Feeding dogs from the table - my visceral torment :x

[nuff]

I can safely say that if I put my dinner plate down on the ground my dog will not even blink an eye at it let alone expect to be fed at the dining table.

He is fed with dog food (occasionally scrambled eggs if he has an upset belly).

But I have seen the doggy prams and the way some people treat their precious little toy dogs and it is laughable.

Mine is walked like a dog should be. However I am finding it a little difficult to exercise him as much as he was used to in the UK since he's not allowed off the lead.

[sundaymorningstaple]

I think there are several parks with fenced in areas where dogs can run free. Bishan has one I think and there is another out in the east I've been told. Somebody with dogs here may be able to supply more info as I've never replaced my 14 year old dog after her death 7 years ago.

[nuff]

Thanks will do a search and see. I don't have a car so hopefully it's within walking distance. The park I take him to just now has the all dogs on a lead rule so would be nice to find a place where I can let him off for a proper run about.

[Brooklynjenn]

JR8 - as a kid I used to feed our dog my peas, one by one, under the table, for years until my dad finally asked, "why does that dog always like to sit next to you while we're eating?" I really wasn't doing it to spoil the dog though! I had a different motive, hating peas like I did and do still. As an adult, I agree, feeding animals at the table is disgusting and I wouldn't tolerate it. It is like I tell my kids, families have different rules, and you have to live by our rules at home. Just because your friend gets to eat snacks in her bed doesn't mean you can in our house. If it grosses you out or offends you viscerally, don't allow it! If they are good friends, they will not want to offend you in your own home.

[Superglide]

I'm not really a Cesar fan outright, I think I'm more aligned with the monks of New Skete. My attitude with dogs is a combination of the two with a heavy dose of common sense thrown in. I don't treat them like children, I treat them like dogs ~ but I treat my dogs very, very well.

I tried digging for some more information about the monks and the essence of their dog training, but can't find it, not even on their website. In short, what is the essence and how does it differ from Cesar Millan?

[sundaymorningstaple]

Time & distance don't change too much do they!

[Mary Hatch Bailey]

Hello to you Superglide!

Here's how I interpret the difference ~

Cesar talks more about the natural order of the pack and how to establish yourself as the alpha (ie. never let your dog go through a doorway first, as the alpha you should).

In The Art of Raising a Puppy, the monks of New Skete explain how training exercises like sit, stay are all the foundations for creating a bond with your dog. Since dogs have an inherent desire to serve and please, these are tools that will build a relationship based on a mutual respect and companionship. With the monks it's more about companionship and respect.

Like Cesar, learning to read canine body language is emphasized, the Monks also write more about how to train your dog and what to expect in the first year. When my boy was young, I kept it close and referred to it all the time, it was invaluable.

[Superglide]

Sorry, should have said 'hello' first...

Ok, makes sense.

There are so many dog training methods, but I guess a lot of them boil down to the fact, that building up a bond or relationship has to do with love, respect and discipline (be consistent and consequent).

We visited a Cesar Millan dog whispering session in May this year, here in Amsterdam, during his tour through Europe. Must say, I was impressed, how he instantly connects to dogs he totally doesn't know, just by 'speaking their language'.

His method works very well for our dog, as this breed needs a strong alfa leader, since it is so close to nature and it is all about hierarchy for these dogs. At the same time though, respect has to be earned, it takes time to build up trust and an emotional bond. We are now harvesting several years of investment in building up that bond. The result is an intense loyalty and friendship, every single moment of the day.

But no feeding from the table!

Oh, and for those interested, we recently created a tribute vid to him and his friends...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyl5Y-bJfhQ

[Mary Hatch Bailey]

Ooooh, I'd love to see Cesar live. I'll check out his website and see where his tour is going.

[Superglide]

You should if you have a chance. Absolutely worth every penny and second!

Although with a large audience of around 4000 people, it felt like a close encounter, personal and with enthusiasm.

[Mary Hatch Bailey]

Wouldn't you know - he's in Hartford, CT, USA- 45 minutes away - TODAY! Strange coincidence, and I'm sorry I missed it. Have to be consoled by my Mom's pit bull....

[Travailes]

Anyone thinking of owning a dog should be prepared to train it in order for it to obey simple instructions and more importantly to enable the handler to have control. Cesar and his like make a living out of totally unprepared owners often with totally unsuitable dogs for the environment in which they are being raised.

Here in Singapore it makes my blood boil to see maids drag dogs around without any control whilst chatting on their cellphones as always. I don't blame them but I really think if you own a dog it is your responsibility to walk it etc. Most of the dogs I encounter out walking with my dog are completely unsocialised to other dogs - hence they growl, bark and leap up all the time.
This just provokes the maid to hit them to get them to behave. Shocking.

Whilst on the subject, I find the sale of dogs in PetLovers (I think it is called) stores completely wrong and unacceptable. Not only is it a really stressful for the dogs but it is completely the wrong environment for people to make a considered decision to have a dog join their home. Are there any checks made of potential owners for suitability ?

[sundaymorningstaple]

Those dogs are almost 100% from puppy mills.

[Travailes]

Those dogs are almost 100% from puppy mills.

No surprise there then !
Unsuitable dogs in an unsuitable environment sold to potentially unsuitable owners. Sounds like a right dog's dinner !!!

[BillyB]

What's your take on feeding cats at the table, Delia?

Actually - its not necessarily about feeding them, it's about keeping your eye on them. Get distracted for a few seconds and there goes your chicken breast or steak!