Cesar Millans - Daddy

[cycas]

Came across this article today http://ahimsadogtraining.com/blog/2009/01/...pering-at-home/ which I thought was an excellent roundup of exactly why Cesar Milan's methods are a bad idea, including:

 

American Humane Association says the training methods on the Dog Whisperer show are outdated and inhumane.

 

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior: " vets should never refer to trainers who rely on punishment and dominance-based training"

 

And the final para:

"If you watch it with the sound off, you’ll see a lot of stressed-out dogs who eventually shut down and give up. The fear that caused the aggression is not gone. The dog just doesn’t have the energy or spirit left to defend itself. His “pack†is a study in Stockholm Syndrome, for dogs. (From Wikipedia: “Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response sometimes seen in abducted hostages, in which the hostage shows signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker, regardless of the danger or risk in which they have been placed.â€)"

[eilrex]

It always amazes me that so many posters focus on the negatives of Cesar's training and completely overlook the positives. For a start, I feel he has done so much to help change peoples views of the bull breeds but this is hardly ever mentioned.

He highlights how an owner can aggravate a problem they may be having with their dog by being nervous and apprehensive and then shows them how to build up their confidence. This is what helped me make such a difference to my boy. I am well aware that most trainers do this, but through his TV shows Cesar reaches far more people. He has excellent people skills and I think this is very important. One example is where the woman wanted a girlfriend for her boxer. It was evident that she was determined to get a bitch and that nothing she was advised would stop her from spoiling and treating the dogs like babies so Cesar ensured that a bitch with the right temperment was chosen and also that the dogs were introduced properly. Another episode was called "Pets on Parole" (I think) where "last chance" dogs considered unsuitable to rehome were sent to a women's prison. The women were all long term prisoners and were given the task of looking after and working with the dogs. Cesar went to the prison and worked with the prisoners and dogs. And, yes, he did hold one dog down which was very aggressive. But at the end the women were able to socialise the dogs and walk them together as a group. This not only gave the dogs a chance of finding a home but also helped towards the rehabilitation of the women who clearly showed the love they felt for their charges. And yes some owners try to emulate him and get it completely wrong but what about the many others, like me whose dogs are now much happier. I believe that any training method, if not carried out correctly, can potentially be harmful.