Was just visiting Cesar Millan's website and saw that he has a new DVD out called "Your New Dog: The First Day and Beyond."

I love his work. It works when I work it. Imagine that.

A couple weeks ago I was off for a walk with Jacky and Velvet and decided that NO-MATTER-WHAT I would walk with them according to Cesar's Way. Although I am a Dog Whisperer junkie I haven't been walking his walk. I've been excusing me and my pups.

Jacky's excuses include: He's a Jack Russell Terrier. Oh course he is hyper. I have to let him run all over the place to burn off the extra energy. He's this way because I don't have a fenced backyard for him to run around in. He's just visiting for a couple days. I can't change anything.

Velvet's excuses ... She's getting old, just let her be. She's been this way for 11 years - can't teach an old dog new tricks. She doesn't pull or jerk THAT much ...

My excuses ... too many to list!

Anyway, on that fateful day I wrapped each leash around my hand so they had to walk at my heels. I pulled my shoulders back, held my head high, keep my focus on where I was walking and relaxed - relaxed - relaxed.

Velvet did o.k. Jacky pulled and whined and squealed and struggled for most of the 45 minute walk. I kept my focus on breathing, relaxing and moving forward. The next day we were out walking for awhile before I noticed my miracle. Jacky's leash was relaxed and he was trotting by my side. SWEET!

... tears in my eyes. It is an awesome feeling to be a pack leader. Even better is the joy I felt at seeing Jacky happy and relaxed vs. anxious, unhappy and straining.

You know how they say that a dog is "man's best friend?" Well, we (starting with me) have to learn, grow and be their best friend.

Final note. Last week I showed Jacky's mom how easy it is to walk Jacky the Cesar way.

Passing it on ...

Finding The Right Vet
Written by Dr. Sherry Weaver

I am now in the process of needing to find a new vet since my last one retired a few months back. I do not like his replacement and neither does my dog, Rosie.

Since I have not had to look for many years, what is the best way to find a new vet and what questions should I ask them? I only want the best for my dog.

Please help. The time for her shots is fast approaching.

Thank you, Becky B.

To read Dr. Sherry's advice, click here

Home alone. This drives some dogs, like my Angel, absolutely NUTS.

Here are 3 tips to help curb your pup's separation anxiety:

1. Stuff a Kong toy with dog cookies. Seal it with a thick coat of peanut butter and pass it off to them as you are heading out the door.

According to my dog trainer, keeping them busy for the first ten or so minutes after you leave is critical to helping them relax and not go into the dramatic behaviors that indicate separation anxiety -- whining, pacing, digging (Angle tried to dig her way out of my bedroom), barking, counter surfing ...

2. Be "low key" whenever you greet them in the morn, eve and in between. Do not make a fuss about your coming and goings -- in fact, don't say anything at all when you leave -- just leave. Some people -- mostly women -- go into this high pitched, excited and sympathetic voice that communicates excitement and anxiety. You know what I'm talking about ...

(According to The Dog Whisperer "alpha dogs" come and go without seeking approval or agreement. If you are alpha your pup will be relieved to follow and be a part of your pack.)

3. Add "time outs" and strategic separations into your day. Get your pup used to your coming and goings. Leave them alone in a room for a few minutes ... then five minutes ... then ten minutes ... With this technique you are basically desensitizing them and, with time and patience, eliminating separation anxiety for good.

Here's Jacky!

He is taking over the home. Lap by lap, room by room.

I need to read Cesar's chapter or bringing home that bundle of love ...

Isn't he cute?

Little Jacky is coming to town ...

Velvet will have a little pal over the next 10 days ... a little Jack Russel Terrier named Jacky. FUN!

So, here's the plan. Michael and I will pick him up tomorrow afternoon then go home and immediately take a long walk with Velvet and Jacky.

Why? Because that is what The Dog Whisperer would do to form a happy and balanced pack.

Thanks for the tip Caesar! Keep 'em coming 'cause I got a lot of learning to do ...

Had a great time walking the pups on Wednesday. There were 3 of us this time so I had time to rub ears and bellies and sweet talk vs just rush.

I also worked with Cesar's suggestion of "checking in" with myself frequently. I would catch myself feeling tense or frustrated or tired - then pause and take a couple deep breaths - reconnect and recharge.

His tip helped me stay grounded - I feel like I did a much better job meeting their needs this week AND I enjoyed it more. Win - Win - Win!

I tape, then watch The Dog Whisperer most days during my lunch break. Today I saw the transformations of Penny, Gym dog and the car shy Mastiff -- and their humans.

What I love about Cesar is how respectful and loving he is not only with all the dogs (which I understand) but also with their owners (which I sometimes find difficult to understand.)

Like one of the trainees said he is a "human whisperer" as well.

Dogs sniffing is like humans shaking hands.

When a new dog (or human) enters a pack's territory it is polite for them to remain still while everybody in the back comes up and cops a sniff. Standing still and calm allows for easier acceptance by the pack while running away is a sign of fear and anti-social behavior.

So - take it like a man, woman or dog. Or, be dogged until you do. You choose!

And, order your copy of Cesar's Way, The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding & Correcting Common Dog Problems