Do you believe a dog always has to?

Question

walk behind/beside, never ahead of the owner, in order for the dog to consider it's owner alpha? I understand that cesear millan-unsure of spelling-thinks this, but I have read that alphas in the wolf pack do not always walk ahead 100% of the time.

That is excellent about the recall. My dog does well until another animal or person enters the picture. Way to go!

Also, I think Cesear is with dogs who have problems, so maybe it is important for a problem dog, but not as important for a good dog w/ no other dominent behaviors.

bzzfly where did you find the info on cesear? Will you leave the site or newspaper name on my 360 page, so I can check it out?

Answer 1

I think he needs to know the 'heel' command. Many dogs are trained to walk out front at times (tracking, clearing a trail, hunting...). It all depends on what you want out of your relationship. I don't think dogs should ever be allowed to pull on the leash though. If you watch Cesear his dogs are out front while pulling him on skates ( they pull with harnesses, not collars- dogs quickly know the difference). I also find it very helpfull to have a command to let my dog know I want him out front. Even coming down the stairs in the morning (what if there's a burgler!) I send him out front. I think there's a time for everything, just try to stay as consistant as possible.
Have fun and love your dog!!!

Answer 2

The leader of a pack is not necessarily Alpha but is the top dog and when walking with the pack, particularly through a narrow passageway will always lead. Trying to pass the leader can end up getting you a good bite so...yes the dog must always follow or be beside especially at doorways.
Although all dogs are genetically predisposed to lead, not all dogs will offer challenge to attain that position but Alpha will.

Answer 3

Caesar doesn't even follow this rule. Its not a true rule. A human by no means has to walk in front of the dog to be the alpha. You shouldn't follow Ceasar too closely. He's killed and injured dogs in his practice. Real trainers like myself believe he should be taken off the air. His training techniques are very questionable. Ever notice that in his newer episodes they say much more often not to try this at home without a professional? That's because Caesar almost lost his contract after the death of a client's dog in his training facility.

Answer 4

Alpha wolves do not always lead the pack. Neither do humans, just check our military to see where the leaders are when the dying is happening.

That old myth about having to be in front of dogs is part of dominance theory, which has been discredited and disproven by the people who study dog behavior. Nobody in the know follows it any more. The only people who believe in that nonsense are stuck in the past. READ HERE:

http://landofpuregold.com/trained.htm
http://www.4pawsu.com/dogpsychology.htm
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/10/15/CMGPHL9D1N1.DTL&type=printable
http://www.showdogs.co.za/wag_the_dog/dominance.htm

I never worry about going through doors (except for everyone's safety) first or last, or walking beside me or that silly nonsense.

Yet, my dogs, especially my Pit Bull, respect me and follow my directions. And I have a kick *** off leash recall.

Answer 5

No, there are exceptions to every rule.

And you should be aware that MANY in the know people consider Cesar's techniques a little more than outdated. Don't beleive everything you see on TV, but just the same don't beleive everything you read on the net.

All training techniques have their fans and foes. Thing is, most peopledon't do the research to find out what REALLY works best, and most people dn't take into acount that what works will vary dog to dog, not just breed to breed.

No, I haven't done much research myself. All I've done in terms of training is "sit" and working on housebreaking, but I'm using possitive reinforcement for both. Leash training fits in, too, but that's poving a bit more complicated as my dog is VERY headstrong and easily distracted as any puppy will be.

Answer 6

I think it really depends more on the dog. If you have a dog that's challanging you to be alfa, I would follow the rule of the dog having to walk with you. In normal circumstances, I wouldn't think so. Oh, and to bzzflygi, could you email me? where did you find out this stuff about Cesar? I'm just curious. He does seem really good, but I did question stuff about it. I mean, they only show you the sucess stories, never anything else.

Answer 7

Cesear is full of crap....

I breed and work American Pit Bull Terriers. Part of their workout is a hard walk, in which I want them straight in front of me pulling hard.
I have never had a problem with any one of my dogs thinking they are alpha over me.

Answer 8

I do not allow my dog to walk ahead of me. But if you do just be sure that you are in control of your dog and not the other way around. I have a large breed and need to be the"pack leader" at all times for every ones safety (including my dog)

Answer 9

I think that you have to consider ALL behaviors. Cesar's techniques are to ensure that you are the pack leader, but I believe that it is not always the rule. Are you the alpha in every other sense? Does your dog respect your authority and listen to you? Are you 100% happy with your relationship as is? Then who cares who walks in front. But for someone having issues, walking is where you start.

Answer 10

what about dogs that pull sleds. they're walking out front. And they know for sure that they person is the alpha or else they wouldn't be so obedient.

dogs get excited when they walk. if your dogs walking infront of you, but you can make it heel - then it knows your its alpha.

if its walking behind you stopping and sniffing around etc, then it thinks its the boss, the same as if it walks out to the side sniffing our out to the front sniffing.

If you tell it to heel, and it does - then you're numero uno.