My last post talked about how different breeds require different types of training strategies. Where did I learn this? The Dog Whisperer. A lot of people think his show is full of crap- but honestly (and I'm usually a skeptic when it comes to this stuff) I believe it. Spring break for me was spent watching pretty much every episode (productive, right? Not everyone can go to the Bahamas). His techniques truly do make sense, and other dog behaviorists use the same, or similar methods of training dogs. Here's where you can watch new episodes:
Dog Whisperer I also found a couple of other sites that disagree with Cesar's methods. This is a blog from a hater:
Why veterinary behaviorists can't stand Cesar Millan I think Cesar's methods are great and everyone should try to use them (obviously not in dangerous situations). It's all about positive reinforcement which is a exactly how psychologists teach people to parent better. You reward the positive and CORRECT (not punish) the negative. But no system is perfect so here are my cons to it:
- Training a dog as a pack leader will only create the desired effects when you are with your dog. The possibility of unwanted behaviors occurring when the dogs are without you is higher.
- A lot of the training techniques used on the show can be dangerous for amateurs let alone professionals.
One of the best things about Cesar though is that he gives people a jumping off point to starting training their dogs. While not everything may be suitable for every dog, or every owner, it's important to start to understand how to communicate with your dog, and I think Cesar does that very well.
Did you see that Daddy just died a few weeks ago??
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"One of the best things about Cesar though is that he gives people a jumping off point to starting training their dogs."
ReplyDeleteSo very true. Not all of his methods are suitable for every dog. Most of what he teaches the owners, is however, very effective for most dogs.
I read the article Why veterinary behaviorists can't stand Cesar Millan and do not agree with their statement about "Millan’s testosterone-fueled fare".
Cesar does not gain a dogs "trust and respect" by intimidation or physical manipulation. He does it through understanding how a dog thinks.
He only resorts to using the Alpha Roll or Dominance Down techniques when the dog is a hard case. He also has warnings not to try these techniques without first consulting a professional. He never resorts to hitting or kicking an animal, as it achieves only two things. Violence on your part, and a scared dog. Nothing about those two things says trust and respect.
I view his show with an open mind, and practice some of the things he teaches. My dog definitely responds to calm leadership. Which is what Cesar teaches.