BusynMember
Well-Known Member
I know I shouldn't humanize my dogs, and their behavior is so much better in three days I shouldn't complain. In fact, my two male dogs used to mark constantly and haven't marked once in two days, a miracle. But my most dominant dog is acting mopey and depressed. I feel terrible. I wonder if he thinks I don't like him anymore or if the Dog Whisperer guy who came out scared him. Yet he was such a problem child. The dog was running the house.
Dog lovers, what would YOU do? There is more gentle training methods, but I don't think Rufus would be very open to them. The methods that use only positive reinforcement don't do squat for my dog. I really DO have to force that I'm in charge. He needs to sit before he can come inside, and I go in first. He needs to be forced to sit if he won't. I am walking him, and jerking my wrist when he tries to pull (this is LOTS of fun--my wrist is getting a workout--however the dogs have never worked so well). I keep hearing that Cesar's methods are abusive and it's making me think I'm abusing my babies. However, I was such a soft touch that they truly were out of control. I watch Victoria Stillwell on Animal Planet too, but I don't think my two cockers would comply with her methods. They are incredibly strong-willed and I don't think treats would be enough to change their behaviors. Yes, I've tried. So far, they'll take the treats, but won't change their behavior. The tough love is working!!!! Am I mean?
How do you know what's right and wrong? I haven't hurt them, and I won't. I feel guilty. I know, I need a life
Dog lovers, what would YOU do? There is more gentle training methods, but I don't think Rufus would be very open to them. The methods that use only positive reinforcement don't do squat for my dog. I really DO have to force that I'm in charge. He needs to sit before he can come inside, and I go in first. He needs to be forced to sit if he won't. I am walking him, and jerking my wrist when he tries to pull (this is LOTS of fun--my wrist is getting a workout--however the dogs have never worked so well). I keep hearing that Cesar's methods are abusive and it's making me think I'm abusing my babies. However, I was such a soft touch that they truly were out of control. I watch Victoria Stillwell on Animal Planet too, but I don't think my two cockers would comply with her methods. They are incredibly strong-willed and I don't think treats would be enough to change their behaviors. Yes, I've tried. So far, they'll take the treats, but won't change their behavior. The tough love is working!!!! Am I mean?
How do you know what's right and wrong? I haven't hurt them, and I won't. I feel guilty. I know, I need a life