4 ms·

I tried getting a dog to solve the same issue. It did not work out so well. If you can put up with all the whining, barking, vet visits, 3 months of basically c

I tried getting a dog to solve the same issue. It did not work out so well. If you can put up with all the whining, barking, vet visits, 3 months of basically chasing around a pooping, peeing toddler, then go for it. It is not as simple as being the "pack leader". Getting a dog is likely not going to solve your problems and you should fully investigate the myriad negative consequences of getting a dog, including robbing you of your freedom. Also, if you don't live in a house where the dog has free access to a backyard I strongly recommend against it. Your are going to need to socialize it as a puppy. Going out on walks at 5 am does not sound like a good socialization opportunity. And what is the dog going to do while you're at school?

angstrom 14y ago
Many people fail to appreciate it which is why there are so many ill behaved dogs and shows like Dog Whisperer. Meanwhile the owner is still socially inept and now they spend all their time with their dog. It's like saying you should have kids so you can socialize with other parents...it doesn't add up.
- polyfractal 14y ago
  Agreed, although it should be stated that Ceasar Milan ("Dog Whisperer") is basically a fraud that has no dog training experience and just makes shit up. There are tons of documented examples where he makes things up on the fly, entirely contradicting what he's said in previous shows. Sure, you can control any dog by beating them (literally) into submission...but you won't have a dog that enjoys your presence. His tactics are effectively "Be the boss, choke that dog, ALPHA ROLL....see how well it's behaving now? Shaking and with it's tail between it's legs?" If you get a dog, invest some time in learning about positive reinforcement training and buy yourself a $1 clicker. Your dog will love it, love you and retain it's natural curiosity...instead of crushing all sense of self-importance and initiative.

angstrom 14y ago

Many people fail to appreciate it which is why there are so many ill behaved dogs and shows like Dog Whisperer. Meanwhile the owner is still socially inept and now they spend all their time with their dog. It's like saying you should have kids so you can socialize with other parents...it doesn't add up.

polyfractal 14y ago
Agreed, although it should be stated that Ceasar Milan ("Dog Whisperer") is basically a fraud that has no dog training experience and just makes shit up. There are tons of documented examples where he makes things up on the fly, entirely contradicting what he's said in previous shows. Sure, you can control any dog by beating them (literally) into submission...but you won't have a dog that enjoys your presence. His tactics are effectively "Be the boss, choke that dog, ALPHA ROLL....see how well it's behaving now? Shaking and with it's tail between it's legs?" If you get a dog, invest some time in learning about positive reinforcement training and buy yourself a $1 clicker. Your dog will love it, love you and retain it's natural curiosity...instead of crushing all sense of self-importance and initiative.