Is anyone else upset/angry about the very negative article attacking Cesar Milan in the New York Times 8/31?

Question

The article attacked Cesar Millan's work with dogs with problems. Cesar has saved the lives of dogs by rehabilitating those dogs who "positive" method trainers have given up on -- and said should be killed (euthanized or "put down" is the "nice way to say killed). Seems to me that these critical trainers who could not train these "untrainable" dogs -- are envious of Cesar's natural ability to understand and successfully work with these dogs.

Answer 1

I totally agree with you. I've watched a lot of episodes of Cesar Milan and I, myself, have learned a great deal just from the show. Its like having your own trainer on tv minus the cost! There are a lot of trainers out there that believes if a dog is uncontrollable it should be put down... not even thinking it deserves a second chance. This is why Cesar Milan is so popluar because he uses the most simplest way to not only save the dogs but giving motivation to humans. Other trainers are simply jealous of Cesar Milan, like you said, because he's so successful! The other trainers makes it seem like rocket science and make you pay a fortune as well. What I think is, "if they got skills, they would have successfully trained the dogs... but they're mad now because they've failed! AND! Cesar came to the rescue and SUCCEEDED! Easily!" They're jealous and they're a bunch of haters. Forget'em! Yay for Cesar!!!

btw... there hasn't been one untrainable dog... maybe just impatient and unmotivating, jealous trainers. So, should we put trainers down for their lack of insuffciency? No we don't. So why punish dogs for their failures. Its like blaming my uncontrollable child and putting him down because I as a mother can't train him? It makes no sense. Sorry to relate it this way but dogs are our kids too!!!

Answer 2

I think the article is misleading. And, I wonder how many people criticizing his methods have watched many of his training sessions. I viewed over 20 separate ones and one thing is clear, Cesar loves his dogs (all the ones he works with) and does not hurt them. He has a very unique interaction and view of dogs, which I think is a combination of a very special natural gift (some might say it's a God given gift or talent), observation of people and dogs, and experience.

The dogs respect him. They're not afraid of him. They respect him. They pick up on his calm assertive leadership energy (similar to the energy that people learn in the martial arts) which is why he can walk into a home or a fenced-in run with a dog who bites and not have them touch him. He gets what dogs are about. He communicates nonverbally with them, with his actions and his energy.

Most of the time, Cesar has the owners put whatever type of collar the OWNERS themselves own and use on the dog because the dog is used to it and then just works with the owners and the dog. Most of the time when he uses a training collar or pronged collar, it's because that's what the owners have been using.

With some dogs, what he does is nothing short of a miracle and saves these dogs lives by working with the owners to show them what they need to do to have a dog who is not aggressive or has other problems.

Oh... and by the way, Cesar doesn't train dogs.... he trains their PEOPLE!

Also, Cesar DOES have his team check first to see if there are health problems which are effecting the dog's behavior.

Cesar isn't sexist, at least not more than any other average male! He makes a point in many of his shows of explaining that a female can be a leader just as much as a male. He gives a specific example of a female dog being the pack leader with male dogs following her.

It's a matter of energy (high, medium or low) and dominance or submissiveness (passiveness). A high energy dominant dog whether male or female will usually be the pack leader.

And as the owner of 4 German Shepherd dogs over the years who were high energy and 3 of them very dominant, plus two Golden Retrievers (one submissive, one dominant) and one mixed breed (very submissive, even to the cat!) there is NO question that you DO have to be the "PACK LEADER" - you are the head of your household and YOU (and your spouse) make the rules - not your dog (or your kids)!

In the order of dominance the humans must be over the animals. Animals first, Species (Dog) next, Breed next, Name/personality last is a good thing to keep in mind. We love our dogs and other pets, but they are not human and it's wrong to try to force them to be. Appreciate the species, dogs for the wonderful animal that they are.

Hey! If you're a REAL dog lover, than you probably think that dogs are BETTER than most people, anyway! So why would you want to pretend that they're people?!

Answer 3

While I certainly enjoyed Cesar's book and believe he's saved the lives of a lot of dogs, I think what everyone has to keep in mind is that Cesar's methods work for dogs who need to be rehabilitated. He has some very good points, but some of what he says is not necessary to the average companion dog without severe behavioural issues.

The single thing I took the most exception to was his statement that you NEVER let the dog go out the door before you when you're taking them for a walk or they'll think they're in charge. Logistics alone will tell you that when I take my 3 greyhounds out the door, I can't possibly go out first, then reach over them all to close and lock the doors. My dogs always go out first, wait at the top of the step until I say ok, then we go on our walk. His methods are not necessary, and I don't think should be taken as necessary for the average dog.

The author I have the utmost respect for is german shepherd breeder and trainer, Suzanne Clothier. I guarantee that everyone who truly loves dogs and values their relationship with their dog will get a lot out of her book "Bones Would Rain From the Sky". There's not one single thing she does that I wouldn't use on my dogs if needed. She's much softer, gentler and truly understands and reads a dog.

Answer 4

Cesar's training methods are controversial.. He does have a way with the dogs, and is able to train the untrainable..However, many of his methods leave out the love and companionship we expect from our dogs..The out-of-control dog will benefit from his training..but the owners have to be smart enough to follow through, and that is not likely that they will, or the dog wouldn't be that way to start with..New habits are difficult to keep..
Cesar's methods would get no where with the breed I raise..
There is certainly a need for someone to tell people that they have GOT to be boss in their own home and over their own pets..but Cesar isn't the answer to all dog problems..or all dogs.

We can all learn training tips from different trainers, and I have learned from Cesar..but, just as different children respond to different parenting skills..there is no ONE solution to individual problems.

Edit: I just read the article, and am in complete agreement with it..It is well written, and the professional opinion of Mark Derr is certainly to be respected..
I think he treated the subject fairly..

Answer 5

Ceasar's methods may work on some dogs, with some owners, but not for all and certainly not with a dog I own named Morton.

Morton was returned to me when he was 8 years old. I have no doubt that his family had meant well, but he had been trained by the type of methods Milan recommends. He was so afraid of being disciplined that he would growl and snap if he thought you might be upset with him. I couldn't cut his nails, pick him up, take things away from him without him getting aggressive. I came very close to euthanizing him when he snapped at my face.

Today he is a much happier dog. He knows and obeys the house rules. He will lie quietly on his side while I cut his nails, release objects from his mouth, submit quietly if I lift him up. I can do many other things with him that were simply not possible before. He has learned that I am boss, and that I will not hurt him. I've never had to jerk or "alpha-roll" him - that sort of treatment would have made him more fearful. He was not trying to be "dominant", he was trying to defend himself from attacks he did not understand. I *have* used restraint, muzzles, elizabethan collars for safety when I was teaching him the rules, so that I could handle him without being bitten and he could learn he didn't need to use his teeth, but he no longer needs these.

When I started training 25 years ago I used methods similar to what Milan uses now. And I was a successful trainer, with well-behaved dogs and obedience titles. But now I train more gently, I still have well-behaved dogs and obedience titles - and a relationship with my dogs that's based on working together, with me as leader, rather than on dominance, punishment and fear.

Answer 6

I love watching Ceaser Milan and I disagree with the article sound like someone is jealous. Even the comment that he is a sexist. I have watch many of his shows, and seen him say that women are leaders and he would love to see more women being leaders of the world. I don't think his tactics are bad. Dogs do need discipline I have two dog and I love them. But I don't spoil them well not to much anyway. He has rehabilitated may dogs that where going to be put to sleep because other trainer said there was no other option he should be praised for his work but like anything there will always be haters!

Answer 7

I didn't read the article, but I will do so. I would suggest that you write the editors of the New York Times about your opinion. I think Ceasar Milan is right on the money, he is extremely effective!!! Good luck!(10 minutes later)
I just read the article and the author refers to the effectiveness of prosac to treat aggression. My dog has an aggression problem where he bites under certain circumstances. We tried prosac and the dog went from biting on average, 3 times per year, to 18 times in the three months he was on the medication. I have implemented many of Millan's techniques and although the aggression has not completely subsided, it is manageable.

Answer 8

I didn't read the article, but I'm not a huge fan of Cesar. He never checks to see if a medical condition could be causing the behavioral issues and i think he's too rough with most dogs. I beleive and understand the pack mentality that he's trying to convey, but his methods are not my first choice. I think he could be more humane, HOWEVER faced with him or euthanization? I'll take him...if he can save one dog, he's doing something right. Most people with these problems he is working with are simply clueless....you spoil your dog all the time and guess what? you have a spoiled dog...DUH! Your dog has boundaries and it learns and repects them. A lot of it is common sense.

Answer 9

I read the article. Here's the link, if it works right http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/31/opinion/31derr.html?ex=1157774400&en=28f8341afaf73bf9&ei=5070&emc=eta1 (Could copy and paste it into browser?) It's called Pack of Lies. I think she's asking what people think of the article and what the guy says more than just offhand what people think of Cesar. ??? I think the article is hostile as all get up. The guy says that you need to just use positive training (treats and praise). Can you imagine trying to even teaching a kid by just giving them ice cream and cookies (never mind a dog)?!

Answer 10

I didn't read it either.... I happen to really like this guy. He's taught me an awful lot about my dog. I'm sure there are circumstances when a dog has really attacked or killed that needs to be put down - but it's nice to see that everyone has the ability to train their dog (as a puppy) to become a really nice pet.

I can't believe all I've learned.