Meeting Cesar Millan!

Some of my pack and had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Cesar, the Dog Whisperer! And so did I!! Meet Nic and her GWPs in this photo of the 3 of us humans and many dogs!

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Next here we are as Cesar walks some of my dogs, and a quick chat before he adds these 4 small ones to the pack with those he is already walking!

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We took the dogs down to London for an official "Pack Walk" photo shoot, they did great and Cesar simply picked up the leashes to walk around London! The photos even made the Daily Express here and are all over the Internet! So proud of my dogs they did great, all dogs had calm and balanced, no over-excitement just relaxed, Cesar enjoyed meeting and walking them. I add Cesar himself had a wonderful energy, calming and freindly, the dogs showed respect straight away to his balanced calm assertive energy without any words or commands, I assure you they simply followed his leadership! Here is a link to more photos:

http://www.celebmad.com/users/GossipGirl/photos/index.cfm/Cesar-Millan-launches-The-Dog-Whisperer-show-on-Nat/thumbs


http://www.allaccess.nl/index.php?ajax_queryzoekitem=125513&ajax_querytype=get_eventoverzicht

Nic, my friend and colleague, brought along her 3 rescued GWPs, 11 dogs in total for Cesar! Then on Friday evening Nic and I went out to dinner with Cesar and some of his team. A wonderful time was had by all and I sat next to Cesar enjoying a conversation about ...dogs of course, seeing some great photos of Daddy and Junior too!

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Now I can also say that I am privileged to be going on Tour UK in the role of the "Dog Handler" for all the UK events next March, and Nic is the Tour "Dog Coordinator". So I hope you are all buying your tickets UK - for a superb event in a city near you? Sadie, Bob and Jack will also be joining Cesar on tour as the balanced dogs, along with a couple of others from my pack at some venues! More news on how you can apply to have your dogs take part in the shows coming soon!

This is a truly exciting journey we are on here, knowing how Cesar's inspiration will help to save many more lives and train people in Cesar's special way, we in the UK are indeed honoured to have Cesar here next March.

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Cesar's Way WORKS - my pack here with Cesar are proof, look how balanced and contented canines they are with the Dog Whiperer who they have only just met yet follow no problem! AND - just in case some are wondering if my dogs are often in big cities walking around - NO - they live here at the beach some had never been in a city before, they trust me and I honour that trust to keep them all safe and well, Cesar shows us here how he can gain that turst and respect within seconds of meeting a dog. so they loyally follow him too!

Finally, Cesar confirmed my long-time thinking - Max my Dobey is a very calm balanced dog! Power breed dogs can indeed be calm submissive to a balanced leader.

Safi helped by pack!

Safi arrived into the pack as a foster for rehabilitation, a beautiful looking GWP yet a rescue dog at only 9months! Here she is with her "mentor" Max my balanced Dobey, to find out more about the top photo see the end of this post! Safi was rescued by GWP Rescue UK, thanks to this organisation for being there to help rescue dogs like Safi finding them both foster and forever homes.

Safi had some key problems, she would bark, be destructive (as my ex-blinds would soon find out) and toilet when left alone. This one needed the pack to help out by showing her how to behave when left, within weeks she rests well at such times and no acting-out...thanks Pack now I have new blinds!

She was also crate phobic, having spent much of her life in a kennel, this is still a work in progress, she can be calm in the crate now for about 20minutes, we gradually increase this with daily practise!

In the beginning Safi was leashed to me or dragging a leash while she learned the home rules, between the pack and I Safi has graduated and no longer needs any such leash boundary. A work in progress is Safi seeing my pet rabbit having his free time run around, this fires up her preydrive via my window she stares...points at him....we are working on this one...calm submissive around my bunny...in time with practise and consistency....much patience...we will succeed!

Food aggressive to other dogs - Oh yes we found this out quickly, but mainly due to her being so very under-weight! Now we have found a food that suits her she is putting weight on - previously no solid poop was not good ...for me or her! Some rehab from me and again lessons in eating together from the pack and food aggression cured!

The main thing for me was the pack accepting this new member - particularly my high ranked dogs like Max, as you can see from the photo that is "job done!" Max spends much time washing her ears and showing her how to run the beaches, Max now 7 looks real slow next to this fast GWP! Safi has learned how to play "gently" with our Chihuahua puppy Ava - they are about the same age, so another good in-pack moment. Safi is respectful to the older females...the matriarchs Patsy and Eddie, Absolutely Fabulous...yes another dog named after characters from this fab TV series...Safi!

Which all means...Safi is no longer a foster, she is a full pack member now and she is much rehabilitated so that she works many cases with me helping other dogs gain balance, she is now our "super stooge dog"! So from a rescue dog to a dog who helps others, again the power of the pack at work. Older dogs and balanced pack members can always show the way to younger or other less balanced dogs!

Safi has taught me so much too, especially about this breed....always ready to learn from my dogs!

So the photo with Monty my Gt Dane, well Monty does not normally take to new dogs preferring to be left alone with the dogs he knows...well he has with Safi as you can see he is her cushion - so she stays with us as her forever home!

Beautiful Balance - these photos show how dogs resting together

can be so bonding!

Meet a Pack - USA!

Hello all, and Thank you to Jen for her lovely comment here in reply to my last post.

Here is a great picture for all of you, showing how balanced and calm power breed dogs can be, when they have structure and a balanced life with a calm assertive Pack Leader. Jen's 2 dogs, on the left looking at the photo, and 3 clients on the right.

Remember Cesar's fulfillment formula - Exercise, Discipline then affection - it works when we work it!

With my pack's exercise, we do more on-leash than off now as inspired by Jen, this gives my dogs a greater mental workout, not just a physical one! I add back-packs to increase the mental challenge.

Truly I have seen improvements already, the pack are more relaxed, even PeterPan! We do 75% on-leash with 25% off-leash in the middle.....as a reward for walking well next to me. This more structured way is the way to bond - as one pack!

So when my Terriers are off-leash now, do they still run off after small rodents? NO! Amazing - they follow me and my ways off-leash too! This calmer way meets their needs, so can indeed block breed instinct. They are all super-tired in the afternoons!

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So if your dog is still not tired after a walk off-leash - try changing the structure and increase on-leash work-out! Free roaming or running is not as "natural" as we humans may think it is for Species Dog!

Pack Walking - It is the Way to Walk!

Meet Nunu!

Nunu sitting contented with Jill, a balanced boy these days!

Nunu, on top of his pal, and owner Tina sitting with Jill.

Hello All! I am back from my trip to LA, USA! So here comes some pictures from my wonderful trip! Staying with Jen, a fellow Ambassador and my own mentor, was a marvelous opportunity I really appreciate and very much enjoyed. "It was hot hot hot in LA!"

To begin here is a photo of "Nunu" , the Chihuahua from the very first ever DW Show - Next he is sitting on the Goldie, alongside are Tina his owner and my fellow Ambassador Jill. I had the super opportunity to chat with Tina, a wonderful lady with her rehabilitated Nunu, they are both an inspiration. Did Nunu let me stroke him, Oh "Yes" :-)

The fundraiser was a great day, Jen and Jill hosted this event with a committee of helpers, they worked so hard to put on this event and all really did a superb job, I truly enjoyed my day here. The aim was to raise money for the Cesar and Ilusion Millan foundation, the amount is yet to be confirmed yet I do know we can class this as a huge success.

At the event we were honoured to meet some of the Foundation Team, truly a great experience to learn all about the aims of this most inspirational and deserving of causes.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all at the event and everyone who helped make the day such a success, it was lovely to meet you all and be so very welcomed. and for those who did not make this day - see you there next year!

Much more to come about my trip and many more photos so stay tuned to my blog!

Suzie Goes to LA, USA!

Hello all, Tomorrow, Wednesday 24th June, I am flying to the USA, California! And this is much more than "just a holiday" - read on!

I will be staying with my fellow Cesar Millan Ambassador, Jen Freilich, a top USA Trainer and Behaviourist, check out Jen's website for more information: http://www.attheendofyourleash.com/
Jen is my mentor and my most gracious hostess for the week, I am indeed honoured to be able to stay with Jen.

I am privileged to be able to attend the fundraiser that Jen, and our Ambassador Jill, are working so hard in delivering at the moment - this fundraiser is in aid of the Cesar and Illusion Millan foundation, Cesar helps save dogs lives all around the USA!

As well as having this wonderful opportunity to work with Jen and learn even more from her great experience, I will get to meet some stars of the DW show at the fundraiser too - "Daddy" Cesar's dog, a wonderful balanced Pitt Bull, and "Nunu" as well as "Whilshire" the fire department dog - remember these great episodes hey?!

I will take some pictures and then share them with you here on blog.

A huge "Thank you" to my Mum and Dad, without whose support this trip would not be possible, and of course to "Simon" (my husband) who is looking after the pack for me! A special "Thank You" as well to CJ - the founder and leader of the Ambassador group and so much more, a huge inspiration to me, without whom this trip would not have come about, CJ united the Ambassador group and made physical distance no problem. Now with thanks to this group of people my pack are balanced, we are spreading the word in the UK about the sucesses of Cesar's Way, and...I am going to America!

"Stay Calm Assertive" Pack Leaders - I will be posting soon from States Side so stay tuned!

"People Training"! Let's Talk Dogs!

Pack Leader events are all about learning a little dog psychology to help you live in balance with your dogs. These classes are popular because they are all about real life with our pet dogs, not just dog training or only the science!

We look at how to be the Pack Leader, how dogs learn and how our dogs make associations leading them into a type of behaviour or response! And so much more - to find out all about this "people training" then get in touch so I can send you a sample menu...I mean list of topics! We do look at real problems and into the solutions, there are regular "Q&A" sessions as well.

I love presenting these events, we have fun while learning all about dogs. This event in the picture was in Northamptonshire, hosted by my wonderful friends at "Pack Your Paws" and "The Scarlet Paw Print" who also have my "Thanks" for the photos, please do visit their websites: http://www.packyourpaws.com/ and http://www.thescarletpawprint.com/about.html

We can have these events with or without your dog present, we do have half or full days, I can meet your needs so we can create the event just for you!

I share with you success stories, my top tips, and my dogs Bob and Sadie help with demonstrations. Visit my website for further information about my services http://www.suziecrystaldogs.com/

Learn to talk with the animals, species dog!

Pack Leader Training Days!

Here is a picture from one of my people training events, this one was in Northamptonshire. These days or half days are all about teaching owners a little dog psychology and how to be the Pack Leader, Cesar's Way!

At these events "dogs are welcome" too! Here I am leading the way with my Sadie and Bob modeling "how to walk as followers"! This is human leadship/adult dog socialisation - a way to walk together in harmony.

So we begin with a "Pack Walk" - a structured walk to unite all dogs as one pack, this is not about "saying HI" in human ways by us sharing touch/hugs/words with other dogs. Nor is this walk about letting the dogs play, it is all about walking in tune together so all dogs become one pack, "just for now"! All the dogs also learn that none of the other dogs on the walk with them are a threat to them! This creates a balanced bond, while releasing some excited dog energy, many dogs get excited when new people and dogs are all in one place near them, so then all dogs can calmly wait while I teach their owners.

More about these classes coming soon, I run them "Anytime .. Anywhere .. Any Place", a wonderful way to learn more about Being the Pack Leader as I coach you and a chance to meet-up with friends, their dogs too. A fun experience for all as well, including behaviour problem solving!

This is "The Power of the Pack Walk" - Walking together is truly the way to contented canines and pleased people!

Southern California? - YOU could Meet "Daddy"! UK please read too!

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Hello All - Special Announcement for you

in South California, or nearby, States Side!

AND

an opportunity to support Cesar from the UK!

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Presenting Jen - "At The End Of Your Leash", S.California

http://www.attheendofyourleash.com/

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This is a special event coming very soon, a wonderful fundraiser in support of "The Cesar and Illusion Millan Foundation" with a once in a life-time opportunity to meet the beautiful Daddy, Cesar's balanced Pit Bull! You can meet some of your Cesar Ambassadors too!

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And as well as other great speakers, my own favourite "Nunu" and owner Tina will be there, "Nunu" is the Chihuahua from the very first DW show episode - a very well rehabilitated little/big dog, my Ava would love "Nunu", "Oh how I wish I could be there to meet Nunu and Daddy!" Don't miss this chance if you can get there, do so and say a big "HI" from my pack and I!

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This event is being run by Jen Freilich, Owner/Trainer/ Behaviorist and Official West Coast Regional Cesar Millan Ambassador, USA:

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Jen owns/runs "At The End of Your Leash!", Dog Training & Rehabilitation Center for Complete Canine Wellness! Jen is also a key mentor of mine, frequently inspiring me with her amazing knowledge of canines and their owners too!

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Here are some of the details from Jen herself:

When: Saturday, June 27th, 2009; Time: 2:00 - 9:00 pm;

Location: At The End of Your Leash! Dog Training & Rehabilitation Center for Complete Canine Wellness, Riverside, Ca. 92508;

Tickets: Before June 15 - Adult $25 / Children (11&under) $12Tickets: After June 15 - Adult $30 / Children (11&under) $15;

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Who's invited: ALL of YOU!

YET,.. tickets are limited,.. there are only 250 available, and they are going fast! This is most certainly a "can't miss" fundraiser for one of the best organizations!

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Cesar has given to all of us unconditionally, now its your turn to give back! We want ALL of you there! Many of you live in Southern California, contact me today for your tickets!

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For those who cannot make it, have no fear! YOU can still HELP! YOU can still GIVE BACK! Send a donation in any amount! Its all tax deductible!

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Contact Details:

www.attheendofyourleash.com

Jen Freilich TEL: 951-288-5034 OR

jeniferfreilich@ aol.com for email contact with Jen and/or

to send a donation/become a sponsor of this event, via paypal.

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CrystalDogs ........and our new website: http://www.suziecrystadogs.com/ Check us out here!!

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I am raising sponsoring on behalf of the UK supporters of Cesar's Way, I know my PeterPan is one contented canine now thanks to the inspiration of Cesar Millan!

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So if you wish to join me, and get a mention at the event, even though we over the pond here so may not be able to attend in person, then do get in touch with me or Jen directly!

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A little more about the foundation

this fundraiser is supporting:

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National Geographic’s “The Dog Whisperer,” Cesar Millan and his wife Ilusion Millan have founded The Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation, a national, non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation designed to aid and support the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of abused and abandoned dogs.Your Pledge allows The Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation to provide financial support and rehabilitation expertise to shelters throughout the United States, ultimately enabling them to maintain the highest standards of care and assistance to animals under their protection.

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The millions of animals that enter shelters each year need the help of strong Pack Leaders. We count on you to lead the charge in helping The Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation save more dogs from euthanasia. Each of these abandoned animals deserves a second chance. Together we can prevent unwanted litters, assist overcrowded shelters, and provide resources to the rescues that work diligently to rehabilitate these dogs and find them the forever homes they deserve.

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With your donations, the Millan Foundation is able to provide monetary grant support to the shelters and rescues20on the front lines. These organizations are rescuing dogs from abusive puppy mills and euthanasia lists, alleviating shelter overcrowding through spaying and neutering, and educating today’s youth on proper pet care and the humane and compassionate treatment of animals. To learn more about the foundation, please visit www.MillanFoundation.com.

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So please join me in wishing the organisers Jen,

and fellow CA Ambassador Jill Vega,

great success with this event!

THE UK - "CRYSTALDOGS" WISH YOU WELL!

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Look out for more "After-event" opportunities and "read all about it" - check back in here!

Model Dogs!

The "Power of the Pack" can truly help other dogs recover balance and teach puppies how to follow the rules of the pack...home!

I have recently begun taking Max, my balanced Dobey, out for walks with the "Rehab 3" - my 3 Terriers who have been "highly reactive" to other dogs they pass-by in the past. While Mickey and Timmy simply react with excitement, PeterPan would react with aggression!

Walking with Max we are now passing-by other dogs with no reactivity from any of the "Rehab 3"...nothing...after just one week, they walk on by just like their respected, high ranked dog Max!

I spent much time rehabilitating PeterPan from his severe dog-dog aggression, 1 year in recovery he is no longer red-zone, yet he would still react with a level of "Terrier excitement" upon seeing another dog, now with Max to help he is much calmer and not so anxious. PeterP needed much one-one rehab time first, now he is ready to walk with the others Max is proving a great role model!

I add though this is not all due to modelling from Max, I have increased the pace and the amount of challenge during this exercise, both mental and physical! As well as stepping-up my calm assertive energy - altogether this works and I am the leader of this 4-dog-pack!

Some of my dogs are very experienced "stooge" dogs, dogs who can help other dogs recover by remaining calm submissive and showing the way to balance through their own behaviour/energy, this works well even for an insecure or aggressive dog.

Ava, the puppy, has 9 other balanced dogs to model from on our walk, she is doing great walking in tune with the pack, ears back truly focused on walking next to me in balance with the pack!

The "Power of the Pack" is truly inspirational, if we are open to learn from our balanced dogs we can indeed help other dogs, dogs helping dogs recover balance.

"Discover the way to lead the way" -

My 14 dogs can show you the way too!

Together, my pack and I are CrystalDogs, -

We have "Pack Power"!

AVA...The Angel or Diva?

Ava gets her Angel wings... I mean, of course, her ears as they have now stood in up "Pure Chihuahua" style!

Sometimes she is a real Angel, other times she becomes a complete "Diva" when she struts around showing off a toy! She does this with complete confidence as she shows the other dogs, or us, her "toy". As she struts she makes a sound like "ooohooowoo", which starts low in tone then raises to a "hoo" then lowers again!

At feeding time she has now joined the small dog pack (small in size not in energy or rank!) This is when she can become the "devil puppy" as she is making clear communication that her bowl is hers! When she does this little "growl" I correct her with a "psshttt" and a touch so she stops immediately - possessive behaviour is not allowed at feeding time!

Each day we make progress with feeding time, just today she waited for her food giving me space to prepare it, then sat for me before I gave her the bowl. I also give her a boundary - using my arm I block her from going over to another dog's bowl - she would steal their food if she could do so as a "typical puppy", no dominance behaviour allowed in my pack either!

Ava is naturally a very high ranked dog, energetic as well she could become dominant, but here she cannot as there is no human she can dominate and all dogs are all equal followers to me, so no animals to dominate either!

At only 4 months she has now joined the "Big Walk". We began with small regular walks during the day as we socialised her to the walk experience and taught her how to walk on the leash. Today she joined 8 of my pack which includes the Dobey, Gt Dane, Setters and a few of the smaller dogs too. This "Big Walk" is on and off-leash here at the beach for over an hour - Ava did great, my Chihuahua is a "Big Dog" now!

So if I want more of "Ava the Angel" than "Diva the Devil" - I need to keep up this new exercise routine, "YES" she is a Chihuahua yet she is also a "Dog" and needs to walk/run/play too. Discipline is going to be an absolute necessity with Ava, as much as it is for the rest of the pack to live as contented canines, if any of my females even senses a vacancy for Pack Leader one would try to take over then we would be in chaos here!....And that "one" may just be Ava!

"Exercise and Discipline before affection" is the way

to fulfil our dogs - it works for Chihuahuas too!

Cat is in the Pack!

Meet Socks, the cat, who proves Cesar's point that all species are "animal" first then species, as animals they can indeed unite as one pack!

When dogs "howl" they do this to stay in touch with the pack and their leader! Howling is not a protest or an "alerting" behaviour like barking.

I go out to feed the small animals in the front garden each morning and, though I am only a few feet away from my pack, they howl...little Jack starts this with his tiny voice and then all the dogs join in!

Now .....the other day Simon was here when they howled to me and he said there was one very strange howl...it came from the room the dogs do not go into - "cats room"! Socks, our cat, was joining in the "pack howl" - sat on his chair head tilted he was copying his pack mates the dogs with a howling noise..."cat style"!

So even though Socks the cat does not share the same home space as the dogs, he is still a pack member according to him! The reason he lives apart is because the Terriers' instinct could not be trusted around this furry animal, but this said he is a very dominant cat who has stood his ground when the dogs pass-by him on a walk! I never leave cat and my dog pack alone unsupervised...prey drive, remember, is one thing we cannot control unless we leaders are very close-by to do so!

Actually, Socks is supposed to be an outdoor cat, but at times he prefers the comfy life in his own private room! When he is out and about he does not fear dogs, he fears the chickens here yet sits happily with the rabbits!

The other day Socks sat in the road and refused to move for a passing car, I had to go move him as he tried to swipe the driver who went over to him! - Here it is "beware of the cat"!

Ava, our Chihuahua puppy, touches noses with Socks the cat! She likes him and he seems to be OK with her as he has not swiped his paw...yet...but I think Ava senses this grumpy cat and moves off quickly after their greeting!

Dogs are Dogs...Cats are Cats...YET all are

ANIMAL FIRST so can be "One Pack"!

Max Saved a Life - Cesar's Way!!!

My story of Max protecting Jack clearly shows how Cesar Millan works to help many dogs into recovery - by using the "inter-species" language called energy - Calm Assertive Energy as we saw Max use in the story!

This is "why" Cesar's Way works - because dog whispering is all about mimicking the dogs themselves, their ways, not human ways, to communicate "stop". Then as dogs live in our domestic world we need to "redirect" - tell/show then what we ant them to do instead and use "positive reinforcement" to reward the wanted behaviour.

Max, a balanced dog of a high rank, can truly be calm assertive and stop an attack without joining in to fight. So we can use this to stop dogs from using behaviour we do not want, while we would never throw a dog we can block dogs in a way they understand - using energy, but only ever calm assertive, body language and vocal tone! Oh and that means "no words" just sound and tone!

OK so we don't throw but we can block. Dogs will block another by standing firm and confident! Calm is the energy needed if we want to try to communicate "we are leader" in "canine" so "stop"!! I can usually stop a dog charging at me and have written about this in some of my earlier blog posts so please do check them out!

There is no doubt in my mind what Max was doing to stop the attack and no doubt of Cesar's ability to teach us how to have a balanced people/dog relationship. If a person begins to shout or hit out when dogs are fighting to try to break it up...well this may work with people (though often adds to the conflict) but never works with dogs! Dogs would see this as "joining in fight" and so escalate the aggression even then to us as mis-directed ....after all we joined in!

Any aggression always consult with a professional...do not try to copy the methods one can see Cesar use on the DW show - this can create serious problems if tried by a non-professional! This warning is here for a reason, as all the dogs and people Cesar helps he has fully assessed first, in-person, to find the best treatment method and solution, so "don't try this at home"!

Way to go Cesar....Max showed us exactly what you mean by calm assertive energy, so I hope you all gain some more insight into energy from me sharing this story with you. If you read Cesar's books you can learn all about his philosophy which is what Cesar's Way is - not the methods alone.

Cesar is an inspiration and he does save lives...I am a great believer in his belief which is "any way that works that does not harm the dogs"!

Max is Jack's "Doggieguard" ...the "Bodyguard"!

I want to share an incredible story with you about how confident dominant dogs can protect without using aggression! Max, our Doberman, is for sure a "would-be alpha" dog - a natural leader with calm assertive energy. In this story he did truly save a life and proves that dogs do naturally live in packs and that dominance is not a bad thing when used as animals do - without human complex emotions...not as we humans can sometimes mis-understand dominance as a negative unwanted dictatorship behaviour!

On the beach my husband Simon and Max, along with some other pack members, were enjoying a stroll. Jack, the little Chihuahua mix, who was nearby Simon was suddenly charged by other dogs.. they just appeared! Along came these 5 Greyhounds off-leash and not under control, they attacked Jack aggressively. There was no chance to stop these dogs quickly enough with their intent on attack - prey drive! Jack yelped and rolled over and over to try to stop them getting him.

Simon had Max on leash, when from behind him came Alfie, our Setter, who was off-leash and went into the middle of the attacking dogs, all calm Alfie began to circle Jack to protect him keeping these hounds back from Jack....normally Alfie barks but he was completely quiet!
Alfie was unable to stop the attack completely with this blocking as he is quite a low ranked dog.

So Simon, with Max under control and on leash, went into the middle - Max immediately took over as directed to - he instinctively knew which one of these hounds was the Leader Dog of that pack. Without aggression, Max picked up one of the greyhounds by their coat (a doggie jacket not the fur/skin) and threw the dog to the side to stop the attack from that dog - their leader...."It Worked"! Not only did this dog stop but the whole pack of Greyhounds stopped and stood very still....as did Max!

Meantime Jack ran away home! Max knew just what to do - he could stop this attack safely and far quicker than a human, as we are after-all a different species! So he was enabled to do so under Simon's control and saved Jack from further injury. Max did not use any aggression, as he would have naturally known to fight would be to cause more aggressive confrontation...no barking and not even hackles up!

As Max was on-leash he could not use "bump" to move these dogs away, this is when dogs bump into another to move them, so he just threw without harming. By stopping the Leader the whole pack stopped, no need for Max to do anything else but stand there with very calm/assertive dominant energy!

The owner was very sorry, but my husband and pack just moved-on, no point in going over the event as these dogs should have been under owner control but were not - they should have been leashed and muzzled, yet they were neither - it was that simple!

Anyway Max was keen to go fetch Jack back into the safety of the pack - he was no longer interested in the Greyhounds! So Max was the leader in the moment and protected his pack without aggression.

Simon, being a naturally calm person, made the right decision in that moment to direct Max to step-in, he remained calm while Max stopped the attack. Of course he knows Max and trusts him never to use aggression.

Jack is OK, not too badly hurt, Max is such a balanced dog, a true Ambassador for the Doberman breed, with Simon having perfect timing to enable Max to stop the attack and Aflie trying to block - great team work..packs do work..working together works!

Coming next - my take on how this relates to Cesar's Way and how we can mimic Max to protect our dogs...remember though we can only ever control our own dog, as people we can only aim to safely block another dog, and if we cannot then I will share with you how we can be sure to help our dogs move-on from an unavoidable attack!

If all dog owners were as responsible as my readers

all would indeed be well -

eductaion is the way forward so

keep on reading me here and then

ALL WILL BE WELL!

Welcome EVA!

Introducing "Eva" our new pack member - the smallest member now being a Chihuahua and only 8 weeks old! She is beautiful in both character and those big blue eyes! Eva will teach me "all about puppy psychology & behaviour" - so I can coach you to raise your puppy calm and balanced...leading the way to "puppy peace"!

She is a very confident dog taking in her stride meeting the pack on her first day...no fear just interest ...though she looked a little amazed at the GT Dane, Monty, when he sniffed a "polite" greeting...but then his paw is bigger than she is! One day later and she licks his face as she passes by him snoozing!

Eva for now is on her "puppy license" this means she can get away with behaviour around the pack that an older dog could not, for example an older dog new into the pack and climbing all over the Terriers here would be corrected by my Terrier dogs ... but Eva can do it as she is puppy and all the dogs naturally understand "puppy" - so my pack allow this & play...just for now! Peterpan loves her, he is very gentle playing with her by rolling over!

This is my time as Pack Leader to teach her the home discipline - the rules, boundaries and limits so that when her "puppy license" runs out she is not climbing on them so they have no need to correct her.

The "power of the pack" helps in positive modelling ...this means they are "toilet training" her to go outside...thank you pack! But of course negative behaviour can be modelled by puppy as well so they are all having to be extra well behaved....I don't want her to think she is a Terrier and chase those flying rats...pigeons in the way the JRTs do in the garden!

Eva is a lovely dog, she won't grow very big but she makes up for size in spirit! She already walks all round the garden and out to the post box with me, but then she met the "cat" and backed-up...I am not surprised I back up from my cat! She was also a little spooked by the noise the chickens make but I was careful not to reinforce this fear with a human emotion ... as tempting as it was to cuddle...that would be a mistake in dog psychology!

Follow her journey to becoming a balanced adult dog here....Eva is my Star...named after Evita...one of my favourite films starring Madonna...Eva is my "little Madonna" she sure has her confidence!

Mirror...Dog....Mirror

"YES" Mickey you are a great looking dog...but that is not what I meant by "mirror"!





Dogs are our "mirrors"! In some way our dogs mirror back at us our own energy and emotion.

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This is a key part of Cesar's philosophy and the reason why Cesar can help transform the lives of owners for the better too! Cesar's Way brings balance and peace to the whole pack...all the family.

In the past I didn't come across a Behaviourist in this country who had such a philosophy - to help the humans as well, rather most refused to have any dealing with the people just the dogs...and sometimes "just a talk about the dogs problems" without even meeting the dog, as the dog was acting out aggressively!

How can we help a dog to recover without helping the humans to balance and harmony in their lives too? I don't believe we can single out the dogs..we need to treat the family with a holistic approach...as one pack.


So this is what I do...I coach people and rehabilitate dogs, inspired as ever by Cesar. This, I add, is more like "life coaching" than counselling - the latter needs a professional in human psychology, while coaching is all about achieving individual goals. Sometimes it is hard even to identify "what you want" so this is where we begin...until we know what we want how can we feel like we are meeting our needs and those of our dogs.


The mirror works...to accept oneself and then to decide how to change..."nothing changes if nothing changes"...I can empower you to find just what works for you and your dog.


Many who come to me with their dog problems have been told there is no way to change their dogs behaviour or mind-set - there is...I found the way and the dogs recovered. There is always hope...believe there is a way and we will find it together.


I have many mirrors here...13 dogs to tell me every moment what my energy is to check that I remain a benevolent leader, clam and confident so that my dogs continue to respect and trust me. We enhance our special bond every day on our journey through life together.

What is your dog trying to tell you?

Welcome USA!

Hey you are cute!

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I am very pleased to introduce you all to a JRT from the States. He is very special to his owners who are wanting to enhance their relationship with this young dog so he can grow up to be a balanced contented canine.

He is my first USA client - OK so the human family are the real clients who have joined my personal people training service via distance coaching. With this service where you live is not an issue, so we are now "international" helping owners to understand a little dog psychology in their own unique envionment....family...pack!

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A dog does not need to have problem behaviour for their owner to benefit from my coaching - as to learn to use dog, not human, psychology when interacting with dogs is the way to balance and avoid unwanted behaviour from even developing! So I congratulate this dog's family for wanting to learn more about their dog to maintain the great bond of human leaders and follower dog.

So I coach people by Internet and/or phone in how to be the leader and improve their own special bond with their dogs. I carefully tailor my services to meet your more specific needs and individual goals....we work together to achieve what you want by empowering you to balance and harmonise life....and dogs too!

We have had huge success here in the UK as people coaching brings dog psychology to all in a personal way you can understand. Behaviour solutions and guidance is all part of my holistic approach.

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Dog psychology is not just those who want to work in the profession but everyone...owners just like you who want to know some more about their dogs - behaviour and mindset. This can also help those who want to find out if they wish to follow-on and become a more formal student of canine psychology through certified course providers or to compliment their existing studies or people training courses too. Coaching works for owners I mentor!

I think sometimes it is so important to have individual coaching, so I launched this service to meet requests for help. Though "in-person pro" help is for sure important to help change dog aggression energy and responses. Such in-person help is also key to rehabilitate many other behaviour problems, yet my personal coaching service can be beneficial to you as a supplement to this. I can advise anyone on the most appropriate service - just for you!

So if you want to "discover the way...to lead the way" then join us here at CrystalDogs by sending me an email...wherever you live there is a way I can help you just ask me.

I am the Canine Coach - I rehab dogs and coach people, I am a certified Canine Behaviourist and a People Life Coach. My dog pack teach me...I can be your mentor!

"Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes" ....SO....Call in the Canine Coach....Suzie!

The Ladies...The Matriarchs!

Eddie and Patsy are the "matriarchs" of the pack, at 9 years old these 2 females have the respect of all the younger members...including the males... even the highest ranked male Max, the Doberman, can get space bumped by Patsy if she wants to sit where he is he moves...no dispute! My "ladies" were named after the ladies on "Ab Fab" (Absolutely Fabulous TV Show) and have always been very closely bonded pack members.

While in their "senior" years, this makes no difference to Eddie with her quick responses and ability to exercise for many hours a day....so long as there is a good fire to sleep in front of come the evening!

Patsy on the other hand has always been rather "slow" for a Terrier..less reactive and less energy...OK more ...well....lazy! As you can see from the photo of the month for Feb she is a little over-weight but she doesn't do "diets"...I think she has lost 1lb in a year!

"BC"...Before Cesar...Eddie was the alpha female and the Pack Leader, now still alpha of the dogs for sure she is no longer Pack Leader...I am! I had her as the leader back then as many Behaviourists say to have a leader dog...NO.....this can cause in-pack fighting, equal members which my pack are now as inspired by Cesar...they do not fight! The interesting part is how readily she "gave-up" this role to me, clearly insecure as a leader she would on occasion use her sharp mouth to discipline the pack.

All I have to say to Eddie now is "Cesar" and she jumps on my knee and fixes her stare on the TV awaiting the DW show, she also liked a TV programme about herds of elephants and one about wild dogs...but she loves Cesar!

Eddie went into follower zone the quickest of all the Terriers who are leashed on a walk. She used to pull for 7 years then no more - all loose leash walking now. In the beginning she did not need much discipline to achieve loose leash and only a couple of corrections..she got it and has never pulled since! Patsy, by the way, has not worn a leash for many years she always is behind me!

So you see even naturally alpha dogs can be insecure as leaders in our domestic world and give it up to a human who is prepared to be their leader in a way they can understand = calm assertive energy.

Let me share an example of calm assertive energy from a Terrier...Yes Eddie again. I have seen Eddie go into the pack of my dogs out on a walk where one of the Setters, Lucy, had stumbled over ..literally... injured prey! I feared the pack would fight over the prey as they all charged in.. but Eddie stepped-in and claimed it with pure calm assertive energy - the rest of the pack simply...and calmly... backed-off! The rat was "Eddie's kill" and there was not even one dog who challenged this and neither did she need to use fight energy to claim it...it was calm and highly assertive, then she gave it up to me once I claimed it...as I didn't want her bringing it home!

I tell this story only to show you one of the unique ways that I learn what calm assertive energy is from my pack - as dogs understand it, this was amazing to watch Eddie who claimed the prey without triggering any fight behaviour between the pack...especially the Terriers.

What are your dogs teaching you? I learn something new everyday...thanks Pack!

The Snow Dogs!

With February along came the snow here at the beach - a very strange sight indeed for us!

Exercise daily is vital for my pack to all remain balanced, as warm as the log fire is....I just need to pick up a leash, head for the door with that "special look" from me to the dogs and they are all wanting to go out whatever the weather!

In pouring rain my Dobey, Max, does not want to go into the garden...with an "it's raining" look on his face he sneaks back to his bed. Heavy driving rain + me and that leash = Max right by my side to go for that walk! This shows the meaning of a walk for a dog - to migrate is so much more important than just being in the back yard, no matter the size of gardens...just ask my Setters!

So big coats and hats for us humans in the snow but not for the dogs..even the smallest Chihuahua mix, Jack, needs no such accessory....it isn't that cold here and such things get in the way of a dog being dog...this is England not Alaska, so cold yes...really too cold for my dogs.. NO!

As soon as Jack was off-leash he rolled and rolled in the snow, covered from head to paw in little "Chihuahua sized" snow cubes! He totally loved it, his pal Bob was more interested in eating the snow, while the Terriers just charged about trying to get scent ...any scent from under the snow!

I'm not really sure that either of the big dogs or the Setters even noticed on their walk. I did though, as the time for the walk I picked turned into a "white-out" - the worst snowfall of the day! Oh well us leaders can't predict the weather for a walk...everything else and we lead the way but not with our British weather!

Back home the "front of fire" beds were very popular..even my Gt Dane chose to go on the rugs on the floor - and he doesn't "do floors" .... only sofas!

"Soon be spring" I keep on saying to all the animals here, the chickens were not impressed with the snow!

Out walking my pack I lead the way in all weathers...but please I do hope no storms like last year ...please!

Exercise truly is key - this is the first part of Cesar Millan's fulfillment formula for a very good reason - it leads our dogs to balance. It is truly the way to balanced energy....just check-in with my pack after "walkies" all snoozing together, contentment in the air.

Dogs Love Being Dogs - I Love Dogs Being Dogs

LEAD THE WAY!

Can humans be "Alpha"?

YES!

But we cannot be dogs - so we have to find the way to inter-species communication and acceptance!

This is not about "going through doors first" or indeed "not sitting on sofas" - as you should see my Gt Dane on his sofa, afterall we are not dogs!

The "Dog of the Month" for January is Max my Doberman - in his DNA he is a high ranked dog, but this does not mean dominant in the way we can sometimes understand this. To dominate others is not to use aggression, as this would be insecure behaviour - not the behaviour of a leader!

A true "Alpha Leader" dog only uses calm/assertive energy to lead the pack, never aggression, they are followed out of respect by other ranks including other high ranked dogs. These dogs have no need of training their pack, like we humans teach dog obedience, they simply have a structure - rules/boundaries/limits.

MAx, now 7, has always had this confidence - it is his DNA to be high ranked and dominant over lower ranks - but not a single case of aggression from my Dobey yet all the pack members show respect naturally. This is why I prefer the term "high ranked, confident dog" than "Dominant" and don't forget we can always climb to be higher - the leader of the pack!

The really interesting part in all this is that to have a balanced pack with human leader all my dogs need to be my equal followers - they are and this stops any fighting over rank...Max is just fine with this as he respects my leadership and rules.

So I "mimic" Max, this is how I learned to show leadership from a "would-be leader" - I raised my status to be accepted as his Leader and he will follow my lead anywhere...anytime....just today he followed my communication to "be with me" rather than his instinct to chase a wild deer, this I could not train him to do but he knows to be a safe and a valued member of the pack is to follow my lead...even off-lead!

Max has taught me so much I could not learn from a book, for example "how to reunite" - this is amazing to watch him - he stands tall...aloof..."no touch - no talk - no eye contact". My Dobey is 7 this year, I hope for many more years with my best friend and incredible teacher.

So even with other "would-be" alpha dogs we can indeed be the leader, we just have to "talk" using energy and body language...not words! - Watch your dogs and you too can learn how to talk with the animals. Remember don't try to lower a dog - it won't work as it goes against nature - raise yourself to leader and it works! Max agrees!

Max loves being "just dog" but he is so much more to me...our dogs share our jounrney through life for a reason - what is your dog sharing with you? Max is showing me the way to help dogs...many dogs back to balance - what a truly wonderful gift between species.

All Around The World!

Cesar's Way is helping dogs to recover to balance all over the world! Cesar's philosophy is helping owners to understand some dog psychology to improve their relationships with their beloved canine companions.

There is a DW fans list where many people from different countries share stories of success and support each-other during "dog rehab"! This Yahoo Group List can be found here:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/DogWhispererFans/

All over the world people follow Cesar's Way... from USA to UK, from Peru to Netherlands, from India to Australia and the list goes on and on...Welcome "Doctor G" - a Vet from Lema, Peru, I hope you continue to find this blog helpful this year!

Many more owners from lots of countries are joining the on-line community - Cesar's Web site and Forums, I am proud to be one of Cesar Millan's Ambassadors with responsibility for the UK and Interntaional regions, so please do come and join us there:

http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/

So far this year I have helped to save 2 more dogs - lives are being saved everywhere thanks to Cesar's Way...one day and one dog at the time we all do make a difference.

Business here at CrystalDogs is both welcomed and popular, we are successfully leading the way to rehabilitation for dogs with problems, improving relationships and helping many understand "why dogs do what they do". Remember my services are provided to suit you!

This is post number 101...so that was 100 in the last year! I shall be working hard to communicate more advice and tips this year...maybe I can double and hit 300 by the end of the year...so keep reading and commenting.

Thank you.

Happy New Year!

Wishing a calm assertive, balanced and peaceful new year to all of you.

Coming soon will be the CrystalDogs official web site, listing all our services.

By far the most popular service was launched last year in response to demand from dog owners all over the UK - "Distance Owner Coaching" - DOC!

This service I provide is personal and individual to you - I train you to understand dog psychology/behaviour - tailored to you so that you can improve your human/dog relationship. I can help you learn the inter-species language - Energy! You get one-one help from me.

Through my coaching I lead you to live in balance with your dogs and rehabilitate unwanted behaviour by providing you with solutions. I explain the "science thing" and help many understand Cesar's philosophy as I advocate and follow his way, encouraging more Pack Leadership from us humans!

To find out more Email me directly suzie.crystal@yahoo.com,

You can have the life you want with your dog and lead the way to fulfillment whatever the breed!

Call in the "DOC" - Canine Coach Suzie!

The Boxing Day "hunt"

OK - so it is not really a "hunt" but a pack walk along the beach! Joining us is new dog "Oscar" - can't miss him he is the only black dog "bottom" in amongst Jack Russell white bottoms! And, I have no idea what "Loopy Lucy", my mad Setter, thinks she is chasing but what an expression. With her daughter Snoopy, our blind dog, behind yet very alert to her mother's strange movement style.

The dogs love this walk, having received left overs from Christmas lunch there is much energy to run off. So there is nothing to hunt except the smell of fish - but to roll in such is a great from of dog fun!

The odour of dog replaced by that of fish, so it was a wash for all with Tea Tree shampoo on their return, pack leader I am but dog I am not - I just can't bear the scent of rotting fish even if the pack think it is akin to expensive perfume for dogs!

Fulfilled they slept through the rest of Boxing Day, while I watched my gratefully received Xmas gift of Cesar's Season One Dog Whisperer Shows! This series has not been shown on TV here for a while - we watched episode one with the Chihuahua "Nunu"....now my Chihuahua mix has a split personality...sometimes he is my Jack and sometimes he is "Nunu"!

More about "Jack/Nunu" soon.