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Local woman trains with ‘Dog Whisperer’

Courtesy photo “Dog Whisperer” TV show host Cesar Millan, right, and local dog trainer Mary Gail Blasier, left, walk dogs as part of a training program Millan hosted in Santa Clarita, Calif., earlier this year. Blasier said attending this program was an extremely positive experience.

ESCANABA — Local dog trainer and former assistant manager for the Delta Animal Shelter Mary Gail Blasier had an opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most well-known dog behaviorists earlier this year. From Jan. 25 to Feb. 5, she attended a training program held by “Dog Whisperer” host Cesar Millan in Santa Clarita, Calif.

Blasier said that taking part in this program was an extremely positive experience.

“The experience was phenomenal — it was way better than I ever expected,” she said.

The program took place at Millan’s Dog Psychology Center, which is located on the outskirts of Santa Clarita.

“It’s on a mountain outside of the city — it’s beautiful,” she said.

The two-week program was divided into two halves, which were separated by a few days off. In the first half of the program, participants learned about Millan’s approach to dog training; in the second half, they were able to put his advice into action.

“They went to a local shelter and got 30 dogs for us to work with,” Blasier said.

Blasier said Millan was involved with all of the program’s classes.

“You’re a little star struck at first, but he’s a very human person,” she said. She said Millan had a casual demeanor and a strong sense of humor.

According to Blasier, Millan believes pet owners in America have a tendency to anthropomorphize their dogs, which can lead them to misunderstand their pets’ instincts and psychology.

“He thinks Americans humanize their dogs far too much,” she said.

Instead, Millan believes dog owners and trainers should focus on using their status as “pack leaders” to help their dogs reach a calm, submissive state through regular exercise and discipline.

“You can’t really teach them anything before they achieve that,” Blasier said.

Blasier noted dogs are very observant of their owners’ behavior.

“The dog reads a lot from your behavior… that establishes your relationship,” she said.

Because of this, Blasier said it is important for dog owners and trainers to be calm and assertive. As part of the course, trainers participated in meditation sessions on a daily basis.

Blasier said she will be utilizing tips she learned from Millan in her work as a dog trainer. “I do plan on using some of his methods in my training,” she said.

She will also give a presentation on what she has learned from 7-9 p.m. on April 18 in Bay College’s Joseph Heirman University Center. Admission to this presentation will be a donation to the Delta Animal Shelter.

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