The Day I Got My Dog Back

If you've read any of my past posts, you know how much I believe that what you think about, happens. Call it quantum theory, manifestation or prayer, it works.

It even works with dogs.

I have an amazingly intelligent, somewhat spastic and completely beautiful Ibizan Hound named Gracie. She is 8 years old and for her entire life we have had challenges. She is a horrific barker and will scream at every squirrel within sight, every person walking in front of the house and sometimes she'll stand in the back yard and bark at what looks like the wind.

She has always been a mama's girl and somewhat aggressive towards other people, especially on walks. I had gotten to a point where I didn't take her on walks at all because, even with a gentle leader on her head, she would pull, jump, bark and lunge at each person, dog and small animal we passed. It was stressful for us both and simply just not worth the effort. I would come back exhausted and tense from the strain of keeping her from attacking people and their pets and she'd come back more wound up than when she left.

A few months ago I began watching "The Dog Whisperer" on TV. I was stuck in a hotel room on CA and there happened to be a marathon of it on. I was captivated. There on the screen was every one of Gracie's bad behaviors being corrected within minutes by Cesar Milan. Wow.

I decided to test our Cesar's theories on Gracie. His basic belief is that dogs need exercise, discipline and affection, in that order and that the majority of dog behavior problems are because their owners lack leadership. Dogs are pack animals and as such expect to have a strong pack leader to follow. In the absence of one, they step in to fill the role. Since most dogs are born to be submissive followers, they freak out when forced to lead and end up with behavior problems. Yep, that was Gracie.

I decided to take Gracie for a walk yesterday morning. I spent an hour on Cesar's website, reminding myself of his  practices, and  then off Gracie and I went. I made sure to get myself mentally in a state of "calm assertive" before heading out and I spent a few minutes visualizing our perfect walk together.

From the very first moments Gracie was different. She tested my leadership a few times and I corrected her each time. We started out with the gentle leader, but within just two blocks were down to just her collar. She walked happily behind me on a loose lead for 45 minutes.

Within those two blocks she lost all obsession with other people and animals and we walked by countless joggers, bikers and squirrels without her so much as glancing in their direction. We had a minor challenge when we walked past an ivy-covered fence with 3 snarling dogs behind it, but once I got myself under control, she passed within 2 feet of the dogs without flinching.

It was a miracle.

It was like she was different dog. At home, she went out in the yard without barking, ignored the hordes of people in our street walking up to the fireworks and concert in the nearby park and even allowed my co-workers children to come sit on the stoop of our house without going ballistic (she has always hated children). Unbelievable.

I realize that the only thing that changed was me. I chose to interact differently with Gracie and to take the leadership role. Once I had firmly done that, she happily dropped into the pack role. I swear she seems relieved to not have the burden of guarding me and the house. She was a perfect angel at home last night and stopped all of the annoying begging for food and attention instantly.

Have I manifested a perfect dog? Yes, I believe I have. I had a very clear picture of behavior I wanted and the person who could help me achieve that appeared in my life.

As a thank you to Cesar and his work, I would love it if you'd consider donating to his foundation or your local ASPCA. At the very least check out his website and show and use his philosophy. It will change your relationship with your dog deeply.

Thanks, Cesar, for giving me my dog back!!!!