I have been hanging out with my professional dog trainer friend a lot lately.

He started a very small doggie daycare out of his house. I am going to be over there a few times a week to learn about dogs and work Tasha's advanced OB. We are also going to get moving on her CGC training. I'm psyched!

Today he noticed that Tash needed her nails trimmed. I have been putting it off because she hates it. She freaks out, usually needs to be muzzled and struggles the whole time. I have tried working on it with marker training to no avail.

He managed to trim her nails, no restraint, no muzzle. She didn't even mouth him! The only way that I can describe it is that he worked with her like a snake charmer. He was definitely projecting this amazing calming energy. Even I could feel it. Crazy stuff. Magic!

It was very Ceasar Millan.

He explained to me how he did it but I have to admit that I didn't really get it.
So my question is can this type of control be learned? Or is it just a natural talent?

I'm curious what you all think.



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both... I sometimes struggle with the calm part and I see it in my pups when I'm frazzled. They don't listen as well and I get frustrated when I have to repeat things. Then they REALLY don't listen, haha.

I like to think of it as focus. When I'm running a new dog and I'm focused on my posture, form, etc the dog is right by my side. When I start to pay attention to the dog, its gait, it's reaction to certain things...that's when the dog will often pull ahead, to the side, etc.

I find it's MUCH easier to be calm assertive without being emotional with foster dogs (not my own). A LOT of it is knowing how to read body language and calming before continuing.

http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/155251

BHAAAAWHAAAAAWHAAAAA THIS IS HYSTERICAL!!!!!!!

It can definately be learned . I once worked at a doggie day care and when I first started we had a room of 15 large breed dogs; I thought I would never be able to control them all (especially when you have that one lab that has so much pent up energy). It took me a few months but I actually learned to be calm & assertive and had every dog laying calmly on the floor for a whole 3-5 minutes which was awesome. So you basically just have to train yourself.

Did your trainer friend approach your pup any differently? Did she see the clippers? I know with mine as soon as they see them they know whats coming. Plus I have also learned that when you trim there nails with the paw backwards (bend it at the joint backwards) they are more calm then when their paws are straight out forward and they can see whats going on. Hope that helps

Yes, this is exactly why I am here on this site. I am NOT Cesar Millan regardless of how hard I try. I have seen every one of his videos and it made little difference. I have seen one of Ed's videos and the dogs actually got much better. I know that does not give you a reply to your question but just my 2 cents on Cesar. I love him but I can't be him.

Part of his ability, too, is being more of a "stranger" to the dog. Your dog already has you trained re: nail clipping, and has no idea how to react to the trainer. Same thing applies to vets.

Cesar could get it done, though. It's pretty amazing watching him at work. I alway's scoffed at the "energy" thing, but call it whatever you want, he has a presence that influences dogs.

Also, try trimming the nails after a long, rigorous workout. Dog is too tired to complain.

Thanks Tiffany.

It was interesting to watch him with the group. He had so much control over them that it was kind of amazing. It had very little to do with any kind of conditioning, though he does only take dogs that he has personally trained. Also, he isn't taking any dogs with major issues due to the home setting.

The only dog that got a leash correction the whole time was my dog when she blew us off to go chase a cat.

It was funny to watch how much the dogs changed when their owners showed up. Yesterday he had two young labs and a min pin. They were all so awesome while it was just us. Easy going, receptive, just hanging out. Having fun;. When the owners came in they reverted to jumping, silly, crazy dogs.

I think I am going to start bringing my dog over there a few days a week. I was very against the daycare idea, but seeing just how well he reads and speaks their language made me feel much more comfortable. It would be a big help for me since she gets so nutty once I have been at work for a few days.

 Quote: rob abel

Part of his ability, too, is being more of a "stranger" to the dog. Your dog already has you trained re: nail clipping, and has no idea how to react to the trainer.

I would agree, but the thing is that my dog knows him very well. He did our puppy training in my home. We became friends and he continued coming over for additional sessions for free;. We ended up taking her right through basic OB.

 Quote: rob abel

Cesar could get it done, though. It's pretty amazing watching him at work. I alway's scoffed at the "energy" thing, but call it whatever you want, he has a presence that influences dogs.

Thats what I'm talking about. Its like seeing real life magic.

 Quote: rob abel

Also, try trimming the nails after a long, rigorous workout. Dog is too tired to complain.

Ah, if only she would ever actually be tired!

This one has so much energy that it is amazing. There have been times that I have taken her on 5 hour off lead hikes where she runs 70% of the way. Thought to myself "Good. She should be all done for tonight.". She naps in the car and is ready to go again by the time we get home!

I gotta figure out this hypnotic energy trick.

 Quote: lauren jeffery

Ah, if only she would ever actually be tired!

This one has so much energy that it is amazing. There have been times that I have taken her on 5 hour off lead hikes where she runs 70% of the way. Thought to myself "Good. She should be all done for tonight.". She naps in the car and is ready to go again by the time we get home!

I gotta figure out this hypnotic energy trick.

Wow, you have an athletic dog there! Have you tried a weighted backpack on long hikes? Have her carry his food and water - maybe yours too. Alternatively, put her in a harness and have him pull you. Just give some consistent resistance on a long walk. It'll give her more of a workout, and you will feel it in the quads!!

We have a young guy right now that is similar though. All it takes is a little recovery time, and he's saying (barking) "let's go...what are we waiting for??"