Originally Posted by Nikko's_human

I got the book Cesar's Way by Cesar Millan, and I have been reading it to better my relationship with Nikko and make him a "happier, more balanced dog". One of the things I just read was that dogs that run to the door when you come home are not really happy to see you, they are exerting dominance. Huh? I always looked forward to Nikko's little happy dance when I came home but the book says to ignore them until they calm down. I tried it yesterday and it tore my heart in two when my little boy was desperately trying to get my attention and I had to ignore him. The book also says to limit your affection only when the dog is calm. I spend the whole day hugging and kissing Nikko. :confused: The worse one was when I read that energetic and hyperactive dogs more than likely are unhappy and not healthy. I always thought Nikko's extra playfulness and never ending energy was normal yorkie behavior. What gives? I feel like the worse dog-mom and feel like I have caused my dog to have behavior issues. And here I went thinking I had a super friendly, sweet, loving and playful dog. Anyone else read the book? Am I not understanding him correctly? I really admire his work with dogs and I know he knows what he's talking about.

Originally Posted by lolabella

I really don't think our Yorkies think our families are wild wolf packs. When did Mia see mommy or daddy hunt down an animal and gobble down raw flesh? Hubby and I are vegetarians, little missy's food comes from a bag (she knows which one), she sleeps on a comfy mattress, she has a cat for a brother, and she goes on a wee wee pad. I think we are as far removed from the life style of a wolf pack as we could possibly be. Instincts can only go so far. I think pups, like all other living beings, adapt to their environments.

Originally Posted by lolabella

I really don't think our Yorkies think our families are wild wolf packs. When did Mia see mommy or daddy hunt down an animal and gobble down raw flesh? Hubby and I are vegetarians, little missy's food comes from a bag (she knows which one), she sleeps on a comfy mattress, she has a cat for a brother, and she goes on a wee wee pad. I think we are as far removed from the life style of a wolf pack as we could possibly be. Instincts can only go so far. I think pups, like all other living beings, adapt to their environments.

Originally Posted by SnowWa

I'm a real Caesar fan -- but somewhere along the line - I heard him mention a hundred times that he is not a dog trainer.... he works with dogs that have problems. He a behaviorial specialist.

Another time, I heard him say that a lot of things that are problems with bigger dogs are not problems with smaller dogs (not that small dogs can't have problems - they certainly can!)

We certainly know when our dogs are happy and well adjusted --- and when their behavior is acceptable to us. And, I'm sure a lot of us rightfully feel that we have no real problems with our little dogs.

When we come home and out little dogs run around in circles, stand on their hind legs, and occasionally bump into our legs. This is no problem.
BUT - if you came home to a 70 to 150 dog that exhibts the same behavior, I would consider this a problem. Especially, if the person coming into our house is a child, a relative, a neighbor, or a friend.

I read his Caesar's book too. And, I think his emphysis on exercise is another things that is more geared to somewhat larger dogs (especially with dogs that need to be better controlled). We don't need to go to quite these same lengths to exercise our tiny little house dogs. Although they certainly need daily exercise also and our walking with them is a wonderful way to bond with them and exercise them at the same time.

I have seen Caesar work with small dogs with behavioral problems - separation anxiety - aggressiveness - etc. ....very effectively. And - I've used some of Caesar's methods with my two small dogs, and I was amazed at how quickly I taught them to behave in certain ways.

As I read his book, I kept thinking of my friends and relatives with big dogs who have all sorts of problems - and kept thinking "So and so should be reading this book - or some other person should be reading this book." But, like a lot of you, my little Yorkie was just lying there beside me - and truthfully, a lot of the book wasn't geared toward a little guy like him who has never been a problem for me or anyone.

But at the same time -- let's admit that we read a lot of posts here on YT about a lot of little Yorkies that are quite aggressive and have other problems as well. And how many times have we seen people advise someone to get a behavorial specialist ASAP. Perhaps these are the times when Caesar's advise might be welcome.....or needed.

I got his DVD also about "Aggression." I don't need it - I have the two most passive dogs in the world. But, I do have a lot of friends with dogs that have aggression problems -- and they are all in line to see this DVD. Plus, I just want to learn more about working with dogs or being around dogs that are aggressive. I think his work and methods are very interesting....

So - I enjoyed his book and his DVD - I'm still a big fan.

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***** Have to laugh - my daughter said that for those of you who think of your little dogs as your children and your babies - Caesar's book would be a waste of time and money - you need a book on "how to raise children."

Carol Jean

Originally Posted by Nikko's_human

I read that energetic and hyperactive dogs more than likely are unhappy and not healthy.

Originally Posted by Nikko's_human

One of the things I just read was that dogs that run to the door when you come home are not really happy to see you, they are exerting dominance.