New Pet Obsession Sweeps US...

July 31, 2006 — Jasper, a 2-year-old pit bull, can't run, jump and play with other dogs in New York's Central Park because he is not well socialized and has no patience.

His owner, Eric McLendon, says he is a gentle and loving dog, but he can appear very aggressive when he first meets someone.

Jasper is about to meet his match in the dog whisperer, Ceasar Millan.

"He needs rehabilitation. He needs training," Millan said.

The instant McLendon hands over the leash, the dog relaxes. It's been said the dog whisperer can talk to dogs in their language.

"I'm Ceasar Millan. I rehabilitate dogs, but I train people," he said.

He has channeled his talent into a hit show.

Every week on the National Geographic channel, Millan, 36, takes on a new problem dog and dispenses tough love to the dog and its owner.

The most serious cases call for a stint with the pack at Millan's "dog psychology center" in South Central Los Angeles.

The transformations are often miraculous, which may explain why Millan's fans are so rabid and so numerous.

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Addicted to the Whisperer

I have to watch this show before I leave for work in the morning. Even if it's a repeat and I've seen it 10 times.

Cesar Millan kicks butt. I love that he says he rehabilitates dogs and trains people. Because it's really the owners that have the problems and the dogs simply react. The thing that is both scary and cool is that he makes such a quick and correct assessment of the owners. He could read them instantly and knows exactly what is needed to correct them. As owners, at least. And he's not rude about it. I don't know he stops from rolling his eyes or slapping them. Seriously. All the problems stem from the owners giving affection at the wrong time and reinforcing negative behaviours (although it's about 50% unintentional).

And you know what's weird? It's the little tiny toy dogs that are the most vicious and bite the most. You have this little thing that's aggressive because it's spoiled to death. Yeah, it's cute but don't get too close if you're fond of having all ten digits. I love when he "tssssttt"'s them or "bites" them with his hand. Then they're all submissive and can't do squat.

Cesar is hilarious when he acts out dog behavior. He makes all the goofy movements (like that Scooby Doo "hhhharmph??" head tilt thing) and panting. He just cracks me up. It's amazing that he has about 30 dogs or so at his Dog Psychology Center. He has complete and total control over these pitbulls, rottweilers and whatnot. Amazing. When I see people walking their dogs (or the dogs are walking the owners), I analyze them. Size up their pack-leader-ness.

I don't know if I would ever want to meet him in person though. He would look at me and instantly say: "Too soft, too passive and will only go out with men if they will treat you horribly. You're a doormat." Ha!

26chickys: Dog Whisperer

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Cesar's Way is No 1 on New York Times bestseller list

New York Times bestsellers

Last update: August 22, 2006 – 2:56 PM

ADVICE, HOW-TO AND MISCELLANEOUS

1. Cesar's Way, by Cesar Millan with Melissa Jo Peltier. (Harmony, $24.95.) The star of the television show "Dog Whisperer" offers insight into canine psychology and help solving problems.

2. Your Best Life Now, by Joel Osteen. (Warner, Faith, $19.99.) A faith-based approach to living with enthusiasm. (b)

3. Ultrametabolism, by Mark Hyman. (Scribner, $25.) A weight-loss plan based on eating foods that help burn fat.

4. The Purpose-Driven Life, by Rick Warren. (Zondervan, $19.99.) The meaning of life through God. (b)

5. More Natural "Cures" Revealed, by Kevin Trudeau. (Alliance Publishing Groupo, $24.95.) New health remedies that "they" still don't want you to know about.

New York Times bestsellers

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The Problem with Treating Pets as Children

The Behavior Can Range from Mild to Very Severe

Tracy Brown

Our society seems to treat pets more and more like children. While having your pampered pooch running around in a little dress is cute, it really isn’t good for your pet. Do you really need to go out and continuously buy your pet the latest and greatest pet toy or bed to be happy?

While it may seem like a small problem, it really isn’t. Treating pets as children or little humans can and will create problems in your household. The pampered pet may continuously compete for your attention with your spouse. While you sleep soundly in your bed with your dog, your partner must spend nights on the hard couch, watching TV to pass the time.

This will eventually create more and more problems in your relationship. Your spouse will begin to get angry because you are essentially treating your pet better than them. Relationships have ended over too pampered pets, and even the court systems are starting in on the trend. Now, pets are beginning to be treated as children, and battles are fought over who will get the pet once a divorce occurs. This only adds to the idea the pet has in its mind that they rule the household.

Cesar Milan, better known as The Dog Whisperer works with pet owners to stop treating them like children and more like the pets they are supposed to be. Many owners are afraid that telling their pet no, or disciplining them when they do something wrong is bad. They are afraid of hurting their feelings, and eventually give into whatever they want and desire to do, because of this. Their dogs become unruly and take over the entire house.

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The Problem with Treating Pets as Children - Associated Content

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