Jane;
Thank you for reinforcing that I was not lashing out or criticizing
Cesar Milan; as I had indicated in my original email, I have never watched his
show nor personally researched his training methods. I was only relaying
what had appeared here locally, since his name was mentioned in an email by
Manny.
I
can only personally attest to the training methods of Dr. Patricia McConnell,
and that it was life altering for me personally to complete her
training. It was the perfect training for Czar, my Pyr, and I do agree
with you completely that the Pyr is a different "Dog" altogether. After
raising Alaskan Malamutes for 20 years, I can attest to the fact they are like
night and day difference in temperament, personality, training methods,
etc.
Each
of us, I am sure has found a way to find that perfect bond with our canine
Pyrs. Whether it is training from Cesar Milan, Dr. Patricia McConnel,
Pet Smart, or other local sources, if it is positive training for
both the human and the canine, then it is a perfect fit and will lead to a
long lasting relationship with your best friend. Czar, my Pyr and I have
have a terrific relationship of mutual respect, love and total admiration for
each other. He understands his boundaries with me and never, ever tries
to test. He is a wonderful gentle soul, who is this big white fluffball
of docility, peace, comfort, love, and understanding. He is an amazing
animal that has brought much joy to the folks we visit in our volunteer
efforts at a local nursing home, who just go crazy when we walk into their
room.
I
apologize if I have offended anyone by passing along the information regarding
Cesar Milan. It was not meant to ridicule or make assumptions. I was
just relaying information I had run across.
In
the mean time, I am looking forward to a new addition to the family, a male
Newfoundland pup that will be joining us in early August. I have already
checked out the available local training classes from Dr. Patricia McConnell
of Dogs Best Friends Training, and will be taking the new guy through her
entire suite of classes, just as I had done Czar, the Pyr. I am very
much anticipating much of the same results with the Newf, as with
Czar.
Beth
and Czar (Pyr) and Raisa (Alaskan Malamute) in Rural
Wisconsin
I do not believe anyone is lashing out at Cesar. I, as Bethany,
have no opinion one way or the other. It's an individual choice. But let it
be known that the Pyr is a different "Dog" altogether. And far apart from
the others. I have not seen a DVD, nor have I attendended one of Milan's
seminars. Although I have done some reading on his methods.
Yes, we
should be careful not to jump to conclusions. One way or the other.
I do have great respect for Dr. Patricia McConnell and her training
ability and expertise. She is one of the best. I am a proud member of WPR
and listen to Larry and Patricia every Saturday morning. Not just for My
Guys, but for all the information and insight that comes from the "Calling
All Pets" Show. And unless you have lived with and Lived For a Great
Pyrenees for quite some time, you have absolutely no idea what these special
ones are all about. They are non alike to any other. The positive
reinforcement has proven itself in the training of my Pyrs over the years.
And believe me. It's been many, many, many, years.
It's been a life
of mutual respect and love on both sides. With NO battles over who is
in charge. It has indeed come about with positive reinforcement. Although I
didn't realize what I was doing when I did it. It came ever so naturally.
(Perhaps from my life with horses?) I would highly recommend Beth's link to
Patricia's Web site. It's an individual choice. As would be all things in
your lives.
Be Well,
Let us continue to learn. I shall also
check out Cesar Milan. I'm never too old to learn. Eh?
Jane and
Rainbow, on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Minnesota