Cesar Millan – Dog whisperer or danger?

June 25, 2:33 AMPet Health ExaminerLorie Huston

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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.