QUOTE: Cesar Millan crap (snapping or pulling a dog back).
I have done the same thing that Ceasar recommends with my dog wearing a harness. It doesn't hurt him a bit.
Actually - I think Caesar is one of the least "rough" dog trainers I have every seen. And, for heaven's sake ---- look at the animals he's working with - and look at the size of most of them. I have yet to see him work with a little 5-pound Yorkie. I'm sure he would treat it accordingly. I have heard him say that "little dogs" (because they are so little) often don't cause some of the same problems that big dogs do. But - he did say that little dogs are sometimes more aggressive - and definitely often more spoiled.....which can sometimes make them difficult to live with.
Training???? I totally believe that sometimes a little strict training in the beginning for a short period of time -- is worth the effort. After all, some of our training is directed toward keeping our little pups from running away, running out in the street and getting hit by a car, biting people or other dogs, etc. Some training as young and as quickly as possible is necessary.
(and NO - I don't believe in hurting or being mean) --- but pulling back, swiftness, our tone of voice, etc. can sometimes accomplish a lot.
I'd rather be a little strict with my pup - than have him run out in front of a car a month later.
A lot of the amount and types of training we need to do depends on the environment our little guys live in. So - we need to train accordingly.
My little neice ran into the street the other day and almost got hit by a car. This really scared her mother to death. She got the first and only spanking she has ever had (and, of course, it wasn't a bad spanking - but it really made an impression on this little girl - and perhaps it saved her life.)
Carol Jean |