Ep 1. Why Dogs Fight

In the season 8 premiere of Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan explores why dogs fight and how their owners can prevent it. Throughout the episode, Cesar works with several different dog breeds and their owners to address the issue of dog aggression.

The episode begins with Cesar meeting a family who has two dogs that constantly fight with each other. He observes their behavior and notes that the dogs are both trying to establish dominance in the household. Cesar explains that dogs are pack animals and have a natural instinct to establish a hierarchy, and in a household with multiple dogs, it's important for the humans to establish themselves as the pack leaders.

Next, Cesar works with a family who has a dog-aggressive pit bull. The dog is extremely reactive to other dogs, which makes walks difficult and stressful for the owners. Cesar observes that the dog is on high alert and constantly scanning his surroundings for potential threats. He explains that this is due to a lack of socialization and exposure to other dogs when the pit bull was a puppy. Cesar works with the owners to gradually introduce the dog to other dogs in a controlled and safe environment. Through this process, the pit bull learns to trust and feel comfortable around other dogs.

The episode then moves on to a family who has a pack of five dogs, all of different breeds. The family is concerned because the dogs are constantly fighting with each other and they don't know how to stop it. Cesar observes that the dogs are not getting enough exercise and are not receiving proper training and leadership from their owners. Through exercise and obedience training, Cesar helps the dogs establish a healthy hierarchy and teaches the owners how to properly communicate with their dogs.

Cesar also works with a family who has a small dog that is aggressive towards their new puppy. He explains that this behavior is common in small dogs because they often feel threatened by larger dogs. Cesar works with the owners to establish boundaries and teaches them how to properly socialize the two dogs.

In the final segment of the episode, Cesar meets a family who has a rescued pit bull that is extremely aggressive towards strangers. Cesar observes that the dog is constantly on guard and ready to defend his territory. He explains that this behavior is due to a lack of trust and socialization with humans. Cesar works with the owners to gradually expose the pit bull to different people in a safe and positive way. Through this process, the pit bull learns to trust humans and becomes less reactive towards strangers.

Throughout the episode, Cesar emphasizes the importance of proper training, socialization, and exercise in preventing dog aggression. He also stresses the need for owners to establish themselves as pack leaders and to provide their dogs with a structured and consistent environment. By following these principles, owners can prevent their dogs from fighting and create a harmonious household for both themselves and their pets.