Introducing Maggie

Dogs are amazing animals when you think about it, they remain loyal even when they are not treated properly or given the attention they need, they are smart...well at least most are...I have had a couple dogs in the past that weren't. Each breed has its own personality, temperament and physical needs. Some breeds are more stubborn than others, some do better with children than others, some were originally breed to work, others to hunt and others to herd.  

When we got Maggie one of the first things I did was begin to watch Cesar Millan, AKA The Dog Whisperer. Every time I watch his show I am blown away with the phenomenal gift he has been blessed with. I have since joined his website and visit it often when I have questions about how to correct or improve my relationship with Maggie. It takes a lot of work and being consistent daily in giving training and attention to your pet. Something too many people are not willing to invest in. Dogs are like kids in that they need lots of attention, exercise, love, and training.  

Because Maggie is part Pit-bull, like many others I had an impression of the bred based more on what has been said about the breed. Logically I know when you have a bad dog it is a direct result of a bad owner. Some breeds have gotten a bad reputation because of the irresponsible and downright ignorant owners. Since I have been watching Cesar and seen the amazing things he has accomplished with those breeds every one says are dangerous, I have learned or I should say had what I have already known reinforced. If the owner is good and knows how to train their pet, the pet will most likely be a good pet. 

It's about balance, establishing yourself as the "pack leader" and being as Cesar says "calm and assertive". Most people have no problem with the assertive part, but the calm part seems to be at times impossible for some people. 

"A pack leader doesn't project emotional or nervous energy, so neither should you. In the wild, the pack leader uses calm-assertive energy to influence how the dog interacts with his surroundings. She enforces these laws in a quiet way, as is the case when a mother picks up a puppy by the scruff of the neck if he strays outside the den"