I am a Cesar fan and have a question regarding dogs at ‘play.’ My first obvious thought is that if your dogs have the energy to play, they need more exercise, correct?’ In any event, what types of play do you allow in your pack?

I have a very playful two-year-old, high-energy Doberman named Klohee.’ She gets along well with other dogs: play bows, lays down to bait them to play, etc., but is quite obnoxious at times about playing, i.e., does not know when to stop.’ Even after exercise, she always has enough energy to play with other dogs.’ Listed below are some of my observations of her play.’ Can you tell me which behaviors should be allowed and to what extent I should ‘break it up’ as her pack leader?’ How can I tell if the play is reciprocal or if she’s just being pushy?

Observations:

• Play bows
• She lays down to reassure that she means no harm
• She loves to run and play chase with other dogs (Her favorite thing)
• Occasionally barks if they don’t bite the bait to play (Is she demanding?)
• Bites on the back of the neck (Intensity varies on another dog)
• Nips at legs
• Plays the bite-each-other’s mouth game?
• Licks other dogs’ faces
• She sometimes gives the other dogs her toys/chewies (A bribe, perhaps?)

Thanks in advance!’ I could use your advice on this one.’ I know the basics on dog body language but need clarification on the whole play thing.’ It looks like they both enjoy it, but they play rough to the human eye!

Bryan Bone

Cesar Responds

Dear Bryan,

The following are my reactions to your observations of Klohee, who sounds like a very playful Doberman indeed!

• Play bows. That’s great!
• She lies down to reassure she means no harm. – Perfect!
• Run, chase, and play with other dogs. That’s what dogs do!
• Barks if they don’t take the bait to play. – There’s nothing wrong with that.
• Bites back of the neck. – If they’re part of her pack, it’s okay, but I would discourage this behavior if they’re not dogs she recognizes as regular friends and family.’
• Nips at legs. – This is more irritating to a dog than a bite to the neck. Dogs do this when the other dog is not paying attention.’ If the dog she is nipping is not a dog you trust, do not allow the nipping on the leg.’ This could lead to a conflict or fight.
• Plays the ‘bite-each-other’s mouth’ game.- This is normal play behavior.
• Licks other dogs’ faces. – This is an acceptable play activity with other pack members – unless it becomes obsessive. There are three levels of intensity: mild, medium, and high.’ I do not allow activities to reach a high intensity unless I create the game. For example, if I play ball with them, I let them go to the highest energy level. However, if they do it among themselves, I only allow them to reach a mild or medium intensity.’ The same behavior at a different energy level can create a fight simply because it was a high-level energy moment.
• Gives other dogs her toys/chewies. – This indicates that she would be in the middle of a pack of dogs.’ She’d be the one who would keep the dogs in the back and the dogs in front as a unit.

You mentioned that your dog has enough energy to play after she does exercise or goes for a walk. Absolutely! Utilizing extra energy in play is an excellent way for dogs to celebrate the day. All dogs at the Dog Psychology Center play after exercise and don’t play for an extended period. After feeding times and when the temperature cools at around 5 pm, everybody here is frisky and playful, but playtime only lasts about fifteen minutes. After that, they are tired!

Based on your information, Klohee is a high-energy, submissive dog.’ The goal is to make her calm-submissive.’ You’ve got one-half of the battle accomplished already!’ Walking her with a backpack is a great way to drain energy and move toward accomplishing that second half!

Stay calm and assertive,
Cesar Millan

Why Is Play Important for Dogs?

Play is a crucial part of a dog’s day as it allows them to get exercise, reduce stress, and release much-needed energy. When our pets play, they gain social and motor skills that are key for any pack member. Teaching our pups good play behavior aids in brain development and how to appropriately interact with other dogs.

Starting while your puppy is young is critical, and playing with other dogs will help teach your pup appropriate play. Dogs learn by doing and by mimicking. So, while doggie play dates can be fun, use the opportunity to teach your furry friend what is expected during playtime. These interactions with your puppy will lead them to connect socially, bond, and communicate. 

What Does Good Play Look Like

It can sometimes be difficult for people to determine what good play behavior looks like. However, if you observe the dog’s body language, you can figure out if both pups are enjoying the playtime. When both pets consent to play, you will watch for relaxed body posture and return for more fun.

Signs That Dogs Are Playing

• Acting silly, excessive bouncy movement
• Open-mouthed grin
• The dog continues to go back for more play. Even the one who ends up on their back
• The front end down and back end in the air is a play bow
• Repeatedly slapping front paws on the ground to initiate play
• Pretends to fall over and expose the belly
• Allows being “caught” during a game of chase, taking turns chasing each other

What Does Bad Dog Play Look Like

Certain breeds of dogs are wired to be “pushy,” while others may not be socially trained to interact well. Sometimes what started as a fun playdate can quickly become aggressive, and recognizing when aggression has set in is essential for the safety of all involved.

Signs That Dogs Are Fighting

• A warning growl accompanied by a curled lip and closed mouth
• If an actual fight, the loser will not return for more “play.”
• Ears are pinned back, and no big smiles.
• No bouncy, fun movement. The dog will move around quickly
• The hair will be standing up (hackles), which might not be noticeable if your dog has long hair
• The body will be stiff, and body language is not happy
• Tail is tucked
• One of the dogs is trying to get away from the other one
• It’s clear that the dogs are not having fun

How To Spot a Potential Aggressive Dog

As a pack leader, you need to be aware of your dog’s body language and identify factors that give you the inclination that they might become aggressive. Suppose you encounter another dog who becomes aggressive with your pup. In that case, you may need to help your furry friend recognize the unsafe behavior and remove them from the situation quickly and calmly. Below are signs to watch out for in an aggressive pup.

• A tense stare and squared-off stance.
• A posture that looks like the dog is guarding. The neck is lower than the shoulders, and the head is lowered and stretched forward.
• A straight and stiff tail.
• The nose is upturned, exposing the teeth.
• Hair is standing up.
• Ears are standing straight up or flat back.

How To Detect Early Signs of Aggression

As a pack leader, it is essential to recognize early warning signs of aggression in your dog. Doing so will protect your pup, other dogs, and humans. Sometimes puppies that are nervous or anxious may show signs of early aggression. It’s best to seek professional help to get the issue resolved. Here are some behaviors to look out for:

• Rough play is too much for one of the dogs. If your dog continues to play roughly when the other playmate is done, it could lead to aggressive behavior. Be mindful of one pup enjoying the “playtime” more than the other.
• Continuing to chase or bother. If one of the dogs has given signals that they are done playing, but your dog does not stop but instead continues to pester the other dog, their behavior could become aggressive and take a wrong turn.
• Dogs can be bullies too. As with humans, dogs who bully often lack appropriate social skills and confidence. As their pack leader, you teach and train your pup on how to behave. Bullying could look like body slamming, inappropriate biting, and not stopping when the other dog clearly shows they are done.

Commonly Asked Questions About Dog Behavior

Are All Dogs Suited For the Dog Park?

Although some pets do well and interact nicely with other dogs at the dog park, some dogs respond better to playing at home or with another dog buddy they already have a relationship with. Something to note is the gated dog park is a wonderful and neutral location to introduce potential puppy pals rather than at your home. Be sure to supervise the initial interaction and watch the playtime closely.

What Should I Do if My Dog Gets Into a Fight?

Unfortunately, there may come a time when your pet gets into a fight with another dog. Knowing how to handle yourself and your dog in this situation is essential to keeping everyone safe. Do not attempt to separate the dogs by grabbing their collar or any part of their body. A loud noise might be enough to stop the fight, and an air horn is a great tool to keep in your car. If you are at home, using a hose and spraying water on both dogs’ heads can break them up.

How Do I Keep My Dog From Getting Aggressive?

The best way to prevent your pet from getting into a fight with another dog is to recognize signs of aggression and promptly remove and separate the animals before the situation worsens.

How Do I Know If Another Dog Is Ready to Play?

If you are still determining if the pup your dog wants to engage with is ready to play, do a quick separation test. Once they are separated, if they both run back to play again, that’s a sign that both consent to the play session. If one of the dogs runs away from the situation, stop the playdate and move on.

The post Good and Bad Play Behavior appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Dogs use a variety of cues to communicate with each other and humans. They verbalize thoughts, feelings, or opinions through growls, whines, or barks that can be loudest when it’s time for them to take action on something they don’t want you doing! If your dog barks, there is a reason why. It may be simply a response to a stimulus, like a jogger running by the house—or it may be your dog’s way of asking for help. It would be best if you found out why dogs bark to stop them from barking.

Some Reasons Dogs Bark

Barking is a natural behavior for dogs, and there are many reasons why they do it. Some dogs bark for attention, some to express excitement or joy, and others as a warning or defense mechanism. Regardless, barking can be frustrating for pet owners when it becomes excessive—understanding why your dog barks are the first step in finding a solution to the problem.

Health or Aging

As dogs begin to age, they will sometimes bark at night even if there doesn’t appear to be anything for them to be concerned about. When this behavior develops, it could be a sign of cognitive dysfunction. If you notice your older dog barking into the corner or at walls during the night, make an appointment with their veterinarian. They may be telling us they’re uncomfortable, and it’s essential to take action before things get worse!

Defensive or Fear

This is your dog’s way of sending you a distress signal. It could mean another dog is nearby or a stranger is approaching the house. The bark is usually deeper and may have an aggressive growl associated with them, and it will be incessant. If your pup is anxious, their fur will be raised, their tail between their legs, and their head will be low.

Food and Attention Bark

Sometimes the bark means they want food, sometimes they need to go for a walk, and sometimes they want attention. Pay attention to their body language if your dog is barking and you can’t figure out why. Often, they will give you clues as to what they need. They are probably hungry if they paw at you or lick their lips. They probably need to go for a walk if they are leaning against you or looking at the door. And if they are pacing back and forth or following you around, they are probably just looking for some attention.

Barking As Greeting

Pet owners love coming home when their dog greets them excitedly by jumping and barking. They feel this proves their dog’s love for the family. Dogs that greet their owners in this way are trying to communicate. But rather than professing undying love, they are probably trying to tell you that they are lonely and bored; their needs as a dog are not being met. The excitement is your dog’s way of burning off the excess energy that has been building throughout the day.. Dogs simply don’t use emotions as people do. Remember, they’re dogs. To love a dog means you must treat him like an animal, which means fulfilling him as nature intended him to be fulfilled.

Boredom

Your dog might start barking because of boredom. When dogs are not physically or mentally challenged, destructive behaviors may manifest. If your pup brings a leash, ball, or toy, it could hint that they need some playtime to release some pent-up energy. A dog needs exercise everyday to keep boredom at bay.

Excitement

The excited barking of your dog can signal that you’re home, especially if they start to bark when hearing the sound of their leash. The barks are often followed by a waging tail and happy-bodied position (ears perked and head held higher). The sound of excitement is one that dogs make when they’re with friends or family members. Yipping and yowling can be considered a way for packs to communicate their joy!

Pain or Distress

When you hear your dog barking in pain, it’s not just for show. They are letting their pack leader know that they need help. If you try to touch them, they might bark in anticipation of the pain or are already hurting. Seek medical attention from your veterinarian to determine the cause of irritation.

Reactive Barking

Often reactive barking is a single bark, but it can follow with more barking. When humans are surprised or scared, their voices go up a pitch to show they’re afraid. The same thing happens with dogs and other animals spooked by something surprising: Their body language also suggests alarm! This bark is uncontrolled, and body posture can vary as they were likely startled.

Positive Reinforcement

Barking can be controlled through positive reinforcement training, where the dog is rewarded for not barking. Here are some quick tips for this type of training.

• Keep it fun
• Wean from giving treats as a reward
• Praise immediately
• Give rewards for desired behavior
• Don't stop training
• Don't be inconsistent
• Don't complicate things

Nuisance Barking

If nuisance barking is a problem, consider these issues to find a solution. It’s the best way to show genuine love for your dog.

• Is your pup's world anchored by a pack leader who projects calm-assertive energy?
• Are you walking with him daily, which exercises his body and mind?
• Is he living a balanced life (diet, routine, rest, exercise)?

If you are looking for more help on how to help your pup check out this article More tips on problem barking.

The post Why Dogs Bark appeared first on Cesar's Way.

It’s happened to all of us. We come home from a long day at work, and our dog is excited to see us. But when we enter the door, we realize that our house has been turned into a disaster zone. Chewed-up furniture, shredded pillows, and god knows what else… It’s enough to make you never want to leave your dog alone again. But don’t worry – there are ways to stop your dog from chewing everything in sight. This post will outline tips and tricks for preventing your pup from ruining your favorite things.

Understand Why Your Dog is Chewing

You’ve likely encountered the problem of your pup chewing on items they shouldn’t. It can be frustrating and dangerous if your dog starts gnawing on furniture, electrical cords, or other objects in your home. But why do dogs chew?

Hunger

If your dog is hungry or on a restrictive diet, it could lead to them chewing on objects that look or smell like food. This is because they are looking for a way to get the necessary nutrients and energy. So, if you see your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t, it may be time to reevaluate their diet.

Separation Anxiety

When a dog is left alone, it may experience separation anxiety, and anxiety can lead to behavioral problems like chewing and general destructiveness. If you’re leaving your dog home alone, give them plenty of toys and food to keep them occupied.

Remain Calm

Unleashing your anger on your dog won’t accomplish anything. It can cause further unbalance – and he will seek another object to chew to calm down! Two things you can do is take a deep breath and count to ten. Removing yourself from the situation for a few minutes can help bring peace so you can calmly approach your pup and move forward.

Correct Your Dog

Do not try to grab the object or take the dog away from the thing. Instead, you can use a light touch correction on the neck or hindquarters to get your dog’s attention away from the object.

Train Using Basic Commands

Dogs are amazing creatures that can be taught a variety of basic commands. Teaching these commands to your dog can help make your life together much easier and more enjoyable.

Leave It

When your dog gets curious, and let’s face it, this is bound to happen quite often. Teaching the “leave it” command is essential for safety when their nose or eyes detect something dangerous.

Sit

Usually, the sit command is taught first as it is easier to learn. A dog obeying the most basic instructions is calmer and easier to control.

Come

Teaching your dog to come can keep your pup out of trouble if a door is left open or they get loose from the leash.

Redirect the Behavior

If the correction didn’t get your dog to obey, try something else, such as a treat or another toy. Redirecting a dog is essential for both the dog and the people in its life, and it can help keep the dog safe and prevent it from getting into trouble. There are a few basic steps to redirecting a dog, and with practice, you’ll be able to do it quickly and easily.

• Create a Positive Association
• Work Towards Redirecting Without a Treat
• Learn When it is Appropriate to Use
• Practice Often

Be Consistent

One of the main reasons why consistency is so important when training dogs is because they rely on routine more than anything else. Dogs like knowing what is going on and what is expected of them. If you vary how you train your dog from day to day or from person to person, they will become confused and may not respond as well to training overall. Being consistent teaches your furry friend that there is always a predictable outcome for their actions, which helps them learn faster and reduces frustration on both ends!

Claim the Object

Use your energy and body language to communicate to your dog that the object is yours. It can be helpful to imagine an invisible boundary around you and the object. Another recommendation is to dog-proof your house and put away off-limit things. Encourage your family to put personal belongings away and behind closed doors.

Find Safe Chew Toys

Many dogs use chewing as a way to calm themselves. Puppies who are teething chew to relieve pain. Provide an object they can safely gnaw on, such as a chew toy or a bully stick. One side note, do not give your pup an old shoe or couch pillow to play and gnaw on, as this sends conflicting messages that these types of objects are allowed. Your faithful friend cannot distinguish between your favorite new heels and old worn-out boots.

Supervise Your Dog

Until your dog is consistently chewing on appropriate toys, never leave them unsupervised with a toy. When unsupervised, dogs often chew items they shouldn’t, such as furniture or shoes. In addition, leaving a dog unsupervised with a toy can be dangerous; they may choke on it or swallow it whole. Supervising your dog can ensure they stay safe and only chew on appropriate items.

We understand that not everyone has the luxury of staying home for extended periods to watch and train your furry friend. Try leaving your dog in a small room with a baby gate or door closed for up to six hours. Be careful not to leave items that are dangerous to chew on, but rather leave a variety of safe and appropriate toys. Remember, when you return home from work, you should provide plenty of exercise and physical movement.

Physical Exercise

It is crucial to provide your dog with plenty of physical exercise. If dogs are bored, they will most likely chew something up because that’s one-way dogs entertain themselves when given nothing else! Daily walks and outings to burn off excess energy, tug-of-war games, or fetching items are some ways to get your pup active.

Mental Stimulation

If you’re looking for something to keep your furry friend happy and entertained, you should try giving them some mental stimulation. Puzzles, treat dispensers, and even just hiding their food around the house can help keep your pup’s mind active and healthy.

Seek Professional Help

If your dog still has trouble chewing even after trying all the above tips, it may be time to seek professional help. Enlisting a professional dog trainer can be expensive, but it may be worth it if your dog’s chewing problem persists. Professional trainers can help you determine why your dog is chewing and devise a customized plan to address the issue. In addition, they can provide valuable guidance on preventing future problems. If you decide to go this route, research and find a reputable trainer with experience working with dogs with similar issues.

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If you’re unsure how to approach a fearful dog, you have come to the right place. Today, we’ll cover the details on how to help a fearful dog gain trust in you and how to stay safe in the process. We’ll also share a helpful video from Cesar that explains how to approach a fearful dog by engaging the dog’s curiosity and taking him for walks.

Ready to learn how to approach a fearful dog and boost his confidence? Let’s get started!

Read the Fearful Dog’s Body Language

The first step to approaching a frightened dog is to understand fearful dog body language. Because dogs communicate with humans and other pets through body language and certain behaviors, it is important to be able to understand the meaning behind the fearful dog’s actions.

There are many reasons a dog may act fearful towards you or other humans. New environments, lack of socialization, and new people are just a few factors that can cause anxiety and fear in dogs. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to realize that fearful dogs will have different behaviors than non-fearful dogs. You should always be aware of the dog’s movements and be prepared for aggressive behavior.

As you approach a fearful dog, be on the lookout for the following behaviors:

• Standing completely still 
• Staring directly at you
• Lowering or raising the head while looking away from you
• Growling
• Snapping
• Lunging toward you
• Tucking his tail between his legs
• Trembling

As you approach the dog, be alert of any aggressive behaviors the dog may show. Growling, snapping, and lunging are a few signs a dog may be acting aggressively. In these cases, be extremely cautious and do not suddenly approach the dog.

Be Careful of Your Body Position

Approaching a fearful dog requires you to be aware not only of the dog’s body language but your body position as well. If you notice the dog cowering as you approach him, immediately make yourself “smaller” by either kneeling down or bending over.

If you’re approaching an extremely fearful or shy dog, you may need to build up his confidence and trust before you may continue approaching him. Rather than walking towards him, sit down next to him, keeping your body turned slightly sideways to show him you’re not a threat.

As you gently approach the dog, remember to continue being aware of the dog’s behavior. If the dog is lunging at you or showing signs of aggression, remain standing up and do not get too close to him. If you feel uncomfortable approaching the dog, seek expert help from an animal behaviorist or trainer.

Avoid Direct Eye Contact with the Fearful Dog

The key to approaching a fearful dog is to gain his confidence and trust in you. In order for this to work, you need to appear less intimidating to the fearful dog. Because direct eye contact can appear threatening to dogs, it’s important to avert your gaze as you slowly approach him.

In addition to avoiding direct eye contact, you may turn your body slightly sideways and lean away from the dog. Remember to continue reading the dog’s body language even as you glance away from the dog’s location. 

Don’t Force Anything

Patience is the key to gaining a fearful dog’s trust. If your dog is fearful of new people, slowly introduce him to friends and family members in an area he feels comfortable being in. Never force your dog to meet someone by holding his collar or keeping him still. Once your dog becomes comfortable around individuals, continue socializing him by going to dog parks and walking him around the neighborhood. 

This method can also be used when introducing your dog to particular environments. Many dogs, especially fearful ones, can become frightened when in a new location. If your dog is afraid of a new environment, use positive body language and rewards to assure your dog the environment is safe. Continue this process for several days until your dog becomes more confident in that particular setting.

Use Positive Reinforcement with the Fearful Dog

Just as your body language influences your dog’s behavior, positive reinforcement can help your dog overcome his fears and become comfortable in frightening situations. 

There are many ways to use positive reinforcement to comfort and reward your dog. One way is to praise your dog each time he becomes less fearful and more confident in the situation he’s in. Remember to maintain a quiet yet cheerful voice that does not startle or frighten the dog in any way. 

Another way to reward your dog is through treats. Every time the dog reacts positively toward you, hand him a savory treat he is attracted to. Be careful feeding a fearful dog from your hand, as some dogs may become aggressive and snap at you. If the dog appears aggressive in any way, withhold the treats and use only verbal praise. 

Cesar’s Advice for Approaching a Fearful Dog

Are you still seeking expert advice on how to approach a fearful dog? No worries! Recently, Cesar hosted a group of veterinarians for a day of training at the Dog Psychology Center. In this video, he teaches them how to approach a fearful dog through certain tips and tricks. Whether you’re interested in how to walk a fearful dog or how to help a fearful dog regain confidence, this training video covers all the topics on how to approach a fearful or shy dog.

We hope this article helped you gain a better understanding of how to approach a fearful dog. Remember, gaining a fearful dog’s trust can only be done through time and patience. Once you earn his trust, both you and your dog can live life with confidence and excitement.

The post How to Approach a Fearful Dog appeared first on Cesar's Way.

I have a two-year-old Pomeranian who is afraid of everything; and so worried about things falling on him.  Although since I’ve had him (about one year), nothing has fallen on him.  He even approaches his food dish as if a snake will attack at any minute.

Drinking water is the same, he is always prepared to run away. I have tried to show calm and assertive direction and a matter-of-fact attitude. Is there anything more I can do?

Alice Jackson

Read Cesar’s Advice Below

Dear Alice,

This sounds like a self-esteem problem, so you must approach it delicately. We want to challenge the dog physically and mentally with things like obstacle courses, busy environments, and any situation in which the dog can get feedback from other, more confident dogs. I once worked with a dog named Luna, who was afraid of everything. Even the wind scared her; she would come into a room and see “ghosts.” Every part of her would be on hyper alert – her nose, her eyes, her ears – and everything would make her afraid. I rehabilitated her by helping her self-esteem to blossom, and that’s all about exposing the dog to many different situations.

Helping a dog build self-esteem is a very, very long process, and not nearly as fast as aggression rehabilitation. You have to build confidence slowly, and the way you build it is by helping the dog to repeatedly accomplish small goals. Practice obedience training, practice obstacle courses; they don’t have to be champions, but they have to go out and do it. With every success comes a little more confidence.

Choose the right trainers. The trainers are going to help you to find the right energy in yourself, to help provide the support your dog needs. You have to be thinking about that rehabilitation, and about training yourself just as you train your dog. To do that, YOU have to have a good role model. The role model will guide and ensure that your dog is always getting the best out of you. Remember, it takes time, dedication, and patience above all else. Good luck.

Stay calm and assertive,

Cesar Millan

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1) A form of warning or protection.
2) A warning letting others know “this is my territory.”
3) A form of excitement, such as when a dog barks when he wants a ball.

The bottom line is simple–as the pack leader–you should be able to control the barking if it becomes excessive or obsessive, and if it’s normal barking, it isn’t something that you’d consider “a problem.”

Unstable leaders
In general, when I see people who cannot manage their dog’s barking, I see people who have trouble managing their life too. People who are not balanced. The dog, therefore, is following an unstable leader and is looking to be challenged. He can’t express this lack of stimulation, so he barks. He’s telling you he’s bored! Obsessive barking is the manifestation of a dog telling you “my needs are not being met” over and over and over again. The result? A frustrated human.

Seeking professional help
People say to me – “Cesar, I’m taking my dog for walks every day, I love him so much, I give him everything he needs, but he’s still barking. I think it’s just the way he is!” And to them I say, “Do you think you might be barking up the wrong tree?”

The biggest challenge in my work is getting people to realize that it’s not the dog. It’s the human behind the dog. People say they watch the show all the time, but when it comes to recognizing where they are falling short of their dog’s needs, they don’t see it.

They can talk the talk, but they can’t walk the walk. Literally. This is why I recommend calling in a professional trainer who can help the human see what they are doing, so they can be the solution, rather than the problem.

Fulfilling Your Dog
What a barking dog needs is the fulfillment formula. He needs Exercise, Discipline, and then Affection. He needs the physical, and psychological stimulation. The question is: can the human commit to this every single day? We have to understand that balance doesn’t happen because we love our dogs. It happens because we fulfill their needs. That to me is the meaning of love.

Is your dog a barker? Tell us all about it in the comments.

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I deal with a lot of red zone cases, and I often hear people incorrectly blaming the breed. Any breed can cause trouble. The difference between an aggressive Chihuahua and an aggressive pit bull is that the bigger breeds can cause proportionately bigger damage.

It is important to recognize the power of a strong breed, like the pit bull, the Cane Corso, and the Mastiff. These dogs are very powerful and, if they are unbalanced, they can cause serious injury. Remember, these dogs don’t dream of being in the news when they grow up. Dogs don’t premeditate bad acts like people do. Bad things happen when powerful breeds (or mixes of powerful breeds) live with humans who like the breed but don’t understand and fulfill the animal in the dog. Many people consider the look or popularity of a breed before thinking about whether the dog works for their lifestyle. This is a recipe for disaster.

To control a powerful breed, you need to become the dog’s pack leader and establish rules, boundaries, and limitations. You need to fulfill the dog as Nature intended him to be fulfilled. If you are considering adopting a powerful breed, make sure you are willing and able to take on the responsibility.

Have you been able to correct your dog’s aggressive behavior? Tell us all about it in the comments.

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You may be surprised by how right you are. In some ways, dogs have an advantage over humans in this regard. Humans can be misled by what we say, which sometimes doesn’t reflect what’s really going on in our minds and hearts. We also have our own complex thoughts and emotions distracting us from really paying attention.

Dogs, however, are using more reliable cues to pick up on what we’re really thinking and feeling, and they are often laser-focused on the humans in their lives — especially if they have food!

Here are just some of the things your dog knows about you.

Your intentions
Yes, your dog can predict the future. He knows what you intend to do. Your body language is usually what gives you away. Let’s look at something simple. You intend to leave the house. Before you go, you get your shoes, put on your coat, and grab your keys. Your dog knows that you intend to leave the house, because he knows these actions usually precipitate your exit.

But here’s the thing: your dog also picks up on much more subtle cues — ones that you probably don’t even know you are giving. For example, you may notice that your dog knows you are about to take him for a walk before you’ve said a word about or taken any action to make it happen. He may notice a change in body language or your energy that gives it away instead.

Your mood

Does your dog know when you need a good snuggle after a bad day? Is she ready to celebrate with you after you’ve just achieved a big success? It’s not your imagination. She knows.

How you are feeling is clear as day to your canine family members. Everything about your energy changes. Your tone of voice. The way you hold your body. And even your smell, due to chemical changes related to emotion-regulating hormones.

Your feelings toward others
Is there someone who really rubs you the wrong way but you always maintain a smiling appearance? That person might not know how you feel — but if your dog witnesses the interaction, he is well aware.

Again, the key is your non-verbal communication. Even while you’re saying, “It’s so nice to see you,” your dog will be picking up on the fact that your body language is tense and closed off and your energy is negative. Of course, the opposite is true, too. If you unexpectedly come upon a dear old friend on a walk, your dog will notice that it was a positive surprise, one that led you to have relaxed body language and excited energy.

Your feelings towards her
Are you afraid of your dog’s aggressive behavior? Frustrated by his hyperactive antics? And enamored with his snuggles? Your dog is well aware.

Remember, this is at the core of establishing pack leadership. That frustration or fear will be viewed as unbalance, and it will lead your dog to want to take over that leadership role, not hand it over to you.

And showing your appreciation for the calmer moments — like those snuggles — will reinforce those behaviors in a positive way. So be careful to control your thoughts, your body language, and most importantly your energy when establishing pack leadership.

For many, practicing meditation can make a big difference towards gaining greater control of non-verbal communication — and ensuring that your dog knows what you want him to know about you!

Does your dog seem to be able to read your mind or your mood? Tell us about it in the comments!

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