That is very helpful. I will say that there is no pattern and YES he does this on walks. Walking him is absolutely no fun at all. He constantly stops to mark. Maybe it stems from his first three years, apparently he lived with several dogs and was taken to the pound because the owners could not handle them all. He was so matted and neglected that he had to be completely shaved. He was a few pounds under weight too. That was nearly four years ago. When I pull at the leash to make him keep walking, he just sits down and digs in. Ceasar would have him under control in no time. ME, not so much
He even peed on Buddha!!! I have a laughing Buddha right next to the front door...he got that too! That has to be bad for his kharma!
It sounds like he definitely thinks he's the pack leader
Cesar certainly has a gift...but I firmly believe it's one that others can learn; otherwise, he wouldn't be so successful at his craft. None of his rehabilitations would truly be successful if he weren't able to train the owners too.
My guess is you're not having fun on these walks b/c you're not in control;-) (I wouldn't be having any fun either!) He can feel that, but if he's in control, he's not going to care b/c he's taking YOU on a walk and not the other way around! Your role, according to him, is to follow his lead whether you want to or not.
I think the constant marking could stem from his time w/these other dogs in his former family. If he was neglected then basically, he had to fend for himself and/or took a more submissive role when he didn't want too. Since there was no balance (as a pack should have), he learned not to trust, and that he has to look out for himself. Now, he's got a great family, and probably more out of fear than 'personality', he's taking on a dominant role to ensure his survival. He's never experienced a balanced, healthy way to be a pack member who could trust a pack leader.
Again, this is me saying this solely based on what you've shared. Meeting the dog/seeing first hand the behavior and interactions between him and family members is always crucial in really getting to the bottom of these behaviors and setting the stage for modifying them.
Do you ever go on runs w/him? Biking w/him? Beginning a habit of taking him on 'active' walks could also help keep his mind focused on the walk and not his 'territory'.
Also, do you go the same route every time you walk him? Changing things up is also crucial to breaking 'mindless' patterns of behavior.
What kind of collar do you use? If it's not a training collar (doesn't have to be the metal kind, they make lots of great nylon ones too), then your corrections may not be 'getting through'. A 'tug' on a normal collar usually doesn't work, unless, like Cesar, you KNOW you've got the authority...that calm/assertive state. Then, the simple verbal noise and/or touch is all it takes because it's your 'presence' that's really delivering the message. But usually, when the roles are shifting, the training collar is a great tool for people to begin to step into that role of pack leader.
I really don't know what kind of help this post can offer, except to say that this behavior could be from his former 'pack life' as you mentioned...and it sounds like the role of pack leader needs to be re-established. Cesar does have a collar that is specifically for re-training the walk, so I would check out his website. It's definitely one of the best resources you could get your hands on...
Short of meeting him in person, I'm not sure what else I could suggest
I do hope it's been somewhat helpful!
Good luck!!
I'm sure ya'll will work things out! Good luck and happy running!
