Ep 2. Flirt and Opie

In this episode of Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan tackles two challenging cases: Flirt, an attention-seeking and stubborn Standard Poodle, and Opie, a Cocker Spaniel with severe separation anxiety.

First up is Flirt, who is used to getting her way and is not afraid to let everyone know it. She jumps on guests, pulls on her leash, and refuses to obey basic commands. Cesar quickly realizes that Flirt's main issue is her lack of discipline and structure in her daily routine. Her owners admit to spoiling her with treats and letting her get away with bad behavior, leading Flirt to believe she is in charge.

Cesar begins by teaching the owners how to assert dominance over Flirt and establish themselves as pack leaders. He shows them how to walk her on a leash properly, with no pulling or jumping, and how to use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior. With consistent practice and patience, Flirt gradually starts to respond to her owners' commands and become a more well-behaved dog.

Next, Cesar turns his attention to Opie, a lovable Cocker Spaniel who becomes extremely anxious and destructive when left alone. Opie's owners are at their wit's end, as their furniture has been destroyed, and their neighbors have complained about Opie's constant barking and howling.

Cesar explains that Opie's behavior is triggered by his anxiety and fear of abandonment, which can be a common problem in dogs who have been rescued from shelters or have experienced traumatic events. He shows the owners how to desensitize Opie to their departures by practicing short absences and gradually increasing the time they spend away from him.

Cesar also recommends incorporating exercise and play into Opie's daily routine to help him release any pent-up energy and anxiety. By teaching the owners how to establish a structured routine for Opie and showing them how to communicate with him in a way that he understands, Cesar helps the family create a more peaceful and harmonious home environment.

Overall, this episode of Dog Whisperer showcases Cesar Millan's expertise in tackling challenging dog behavior issues with patience, compassion, and practical solutions. With his guidance, both Flirt and Opie's owners learn valuable skills to help improve their dogs' behavior and strengthen their bond.