is the dog whisperer, on tv, real or a fraud?

Question

i have seen many of the dog whisperer shows, and i cannot believe that he can correct a dogs behavior so quickly. it may be that they have edited the program so that it only appears that he has solved the behavioral probem very quickly,or maybe the whole show is a fake?

Answer 1

After meeting Cesar Millan at two of his seminars and reading his book I can certainly tell you that he is definitly not a fake. His whole philosophy is based on the natural pack behavior of dogs. His calm assertive energy is projected to the dog by use of body language(natural dog communication). His formula is exersize,dicipline,affection, in that order. I own and train horses and this energy also applies to horses. Everything is done on a subtle basis. At one seminar, a couple of out of control, shelter dogs were brought in and when Cesar gently took the leash from the volunteer the dog immediatly calmed. I've applied this to my own dogs, 2 boxers & a chihuahua and have noticed a dramatic difference in their behavior. I highly recommend him!!!!!

Answer 2

I believe that Cesar has spent a lot of time studying and really has a great understanding of basic dog behaviour and uses it to make what appear astounding feats in creating rapid change. It supports the experience I have had with my dogs. Nontheless, I believe some of the program is prepared and edited for the sake of TV and his first programs were more natural and instructional than the more recent ones.

Answer 3

i've asked myself this question as well. I understand that a person can "know" how dogs think but with the limited amount of time they show him working with the dogs, i find it hard to believe that he can change their mentality so quickly. I've owned TRUELY aggressive dogs throughout my life. Not just the ones that attack other dogs or people but also those that enjoy the bite. Contrary to some's beliefs, some dogs actually enjoy biting. This i know from years of training them in obedince and bite work. Some dogs like to bite. They show this guy with the dogs for a couple hours or days but I have never met a TRUELY aggressive and "true alpha" dog's mentality changed in less than a week. It takes months of work in obedience and personall socialization. Also, some of the techniques he advises people to do, with a "true alpha dog" they will not work for the first couple of days. Not minutes or hours but days. I've owned and trained dogs for over 30 years and some of the things this guy does on camera, are either pre-trained or worked with for weeks before they are filmed.

Answer 4

Yes, I think that he does help them out and is real. The basic problem with most people, is that they treat their dogs like humans. Ceasar realized that dogs have a completely different way to communicate, and what we as humans can do to understand them. I don't really think anything he does is magical, in fact, if you watch it a lot, he really gives the same basic steps for controlling the dog

1) no baby talking to the dog
2) walk the dog everyday and make him heal to you
3) give him a lot of excersize

The main idea is to show the dog that you are the "alpha male" and then he will listen to you (dogs are a pack animal, and instinctively want to follow)

Here are some sites of people that use his techniques and the majority of the reviews are very positive.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780307337337&crvAll=1&crvStart=1&displayonly=CRV&z=y

Answer 5

I believe real. The shows I have seen are very good, and the concept of correcting the peoples behavior to correct the dogs behavior really makes sense. Isn't this basically how we raise children- being an example, using positve methods, being loving while being firm.....?
It seems very logical to me.

Answer 6

I think Cesar probably knows a lot about dogs, pack behavior, and dog training.

But what bothers me the most, is that in his shows, he always makes it look like if you say "shhhhht", and point at the dog, the dog knows what that means.

If one of my dogs acts up, and I go "shhhht", they look at me like "WTF"?????

I would be willing to pay him $50 an hour, but certainly not the $300 I heard that he charges.

I believe a lot of what is say is absolutely true, but I would like to introduce him to MY pack.

Answer 7

The show is not fake and Cesar is a genius with animals. Watch him and continue to learn. Better yet, buy his book and read it. It is wonderful.

Answer 8

Cesar does have a real way with him. I have used some of his advice very successfully. I wish I could take a class with my overly fear-aggressive dog.
I think a big part of it is HE KNOWS & they respect his authority ALPHALness.

Answer 9

They have started showing "elapsed times" on some of the shows. Of course it is edited, but I believe he's for real.

Answer 10

People like that are animal specialist's and they work well with them and know theyr'e weak spots and what's bothering them. Just like Steve Irwin, I would think it's real.