It's funny how things in life work out. Back in 1978 I read my first dog training book by a Hollywood dog trainer named Paul Lobe. Lobe is know for teaching thousands of dogs obedience and behavior modification, and to act and perform in movies. His book taught me about the pack theory, how pack animals live, and that dogs all share a lineage with wolves.  I began using some of the things I learned in that book, and over the years have combined my knowledge and experience into a unique dog training program. I have always kept an open mind about dog training. I attend training seminars, read new books, belong to professional associations, network with other canine professionals, and I try to learn all I can about new dog training methods, recent developments, and changes in the industry.

In June of 2006 I went to see Cesar Millan, the star of the National Geographic channels "The Dog Whisperer" television show at a seminar in Lake Zurich, Illinois. I had the pleasure to meet Cesar's lovely wife Ilusion Millan during the intermission. Ilusion came over, said hello, and asked permission to pet my service dog Inka. Shortly after returning home to Wisconsin I received an email from the Dog Psychology Center of Los Angeles asking if I would be interested in attending training in L.A. to learn more about the dog psychology methods used by Cesar.

My wife and I will be flying to Los Angeles the week of October 23rd, 2006 so that I can attend a week long workshop and learn more about dog psychology and the methods Cesar uses to rehabilitate dogs. Since I already am a firm believer in the pack theory and incorporate it in my obedience training, this is a natural fit and a great addition to my canine education. I hope to bring back a wealth of knowledge that I can use and share with my clients, helping them to all have Good Dogs!

Please check back as I will post an update on my dog training adventure in L.A.!

Like everything that is fun or great in life, my trip to L.A. is too soon over, but boy what an absolutely incredible experience! I now know exactly what the "power of the pack" is all about, as I went on several long pack walks with dogs who were formally potential killers, human and dog aggressive, walking side by side through the streets, alley ways and down the rail road tracks of central Los Angeles. I spent the better part of a week learning dog psychology, and the amazing rehabilitation methods used by Cesar Millan "The Dog Whisperer" by studying under Linn Boyke of ZEN4K9S.

Linn learned dog psychology directly from Cesar Millan, and Linn's company ZEN4K9S has been referred by Cesar for client consultations in the Los Angeles area since the filming of the television show has demanded Cesar's full attention. I personally experienced how a pack of stable dogs can have the power to rehabilitate one unbalanced dog, and how dog psychology, the understanding of how dogs think and act, is the true key to correcting undesirable behavior and everything we do wrong with our dogs.

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