Cesar Milan

[Lynne B]

I disagree with many of Cesar Milan's methods, but I know he has quite a following...here's a website that Dr. Sophia Yin (a vet/trainer that I have much respect for) linked on her facebook page:
http://beyondcesarmillan.weebly.com/index.html

[Adina P]

To address "submission" which Cesar often aims for: The topic of submissive dogs came up in a discussion on a mean-'ol-choke-chain trainers listserv I belong to =) Interestingly the discussion turned toward the idea that we do NOT want dogs to be submissive in training. One trainer mentioned how some breeds tend to sort of bear down and display a sort of submissive resistance. And her particular bully breed, when she reached the point she'd learned "DOWN" and was ready for a correction....well her dog would REFUSE to go down on command unless the owner just every so slightly leaned over her when she gave the command (acting a bit more dominant or domineering). IF the owner stood up straight, neutral and uttered the command calmly the dog would not down and when she went to correct the dog the dog would quickly DROP into a down then.

The owner did NOT want the dog responding with submission...she wanted her dog to respond to the command with confidence. So she refused to give in by using a domineering/dominant stance. Instead she continued to stand straight, utter the command, and correct if not done. She had to repeat this many many many times until the dog finally was able to respond confidently rather than because she felt threatened: "Oh yeah...I'm perfectly capable of executing this command without anyone hovering over me and the consequences don't disappear just because I'm trying to appease my owner." That's not an easy thing for an amateur to identify and I think most positive trainers would assume "Oh no this dog is shutting down...she can't learn this way...we must switch methods entirely!" But that wasn't the case...it was a case of dog trying to avoid things and being resistant by behaving submissively rather than dealing with the command as given.

I guess my point is that Cesar seems to rely more on getting submission--whereas just because other correction oriented trainers also might use corrections...it doesn't mean that's the going thing. This particular trainer regards submission as a social response in an effort to control the owner (with the appeasing gesture) or to 'change the subject' so to speak. Thus not a desireable behavior and something that needs to be changed in order to train the dog and have him take responsibility for his actions. Just an interesting take I had to share.

[Jennifer Tramell]

I'm curious how many people have watch numerous Dog Whisperer shows or read Cesar's books? I have watched all of his episodes and read his book. His book was given to me a few years ago. I read it and thought "yeah, right....whatever.....". I was not impressed. One night I happened upon his show and found that there might be merit to his techniques. I started watching and have since revised my opinion. I have re-read his book and discovered that I understand it more having seen the show. You can not just watch one episode and understand what is going on - it is too easy to take something out of context. As an example, Cesar tries to use whatever collar that the owner uses because that is what the dog is used to and what the owner will use when Cesar leaves. 75% of the time, Cesar uses a little nylon leash looped around the dog's upper neck.

The show is a TV show so only the interesting/exciting parts are left for viewers. If you watch enough shows you can piece together a better view of Cesar's philosophies. He mentions in his book that most dogs do not need many of his techniques, many dogs are easy going, sensitive to their owners, willing to please, happy for a leader. These dogs don't need the techniques demonstrated.

As far as submission goes, Cesar seems to use submission techniques on dogs who are the most dominant in the family heirarchy. Dogs who suffer from fear and anxiety based issues are handled with confidence building techniques. I think that submission gets a bad rap. I look at submission as a dance; I'm the leader and I need a partner following my lead, "submitting" to the direction we take around the dance floor. The end result is a beautiful thing.

I believe almost all of the principles demonstrated are accurate. A dog does need walks with his owner. A dog shouldn't push his way out the door, onto the bed, etc. The show isn't about obedience training, it is about helping the dog recognize his proper place in the hierarchy of the family. There have been times that an obedience trainer is brought because obedience commands would assist in the "rehabilitation".

I am not a Cesar Milan "kool-aid drinker" but I have used his techniques successfully. I have never seen him be abusive, in fact, my biggest complaint is that he wants owners to spend SO much time with their dogs - who has that much "dog" time? Even if you don't like everything about Cesar Milan, be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water.

[Adina P]

I enjoy his shows. I have rented many a season on DVD. I think I might own his first book...not sure, perhaps I only skimmed it in the bookstore. Although I enjoy his shows and agree that he's often misunderstood by those who only have seen snippets. I still think he pulls a lot of his theories out of thin air.... They work for him. But I don't "believe" in them (not talking about exercise and boundary setting).

For me the concept of "rehabilitation" is also something he coined and is great for marketing. But with the exception of some severely aggressive dogs...I don't think most of them need "rehab" as much as just good training. In my opinion, obedience training can accomplish everything Cesar does AND MORE.

Yet, he is still valuable and I believe has helped people.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Great post Jennifer! My feeling exactly. Hail Cesar! (;o)

[Adina P]

Why do you keep disagreeing with me????

*GRIN* ROFL....just kidding Reg!

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

I have a blog about a Cesar Milan TV sitcom that is coming out on Fox - I actually have Cesar Milan (Hack!!) in the title :-) Just my personal opinion of him. I did have another DKer send me this link about his training methods and the professionals that are stating just how questionable they are. It is a great read! http://www.livescience.com/animals/091112-dog-training.html

[Lynne B]

I know this is an old thread, but I just ran across this video and I was appalled. What is really disturbing is that Cesar did not disclose to the viewers that he is using an e-collar on this dog. I don't like e-collars but I have seen hunters use them at low intensity short duration without causing any apparent stress to the dog, but watch this dog and listen to it cry...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPvr8tQhJY4