Are you a Dog Whisperer?

You've probably heard of the phrase "Horse whisperer," which refers to someone so adept at training horses that they can practically "whisper" to the horses in what seems like their own little languages. Sometimes, this is even taken literally when a trainer uses whispering to comfort a horse! But what does it mean to say someone is a "Dog whisperer," the nickname for the famous dog trainer Cesar Millan?

In this article, we'll explore the title of "dog whisperer" to see if you have what it takes to be your own at-home dog whisperer.

First, to be a dog whisperer, you'll probably have to have a lot of experience with dogs. Practice makes perfect, and you can't exactly expect that you'll be a perfect, ideal dog trainer right off the bat with your first puppy. You wouldn't expect to bowl a perfect 300 your first time going to the bowling lanes, either.

But if you want to become your own kind of "dog whisperer," you will have to pay attention. It would probably make sense to try raising a dog from a puppy in order to get a whole sense of how dog training works. This would also help you learn more about dog psychology as you'll get to watch a developing dog grow up right before your eyes.

Of course, don't take in a puppy without first knowing the kind of commitment it will take, which is a frequent mistake of first-time dog owners. You'll have to make a full commitment to learning about dog training and making sure to follow expert advice regarding dog care and training. Remember that dogs aren't toys, but they're not people, either. When you know how to treat a dog like a dog - that is, a companion - then you'll be a step closer to being a dog whisperer.

Being a dog whisperer will also require that you are able to set boundaries for the dog. You can't let a dog walk all over you in the figurative sense. Dogs don't want to be the master of the household - after all, how would they pay the bills? Instead, dogs will feel much more natural and healthy if they are simply a part of your individual "pack," a companion on your own journey. This means that you'll have to set rules and treat the dog with consistency.

If you can handle the demands on time and energy it will take to raise your dog to be a solid companion, then you'll be your own at-home dog whisperer. Just remember that the dog is your companion, not the other way around.

Photo Credits: skycaptaintwo

This post involves:

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... and focuses on:

Dog Training

Posted by Dog Training Pet on August 13, 2011 in Dog Training.