My life with dogs

It’s been almost 20 years since I started living with my own choice of dogs. Way back in the past, there was always a dog in the house. But these were family dogs, which my older brothers got to pick as we were growing up. Naturally, they liked the big dogs — German Shepherds in particular — so the big dogs ruled.

When I was ready to get my own dog I got a Miniature Schnauzer. I wanted a dog that could sleep with me and stay inside the house.

I knew I had made the right choice about the medium-sized dog.

“They are not as stable and as gentle as the big dogs,” said one of my older siblings. “The big dogs are better.”

“We’ll see,” came my quick reply.

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Since that first Mini Schnauzer, I have lived with at least four dogs at a time. I had Scottish Terriers, a Beagle, Toy Poodles — and all of them with wonderful personalities.

Today, I live with five dogs (two Toy Poodles, a Mini Schnauzer and two mixed breeds).

The folks who know that I live with dogs (my siblings included) always ask me how I am able to do it. My standard answer is that I live with people who love dogs just as much as we love each other.

I sometimes like to believe that I have become more dog than human. And, living in this world, that might be the better life.

I recently picked up the book Leader of the Pack by Cesar Millan. It is Millan’s second book; the first Cesar Way became a best-seller when it was published in 2008.

In his first book, Millan, a sought-after dog behavior expert in the US, shares the importance of laying the groundwork for you to have stronger, more satisfying relationships with your canine companions.

Cesar’s formula for a contented and balanced dog seems impossibly simple: exercise, discipline and affection, in that order. Whether you’re having issues with your dog or just want to make a good bond even stronger, this book will give you a deeper appreciation of how your dog sees the world, and it will help make your relationship with your beloved pet a richer and more rewarding one.

Take The Lead

Be The Leader of the Pack has lots of practical tips on how the relationships we have with our canine companions can be made even better.

I was hooked after I browsed the first chapter, which begins:

“In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn’t merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly dog.” — Edward Hoagland

Exactly.

In the book, Millan approaches dog behavior by teaching the dog owner (that’s me) to understand the natural needs and responses of a dog. More so because dogs are pack animals; as such, they need a calm and assertive pack leader.

It is not easy to be the leader of my pack at home. There are days when I get home and I am too tired to have time with the gang. I am grateful for my mom and our helpers who are constant companions of our doggies.

My mom is so fond of the dogs that I often hear her talking to them when they approach her in the morning or as they sit beside her while she eats her meals. The doggies know their place in our home — but they are far from perfect. Sure there are times when they can be a handful, but there has never been a time when we did not want them to be with us.

Matter of fact, our youngest doggie companion Cola should have gone to another family, but because we had become too attached to her, we opted not to let her go.

Millan adds that a dog can only be happy and complete if its primary needs are met. These needs are exercise, discipline and affection — in that order. He adds that it is the human’s responsibility to fulfill the dog’s energy level through exercise; to provide clearly communicated rules, boundaries and limitations for the dog’s behavior; and to give the dog affection at the right time.

In the book, Millan says that it is a common mistake for dog owners to give a great deal of affection to their canine companions with very little discipline and even less exercise.

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How true. I know many dog owners who don’t have lots of time to exercise their pets — so to make up for their absence they lavish their doggies with affection.

I am guilty of this, too. But, I make sure that the doggies do get enough exercise during the day. If they can’t be walked, then I ask that they be let out in the garden so that they can play.

If you have lots of dogs, you will understand just how important it is for dogs to let off some steam and lots of the energy they have stored inside.

I remember being told once by Jojo Isorena, a dog behavior specialist here, that most dogs display a destructive attitude when they are left locked up in one place — either in a cage or in a house.

“Dogs need to get out and socialize,” said Isorena. “It is important for their well-being and ours as well.”

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And, for the family from Laguna who asked me how to prepare a good sleeping space for their little Miniature Schnauzer Ash, here is a tip I picked up from www.cesarsway.com.

Doggy Sleeping Arrangements

With a new puppy, it is very important to establish a set sleeping place for him on the very first night.

• This can include a kennel or a crate if using it for training.

Be sure to line the kennel or crate with newspaper in case of any nighttime accidents.

• Have an elevated area at the back of the sleep area, possibly a dog bed or pillow, so your dog is not sleeping in its own waste.

• Let your dog find his sleeping space.

• It is important that you choose the place for your dog to sleep, but you need to train him to go to this area at will.

• Though you may want to share your bed with your new dog, don’t do this right away. It is important to get him used to your sleeping arrangements before allowing him to participate in this intimate connection.

If your dog whines or cries during the night, do not react. Cooing or comforting your dog will reinforce his whining and send the signal that your dog can summon you at will.

Invite your dog into your bedroom.

• Never allow him to enter your room on his own or crawl onto the bed uninvited.

• Your dog is not a concierge; wake up on your own terms, and make sure he waits calmly for you to start his structured day.

• If your dog is tired out and full, he should adjust fairly easily to a new sleeping place.

• It’s important that you feel comfortable with your dog’s sleeping arrangements.

• If you are up all night worrying about your dog, not only will you be tired, the dog will be able to read your negative energy.

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Leader of the Pack by Cesar Millan is available at Powerbooks.