by Jules Roberts

Created on: February 14, 2009

Every so often while I am at home with the TV blaring out its usual nonsense, something on screen reaches out and touches me in a beautiful way. This was the case with Cesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer.

The TV show takes Cesar Milan into the homes of dogs with behavioural problems. The viewer sees a clip of the owners explaining the problems they are having with their dogs. I watch in disbelief as these dogs bark and snap and shake in a sad display of aggression, anxiety and sheer terror. I think to myself: "No way, I wouldn't have that in my house".

Cesar comes on the scence exuding patience as he explains the true needs of dogs. He teaches how humans are often creating the behavioural difficulties by trying to reach out to their pets as if they had a human psychology. Cesar takes them right back to basics and explains the simple rules of dog psychology. Dogs are pack animals that need "a calm and assertive pack leader". Cesar quickly assesses the needs of the dog and gives very clear instructions of how to restore the dog to "a calm submissive state".

In Cesar's own words; "I rehabilititate dogs - I train people", and train them he does! Case after case the dog is transformed and the owners are overwhelmed with gratitude. In some cases you have your heart in your mouth as Cesar goes in alone to meet the dog. You feel certain that he will be attacked and ripped apart by these unbalanced animals. But he proves time and time again that all these dogs need is someone with "good energy" and the patience to carry out his instructions.

Cesar isn't the type of person that teaches a dog to sit down or roll over. He has a wonderful nature which he puts to good use. He really seems to understand creatures (including humans) on a very basic and primal level. It is a very clear and sucessful theory - "dogs understand energy". If you "live in the moment" and let go of your anxiety around your dog, they will feel more happy and secure. Dogs do not understand spoken words or human psychology, but they can quickly recognise "calm assertive energy" and they respond to it very positively. They also need their basic needs met; long walks, discipline, activities.

Its strange that I watch this TV show though I don't have a dog. I was brought up with dogs all my life, and used to think they are wonderful animals. Sadly, I have met too many local people who have their dogs for the wrong reasons - who don't seem to care about having a well balanced dog because they just want a dog that looks

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>