

Cesar 911
Neighbors Want This Small But Vicious Dog Put Down
Cesar Millan faces an uphill task in rehabilitating this dog that the neighbors want put down. Can he save this dog?
Misty was once a sweet, family dog. Alyssa and Steven brought Misty home as a puppy for their daughter, Lauren, who has always wanted a dog. But when Misty was around 4 months old, she went through a nasty mood swing that never seemed to end! Now, Misty attacks and bites her family, creating a dangerous living situation. Alyssa and Steven called 3 other dog trainers to try to help Misty before calling on Dog Expert Cesar Millan as a last resort. Had Cesar also been unsuccessful in his rehabilitation, Misty would have been put to sleep for the safety of the people around her. In this episode of “Cesar 911,” Cesar’s rehabilitation of Misty is literally life saving.
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While rehabilitating Misty, Cesar discovers that the dog is extremely insecure. Misty’s violent outbursts are a result of that insecurity. Instead of euthanizing Misty, Cesar takes her to his dog psychology center to work on building her self esteem in different situations. Cesar is able to show Misty’s family how to cultivate an environment of trust and respect, which she needs to feel happy and secure.
In order to take Misty to his dog psychology center, Cesar had to transport her in his car, making this a great opportunity to think about car safety for our own pets. Even if we are not driving our dogs every day, there are still occasions where they need to go to vet or grooming appointments, or trips to the dog park. We have to protect our pets from injury in the event of sudden stops or an unfortunate accident, and prevent our dogs from distracting the driver. In addition, there are steps you can take to make a good car ride a great car ride for your furry friend!
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Use a seat belt for your dog.
Just like people, dogs are safer when they wear a seat belt. The seat belt will prevent your dog from traversing your car while you are trying to drive. It will also prevent your dog from trying to jump out the window, should they see the perfect bird or squirrel to chase. Arguably most important, seat belts will keep your dog from going flying should you have to break hard, or find yourself in a fender bender.
That said, always make sure to attach the seat belt to a body or chest harness and not to the collar around your dog’s neck. If your dog were to fall off the seat, such as in a sudden stop or because he is feeling extra playful, the seat belt could hurt his neck or become a choking hazard. Connecting the seat belt to a harness eliminates these safety hazards.
Help your dog into the car.
If you have an older dog or a small dog, simply getting in the car may prove to be a challenge. Lifting your pet in and out of the car every single time can quickly become tiresome, especially if you suffer from back or joint problems. Make getting in the car easier for everyone by using a portable ramp, or even portable stairs. Simply put out the ramp, and let your pup waltz right into your car.
Prevent car sickness.
If your dog suffers from car sickness, there are steps you can take to keep him from getting sick. First, try to avoid feeding your pet directly before traveling. Having an empty stomach may help keep nausea at bay.
It’s also important to understand why your dog is becoming car sick. If you have a puppy or small dog, the problem may be that he is getting dizzy and disoriented, especially if he is too small to see out any of the windows. One way to correct this is to get raised padding, or a dog booster seat, so that your dog can see out of the windows and reorient himself. Making sure your pet is facing forward during the ride can also prevent dizziness.
Make the ride extra comfortable.
Dogs who love car rides are comfortable in the car. If you will be driving for an extended period of time, or taking your pup along for a road trip, you may want to take extra steps to enhance his comfort. One simple way to do this is by laying down padding or a blanket for your dog. Your pup will be extra cozy, and your backseat will be protected from shedding and dirty paws.
However, you could always get more elaborate with your comfort options. For dogs who like to lay down, a backseat hammock could be a great addition to your car. The hammock protects your pup from falling off the seat or sliding around, so he can rest safely and peacefully.
Install a barrier.
If your pup likes to climb all over the car, or even on top of the driver, there are different barriers you can use to keep your dog safely in place. For example, a dog guard can be placed in the trunk of your car. The ideal guard is bolted to the roof and floor of your car, which prevents your dog from climbing onto the driver or being thrown forward in an accident. However, your dog will still have some room to move around and will be able to see you, so he will not feel alone. A similar barrier can be installed in your back seat, instead of in your trunk, depending on owner preference and the size of the dog.
When in doubt, confident dogs can also ride in a crate in the trunk of your car. If your dog is good at staying relaxed, this method of transportation should still be enjoyable. However, it is important to make sure the crate is the right size for your dog. Ideally, the crate should have enough room for your dog to stand up and turn around, but not be excessively large.
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As Cesar Millan shows us in this episode, we should work on understanding our dogs instead of giving up on them. In Misty’s case, taking the time to understand her insecurities saved her life. When you take your pup to and from training, or bring them along for life’s adventures, it’s important to keep them safe in the car as well. Safety is essential for giving our pets the long, happy lives they deserve!
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