[CIAFreeAgent]

So, I spend a lot of time perusing these forums but haven't posted in a while. I have a 3 y/o APBT named Rico. He has dog aggression and I understand this and manage it.

Here is my issue and I apologize ahead of time if I offend anyone.

Have you noticed that since the popularity of the Dog Whisperer and other shows that seriously every problem any person has with a dog is because of the dog thinking he is "pack leader"

I feel like I could go to some of these people and say my dog has cavities and they will find some round about way to blame it on my "energy" and the order of my "pack"

I respect Ceaser and everything he does. But damn it people(not pbc specific), stop using the word pack in every sentence and stop blaming everything on dominance. That is not to blame for everything. Rico is a very submissive dog(to people), who also happens to have an intense desire to eat other dogs. This cannot be fixed by having "positive energy", a few "eheh's" and a kick to the butt. It is part of who he is and I wouldn't want him any other way.

[6ZCo3xuK]

"Pack leader" is just another way of saying "alpha dog." This thought process has been around LONG before "the Dog Whisperer."

[phinno13]

"Pack leader" is just another way of saying "alpha dog." This thought process has been around LONG before "the Dog Whisperer."

was rico was making the observation that EVERY problem anymore seems to be getting blamed on the dog thinking it is the Alpha (or that something is wrong with the pack order in the home, etc.). I don't think it was equating the concept to whatshis name.

I do worry that a lot of people (some with some actual knowledge, a lot more without) will think seeing his show will make them an "expert" on dog behavior when many of these people I wouldn't trust with a pet rock.

[CIAFreeAgent]

"Pack leader" is just another way of saying "alpha dog." This thought process has been around LONG before "the Dog Whisperer."

I am aware of this, I am just saying that, when people think they can fix every problem by being "alpha", it is downright comical.

[moopierof]

Good post rico, And I agree with you.

[molaunterbizone]

Agreed.

[hasasnn2345tv]

Yeah, apparently Sparkles rolling on the floor and scratching her back while snorting is dominating, according to my family member... Because it was her way to get us all to look at her and give her attention
No, it wasn't an itchy back, it was insubordination.

[popillio]

You need to bring positive, calm, energy to your dog every morning!! Moo-sta!! (or some chant like that!)

I agree as well... but of course, for the majority here, you're preaching to the chior!

[ClapekDodki]

Yeah, I had a roommate once who claimed that as long as he accepted the new cat as part of the "pack", that his two terriers would "read" his "energy" and therefore accept the cat as part of the pack too I just said "oh, really?" and left it at that. Not even worth debating people who have drank the Cesar koolaid.

My "favorite" is when I hear rescuers/foster people saying, "Oh, all my pit bulls get along great, as long as you're a pack leader, they won't get into fights". My response is "Great, and when they get into a fight, let me know how that tsst works out for ya"

[gusecrync]

Good thoughts Rico. You know, the whole alpha dog thing gets out of control I think. By definition, the one who controls the household or "pack" is alpha. This is why it's so important for YOU to build structure for them and don't let the dogs get away with being little shits. They will naturally follow your lead once they know where their food, affection and corrections come from. No need for any jackassery alpha rolls, beatings beyond a swat on the ass once in a while or constantly yelling. In fact the mid level animals are the ones who usually quarrel the most since they are trying to "move up" in their rank, or are frustrated by being subordinate. By instigating shit you are automatically placing yourself below the top of the pecking order in the mind of your dogs.

[Enjknsua]

At least Brad Pattison isn't as popular as Cesar. Then you'd have people karate chopping their dogs in the nose due to the ever popular ''dominace'' issue. I swear the time will come when BOTH of them will have a dog full on attack them and no one will be surprised.

[moopierof]

I won't be... I don't know who Brad is and I'm probably glad I don't, but I've been saying Cesar is trying to get bit for the longest.

[Goooooblin]

Cesar Milan's tactics are a bit controversial. It does get results if the dog is out of control and he can teach a dog to sit, heel, stay, and not rip up the house etc. HOWEVER, he seems to fail miserably when it comes towards understanding breeds. An apbt or even an apbt mix can turn on at any second and while many times you see Cesar walking and even having multiple apbts and pit mixes playing, these dogs are normally 2 years and under. I recall there was an episode of him with his clients apbt and his dog playing together. His dog, Daddy the Pitbull, is actually an ambully (I'm told camelot blood) and the clients dog was under 2 years old. He states to the audience that "pitbulls are not inherently aggressive, it is how you raise them."

[CIAFreeAgent]

^^^^^I fully agree.

I just watched clips from his "most aggressive breeds" episode. He "rehabs" a ridiculouslly HA pitbull type dog, but they still have to keep it muzzled. In my book that isn't rehabbed. Also, that is just a ticking time bomb, he gets all sad. Says most would have put this dog down because it is a pitbull. No, most would put it down because it freaking attacks people and that is what should be done.



This is a little off topic but I have noticed it from watching bits of his show and others.

It is like "pitbulls" have moved from being the cool dog for tough guys and street punks to the cool dog for yuppies and hipsters. This is more scary to me. Yeah, the punks have vicious dogs, but they acknowledge it.

All these bleeding hearts are now all about saving the breed. I say we don't need you and a matter a fact we don't want you. It was great when people stopped rolling their eyes at me and Rico. But now it has swung too far in the other direction, everyone loves these dogs and everyone wants one. That freaking terrifies me.

[phinno13]

[quote]"pitbulls are not inherently aggressive, it is how you raise them."

[6ZCo3xuK]

I wasn't speaking about dominating the dog, etc. I was merely saying that "alpha" mentality has been around for decades. It's not just a new-fangled thing.

For example, what is NILF? NILF is being alpha over your dog: making your dog work for something instead of just giving it to him.