If you haven't watch an episode of Cesar Millan, the "Dog Whisperer" on TV (try the national Geographic channel) you are missing out on some dog treats for our dogs. And I don't mean the kind you eat. Cesar offers hands on help for all types of canines from small- to giant-sized, from shy to overly aggressive and more.

In what seems like minutes to television viewers, Cesar, actually lives in California and is known for having packs of dogs as if under his control at the snap of his fingers (or at the sound of his, "Eh!" grunt). He travels to a client's location and gets the client's dog under his total control most often within minutes like magic. His entire posture, stance, walking mode, voice / grunt sounds, hand motions and everything are focused on gaining the authoritative position from the get go. And here is where most of us fail.

Check out some of his tips below that I've seen on television that work great.

Then give them a try with your hound.

Voice Commands for Dogs

Stop trying to talk nicely saying junk like, "OK, now Fluffy....settle down, honey. You know you shouldn't bark at strangers and try to chew their legs....that's not right...yada, yada, yada." Your dog doesn't know what you're saying. It knows it's in charge, getting your attention, too. So STOP.

Instead, simply grunt an, "Eh! sharply. Clap your hands, if you have to get the dog's attention. And Grunt again. Gently direct the dog's rear to the floor, to sitting position. Talking is a rewards; dog's love to hear your voice. So NO talking.

Dog Walking Tips

When trying to walk your dog, forget about using long dog leashes, especially those kind that extend. The dog should have little room to move. Yes, on other television programs the dogs seem to walk far out in front, like in "101 Dalmations" movie at the beginning and other similar dog shows. But in reality, we all know dogs want to sniff every blessed thing from poop to tree trunks and other dogs and people passing by.

Nip this in the bud by firmly grasping the leash and only allowing your dog a few inches to move BESIDE you, not in front. You actually take a step ahead and YOU lead. And do not let the dog lower its head to sniff. Don't allow room for running off, pulling, etc. Once the dog start pulling, stop. When it obeys again, move. When it pulls, STOP. The dog will learn quickly to stop pulling and sniffing and trying to take charge on its own.

Note you may want to consider pet strollers and dog ramps for small dogs as well as orthopedic dog beds to help ease the muscles and joints of elderly dogs who love to go for walks.