A Different Take on Cesar Millan

[Adina P]

In trying to find a different article I wanted to share about pit bulls...I ran across this one by the same article that looks at Cesar Millan in a different way:

http://www.gladwell.com/2006/2006_05_22_a_dog.html

Discuss!

[Robin, dalai, and Parker]

Can you describe what you mean by different?

[Adina P]

Most articles written lately find him to be too 'harsh' and his style doesn't fit with the positive training philosophy.

[Lynne B]

I have no use for Cesar Milan, his alpha /dominance nonsense is not based on any kind of science. It can do significant damage to a dog that is already reactive or fearful. I have NO tolerance for any dog trainer who advocates the use of choke chains, shock collars, leash popping, or any other physical abuse. It is not necessary and it is counter-productive.

[Adina P]

I know you feel this way from previous discussions...but my goal was to discuss THIS particular article's perspective...what they say about him and his persona, etc. What HE does gets results when HE does it. I'm not advocating others follow suit.... But painting all tools that are used to correct a dog with one brush is not an accurate portrayal of their varied uses. It reflects a philosophy that you believe in (which is FINE) not whether any of what the article stated rings true or not.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I really enjoyed this article. I think Cesar is incredibly gifted and this article shares that gift. Whether one agrees with his methods or not, I would think there should be admiration for his skill and ability. I have observed that some people naturally have a gift with animals. Adina, both you and Clark have that gift. There is a saying in my work that teachers are born not made and I think this is true of dog whisperers also.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I agree with Nancy. I have a neighbor who has two Springer Spaniels and she is the one who taught me so much about dogs when I got Gracie Doodle. She is a 7th grade teacher but far prefers dogs to people. She is amazing with them and all the dogs in the neighborhood follow her around like she is the Pied Piper!! I call her Cesarette!! She truly is amazing!! And the funny thing is that we live on Milan Street. Pretty close to Millan as in Cesar!!! Cesarette of Milan Street!!

[Robin, dalai, and Parker]

I had my mind set when I got my doodle that I wasn't going to treat her like a human child. Even though I talk about her like she is my child, she is really a dog. Cesar's philosophy of Exercise, Discipline, Affection, got me through the puppy times. Dalai just turned two yrs. old and I can pick up on her behavior when she doesn't have enough exercise. The intelligence of the poodle comes out and she starts looking for attention (negatively). I like to learn different training techniques, so think dog training is a work in progress. Just like kids, they are not all alike, and some have personalities that take a little more thought and work then others.

[ej]

I am a believer of the saying "different strokes for different folks" and to me this applies to the training methods for dog handlers and dogs themselves. I do not totally discount CM's method (alpha roll, popping of the leash, etc.) as I feel that this could be the only method (after much trials and hopefully non-fatal errors) effective on some dogs. The dog handler has to know the dog well enough to decide which is the best method to communicate with and train the dog. It is unwise to run out and practise a certain training or correction technique without finding out more about the root of the problem (could be medical) or doing some research on the other recommended methods. Plus the handler MUST feel comfortable with the method. My dogs can sense our apprehension, and anxiety.

When Zooey was 5 months old, we attended a training course with her, and the choke chain was introduced to us during the 3rd session. Instantly I could see that Z hated it and was upset when I popped the chain to correct her during leash walking exercise. I thought she needed to get used to the choke chain and gave her a few days to adjust. During our home training, it became clear to me that this method is not achieving my objective -- to communicate clearly with her in the manner she could understand and respond appropriately. She was relunctant, her expression downcast, and she did not enjoy each session we had together. I spoke to the trainer and he was obviously not pleased at all when I suggested to use the regular nylon collar. Nonetheless (with or without his blessings) I trained her with regular collar at home over the remaining 7 weeks, and we completed the course, passed the Basic Obedience test (she was the first to complete all the events) and I chucked the choke chain for good.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I do watch Cesar's show quite often, and the article portrays him much like I see him on the show. I have seen situations where he has taken really out of control dogs and rehabilitated them, thereby preventing them from having to be euthanized. Often on the show they film at his Dog Psychology Center, and it certainly appears to be a very contented, orderly pack (of previously very troubled dogs). This article (and the show) demonstrate how he has been able to help with some critically disfunctional (and dangerous) personal and family situations involving dogs. To me, these are all good things, and I acknowledge and applaud these "wins". Would a different approach have also worked with these dogs...maybe. But no matter how you look at it, in many of these cases he actually saved the dog. I have taken some of what he teaches and applied it. I personally believe that leadership, trust, and confidence are key which is very consistent with his training approach. But, there is also a lot about how he trains that I don't believe in (for myself and my dogs). I would much rather focus on "catching them in the act of doing what I want" and then rewarding that behavior than constantly having to correct them. I do believe there is a time and a place for corrections to be given, but I find positive, reward based training to be the most effective approach for my guys and the most personally satisfying for me. We are the "experts" on our own dogs, and we know our own personal style the best. I like being exposed to many different types of training and then selecting what I think will work best ...and Cesar's method is one of several that I "pick and choose from".

[Zoe, Benny and Tyler]

This is a very interesting article and it portrays Cesar in the way I see him. A man who has the skill that people and animals do respect his natural authority. There is no effort in his actions and no trying to gain respect. It all is there right inside of him already, part of his personality and only expressed by his perfect phrasing and body language and posture in general. For him his training methods are working perfectly but I doubt that you can transfer this and apply his methods easily. He has a natural skill which other handlers have to learn which is a long difficult process and often even impossible because it is against the personality of the handler. I do like to watch his show because I am always amazed what successes he can achieve in no time but I do believe that it is hard to keep the consistency of these successes once Cesar has left. It might work for his pack in his centre because his staff and even children have adopted and copied his body language during a long process. Even if Cesar explains how in theory it would work and proofs it by showing examples it will be hard for every dog owner to turn this theory into practice. Trying and making mistakes might even turn into more negative results.
Cesar's mantra of being a calm assertive leader can be applied to all well respected leaders in the business world. There are different ways to gain respect but these ways do not necessarily imply that people also like you.
So my conclusion is that Cesar is a gifted person but to apply his methods people first of all need to work on themselves before they even begin to start with the dog training.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Total agreement with Zoe.  There is something in the best leaders, be they teachers of humans or animals, CEO's or superintendents, that is born in them.  Others can learn it, but it is a long difficult journey.