Pantops Pet Salon & Spa
Charlottesville's Professional Dog Grooming

Archived from “The Paw Report:”  Issue #11, May

“That cat is amazing!  Don’t the dogs bother him?”  Nope!  Dodger is quite content to laze on the counter as dog after dog comes in for grooming.  Sometimes they sniff at each other.  Once in a while a terrier will try to chase him down or a Golden will grin at him over the counter.  With a glare, a growl, and sometimes a swat, Dodger will put them in their place if they get too close.  Otherwise, our shop mascot is quite content to be surrounded by dogs every weekday.  Is Dodger unusual?

Gina Spadafori, a columnist for Veterinary Partner, states that it is “not uncommon for dogs and cats to become friends and to enjoy each other’s company.”  Some dogs and cats are compatible instantly, others

need more introduction and a few have a predatory instinct too strong to overcome.  Spadafori recommends a slow, controlled introduction period which includes allowing the animals to sniff at each other from under a closed door so that each of them has a comfortable area of territory.  After a few days, allow them to see each other but keep the dog on lead.  Watch their responses.  They may be curious, afraid, aggressive, etc.  Let them have an adjustment period under close observation.  Hopefully, your dog and cat will have a new best friend!

“Dog Whisperer” and Grooming

Cesar Millan and Treat Training

Dog Whispering — Leashes

The Koehler Method of Dog Training
We have discussed Cesar Millan’s method of rehabilitating dogs and the philosophy behind it.  His methods are fine and dandy for trying to get rid of unwanted behavior, but for teaching the basics to a new family member I recommend a book by W.R. Koehler called “The Koehler Method of Dog Training.”  To find out more about his book and method, visit his website:  www.keohlerdogtraining.com

Archived from “The Paw Report:”  Issue #9, March. Read the rest of this entry »

We have discussed Cesar Millan in previous issues but there are a variety of training methods available.  In fact, a recent “People” magazine examined the “war” going on between his method and a method which relies on the use of treats.

Archived from “The Paw Report:”  Issue #7, January

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Archived from “The Paw Report:”  Issue #4, October
In the last issue, I explained the time commitment Caesar Millan suggests for daily training—a 45 minute walk in the morning followed by basic obedience sessions.  Keep in mind that the walk he describes is brisk and the lead is kept short with the collar high on the neck—no harnesses or lengthy leads there!

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I’ve now seen over 25 of Cesar Millan’s shows and am still fascinated by his skillful handling of each situation.  I’d like to comment on a different aspect of his presentation throughout our newsletters.  He does explain that all the nuances of his technique are based on three points of emphasis:  exercise, discipline, and then affection (in that order).  The main thing I noticed when he is making a correction is the time involved on the part of the owner.  First, there must be a 45 minute walk daily—without exception.  This is followed by consistent behavior modification at every breech of good behavior.

Archived from “The Paw Report:” Issue #2, July

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I have recently been watching a great show called “Dog Whisperer” starring Cesar Millan. I was really amazed at how well-versed in animal behavior he is since he has no formal education—his philosophy comes instead from first-hand, on-the-job training. Initially he worked in a veterinarian’s clinic, then later as a dog groomer’s assistant. After my own 31 years of dog boarding and grooming, I can really endorse much of his teaching. Whereas he works with dogs that already have problems, I prefer that the dog-owner relationship be established before problems arise.

Archived from “The Paw Report:”  Issue #2, August

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 It is not fair to a puppy to bring him to his first visit at 12-16 weeks of age without some coaching at home. In order to figure out how to train your dog for grooming, an understanding of what is expected of him as an adult is necessary.

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