Ep 20. Pepsi and Goldie

In season 1 episode 20 of Dog Whisperer, titled "Pepsi and Goldie," viewers are introduced to two very different dogs with very different problems. Cesar Millan, the dog behavior expert and star of the show, is called in to help their owners understand how to address their troublesome behaviors.

First, Cesar meets Pepsi, a five-year-old Doberman Pinscher with a serious aggression problem. The dog's owner, Laura, explains that Pepsi is so aggressive that she can't take her on walks anymore, and that she's become terrified of her own dog. In fact, Pepsi has attacked Laura's other dog, a Yorkie named Daisy, multiple times, and Laura is worried that it's only a matter of time before Pepsi hurts someone.

Cesar observes Pepsi's behavior and quickly diagnoses the problem: Pepsi is suffering from anxiety and a lack of exercise, both of which are contributing to her aggression. He also notes that Laura is sending mixed signals to the dog, which is confusing her and making her feel even more anxious.

To help Pepsi, Cesar begins by taking her on a long walk to tire her out and release some of her pent-up energy. He also introduces her to his pack of dogs, which helps her learn appropriate social behavior. Finally, he shows Laura how to give Pepsi consistent commands and positive reinforcement, which helps to build her confidence and reduce her anxiety.

Next, Cesar meets Goldie, a two-year-old Golden Retriever with an extreme case of separation anxiety. Goldie's owners, John and Trish, explain that whenever they leave the house, Goldie becomes frantic and destructive, chewing up shoes, furniture, and even the walls.

Cesar observes Goldie's behavior and again diagnoses the problem: Goldie is suffering from a lack of leadership and structure, which is causing her anxiety when she's left alone. He notes that John and Trish are inadvertently reinforcing Goldie's bad behavior by giving her lots of attention and affection whenever they return home.

To help Goldie, Cesar begins by showing John and Trish how to establish more structure and routine in the dog's day-to-day life. He also shows them how to give her consistent commands and boundaries, which helps her understand what's expected of her. Finally, he shows them how to gradually desensitize Goldie to being alone, by leaving her for very short periods of time and gradually increasing the intervals.

Throughout the episode, viewers see the transformation in both dogs, as Cesar's techniques help to address their underlying issues and improve their behavior. By the end of the episode, both Pepsi and Goldie are happier, healthier, and behaving much better than before.

Overall, Dog Whisperer season 1 episode 20 is a compelling and informative episode that provides valuable insights into the behavior of dogs and how best to address their problems. With Cesar's help, Laura, John, and Trish learn how to communicate more effectively with their dogs, establish a more structured routine, and provide the leadership that their pets need in order to thrive.