Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with Ceaser Millan or his show. I have tried his techniques a few times and it just doesn't work on my dog.
It took a few years but me and my dogs have worked out our own language and it works really well. I call it the "3 faces of the Pack Leader". I basically try to express my emotions in extremes so there is zero confusion to my dogs. Basically its Ticked, Neutral, and Super Happy. This method has worked wonders with my dogs and I rarely ever have to use the "Ticked" Personality.
So of course my wife's friend has to tell me how it's cruel to be angry at the dog when it does something wrong, and tells me how Ceaser would handle it. (Please note, I did try what Ceaser did, and it didn't work). That's when I spent alot of my time working out a method that works best to keep my dogs happy and to keep my own sanity. This method has worked so well, I even have one dog that actually uses our guest bathroom toilet and flushes it. when she is done. I kid you not. So I say it was time well spent getting to know my dogs.
The my wife's friend keeps laying into me about home cooking food for my dog saying it's unhealthy and I should only buy vet certified (and of course Ceaser Milan approved) dog food. That ticks me off becuase my dogs eat better than most people I know. Every day it's fresh cooked seasoned (skinless) Chicken breast, carrots, broccoli, and a little bit of rice as filler. Once a month they get a steak, but the chicken breast and veggies are the main diet.
I try to sit there and nod and be polite but this Ceaser Millan wannabe groupie is making it hard to keep my cool. I can't kick her out becuase she is my wife's friend, but I'm getting sick of being called (yes she used these words) "an irresponsible dog owner" in my own home.
I take real pride in the happiness of my animals. In fact, I choose to work from home (taking a minor paycut) so I can better take care of my dogs, as well as my kids.
Advice?How to deal with wannabe Ceaser MIlan types?
Tell your vet and ask him to sign a letter, already prepared by you, stating that it is O.K. to cook for dogs and that your method of handling your dogs, even though it is not the same as Ceasar Milan's, is nevertheless, perfectly healthy and effective for your pets. Next time she starts, say, "Oh, that reminds me! I got something for you!" in a cheary tone. Go get the letter and give it to her and say "I know your very concerned about my pets and I thought this might help reduce your anxiety."... worked for me once many years ago....How to deal with wannabe Ceaser MIlan types?
"If I want training advice I will ask a real trainer with experience and certifications."
"If I want nutritional advice I will ask a nutritionist"
And honestly if this is your wife's friend why isn't she talking with your wife? Last I checked you were in no way obligated to make small talk with this woman. Say hi as soon as she comes through the door and go off and do your own thing.How to deal with wannabe Ceaser MIlan types?
My advice to you AND her would be the same: There is a disclaimer on his show that clearly says "DO NOT TRY THESE TECHNIQUES AT HOME". What you see on those shows is a very abbreviated, made for entertainment version of what really happens. Each show takes place over the span of hours, days, or even weeks. It is impossible for you to recreate with any accuracy the techniques you think you are observing, because you are not observing the entire process. You should not have tried them in the first place, and she has no business encouraging you to try them. Neither you nor her are a dog trainer or behaviorist.
As for diet, there is nothing wrong with a natural diet, but it must be done properly, and you are not doing it properly. Dogs are carnivores. Their diet should consist of fresh meats, raw bones, eggs, organ meats, and nothing else. Vegetables and rice serve no function, can cause allergies, cause loose smelly stools, and can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. I don't and never will feed kibble, and I fully support you wanting a better food for your dogs, but please do some research and find out what your dogs really need from their food before you continue.How to deal with wannabe Ceaser MIlan types?
Tell her that you appreciate her opinion but when you want it you'll ask for it. Also it's really none of her business what you do with your dog and tell your wife that if she actually cared about your feelings she would tell her friend to stuff it and quit being disrespectful.
No comments:
Post a Comment