Dog Whisperer

For me the day started off at 6:00am, I woke up with a stomach ache and nerves. Took a shower and did my hair and make-up for the first time in a couple of months.

The crew arrived at 8:30 but didn't come inside until 9:06 so for 36 minutes I was pacing and waiting for them to come to the freaking door. I was unbelievably nervous.

They finally came to the door and a train of 6 people came in and filled the living room with Sadie barking up a storm in the background. They explained the game plan and began filling the house with filming equipment. Chris (one of the video guys) filmed Sadie's behavior, trying to get her to be affectionate with Kenji, myself and Laura. It didn't work so well. We filmed her barking and taking treats then went off to the park where he filmed her off leash. She was a lot more friendly with him there and with the rest of us. She also attacked Duke when I gave him attention. After that we went back to house for the interviews.

I was first --got in my chair and had the make-up lady "powder my nose" I felt like a movie star, all mic-ed up, crowded with bright lights and getting my make-up done. My interview lasted about 20 minutes where I told the many stories of my beloved dog. Then it was Kenji's turn, then Laura's.

All of our interviews required serious furniture adjustments so make sure to look for them when you watch the episode.

After all of the interviews were done the room was re-arranged one last time --this time though, it was for the big consultation with Cesar. The 3 of us waited patiently for him (he was getting his make-up done) when he walked in. It was amazing -- he looked just like he did on the show, but he was in my living room, and she shook my hand! he sat down, adjusted his mic and we began with the infamous "How can I help you?" question.

I began and we had a pretty lengthy conversation about Sadie's behaviors, the history of dogs, roles of people and dogs and so on. Not sure how much of it will be used for the actual show....we shall see. After the cameras were turned off we continued our converstaion for about 15 minutes or so where Cesar began to hit me where it hurt. He revealed a lot of stuf about me and my selfish desires. That in a relationship you need to care about what the other person, in this case, other dog, cares about and what they need to make them happy. I was completely called it. I wasn't caring or even thinking about Sadie really needed. I was a typical owner, I was part of the problem.

It was lunch time where I had time to think about everything he said and get in the mindset I needed to be in - Pack Leader.

An hour or so later they came back and Cesar walks in the house with none other than Daddy. I just about cried. I was more starstruck with him than I was with Cesar! Sadie and Duke did their introductions where Daddy just showed the way. He put them in their place when they needed to be and tolerated them when it was okay. He walked around our house and Sadie followed while Cesar described the behavior that was taking place.

About 15 minutes later Sadie came and sat at my feet completely calm and then laid down. In front of EVERYONE! It was great to see her so relaxed in front of a room full of strangers. We talked some more and he gave us pointers on what behavior is good to reward and what isn't.

Kenji and I then left so Laura could work on things while we were "gone". 15 minutes later we came back in and saw her socializing outside with all of the people. Amazing. Cesar again shared some pointers and quizzed us. I think I passed....

We went back inside and then Sadie followed. And came and laid down at our feet again. Amazing.

We went into my room to see how she acts when she gets territorial. He corrected her staring and pre-attack behavior. It was great to have my eyes open to behavior I never noticed before.

It was at that moment where he said he was done. That Sadie was an "easy" case and things should be good from here on out. Amazing! While the crew was setting up for the last interviews Kenji and I had a chance to talk with him about somethings which was great. He was such a great, easy going guy. He did his last remarks while we went out and took pictures with Daddy, came back in took pictures with him and then he went on his marry way.

He left us with a signed copy of his book "A Member of the Family", a DVD of Mastering Leadership, T-shirts and a "perscription" where he wrote down all of the things we talked about and then signed it.

So Great. The show is suppose to air sometime in 6 months. In 2 months Todd (the field producer) will be out again to film our "follow up".

I'm so happy with things that happened today. Cesar helped so much, in my personal life and in the life with Sadie. I can't wait to do more things with her and hopefully eventually train her to be a therapy dog.