For the second time in as many weeks, dog whisperer Cesar Millan was visiting the West Coast during his Live 2010 Canada Tour. Metro caught up with Millan in Richmond, B.C., and picked his brain for advice for people and their favourite canines.
What’s the best sort of rainy-day doggy exercise tips you have for city dwellers?
Challenge the (dog’s) nose at home. Hide (their) things in boxes, under ledges or layers of clothes, be creative. A lot of times people challenge the body, but they don’t challenge the mind. The nose controls 60 per cent of brain reaction, so … (by challenging the nose, you’re more likely to wear out the dog).
What is the most common mistake people make with their dogs?
One of the most common (mistakes) is to make the dog responsible. Dogs don’t rationalize, there’s no knowledge behind instinct, it’s all reaction. (Another mistake) is humanizing the dog: They talk to the dog like it’s a human being. That is good therapy for humans, but not really good for the dog. You must honour the identity of the dog. A horse is a horse, a dolphin is a dolphin, but a dog becomes human: That’s a big mistake.
What’s the best advice you can give people who are bringing a second dog into the pack?
You have to bring (positive) energy into the house. When you give affection to one pack member, everyone gets it. Dogs live in a very harmonious time: If one is happy, everyone is happy; if one is sad, everyone is sad. It’s all about the pack; it’s not about individuals. So, if you think “individual,” you’re going to create jealousy, you’re going to create separation. But if you think “pack” … everyone gets to benefit.
Is there such thing as a bad dog breed, or just bad owners?
There’s no such thing as a bad dog; they don’t plan things like human beings. Dogs react based on a certain situation. It’s not the breed, it’s the human behind the breed. All dogs can become great pack members, as can all humans.
Any plans for a Canadian show?
Yah, absolutely! We’re talking with some corporations (about sponsoring). I just want to be up in Canada!
