The Dog Whisperer: Cesar Millan's Fans and Critics
The National Geographic Channel Show Host Isn't Admired by All
In his teachings, Cesar Millan tells us that we must become our dog's pack leader and we must be calm and assertive in doing so and that we must be good leaders to maintain our dog's trust. Not doing so can result in unwanted behaviors from the dog. He explains that dogs are more comfortable being treated as they are... dogs. This makes sense since most human's wouldn't want to be treated like a dog. Why would they feel any different?
I decided I wanted to learn more about Cesar Millan as his way with canines is fascinating to me. (I'm a big dog lover) I was surprised to learn he is a poor immigrant from Mexico who came to this country, worked hard, and through word of mouth, made a name for himself, eventually landing himself a television show. His is a fine example of word of mouth advertising as it led him some famous clients, including Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.
My research got kind of side tracked when I began to run into many opposing, slanderous, and sometimes cruel statements made toward Cesar Millan online. The American Humane Association, Esquire Magazine, and Jean Donaldson are just a few who have voiced negative opinions toward Millan. One person even stated that they'd like to put a choke collar on him and tie him to a tread mill. What these people want you to believe....
1. The dogs are actually afraid of Cesar.
2. His methods are outdated.
3. His methods are abusive.
4. The dogs are not calmly submissive, they are scared submissive.
Like I said, I'm a fan. I've never seen one ounce of abuse displayed toward any dog. Yes, he does use a training leash. So do a lot of other trainers who aren't bashed for doing so. Some say the way he holds the dog is abusive. I again haven't seen any abuse in this area. Every dog I've ever seen experience pain has yelped. I've never heard a dog on the show do that.
I guess it's obvious which side of the fence I'm on. This man is amazing with dogs, dogs who seem to be beyond hope and were heading toward their demise with owners who were scared of them. Luckily, I'm still seeing the majority seem to agree with me. I guess if I was a dog trainer and someone came along and made me realize I was doing it wrong, I'd be a little upset too. I think that's more likely the case. I mean, why should this dog trainer have his own show when none of the rest do? He's not a dog trainer. He's a dog rehabilitator and he earned it. I'll definitely keep watching this show.
Published by Ann
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32 Comments
Post a CommentI really don't approve of Cesar's method, please watch these videos, the first one is about a dog that jumps up and Cesar trains him not to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fAD2T_bAdY
but you can see that the dog is scared, panting is a sign of stress, the dog also gets confused "what should I do? why am I getting pushed down in a very uncomfortable way?", now watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC_OKgQFgzw
this dog is happy and know what is wanted of him.
Now watch this: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dog-whisperer/3727/Photos#tab-Videos/06243_00
He almost strangles poor Riley, that dog is terrified, now watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCtrtbdXkVw&playnext=1&list=PLC7263CE1895BBB55
That mule is happy when it finally enters the pen, and know what is wanted of her...
I hope you understand,
Thanks for watching!!!
(comment below cont.) new academic "research" constantly comes out that what was currently understood is wrong. And then a month later, another article comes out that says that that previous said article is also wrong. This is true in the field of nutrition, behavioral psychology, genetics, etc. etc. Therefore, I am highly skeptical on any expert who is so confident that only he/she truly knows how to "cure" an animal or a human being and not the other person who has publically put his reputation on the line and shown success for all to see. PULEESE. For all those, self righteous positive reinforcement authorities, you may understand certain aspects of wolf or dog physiology or evolution better than CM, but the odds are that you actually know how to rehabilitate a dog or human or squirrel or whatever with 100% accuracy is laughable.
(Comment below cont), I would think the owner would have to be a moron for thinking he/she could simply rehabilitate this dog by reading CM's books or watching his show. Obviously, the dog needs as expert, like CM and not a self-trained layman.
My other concern with most of these critics is a bit deeper. It implies that there are much more superior methods out there. Come on, let’s get real on the extent of our understanding and ability to truly CHANGE behavior...dog or human! I am a huge believer in formal education, the scientific method, etc. etc., but I believe that behavioral psychology is currently in the dark ages overall. From personal experience, if dog therapists are anything like human therapist, other than the wonders of modern pyschopharma-medicine, most therapists are highly ineffectual in actually curing destructive human behavior without the aid of drugs. Most don't have any idea on what really works, and NO ONE agrees with each other. Every few months, new acade
I find the critical articles by experts very useful. It is really good to know other points of view on dog behavior and training. Next time I watch the show, I will know not to unconditionally accept everything CM says and does. However, even after gaining these alternative viewpoints, I still find CM completely legit and if I ever had a dog with extremely dangerously aggression problems, I would try very hard to get CM to work with my dog. I would also consider another trainer who is recommended by a trusted individual and has a demonstrated record of rehabilitated dogs with similar problems.
My concern with most of these critics is that it is so overly harsh with CM. CM has many times said that dogs should always be constantly monitored for physical ailments that might explain troubling behavior. When he reaches the dog, they have often previously first worked with other experts who have been unsuccessful. Furthermore, if there is a psycho-killer dog, I would think the owner would
Finally, I just got to see Cesar Millan when our cable network had a free month offer for the National Geographic channel. After watching two shows I can tell your I will not be ordering National Geographic anytime soon. The dogs Cesar was trying to rehabilitate were traumatized, it was awful to watch. The dogs refused food, not a good sign. One episode that really disturbed me was a nail clipping on a smaller dog, the dog was forced to it's side, there were no soothing words or other comfort measures to help the poor dog, but two stranger pit-bull type dogs in the house belonging to Cesar did not help. If the dog has issues with nail clipping, take it to the Vet, they are experienced and can get it done quickly to minimize any trauma. Also it is often the sound of the clipping that bothers the dog, maybe you can somehow reduce the noise, or give the dog a reward after each nail, then give the dog a break. No, but not with Cesar, this dog was continuously fearful and aggressive, to the
What all of the naysayers lack here is real results. Results with red zone cases where the dog is going to be put down. Where all the "experts" with clickers and treats had no answers and advised these dogs be put down. Easy to armchair quarterback but what matters is results and Cesar has results.
Millan is a one trick pony who approaches all problems from his flawed notion that dogs are trying to take over the world and are out to get you. Because he sees dogs as competitors or even adversaries he responds with violence.
He has on occasions made statements that make no sense. Like a dog urination is trying to dominant the environment. Or a dog that is dominant to light.
He possesses little knowledge and was lucky to get some celebrities on his side. NG should be ashamed that they ignore the findings of real scientists and promote this garbage to unsuspecting viewers.
The critics on these pages missed the point that Cesar treats all dogs differently and in accordance to their behaviour in relationship to the owners behaviour. The nonsense you write about "dominance" as a generic word to describe Cesar's attitude to dog behaviour control is totally out of context. How many dog trainers sort out the owners psychology and then the dog behaviour ? probably a very small percentage, and its that percentage that are like Cesar and agree with him. in my view Cesar is not just sorting the dogs (animals) behaviour but also helping people become more tuned to life and how they then handle their dog(s).
Its an interesting point that most humans will give affection to a dog first, and not knowing if that affection will entice a bite/anger. Critics grow up and see how this person is teaching an animal the rules of living with humans. A simple case in point would you allow your child to hump or jump over your visitors - NO ? then why should the dog.
I have watched probably every show Cesar has & he has helped me understand myself as a dog owner. Just like children, they must have a gentle leader. Cesar understands dogs like no one I've seen. I haven 't even heard of those other so called "experts." If they are so wonderful, why aren't they writing books, making video's or on TV? Anyone who thinks it's a "piece of cake" training a dog, obviously hasn't owned one. It takes a lot of work. And, just like a horse, someone has to be the boss. Cesar may be an immigrant, so what? We ALL are immigrants, aren't we? He has an understanding of dogs & also a great love for them.
Excersie. Discipline. Affection. In that order is a must. If i excerise my dog and then feed him as affection without any discipline then ive lost all my respect from my dog coz in his mind his just been outside had a play and a run now he has eaten and now he can do what ever he likes jumping on the bed roughing up the pillows etc etc. Now when i say discipline i dont mean kick the dog. It can something as easy as telling your dog when he can eat the food i put down for him not for him to eat it as soon as i put it down.
Now in saying this my dog is still a rat when he wants to be but i try to take each outburst as a challange for me to try and balance my dog and my family so we can all get along not everything Cesar has to say works for my dog but the things i have mentioned are what work for me and i think are fundamental to any dogs well being.
Dog is mans best friend not the other way around the key word being Dog (animal) and Man (hunan being)people still think we are the s