Read Dog Training Books With A Grain Of Salt
Dog training books are suddenly the big "must have" on every bookshelf in America - even if you don't have a dog. England's Barbara Woodhouse is probably to blame for this, as she was the first celebrity dog trainer. (That's a dog trainer who became famous as a dog trainer - not a dog trainer to the stars). There are "dog whisperers" on both sides of the Atlantic. And they all seem to write books. But just because a dog trainer has written dog training books, doesn't mean that they wrote the Dog Training Bible. Always question what you read when you go through dog training books.
Case Example: My Dog
Caesar Milano would hate my dog, Pony. She walks in front of me, sleeps in my bed and begs at the table. Caesar would say that I am not being a good pack leader. Well, I say "Who wants to be a pack leader? I am Pony's mother substitute, and if I want to let her sleep in my bed and beg at the table, what's it to you?" But that does not mean that all of Caesar's dog training books will not work on Pony. But some of his dog training books just doesn't apply to Pony's life.
Pony sleeps in my bed because she chases my nightmares away. My first memory is of having a nightmare, so getting some relief from them is crucial to my sanity. Pony also walks in front of me because I am partially blind. This way, we walk single file and nobody gets hurt. She begs at the table because she found the both of us food when we were homeless and I give her some food from my plate (only if she can handle it) in order to honor her for saving me from having to always eat her food.
Know Your Dog And Your Limits
Dog training books are still useful in helping to give you suggestions to find what works with you and your dog. They are like good cook books - you can take some liberties with the recipes once you've learned the basics. For example, Pony does beg at the table. But she does not jump up on the table. I established that boundary when she was seven weeks old. Begging OK - table not. Once I made the decision that Pony couldn't jump up on a table (or my lap) when I was eating, I had to stick to it. And she has.
