“Discipline
isn’t about showing a dog who’s boss; it’s about taking responsibility
for a living creature you have brought into your world.” ― Cesar
Millan, Be the Pack Leader: Use CESAR’S
WAY to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life
Many of you
have had questions about various displays of aggression you are experiencing
with your pit bulls. I would like to share this story about Dasher in an effort
to say you are not alone. There are remedies for unwanted behaviors that almost
always involve contacting a trainer or behaviorist. The important thing to
remember is there are ways to redirect negative behavior and people who are
ready, willing and able to help you.
Now, on to
my tale …
My animals
are my babies. I even hesitate to use the word “owner” because I don’t think it
successfully conveys the nature of my relationship with them. From the day they
come home to the day the leave this earth; I give them the necessities to live
and try to love them as much as I believe they love me. Enter Cesar Millan and
the notion of discipline. Discipline? It rarely enters my mind, and it should.
Recently
Dasher gave a little growl when we approached him as he relaxed on our bed.
Apparently, he had found his spot and didn’t want anyone to interrupt his
slumber. At that moment I was confused, angry, disappointed and sad all at them
same time. Well, maybe angry first and then all the other ones. The reality is
he probably shouldn’t be up on the bed anyway unless we invite him there. Thanks
to advice from our beloved friend and trainer, Christine, he now has his own
place on the floor and is also required to wait until we give him the green
light about a variety of things like getting on the couch or bed.
As you can
imagine, these changes are harder on me than they are on him. I clearly walk a
fine line between being a pack leader and being an enabler. As part of these
new developments in our household, my new mantra is “Be a pack leader and
Dasher will come.” As we at Pitbulls.org have mentioned before, pit bulls are
eager to please and need to know you are the boss. After all, even though he is
my baby, he is a dog, and he needs a strong leader.
Thank you,
Cesar and Christine, for showing me the way!
