Photo: Getty Images
While being walked by a dog handler in New York City earlier this month, Rachael's beloved pit bull allegedly tore off another dog's ear before her handler could tug the pooch away, according to a report in the National Enquirer.
Luckily, a vet was able to repair most of the injured dog's ear and Rachael and her husband, attorney John Cusimano, offered to pay for all medical bills, reports RadarOnline.
Rachael herself has been injured during Isaboo's run-ins with other dogs. The New York Post reported that when Rachael tried to intervene in dog fight three years ago, she was bitten by the other dog. In that case, it seems as though the other dog started the brawl, but the Emmy Award winner fears that Isaboo's behavior eventually will go beyond aggression towards other dogs and become a threat to children or adults, reports RadarOnline.
American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Director Mary Burch recommends that Isaboo get an evaluation by a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) or another experienced canine professional to help determine the severity, possible causes, and how to get the situation under control. When a CAAB is brought in, for example, the first step would typically involve the animal behaviorist accompanying Rachael and Isaboo on a walk where they're likely to encounter dogs so that the behaviorist can better assess the situation
Isaboo, who Rachael sometimes calls 'Baby," has made guest appearances on Everyday with Rachael Ray. The dog also appears with Rachael in ads for Nutrish, the chef's line of dog food and treats. Back in August, Rachael told Paw Nation all about her deep connection with Isaboo and her former dog Boo: "They've taught me so much about life and the capacity an animal has to offer unconditional love."
While Rachael clearly adores Isaboo, her pooch's aggression can have several causes and may be based out of fear. "Aggression can occur when dogs are protective of their owners (and owners reinforce the aggression), or when dogs are not properly socialized from an early age," says Burch.
But, there's hope for difficult dogs like Isaboo. Depending on the severity of the situation and the causes, it could take just several weeks or even just a few months for both owner and dog to learn how to keep antagonistic behavior under control, especially when she's in the presence of other dogs. "An animal behaviorist will spend a good portion of time training the person who is at the other end of the leash, in this case, Rachael and her husband," says Burch.
We wish Rachael the best of luck with Isaboo. What do you think about other, more vicious dogs? Do you believe that even the most aggressive dog can be rehabilitated or are some beyond hope."
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Perhaps she should contact the Dog Whisperer. Whats his name? He has a pack of dogs and *talks* to them. I have seen him take some of the most aggressive dogs and turn them into a pansy. Sorry to hear of your dilemna
You're thinking of Cesar Millan, and he's awesome. Victoria Stillwell is also great with dogs, either one of those folks would be a huge help.
I AGREE WITH MANY, THAT CEASAR THE DOG WISPERER IS HER BEST BET! HE IS AN EXPERT LIKE NO OTHER AND IF HE CAN HELP MANY DOGS SOCIALIZE WITH US HUMANS AND OTHER DOGS AT ALL LEVELS OF AGGRESSION, I WOULDN'T SPEND TIME ON OTHER "BEHAVOIRISTS". IT WOULD BE A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY.
SHE CAN AFFORD THE BEST. AND DON'T JUST PAY THE OTHER DOG'S VET BILLS FOR REATTACHING HIS EAR. GIVE THEM SOMETHING EXTRA. HER HUSBAND IS A LAWYER? DIDN'T KNOW. THOUGHT HE WAS A ROCK SINGER ONLY.....RACHEL GIVE CEASAR A SHOT, IT'LL BE YOU LAST CHANCE.....TO KEEP YOUR BABY! GOOD LUCK, I'M WITH YOU!
I'm sorry but Milan's methods are dangerous and outdated. She should do some research and locate a reputable trainer (or better, a behaviorist), not just a well known name with a TV show, but if she has to have a "celebrity" trainer, go with Victoria Stilwell.
Call in Cesar Milan!!! His great respect for the bully breeds is a head start for Rachel's doggie!
Rachel does not need to kill the dog. She needs to get help from Ceasar Milan (Dog Whisperer). It's not the dogs fault because he doesn't know his bounderies.
The owner needs the training too! I hope she gets the help needed for both owner and dog. Killing the dog would be so wrong.
In response to Dreolin......you don't know what you're talking about. I have worked my entire life - decades of experience - as a vet tech and dog handler, trainer, and breeder, and what you say about Ceasar Milan is just flat out false. He's accomplished things with dogs that the vast majority of trainers give up on. He's taken extremely aggressive Pit Bulls and turned them completely around - something almost every dog trainer and veterinarian would have advised euthanasia to remedy. I'm not going to discount people like Victoria Stillwell, because she is good for what she does, but when it comes to Pit Bulls with aggression problems, Ceasar Milan is the HANDS DOWN expert in the field of dog handling. To say otherwise is pure fiction.
Muzzle during walks? Too easy?
You are mostly bleeding hearts. The dog needs to be destroyed. Her dog was bread with massive jaws and an aggressive temperament. They are not trusted to be a socialized dog, nor is the bread the smartest. They make good pets, however their master must be aware! (Police nor Services use these dogs) They are outlawed in the UK, mostly due to Mike Tyson traveling with his. I don't want Izzy with MY dog at a park. Sorry.
The dog needs to be put to sleep before it harms another dog or worse, a person. Those dogs no matter who their owner are aggressive and dangerous.
If all else failed I would have the dogs teeth pulled. I don't really know why no one ever thinks of that.
I have to agree with you all, the dog can be reabilitated, Caesar Milan, Vistoria Stillwell, even a behaviorist from Cornell or Univ. of PA can help. The myth that once a Pitbull tastes blood is simply that, a myth. Give any dog fresh meat, no difference. Ms. Ray MUST let a dog like a pit know who is boss. They are very strong-willed and very physicallly strong. A good training regimine is needed. That being said, she is also subject to the laws.
Cesar Millan would definately be the best bet, but until then use a muzzle when out and about.
I love big dog esp rotts , having owned 2 my self, any way rachel should muzzel the"baby" when it goes out for walks this way everyone is happy and isaboo will be not so fast to nip at other dogs!!!
Don't they make "doggie downers", anti-anxiety medication that will keep him calm? Think about it - how many humans take anti-anxiety and anti-depression and all othe kinds of drugs every single day? If a pill once a day in his food would make him a docile doggie - then I vote for it.
Cesar Millan uses punishment techniques for his training which has already been proven to be dangerous and ineffective. It can actually exacerbate the problem of aggression in an individual. Positive reinforcement has already been shown to have a greater learning curve and faster response time. If you had been a trainer "for decades" as someone has claimed then maybe you need to start updating your techniques. Choking a dog to get it to calm down and heel is ridiculous and abuse. (and yes that is Millan's method) Please read these comments by qualified professionals on Millan's so called miraculous techiniques/abuse.
Anni and del you should both be ashamed of yourselves- do some research on Pit Bulls they are the most loyal and affectionate dogs. Any dog will only do what makes their pack leader happy- they will protect their family- Pit Bulls get such a bad rap because they are strong and unfortunately trained to fight. Anyone who trains these dogs to fight should be put in jail for life! We had a yellow lab for 11 years and had to put her down because of cancer and we were heartbroken- I swore we would not get another dog-Oct 2008 we adopted an 8 month old italian greyhound from a rescue in our area and felt she needed a companion- I never in a million years thought that I would have a Pit but 7 months later we went to the same rescue and adopted a 6 month old Pit. He is the sweetest dog ever. All he wants to do is hug (yes he hugs) and kiss you- he will crawl up in your lap and fall asleep. He has done wonders for our hyper-italian grey hound and especially for my 9 year who also did not want another dog- this is his pal- Of course I always keep an eye out-did with our lab too. Maybe Isaboo needs a companion-BTW Cesar Milan is awesome- I have the dvds and the dogs fall asleep to him every night.
I'm sure Ceaser will be able to help, but I think her best bet would be to send her dog to DogTown, so they can rehab her and help her find a new forever home. Let's face it, with her busy life Rachael doesn't need a dog, and would not be able to continue with either Ceaser or Victoria's recommendations. But just because a dog is dog agressive and/or a pit bull IT DOES NOT NEED TO BE PUT DOWN.
With her celebrity status maybe Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer will come to her rescue. Hopefully, she won't have to have him put to sleep.
Good luck Rachel.
Not only "The Dog Whisper" but the SPCA in New York has an Animal Behaviorist that I am sure is good. There are many out there that are good - like Victoria Stillman or even the people at Dogtown that worked with Vicks dogs. Sometimes it is changing your behavior along with modifying the dogs.