Are you a Dog Whisperer fan? Why or why not?

Question

I've heard both good and bad about him. My cousin watches every episode and says that he taught him everything he knows (but his reference is questionable; Chris has a terribly behaved boxer). Many of the people on yahoo seem to think he has all the answers, but from the two episodes I have seen, he seems to be putting back dog training many years. There are many articles I've read that seem to say the same thing. I'm just wondering what's fact and what's fiction.

Answer 1

I believe that his methods work on dogs who would otherwise be put to sleep (and in this world, perhaps they should be put to sleep) because of their vicious behaviour. He's likely saved the lives of some of those dogs, but, for the average dog without severe issues, his methods are way, way over the top. They're also dangerous in the hands of people who aren't used to handling dogs, have no knowledge of dog psychology, but just buy into the whole macho "alpha" thing.

There's a lot of breeds who would be emotionally crippled using his methods. As a group, none of the sight hounds could be trained the way he does it, they're much too intelligent and sensitive.

It would be very enlightening if his biggest fans could see the dogs he's supposedley "cured" a month later - they'd find that the dogs reverted back to what they were. They still have the same owners and the dogs themselves still have the same temperament problems.

Answer 2

I personally like the Dog Whisperer. Like your cousin I have watched every episode too! I have a very ill behaved Pekingnese that is just crazy. I started to watch the Dog Whisperer in hopes to find a tecnique to help lessen his agression and low and behold I did! Now my Peke isnt so bad, but still has his quirks.

I think he does use old dog training tecniques, but hey, they work. But as always I would consult another trainer to get a second opinion (which I did for my Peke).

I think that all training works (minus hitting a dog, & any other abusive training) if given time.

Answer 3

I agree with you. He uses some methods, for example flooding, that may harm a dog if not done by someone professionally trained to know what problems to look for. Also don't forget those shows are edited for TV......you have no idea of the actual time frame involved for each case. That being said though, he does make some good points. It can be hard to sort out however. Stay away from the dominance stuff...it's pretty outdated.

Answer 4

Yes times infinity! I have been watching the show since the very first episode in season one! I remember the Great Dane named Kane whom didn't like the "shiny floors" and who can forget NuNu the Chihuahua whom was to big for his furry little britches! And for those of you whom don't get the show on your TV, I suggest you check out the site I posted below...you can even watch some clips of past episodes! Also he even has a MySpace (www.myspace.com/cesarmillan) is that cool or what?! Cesar Millan Rules!

Answer 5

I love the Dog Whisperer! I have no idea how people have a problem with his methods. It really makes sense to me and has helped me with one of my dogs who was kind of bossy and annoying around the house. He just uses common sense and actually treats the dogs like good parents treat their kids - good discipline and not just rewards and treats. Too many people put up with bad dog behavior when they wouldn't put up with that from their kids - letting their dogs bite people, pull them on the leash, etc. You have to be the boss and take control - but still be able to be loving too - and he shows you how!

I don't agree with the above poster - that sight hounds can't be taught with his methods - I have 2 italian greyhounds - and I use these methods with them. They work very well with them. It is up to the people to be consistent with whatever training method they use.

Answer 6

I think he has the right idea, i use his methods on my dog and it is working. I think he really understands dogs. Read a book by Nicholas Dodd called the dog who loved too much, he wrote it long before the dog whisperer was known and his philosophy is very similar and he is a professor and veterinarian at Tufts university.

Answer 7

Hi Ariel.......I just finished reading the dog whisperer's book 'Cesar's Way.' It's a great book for dog lovers to read and see how Cesar Millan got his start. I use his methods on my Setter and they work. I have tried evey dog trainer's method on heeling your dog on a leash and nothing worked until I read Millan's book. There is a lot more information and detail on training in his book than on his TV show.

Answer 8

i am a fan... but i dont always agree with all of his techniques. I have used some on my Pit bull puppy, and he's a very well behaved dog. But i dont think that the dog whisperer has ALL the answers.

Answer 9

First he never claims to be a dog trainer. He is a dog psychologist. Not the same.
I watch sometimes but I'm getting tired of him the dog problems are always the same, nothing new. But I do agree with his methods.

Answer 10

There is nothing wrong with his philosophy, just remember that there is always more than one way to do anything. The right way to do anything is always the easiest way to do it. Whenever anyone develops an easier way, it automatically becomes the right way. Only problem is just because the easiest way for me to do something is "x" doesn't mean the easiest for you can't be "y" or even "z"