Cesar Millan, dog behaviorist, on easiest breeds for first time pet owners: “In any litter, there are 3 positions in the pack”
The former host of the hit show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan shared some tips for people to consider before they bring a dog into their lives.
Bringing a dog into your life is not some decision that you should make on a whim. There are several factors to consider beyond whether to adopt or purchase a dog.
Cesar Millan, the former host of the hit show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan shared three basic tips for people to keep in mind before they bring a dog into their lives. The dog behavior expert says that you should consider a dog’s energy, your lifestyle, and the breed of dog.
Additionally, Millan gave advice on how to determine which dog would fit best into your household, explaining that no matter what the breed there are three types of dogs: front, middle and back of the pack. Furthermore, each of those types can come with one of the three different energy levels, low, medium, and high.
Choosing the right dog for you
Millan explained that you can tell what type a dog is from the moment they are born. The front of the pack, also known as the ‘pick of the litter’, will be the first one to its mother’s belly to feed. They will be followed by the middle dogs and then the back of the pack, also known as the ‘run of the litter’.
Front of the pack dogs are the ones police and other agencies select. They are also the ones that compete in dog shows. These dogs are very quiet and self-secure, and known for their obedience.
These dogs are ideal as well for people who don’t want to be around other people and practice outdoor sports, and want protection. Front dogs are also perfect for farm lifestyle people.
Middle of the pack dogs he calls “pet quality” dogs and says that they are born naturally happy-go-lucky. These dogs are more suited to city lifestyles Millan says. While their nature is for everyone to get along, if not trained right this type of dog can become hyper, pull, jump, and bark, along with stealin things from the table. “Nothing aggressive,” says the dog expert, “but disrespectful behavior.”
Run of the litter dogs are also good for city lifestyles. But he warns that they are super sensitive dogs, and you have to give them a position or they will take it upon themselves to choose their position. If not nurtured properly, back of the pack dogs can develop insecurity, fear and aggression, and anxiety, he notes as well as that they often like only one person and not the rest of the family.
Choosing the right dog breed
As far as which breed would make the best dog companion, for his part he says he loves all breeds. But what you should keep in mind is what the breed was bred for according to Millan.
He says that because of selective breeding, it’s basically like they’ve been given an innate career degree by birth. Millan advises to keep that degree in mind, and do research on the breed asking yourself, “why a human created the breed in the first place.”
You won’t have to teach them to perform a job as they are naturally born to do certain things. But, you will need to give them an environment where they can develop those skills to their fullest based on their energy level.
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