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The leaders or role models I admire most are people who are relaxed and assert direction without yelling or becoming emotional. This is the type of person I am most likely to follow, and this is how I like to lead others. Think Oprah Winfrey or the coach who calmly explains to her players what went right and wrong.
This calm, assertive energy is also the correct way to be a pack leader to your dog, according to Cesar Millan, author of “Be the Pack Leader,” along with his co-author, Melissa Jo Peltier. This energy is something that comes natural to me as an introvert, but something every dog owner should think about and achieve. I know that the few times I have yelled at or lost my temper with my dog, he saw me as weak and unstable. Let me explain more in this review of “Be the Pack Leader.”
Even as an experienced dog owner, I am always reading more about dogs and spending more and more time with them to better understand their behavior. For that reason, reading this book was worth the time because even though a lot of the information was repetitive to me, it reiterated the importance of being in charge of my dog so he can live a more balanced life.
One of the topics covered in “Be the Pack Leader” is how so many “leaders” in the human world are not calm and assertive. Instead they are excited, stressed and often let their emotions surface and play a huge role in their decisions. And humans are the only animal that will follow an unstable leader. All other animals instinctively recognize that the strongest leader is not always the loudest, the bossiest or the most physically threatening. That is why so many working people who are in charge of others through their careers come home and cannot control their 6-pound Yorkshire terriers. The dog doesn’t know how “important” his human is, he just sees an unstable person.
Millan addresses many of the problems so common in our dogs. These “issues” are not because of the dog’s personality but are a result of the instability found in her owner. These issues could include aggression, hyperactive energy, anxiety, obsessions, phobias and low self-esteem. Millan gives clear steps on how to change your behavior in order to help your dog, focusing on the formula: exercise, discipline and affection, in that order.
“Be the Pack Leader” has a section on tools used to help a person establish leadership with her dog. Millan gives a description on everything from a simple leash to prong collars to electric fences and how all can be used to properly control a dog in a positive way.
Other topics in “Be the Pack Leader” include how a dog’s behavior often mirrors his owner, how dogs communicate through energy and ways to challenge certain breeds through games and exercise. The back of the book also offers a quick reference guide for tips on becoming a better pack leader during certain situations like visiting the dog park or vet’s office and what to do if your dog is aggressive around food.
“Be the Pack Leader” is really an extension of Millan’s first book, “Cesar’s Way,” also co-authored by Peltier. My only complaint about “Be the Pack Leader” is I was looking for more in-depth, new information. However, I know more and read more about dogs than the average dog owner and I watch Millan’s show all the time. Much of the information in this book will be new to most people.
If you only have time to read one of Millan’s books though, start with “Cesar’s Way.” “Be the Pack Leader” regurgitates a lot of the same information, although it focuses more on the importance of being a calm, assertive leader and the way animals communicate through energy humans do not always pick up on.
If everyone followed Millan’s advice, more dogs and humans would be living more balanced lives.
(Image from best-dog-photos.com)
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August 29th, 2008 at 6:50 am
I liken dogs to children, they spend far more time watching us than we do them.
One of the best tips I had from Chels trainer was to keep looking ahead when we walk. I was watching her, keeping her at my hip, adjusting the lead (generally due to being underconfident..) especially if I was going to turn or make a move.
He said she knew everytime I glanced down, inadvertently I was looking to her for clues and not the other way round. I was making her the leader. As I was not confident, she took on the role. I havnt read Milans books or watched his show..but Ive watched a few vids on Utube. I’ll keep an eye out for it…ta…x
Abz & Chelss last blog post..Rain Fun & Walkathon
August 29th, 2008 at 7:00 am
I really admire Cesar - his ingenuity, drive, approach, and overall attitude. He has an inspiring story and his calm methods are definitely something to imitate. I agree that the laid-back, yet assertive leader is the one I am more inclined to follow and emulate.
Apryl DeLanceys last blog post..Wild World of Wednesday – August 27, 2008
August 29th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Abby, this is something I do wrong all the time. I look at Ace instead of straight ahead. I’m always adjusting the leash, like you said.
August 29th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for the thoughtful review! This sounds like a very good book to help understand dogs and their behavior, especially their connection to us and our own behavior.
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August 29th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
its amazing how a dog’s intuition can be a great gift in training or just harmful depending on the trainer
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August 29th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I have his book but haven’t read it yet. Thanks for reminding me about it, I need to start a new read soon.
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August 30th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Good review. I had never thought about it, but it’s true that humans are the only ones who will follow an unstable leader. I like approaches to dog training that have a basis in respect for the dog.
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August 31st, 2008 at 2:39 pm
St. Lover, once you read the book, let me know what you think.