Cesar Millan's training methods are controversial.
Cesar Millan, commonly known as "The Dog Whisperer", is certainly one of the most well-known, if not the most well-known, dog trainer in the world. With a wildly popular television series, books, DVDs and an incredibly charismatic personality, Cesar Millan has become almost a household name. However, his training methods, no matter how popular, have also drawn a great deal of criticism from numerous other professional dog trainers and veterinary behavioral specialists alike.
Positive points of Millan's training philosophy
Most professional dog trainers and veterinary behavioral specialists agree with Cesar Millan that adequate exercise is not only a good training aid but is also healthy for most dogs.
In addition, most other experts agree with Cesar Millan that many, if not most, behavioral problems originate with the dog owner and not the dog. In other words, there are actually very few bad dogs, but many dog owners who mishandle their dogs and encourage bad behavior, even though often the dog owners are well-intentioned.
Cesar Millan also advises remaining calm when dealing with dogs. This also is good advice as it is never a good idea for a dog handler or pet owner to lose their temper or become emotional when dealing with or training any dog.
Dominance theory, confrontation and punishment-based training methods
While many dog training experts are able to find positive aspects to Cesar Millan's training methods, many have serious concerns about other parts of his training philosophy. In particular, many veterinary behavioral experts as well as many professional dog trainers are concerned about Cesar Millan's use of dominance theory and his confrontational training methods. In fact, many of these experts have concerns that some of these techniques may create dogs which become aggressive (or more aggressive) and place dog owners in physical danger.
Reward-based positive training methods encouraged by many of Millan's critics
Critics of Cesar Millan's training techniques believe that positive, reward-based training methods are preferable to the more confrontational training methods which Cesar Millan promotes. Many professional dog trainers as well as most veterinary behavioral experts believe that dogs respond better to reward-based training methods. These training methods also act to strengthen the bond between dog and handler rather than creating tension between the two parties and forcing the dog to submit to the owner's will. In addition, experts point out that positive training techniques are less likely to create or strengthen aggressive tendencies in dogs.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) has issued two separate position statements relating to dog training techniques. The first statement opposes the use of dominance based theory stating "the standard of care for veterinarians specializing in behavior is that dominance theory should not be used as a general guide for behavior modification." The second position statement issued by the AVSAB supports the use of positive, reward-based training techniques, stating "training should focus on reinforcing desired behaviors, removing the reinforcer for inappropriate behaviors, and addressing the emotional state and environmental conditions driving the undesirable behavior."
Considerations for dog owners
Behavioral issues are one of the most common reasons dogs are turned into dog shelters and other humane societies. Failed training methods can have a huge impact on a dog owner's relationship with a dog as well as on the health and well-being of the dog. In some circumstances, failed training techniques can even lead to the euthanasia of a dog with behavioral problems. Dog owners should not be blinded by the popularity of specific training methods when determining which methods are right for their dog. It is important for dog owners to realize that other training methods exist and the dominance-based training methods practiced by Cesar Millan should be evaluated as one of many training methods available. Dog owners should also realize that a great deal of controversy exists regarding Cesar Millan's training methods.
The copyright of the article Cesar Milan – Dog whisperer or danger? is owned by Lorie Huston. Permission to republish Cesar Milan – Dog whisperer or danger? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Photo Credit: Morguefile.com/shelleysphotos
Comments
As a professional trainer, I see the harmful results of Cesar Millan's training on a constant basis. His methods are very outdated and rely on fear and force to get the job done. There are so many safer and more effective alternatives for both the dogs and people.
Thank you for this informative article.
Lindsey Hein
Orlando Pet Care and Training Examiner
I feel bad that Cesar has become everyone's whipping boy lately. While his training method is too aggressive for a softie like me, he deserves to be recognized for all the good things he's done. Thank you for presenting a more balanced article that acknowledges Cesar's positive contributions.
hurmmmmm...
great article
I foster dogs for a rescue group and own 3 of my own. I personally LOVE Cesar. While positive is great, there are just SOME dogs that need a little more. For example: My parents adopted a yorkie from me. After 16 classes an having a gallon of water squirted at him, he still barked and lunged at dogs while on a leash. They found a trainer (I visited the class and totally approved) trained in a manner similar to Cesars. In less than 10 minutes of the class the dog no longer lunges at other dogs on the leash. He is a very dominant little dog (loved to mount my chow/shepherd/spaniel mix which has also stopped) and just needed correction. Cesar is the first one, if you watch his show, to say that there are many different ways to help a dog and has often used food or praise to shape the behavior he is looking for. Watching his show has changed the way I live with my dogs for the better. My yellow lab is no longer food agressive with the fosters and we are able to walk as a pack.
I see your points, but unfortunately, I do not agree with the criticism against Cesar. I've been fortunate to see him personally work with the dogs and was amazed at how well they respond to him and how much they love him. When one of the comments mentions his methods as "outdated," is that like today's method of spanking our children as being outdated? I wasn't spanked that much as a child, but it did teach me to respect my parents. Without that looming in my mind, I most certainly would have tested the limits much more than I did. However, even though my parents threatened spankings, they did it rarely and only when they had to. They gave an incredible amount of love at the right times, just like Cesar does. I really don't see what all the fuss is about. Thanks for at least having a pretty balanced post.
I'll stick with the real experts on this one. Dr. Nicolas Dodman from Tufts University and Dr. Andrew Leuscher from Purdue University both wrote strong letters to National Geographic stating that CM was putting dog training back 20 years and putting dog owners in harms way. After that NG put up a disclaimer at the beginning of the show saying "Don't try this at home".
Ummm...kind of makes it hard to train the dog then eh?
There is nothing I do in my training that an 8 year old can't do at home without being harmed.
CM is charasmatic, I'll give him that. Try watching him with the sound off. When his "happy dogs who love him" come crawling to him in an appeasing gesture, it hurts my heart. I don't ever want to put a dog in a position where it feels the need to appease me.
I want a better relationship than that. One built on mutual trust and respect, not physical intimidation.
Why is it that the so called'experts' manage to argue both sides of the fence?
Why is it that The criticisms of Cesar's methods sound familiar to those of the Woodhouse way from many years ago.
Cesar Manages to rehabilitate many otherwise unadoptable dogs and turn them into household members.
The funny thing is that Some of the biggest critics have no issue with high kill shelters but condemn someone trying to save these animals lives.
To this observer examining the criticisms ,it looks less like professional concern and more like jealousy.
Then again what do I know I just own a pet and use Cesar's method to keep myself and my animals in balance
Has the author of the article seen many episodes of Cesar's TV show? He always stresses that reward-based positive training methods are the first thing to try, and the best way to change a dog!!!! Unfortunately, the most popular clips and episodes are the ones where he is pinning a dog down to the ground - if you watch these episodes, Cesar tries other methods patiently (usually for a lot longer than what's shown on the episode, producers cutting right to the action parts), and he only pins a dog to the ground as a last resort, never is he doing it in a cruel way. But if you are an owner with a stubborn dog, who won't respond rewards based methods, and you are willing to live your life with a dog that undermines you, then no dramatic show down is necessary.
Cesar comes from a background where a dog who undermines can influence the rest of a pack of dogs, and a pack of dogs can kill you, if you don't show them you are dominant. Watch the show and LISTEN before you judge.
Cesar has never used punishment on his show. It's always "discipline" and there's a difference...
Punishment = angry and frustrated and thus the dog becomes scared and can't learn
Discipline = calm and assertive and helps the dogs learn and become more balanced
you may want to revise this article...
This man's methods have always made me nervous. He does have some insight but the way he displays it is nerve racking. I disagree with his methods and feel it sets the families and dogs up for disaster. Being from LA, I do know he has had incidents at his facility and he was/is being sued. And every dog is an individual. You have to try different techniques to see which one works the best with your dog. What works for one might not work for the other.
I'm with those of you who asked if Dr. Huston had ever watched The Dog Whisperer, attended any of Cesar Milan's seminars or practiced any of his methods. With 5 cats at home, it's not likely. This seems to be just a research article and the criticisms are inaccurate. Cesar Milan's work is not based on a theory or a label. Each dog is approached individually and he is tuned in not only to the dog, but to the owners.
I have a 10 year old pit mix that I could not take anywhere until I applied what I had learned from him. Same dog is happily curled up under my desk at work and everyone here loves him!
CM techniques are outdated b/c of all that we have learned about dogs and how they think. CM's techniques appear affective b/c of what is called "learned helplessness" (shut down). Learned helplessness was first observed by scientists who placed dogs in a box with no escape and shocked them through the floor. The dogs first tried to escape and then, exhausted and finding no exit, simply laid down on the floor, despite continued shocks. The dogs weren't enjoying the shocks more than they were in the beginning, they had simply given up. CM claims that this is calm submission. CM uses a lot of positive punishment and negative reinforcement. I do know that CM has many lawsuits against him. He has damaged many dogs and some where hurt while under his care b/c of his training methods. I am sure that CM loves dogs and has good intentions, he just lacks the knowledge. I work closely with, dog trainers, behaviorist and doctors in rehabilitating dogs. We urge folks to stop using CM methods.
I doubt you know what your talking about. None of those who say its cruel do. You guys are idoits who are probably 12 yr old who sit at a computer writing crap in which you don't know what the hell your talking about. CM has helped my dog and my friends dog. Both of which are perfectly fine and have not forgotten any of their training. We rollerblade together constantly. My dog use to lung at other people and only sometimes she will even bark. And all i Say to her is that "Ch" noise.
In researching Examiner coverage of Cesar Millan I came across an interesting article by Kate Woodviolet in which she asks the question, are people discriminating against Cesar Millan because he was born Mexican? She makes a compelling argument that much of the criticism of Cesar Millan may actually be covert racism.
www.examiner.com/x-1779-LA-Pet-Rescue-Examiner~y2009m2d1-Is-the-Cesar-Millan-controversy-really-about-racism
Hi, Eve.
Interesting article. And I agree that racism is a serious and persistent problem. But I respectfully disagree that racism plays a part in much of the criticism of Cesar Millan's training techniques. Take a look at this clip and try watching it without the sound:
channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dog-whisperer/3252/Overview#tab-Videos/05198_00
As a veterinarian (and not a behavioral expert), I could never recommend to one of my clients to try this type of technique with their dog, nor recommend a trainer who encouraged this. This is dangerous for both dog and owner and there are much better ways to handle the situation, IMHO.
Debra Horwitz's (DVM, DACVB) comments can be found here:
veterinarycommunity.dvm360.com/_dog-training-gone-bad/BLOG/417471/30809.html?widgetId=3536
I believe her analysis of this clip is factual and correct.
Thanks for taking the time to respond and I'm interested in hearing what you think. This is an interesting discussion.
I watched the clip and it was pretty scary!
I'm a clicker trainer because I am a softie and aggressive-style training does not suit me. But I don't want to say that my way is the only way.
Joel Silverman, who I recently interviewed, directs his book's readers to seek an aggression expert when dealing with aggressive dogs.
I would be interested to hear how a trainer who specializes in aggressive dogs would handle that situation.
I have been a fan of Cesar's show as entertainment and have learned some insights into dog behavior. But the other day I witnessed a man who was clearly attempting to use CM's techniques because his dog was not being "submissive" to him. It was HORRIFYING to watch.
are u kidding? blame cesar because some idiot wrongfully copied some of his technique and applied it god knows how? just because it LOOKS like CM's method, it doesn't mean cesar would do the same in that situation. doing "shh! shh" doesn't make someone do CM's method!
I'm sorry but I cannot agree with Cesar's advocates in the comments above. The article has it spot on in that Cesar does encourage some good practices (keeping calm etc) but his use of force is nothing less than abuse. Dominance theory is out of date (there are lots of articles and books out there dispelling this -Dominance: Fact or Fiction by Barry Eaton is a good jumping off point), inaccurate and completely flawed. I don't want to dominate my dog, I want it to be part of my family (not my baby either!). My dogs are under perfect control, I can take them anywhere and I have never used negative punishment, reinforcements, dominance etc to acheive this. To say that its not abuse, its discipline is calling the same thing by another name.
I use positive reinforcement with 100% success including rehabilitating dogs "trained" using dominance/Cesar techniques. No matter what the problem you do NOT need to use his methods - fact!
Please look into other methods, your dog will thank you!
Cesar uses positive reinforcement. Anyone who says he doesn't is lying. Life is real.
Eve, a behavior expert would never have allowed that situation to occur in the first place. Finding the trigger to such behaviors, avoiding that trigger and "reprogramming" the response is the key to this type of "aggression training".
Ron,
You're kidding, right? Positive reinforcement is NOT kicking a dog in the belly and then choking it until it passes out!!!
Couldn't say it better than what Leah said. Her comments are spot on! Especially concerning the Cesar critics that DON'T ACTUALLY WATCH THE SHOW and FORM THEIR OPINION on WHAT THEY THINK CESAR DOES!
RB and Leah:
How many times are we supposed to watch dog's being abused before we are allowed to say it's abuse. Cesar's training methods are outdated and cruel. Period.
And yes, I've watched the show so many times it makes me sick to think about it. I've seen almost all the episodes shown on the telly and even attended a few of Millan's events in person. It hasn't changed my opinion. In fact, that's how my opinion was formed.
BTW, I might add that his training methods REALLY screwed up my 4 year JRT. After almost 10 months with a behaviorist to correct what Cesar's methods did, he is just now starting to not be a neurotic mess. NEVER AGAIN!!
There is nothing cruel or abusive about Cesar's rehabilitation methods and just because they may not be the flavor of the month does not make them outdated..
Ann, I am calling you out as a liar. If you think Cesar's methods are outdated and cruel, why would you ever use them on a 4 year old JRT...makes no sense to me.
Most of the time Cesar doesn't even use physical corrections. Again, I am calling you a liar because if you REALLY watched his show you would already know this.
And IF YOU REALLY BELIEVE HIS METHODS ARE CRUEL and ABUSIVE, write and send videotapes demonstrating what you believe as cruel and abusive to every District Attorney in every County in the United States and maybe one will file a lawsuit on your behalf. I think the DAs will think you are nuts as do I.
Cesar's show keeps getting more and more popular and stronger ratings with each season. The same can't be said of It's Me or the Dog.
RB:
LOL! Do you really think I care what you think about me or what names you call me? In a word, NO!
I know what I know and temper tantrums and name calling from close minded and ignorant people aren't going to change the facts.
The comments I made in my last post came from a veterinary behavioral specialty doctor who helped me correct my dog's behavior after I blindly followed Cesar's advice because I didn't know any better then. The specialist explained to me exactly why Cesar's methods are dangerous, cruel and outdated.
And do you really believe that being popular on TV is the best judge of professional ability? No, of course not. Look at the other TV shows that are popular now! All this means is that Cesar has good PR people. Nothing else.
Ann,
It means more people are learning more from Cesar than the Person on It's me or The Dog. That's why people continue to tune into a show. PR gets you one chance. If they like it, they keep watching and tune in the next time it is on.
Ann, all you ever say is that his methods are cruel and outdated. Why not give concrete examples? Give the episode, the names of the dog and details of what you saw that you believe was cruel and dangerous.
You probably are not very intelligent if you blindly follow someone else's advice or you are not smart enough to apply what you see.
Please give a concrete example of something you did following Cesar's advice or method, what behavior you were trying to change in the dog, and what happened as a result.
All you do is rant and rave that Cesar's methods are outdated, dangerous, and cruel, and say that is the opinion of the behaviorist that you are now blindly following.
RB:
A concrete example! How about the link that is posted below!!
I'm not sure what part of "I don't care what you think" is difficult for you to understand, but I'm going to go away now and leave you to delusions. I've wasted more than enough time here. Feel free to post again so you can get the last word in, if you feel it necessary. It will prove how childish you are.
The whole"dominance method" being a bad thing, i cant really understand. If you have ever examined a pack of dogs and especially wolves in their natural environment without the interfernce of people, it is exactly the same way. The alpha dog has a dominance over the rest of the pack and that is why they are behaved. you cannot deny the laws of nature. if we want to live with animals we must be aware of how they interact and react in the wild and with their own kind. Cesar seeas this in animals and uses their mind set instead of putting them in a more human/ feeling world.
Anna,
As far as dogs living and behaving like their wolf relatives, it has been fairly well documented that this is not the case. The dogs which live with us have been domesticated for centuries and no longer have a "wolf mentality", so to speak, at least according to the behavioral experts who have investigated this question.
Secondly, when you use dominance to train a dog, what happens when the dog eventually decides to challenge you as the "dominant party"? These kinds of challenges are likely to result in injury for either pet or owner, or perhaps both. This, IMHO, is one of the reasons why dominance theory is probably not the best means of training.
However, this continues to be an interesting discussion and I thank all of you for your comments. I would ask that further comments focus on stating facts and opinions and remain civil and polite. Thanks to all of you.
Cesar's observations are of domesticated dog packs - from his own pack of dogs and the formerly domesticated dogs he saw running wild on the streets of Mexico. Never have I seen him use the term "wolves" or "wolf".
Lori Wrote,
"Secondly, when you use dominance to train a dog, what happens when the dog eventually decides to challenge you as the "dominant party"?"
If the dogs are domesticated and no longer have this pack mentality according to "your behavior experts" why would the dog eventually challenge you?
You can't have it both ways, either you believe their is truth to dominance theory or you don't.
"Secondly, when you use dominance to train a dog, what happens when the dog eventually decides to challenge you as the "dominant party"?"
Where did you get the idea that a dog trained using dominant ways will EVENTUALLY DECIDE TO CHALLENGE YOU as the "DOMINANT PARTY"? Is this some documented fact that I am unaware of?
I think Cesar would have been killed long ago by one of the dogs in his center if this was true.
RB:
Yes, in actually, it is a documented fact and published in a recent issue of Applied Animal Behavior Science. You can find more information here: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/139465.php
A note to all: While I value your opinions and welcome further discussion on this topic, please be aware that I will delete any further comments which contain offensive or insulting language directed toward anyone. This includes calling people "incompetent", "liars", etc. These types of comments do not constructively contribute to an educated and intelligent discussion. Thank you for your cooperation.
I have seen that article before and basically says any aggressive methods will get you aggression - there are many other expertsthat would disagree with that. No where in the article does it state that a dog trained using dominant techniques will eventually try to assume the dominant role.
The main problem I have with this study is that they don't show a sample of the survey to show that they are not including any bias to get the responses that they are looking for. Usually these surveys work by first hypothesiszing a thesis, develop a survey that elicits a response that supports their hypothesis, and publish the results in a Journal.
I also don't know who is suggesting this--Our study demonstrated that many confrontational training methods, whether staring down dogs, striking them or intimidating them with physical manipulation does little to correct improper behavior and can elicit aggressive responses." ---- but it is certainly not Cesar Milan.
RB:
You are correct. It definitely is not Cesar Milan being quoted. In fact, the quote is in direct contradiction to many of Mr. Milan's training techniques and that's where the controversy comes in.
The quote you speak of is, in fact, from Dr. Meghan E. Herron, who is the lead author of the study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science. And yes, you will need to obtain a copy of the journal article in order to look more closely at how the survey was structured and interpreted. You are free to do so if you feel the need.
The study was conducted and published by Dr. Herron and staff from the Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. These are respected behavioral specialists and this journal is one of the respected resources in the field of behavioral science.
You asked for documentation and I believe I have provided it for you. You can choose to accept it or not. Your choice and no hard feelings either way :-)
I think you misunderstood. I see I was not clear but there was no way to edit my post once posted.
I am saying that Cesar never does any of those things listed: staring down dogs, striking them or intimidating them with physical manipulation. He never does any of these. People must not be watching entire shows, but instead focusing on 2 minute clips.
Just because someone has a PHD does not make their opinion any more valid than anyone elses.
Short tale. I have coached 3 straight club soccer champions. I lost my job because a parent whose daughter I cut complained that I was to tough on the girls. Her family leading members of the community and big contributors to the team financially brought in a coach with a pedigree. I have none. My new team has won to straight championships. We beat the team with the pedigree every time. Cesar gets the job done. He may not have a pedigree but it works. Even the best physician has complaints leveled against them. You have stated that the problem is the human not the dog. Is it possible that the person that struck out with Cesar's techniques might have been the problem and not the dog or the technique. I am a great coach but I cannot help a child when I am working against parents. I think this smacks a bit of elitism. How dare this uneducated foreigner tell us how to raise our dogs. I am sad that somebody with the power of this forum is so shallow. Do your work without attacking others
Jay,
The attention with this article is not to "attack" Cesar, but to point out that parts of his training philosophies are not so widely accepted as his PR would have you and other pet owners believe.
I clearly stated in my article that there are parts of Cesar's mantra that are good ideas. There are other parts of his philosophy that may be dangerous to dog owners attempting his techniques. It is important to remember that what Cesar can accomplish with his many years of experience with dogs is not what the average pet owner can accomplish and they should not try. If Cesar gets injured performing some of the techniques (and yes, he does get injured on occasion), what do think could happen to an owner with far less experience and talent?
Positive reward based training is advisable because it is safe for pet owners to pursue at home. Avoiding triggers of aggressive or bad behaviors until those behaviors can be redirected is safer than confronting a dog which may injure its handl
I've watched Mr. Milan's show a few times and he appears to know what he is doing. Years ago I puchased a book by William Koehler, and when I read the book at first I was shocked by some of the methods. To sum up what I remember, the training was based on the dog suffering consequences for incorrect behavior. The rewards were more vocal "good dog" if I recall for correct behavior. I think you have to gain a dogs trust and also their respect. Not one or the other. Some dogs perhaps would need more gentle methods, however, other dogs might need a more dominant trainer to gain respect. I think it largely depends on the dog. I remember one show where Mr. Milan worked with an aggressive dog and he spent hours simply not backing down when the dog showed aggressiveness. I think he is good at what he is doing, however I don't think just anyone could use some of his methods. An aggressive dog needs a special trainer and not everyone can overcome their fear to be what the dog needs.
Kat:
You said: "however I don't think just anyone could use some of his methods." That very accurately summarizes my concerns with Cesar's training methods.
To add to my post I put that "at first" I was shocked by some of Mr. Koehler's methods, however as I read further and used some of the techniques, I understood more the meaning behind his method. I just wanted to clarify that although his method is not the same as Mr. Milan's, both seem to have a keen understanding of how dogs think.
Lori said "That very accurately summarizes my concerns with Cesar's training methods."
Sorry not sure how to quote on this forum.
Yes I agree, however one could also say that someone using a reward method could seriously get hurt training a dog as well. I'm not sure the method of training is as much the issue as someone incapable of training a dog making any attempt to do so. How to training books (or tv shows) should be considered a guide.. a problem dog should be left to the experts, imo.
Wow, Jay. You sound really angry. Attacking an author for writing something you don't agree with, calling that author elitist and accusing them of abusing their position. That is really unfair.
As for your soccer champions, did it ever occur to you that perhaps these kid's parents don't want champion soccer players, but instead want an opportunity for the kids to play the game and have fun doing so without being made to feel like losers because they lose a game. Losing a soccer game is not the worst thing that can happen to a kid and if their coach is so hard that winning is the ONLY thing, I would have voted to lose the coach too. Sorry, but it's the truth. My kid likely couldn't play on your soccer team and I probably wouldn't allow it if she could.
Kat:
Agreed. However, I would prefer to refer my clients with problem dogs to a training expert who can teach them how to handle their pets safely at home without getting hurt. IMO, trainers who use reward based training are more likely to be able to do that than someone who elects to use confrontation as a training tool.
Another thing that it is important for pet owners to realize is that correcting a behavioral problem is not something that is solved over night. It takes months, sometimes even longer, of patience and persistence. There is no "quick fix".
If Cesar's techniques work for you, fine. Just remember that this isn't the only way to train a dog. It may not even be the best way to train a dog. Before you make a decision, do a little research. Read some of the information out there. There's plenty available. Gather all the facts and make an educated decision.
Just wanted to say that I am not disagreeing with the article, I found it very informative. I would not use Mr. Milan's methods myself just to be clear, however he does get results and I can understand where some dogs need to be handled in a way that they understand that "they" are not dominant. But I also would be concerned trying to use any method, no matter how mild, on an aggressive dog. I agree that they should be referred to an expert who could not only train the animal, but the owner on how to handle the situation. I commend you for the sound advice to always seek out alternatives and find what will work best for the pet and owner.
Many of these post do not truly understand Cesar Millan. He deals differently with the aggresive last chance dogs than he does with "softer issues" He teaches leadership which is not the same as dominance. He has used positive methods on many of his episodes. He cautions people about the need for professionals.
There is a difference between a negative reenforcement and punishment. While all dogs need to learn basic obedience for their own safety most ownere are lazy and only seek a dog trainer when their dog has a serious problem and then some of the negative renforcement issues are the only way. Even the proponents of clicker training advocate negative reenforcement= correction in certain situations.
Dogs certainly can be dominant! Just watch a pack of dogs, even at a doggie daycare. There are some who are submissive, and some who are Alpha and more dominant. HUMANS must establish themselves as leader. I'm not saying everything Cesar does is correct, but he is 100% correct that the human must be the LEADER of the pack, and a pocket full of treats to bribe dogs is not enough, treats don't fix aggression either!
If you do not relate to a dog like another dog you are really setting yourself up for danger. It is a dog and reward training is not the way to train a dog. Ceasar Milan is being attacked because he is taking away business from others. It's the same old story. He has over 100 dogs in his rehabilitation facility that came from unbelievable backgrounds and they are all now pets. The man knows what he is doing and trying to say he doesn't is only harming dogs.
Brutus, to put it simply, you're WRONG!!
******DOG TRAINER*******
Really?! Do you think that "name" impresses people or convinces them of your qualification? Please...not impressive at all.
Ann, I just think YOU screwed up your dog, NOT CESAR'S TECHNIQUES!
You obviously THOUGHT you knew how to do his techniques and in reality you didn't. Many people try to copy CESAR, but if they could see themselves, they would see that they were doing everything wrong. I'm sure you, Ann, were doing it wrong, even though you thought otherwise.
Cesar's techniques work. Yes they AREN'T FOR EVERYONE! Old ladies shouldn't be pinning a dog, etc...But an old lady can EXERCISE her dog. An old lady can give Discipline right? That's just rules, boundaries and limitations. Meaning you start play time, and you end play time, not your dog deciding when it's time to play.
I think everyone needs to really look at what Cesar preaches. If you do his techniques right, you won't really even have to have physical touch with a dog.
So I have to let my dog outside by going through my garage. So I have to open the kitchen door, and then garage back door. You know what happens in this exercise? My dog sits patiently to be let out, and then when it's time to come back in, I leave the kitchen door open and then I open garage back door and call my dog. Now he'll sit before he enters the garage, on his own. Then when I invite him in the garage, HE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO IN THE KITCHEN IF HE WANTS TO since the kitchen door is open, but you know what happens. He STOPS! and waits for me to enter into the kitchen first.
I don't say stop, he does it all on his own. You know what techniques I used? CESARS!!!!! OHHHHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOO! I wasn't mean, and it was a fun exercise working with him. So DON'T TELL ME CM'S TECHNIQUES ARE BAD!
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