Comments on: I have authoritah!

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:18:10 +0000

While I don’t agree with all of Cesar’s methods, I think a lot can be taken from his two favourite mantras; ‘rules, boundaries, limitations’ and ‘exercise, discipline, affection – in that order’ I’ve pretty much seen the benefits first hand in the short time we’ve had our three year old boy. In his previous home he was essentially a ‘back yard dog’, pretty much left to his own devices all day and getting himself into all kinds of mischief. After a few weeks with us, with a structured routine, increased exercise, some strict and (most importantly) consistant house rules, he’s now very much a different dog. Don’t get me wrong, he still has his moments, but these can almost always be put down to some deviation in the routine/rules.

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:03:08 +0000

My advise would be to trust your instincts and not get bogged down by the latest theories! I find all the theory interesting, but the things that work best tend to come from more of a gut feeling.

We know lots of Beagle owners and they all differ in their approach to raising their dogs. Some use methods that shock me a little in that they seem harsh. Others seem to let their dogs do whatever they want. One or two swear by a specific methodology or trainer. They all have two things in common:

1. They love their dogs.
2. Their dogs are fine – happy and well balanced.

Just do what you feel comfortable with and what seems to work and you probably won’t go far wrong!

By: Julia

Julia — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:15:33 +0000

Thanks for posting about this. We are adding a male beagle teenager to our household tomorrow, and I’ve been preparing myself for how he might be different from Dolly.

Cesar is not all wrong. And he’s an intuitive and experienced dog handler. My problem with him is that he teaches harsh methods to inexperienced people, and uses a scientifically discredited theory to support it, which is the idea that dogs primarily relate to each other through a rigid hierarchy and are either dominant or submissive. The reality is much more nuanced and complex, and Cesar (or the Monks of New Skete, etc..) do dogs a real disservice by promoting the idea of ‘dominance,’ to people that interpret that to mean bullying is a good training style.

I would call what you’re doing with Biggles a crash course in civilization and it’s rules – that’s more administrative (no access, no treats) than autocratic (which would be an alpha roll, or scruff grab). And when he’s a good citizen, he gets to participate more fully. To me, that’s the best kind of training. You end up with well earned authority, and he knows the rules. Cesar subscribes to that, but then he just tacks on the rougher stuff, which is where I diverge.

It’s tricky, taking all of the advice out there and applying it in our homes, in real life. Wish us luck with Beagle #2, on that front! And congratulations on your progress with Biggles. These aren’t easy dogs ;-)

By: Hollie

Hollie — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:26:06 +0000

It’s so nice to know it’s not just Alfie who misbehaves!!! I love reading your blog, wish we lived nearer so Alf could play with Beanie & Biggles, they would cause absolute carnage!!!

Alfie does something very similar, usually if he has something he shouldn’t (they just know don’t they when it’s something they’re not allowed) and when he is tired. We call it his Elvis impression as he curls his lip and grizzles at us! He has become a lot better, we too try to maintain an air that we run the roost, if only! :-)