Did anyone happen to catch that show on animal planet last night? It was 8 pm est. I thought it was pretty cool and they show "Brother Christopher" training a wild English Bulldog. He was using a prong collar and lot of similar techniques as to what we talk about on the board. It was pretty fun to watch.

I saw that (Monks of New Skete). It's been shown several times (that particular one with the Bulldog and a King Charles). I'm waiting for a new segment, hope they show one.

I saw it, I also thought it was pretty good. It was interesting that he thought that the "heel" command should be taught first to gain control of that bull dog.

I watched some of the first episode, having seen some of their training videos in the past, and I was turned off by the fact (it appeared to me) that no training was done with the handler. The handler had to leave the dog (for days or weeks, I gathered).

Did I miss something, or was that the setup?

Yes, the dog was left at the monastary for 3 or 4 weeks. I didn't think much of that, either, although they did show the monk teaching the owner how to follow up. And the advice given for the dog latching on to people's legs was "neuter him".

There were some good points made, but I'm not sure how much they made sense to people who aren't versed in pack theory. One light bulb that did go off in my head was on correcting a dog that forges. The advice was to make a 180-degree turn and go the other way. While I've heard that before, it never sunk in as to why. In the program they said "The reason this works is that the first thing the dog sees when he's made to turn is the person in front, being the leader." Duh! And darned if it doesn't seem to work. I have an awful problem with my guy forging. I've tried left turns, right turns, treat in hand at left side, toy in hand on left shoulder, left pivots in place.... Today I tried the 180 turn as soon as he started "herding" me, and whaddya know, in short order we actually got a few steps in the right position. I just hope it works as well tomorrow.

(Okay, all together now everyone: "Anita, it sounds like you're not firmly established as the pack leader.")

 Quote: anitagard

(Okay, all together now everyone: "Anita, it sounds like you're not firmly established as the pack leader.")

Ha Ha.....that was good.

Instead I will say....Anita, great job, sounds like you are doing the correct thing with your dog.....YAY!!!!!!!!

Yeah I saw it as well. First off it looked like a half-*** version of Cesar Milan.

After seeing it, I wasn't too impressed. I like the fact that the guy is helping to train dogs, and isn't using some dumb yank and crank method (obviously or he wouldn't be on tv) but other than that I wasn't WOW-ed. I never saw him use food or a toy for any motivation for that bulldog which seems like it might have speeded up the training and drive of that dog. I too didn't like how the owners weren't involved at all as well. The kicker for me was that neutering comment. I'm not a huge fan of neutering, especially to change behavioral characteristics, so that comment pretty much ended the show for me.

All in all the guys doing a service to dogs and their owners and I respect that, but I'll take Cesar Milan anyday.

I must have missed the neutering comment. But regardless, I'd never leave my dog with anyone for training. The thought makes me shudder.

 Quote: Sandy Moore

... But regardless, I'd never leave my dog with anyone for training. The thought makes me shudder.

I'm with you.

I think that the comment made about neutering was edited and whatever else he said was left on the cutting room floor. I watched it and thought he was going to say something in addition to neutering-seemed to lead that way-and they cut to something else.