Hello.... I'm new here and I have a question...

[scottielover]

I've watched some of Ceasar's programs on T V and I'm left with this question.... Are his methods only goog for dogs who need to be rehabilitated, or can you start a puppy like that from day one?

I have a wonderful little Scottish Terrier who is now four months old. Generally Scotties are known for their being so stubborn and Mollie is no diferent....it's a caae of "whether she wants to do something or not".

Anyway, is she to young to use Ceasar's methods?

Thanks so much,
Marti

[I]

[MissDolittle]

Welcome scottielover!

Here is a url with all of Cesar's articles:
http://www.dogchannel.com/experts/cesar/default.aspx

Here is the article about new puppies. To give you the answer to your
question: It's NEVER too early to start. The dog mother starts the minute
after birth:

Start Your Puppy Off Right
For your puppy to grow into a healthy, balanced dog, you must demonstrate leadership from day one.
Cesar Millan

New puppy owners often make the mistake of endlessly worrying about finding the right puppy treats or bed. They spend little or no time worrying 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 to serve as the dominant source of alpha energy in their lives.

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 around their dogs. I have had clients who 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 wont behave.

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

The most important thing you can do is to become your puppys pack leader. This role doesnt begin when your dog is six months old or when hes bad. For your puppy to grow into a healthy, balanced dog, you must demonstrate leadership from day one.

Here are some important points to remember in your role as pack leader:

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.

Create a schedule that includes a daily 45-minute power-walk in the morning. This is critical for your dogs health, both physical and mental.

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

Make sure you find a breed that fits your lifestyle. For example, more active breeds, like hunting and herding dogs, require more physical exercise to stay physically and mentally content.

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 the puppy something to do before you share food, water, toys or affection. This way the dog earns his treat. For example, have your puppy 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 puppy will be set up to fail if his new family doesnt learn these lessons before he arrives. Remember, puppies dont crave a fancy treat or bed; they need you to become their stable pack leader to demonstrate love in a way they understand.

[scottielover]

This is exactly what I was wanting to know...

Thank you so much!
Blessings,
Marti

[MissDolittle]

Most welcome :). With Cesar's advice I turned my 3 dogs into followers.
I have an 8 months old Great Dane. He's much stronger than me already,
but he listens. Cesar has it figured out!

[scottielover]

Can I come to this forum and ask questions about training my puppy? Or rather, training ME?

[MissDolittle]

Of course! That's what the forum is for :).

[scottielover]

Mollie is 19 weeks old.... she is a replacement puppy for our older Scottie that we lost some years back. I've waited and waited until just the right time to get a new puppy....

I'm in my senior years now and I have plenty of time for "Mollie". So far we are doing really well, or at least I thought so until I found out about Ceasar...wow....he is so in tune with dogs!

House breaking is going well....we are crate training.

Howver, I have failed to establish my "leadership" position, therefore, we are at a stalemate. She will not come when I call her. I know that I am not suppose to chase after her, thus she becomes the pack leader, so how do I get her to come to me?

I'm sorry to be asking so much so soon, but I really do want Mollie to be an obedient and safe companion...

[Saviah Wildlife]

Try calling during dinner time or with a snack in hand. Obviously then reward her for coming when you call. Continue that until it happens all the time.

That's worked best for me. If it doesn't I'll have more advice.

[MissDolittle]

I found that practice is what works. Dogs are routine animals.

Do you have the same problem inside and outside the house? I started inside
the house and used a long leash. Every day 3 times for ten minutes I put the
dog on the lesh and gave him a toy to play with. Once he was excited I called
him. If there is no reaction I pull the leash with the dog in, sit him down, look
him in the eyes until he looks away. Give him another 30 seconds and encourage
him to play again.

I usually do that after the daily walk and when done with the exercise I
feed him.

Repeat it until it works, then take it outside. Remember, be calm and
assertive..it's the assertiveness that I found did the trick.

Do you have a picture of Mollie? She sounds like a cute dog with a great
and willing owner :).

[scottielover]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/marti/firstclip2.jpg

[MissDolittle]

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[WingedCat]

Awwwww What a cutie! I just love little Scotties. :)