pair of knee length boots like Ms Stilwell (check out the UK outfit she wears, it's toned down for the US version) or a cute accent like like Mr Milan, maybe I could get a TV show?
For now though I'll stick to radio, and the latest episode, including a must-listen interview with Dr. Dawn Marcus author of Fit as Fido, and an insight into a day in the life of a successful Dogs Trust Centre is available now - Episode 87.
Take care,
Julie x