Dog behaviour expert, author and the star of National Geographic Channel’s Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, Cesar Millan, will be here in Singapore this weekend for a live seminar where he will be sharing his insights on dog psychology and dog behaviour.
Ahead of his seminar this weekend, he reveals the secrets on transforming the relationship between humans and their canine companions, and shares some useful tips with us that may come in handy in strengthening that bond.
1. Space is not an issue
Exercise is important for your dog but you should not let space constraints at home deter you from owning one. Millan explains, “A dog is happy to live with you no matter where you live. Don’t worry about small environments, dogs have an amazing capability of adapting. Only two species are capable of living anywhere in the world, humans and dogs.”
If you are concerned about the lack of exercise, Millan suggests simply increasing the frequency of your walks, “Usually for people in a small environment, it forces them to walk and to exercise dogs more often. People in New York City walk their dogs more often than in Los Angeles, people with smaller places need to get out and walk the dogs more often.”
2. The breed doesn’t matter, the teachings do
Though different breeds of dogs have differing temperaments, Millan tells us, “There are no specific breeds that are more difficult. The breed is genetics, so once you understand the order of animal first, species second, breed third, name fourth – you will see that some dogs just require a bit more patience or it requires the handler to find what inspires or motivates that particular dog”.
3. Be consistent with your dog
Millan reveals that balance is what a dog really wants, “Animals value harmony, simplicity, as well as synchronicity.” One way to achieve balance with your dog is by being consistent with them and by keeping yourself in check around them by asking yourself these questions: “How do I feel around my dogs, what is my energy like around my dogs, do I walk with a purpose so that my dog feels safe, am I consistent with my dogs?” Millan says the most common mistake made by dog owners is that they do not reflect on their interactions with their dog often enough. These may prevent problems from occurring.
4. Aggression signals problems
“If a dog is aggressive, it means the dog is having trouble with the human”, reveals Millan. To combat dog aggression problems along with fear and anxiety issues, Millan says dog owners need the proper education to discover the problems they are having with their dogs and why. Owners also have to question themselves as to whether they are being consistent with their dogs (see point above).
5. It is not wrong to dress your dog up
Contrary to some beliefs that dressing a dog up is considered torture to the pet, Millan says that it isn’t wrong, “It satisfies the owner to be able to afford something that a dog doesn’t really request. He doesn’t know the amount of money it takes to dress him up.” Dressing up a dog has more emotional value for the owner so if the owner’s happy, so will the dog.
Catch Cesar Millan: Unleashed and Live in Singapore this weekend where the internationally renowned dog behaviour expert will share his secrets to happier, healthier relationships between dogs and their owners. Tickets start from $80 and are available through SISTIC. For more information, visit www.cesarmillanlive.com/singapore/.