Ep 18. Fear the Trash Can

In the season 4, episode 18 of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, titled "Fear the Trash Can," Cesar Millan helps three different dogs who are all experiencing fear and anxiety surrounding the trash can.

In the first scenario, Cesar visits a family with a Great Dane who is afraid of the lid on the trash can. The dog refuses to walk by it and is causing the family a lot of frustration. Cesar observes the dog's behavior and realizes that the issue is not actually fear of the trash can, but rather the dog's lack of confidence in the owner as a pack leader. Cesar works on building the owner's leadership skills and as a result, the Great Dane becomes more confident and less fearful around the trash can.

Next, Cesar meets with a young couple who has a boxer who is scared of the big, bulky trash bags. The boxer refuses to walk by them and will even leave the room if one is present. Cesar discovers that the owners have inadvertently reinforced the dog's fear by giving him extra attention and treats whenever he shows any anxiety. Cesar teaches the couple how to remain calm and assertive around the dog, and how to desensitize the dog to the presence of the trash bags. Through patience and persistence, the boxer learns to overcome his fear and becomes more comfortable around the trash bags.

Finally, Cesar works with a woman who has a Chihuahua who is terrified of the sound of the trash truck as it approaches her house. The dog will shake and hide under the bed whenever she hears the truck coming. Cesar recognizes that the dog's fear may be related to a traumatic event in her past, and works with the owner to provide positive associations with the sound of the truck. By slowly introducing the sound and providing treats and praise, the Chihuahua is eventually able to overcome her fear and tolerate the sound of the truck.

Throughout the episode, Cesar emphasizes the importance of calm, assertive leadership and positive reinforcement in addressing a dog's fear and anxiety. By understanding the root cause of the fear and providing the dog with a sense of security and confidence, owners can help their dogs overcome even the most seemingly irrational fears. The episode provides viewers with practical tips and tools for addressing similar issues with their own dogs, and serves as a testament to the power of the human-animal bond.