Like Cesar Millan?

Question

Read this article
www.nytimes.com/2006/08/31/opiniion/31derr.html

...opinion/31derr.html

Dog_Trainer, no dog behavior and mentality probably hasn't changed, but our understanding of it certainly has. We used to think the world was flat, but then we learned that it isn't. Cesar's general philosophy of being a leader for your dog is certainly correct - any dog trainer will agree with that. My problem is with his methods which are apparently based more on making the dog behave out of fear rather than a desire to be "good." I don't imagine that too many pet owners get a dog hoping that their relationship will be based on fear and avoidance rather than mutual trust.

Answer 1

The guy who wrote the article is entitled to his opinion, I suppose. He seems to fail to take in that the people on "The Dog Whisperer" are at the end of their ropes with their pets' behavior. They need to be shown very clearly how to change their OWN behavior before they can get control of the dog's. Certain behavior should be EXPECTED - you don't have to praise the dog and hand out treats for simple things like not running out of the house when the door is opened. You get the behavior that you are willing to tolerate!

Yeah, Cesar does occasionally make somewhat sexist observations about the differences between the way most men and women interact with animals and children. Some women (and some men, too!) do not enjoy being an authority figure to dogs or people - they want love and respect from the dog, but don't feel they have the right to demand it. I can't tell you how many times my clients complain that the "dog only listens to my husband!"

Cesar is a terrific trainer! His methods will never be out of date - basic dog psychology hasn't changed in 10,000 years and it's not going to change any time soon. Handing out cookies, babbling baby-talk non-stop and using gimmicks like clickers will never replace a solid understanding of pack behavior and problem solving. I've been training all kinds of dogs for more than 28 years, and even I learn something from Cesar from time to time - like the terrified Vizsla who Cesar helped by putting a leash on his tail to keep it high to improve his attitude. That was brilliant.

Don't get me wrong - I use treats and motivation whenever I can when teaching obedience commands and certainly on dogs that I am training for competition. Spoiling and babying a good, well-behaved dog is fine - we all do it. But when it's an aggressive, dominant dog with a wimpy owner - LOOK OUT! Most problem dogs can be helped by a simple change in the owner's attitude and behavior. Cesar is superb at explaining in simple terms what the people need to do.

Answer 2

I have a pack. Dogs are instinctively pack animals.

You do have to be alpha. You don't have to "roll them on their back aggressively" but by god if there is an animal in my house I will be able to do whatever to it I want. I have fed my dogs meat with my hand also in their mouth. You have to be dominant of the the dog. You don't have to be mean and nasty. Everyone I do rescue with is female, (except a few feminine men) we have more control over our dogs than most men do so that part upset me. We handle our own pack and at least two to three fosters at a time.

My thirteen year old daughter knows she has to be the dominant one. My dogs will literally walk all over someone that lets them. My mom gets bombarded when she is over. She isn't dominant so then they are try to protect her from the other ones and then we start getting spats.

I don't know if Dominance or Alpha or Pack leader is what I grew up with but I did grow up knowing I was human and the dog is a dog. I love the crap out of my dogs but they know Im in charge (most of the time) I have people that are amazed that my dogs don't run out the front door when I open it or when they open it. Its their den. Their food and mommy are always going to be there and their yard is in the back.

I do believe he made a mint on something several of us could have done. Ive not watched him. No need to.

Answer 3

Cesars the best i have his book and dvds and yes you should be leader of the pack if your not your dog wont be happy trust me plus how do you tink so many problems hapeen because we people spoil our dogs. dogs who are scared of human will never learn how to be good to them unless you take the dog to his fear. The rolling over works too but he says in his book never try it without counsulting a professinal. If you give dog treats all the time your dog will only respond to dog treats. And excirsice should come first so it tires out and then they will listen to you. Hes the best dog trainer in the world and their just jeolus of him.

Lyra

Answer 4

Yeah... I like Cesar, I think he is great. I read the story you have attached. It seems they are attacking his ways BECAUSE of his success with it, not because it's wrong. My dog isn't aggressive in any way, but I still have gotten many tips from watching him. They all work. He is right, dogs do need to have an alpha! I treat my dog like one of my kids and they ALL know (pets and kids alike) who is the alpha in my house.. and that Daddy is 2nd in command. :) lol But it's true.

Answer 5

Yes

Answer 6

No. He has put the science of dog psychology back at least fifty years with his all too simple "dominance" techniques. Not all dogs respond well to his tactics, so please see a trainer if you are having problems with your dog.

Answer 7

No. His methods are so out of date/old fashioned. He believes that dogs don't have feelings and that humans give them human feelings; but I believe they feel and know just as much as most humans do.

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

idk

wisdom from katie