People sometimes tell me at Fresh Pond that they are amazed at how well I can handle a large group of dogs so effortlessly. It's called the "power of the pack" and I am the undisputed "pack leader." Dogs are natural pack animals and they respond to, and obey, their pack leaders.
How do they know that I am the pack leader? Because I exude calm, assertive energy. I can see when a dog gets into an overly excited state and bring them back to a calm and submissive state with a quick correction which can be as simple as a loud "Ssshhhh!" Anyone can learn how to become the pack leader in their own home.
I have studied the philosophy and techniques of Cesar Milan for many years. Cesar Milan is controversial because he works with "red zone" dogs. A red zone dog is a dog whose behaviour problem has become so severe that they are in danger of being euthanized if the behaviour can't be changed and quickly! Many traditional dog trainers are upset with Cesar because he uses physical corrections such as a tug on their leash. Traditional dog trainers are horrified because they don't believe in ever touching a dog as a method of discipline. But Cesar is no ordinary dog trainer and when Cesar is called in, it is because all of the traditional dog trainers have failed miserably and usually have recommended that the dog be euthanized.
However, his book, "Be the Pack Leader" teaches the basic principles of dog psychology. One of the most basic lessons are that dogs need 1. exercise 2. discipline 3. affection - in that exact order. Most people do that in the reverse order, because it is our natural tendency as human beings to offer affection before discipline, or even affection instead of discipline. But in the dog world, a dog has to be physically ready to accept discipline or affection, exercise puts them in a calm submissive state, once they accept the rules, boundaries and limitations that you provide as pack leader, then, and only then, are they are ready to accept and enthusiastically respond to our affection.
If you are interested in understanding how dogs think and how they view the world around them and most importantly how they view you, I encourage you to go to Amazon and buy his book.
Here's the link to his book on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Be-Pack-Leader-Cesars-Transform/dp/0307381668/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214653754&sr=1-1
