Cesar Millan doesn't train dogs. Even at the beginning of the show it has Cesar saying .. "I rehabilitate dogs ... and train people." 99% of what he does is to show people with the so-called *problem* dogs how to achieve whatever it is the dog owners would like. They say .. "I want to be able to walk my dog like a regular dog without Fluffy pulling me everywhere. " Or maybe .. "We can't have anybody over to the house because the dog jumps up onto people, barks, and is a big nuisance when people come over." Or maybe .. "Fluffy has an obsession with a skateboard.. and my son Joe can't ride the skateboard in the same neighborhood as Fluffy because Joe is bitten by Fluffy when on the skateboard when Fluffy is near and can see." Whatever. So, Cesar addresses the problems. He doesn't teach any dogs how to SIT, STAY, ROLL OVER, etc.... normal training stuff. It's all about balance. What is needed for an owner to have a more balanced dog *after* than *before*? Cesar has always said that training should happen after a calm-submissive balanced mind is achieved in the animal as the animal is more open to take training from a respected pack-leader than someone that doesn't have the animals trust.

If people are getting bitten, using the methods briefly capsulized in the show, it's because they don't fully understand what it is that they are viewing. They made the stupid choice of trying it out when they don't have all the answers.. let alone not know all the questions to ask. There's a whole world of body-language that the animal is interpreting coming from the human. The human voice can say one thing.. and the body say something completely different. Just because people do some of the things Cesar Millan does in the show doesn't mean they'll have the same results as the people have relatively little experience (or no experience) in what they are trying to accomplish. So .. to blame Cesar Millan on other folks bites on their hands and limbs because what Cesar does makes it look so easy when it really isn't a correctly focused charge against Cesar Millan. If anything, blame it on people's ignorance of what it takes to do these kinds of things. People don't realize that some pets are like a raging fire on the inside that's liable to burn you if you're not properly prepared to deal with the invisible blaze inside. Some might not even know there is a blaze inside.
Which is... why this *Do It Yourself* (DIY) society of ours needs more professionals that can help people through the problems with their pets. People want the cheap way out. People want to fix things they normally can't. After all, their dog is a simple thing, right? No big deal. What can it harm? It can't be worse after they DIY than before, eh? Yeahhhhh... riiiiiiight.

As far as *force* being used, as I see it, there's no more *force* viewed in the show than watching a litter of puppies bite, scratch, jump, pounce, tug, tear, pee, and paw each other. That's how they establish themselves in their litterful pack growing up. If they get out of hand, mom's right there to reprimand them with a correction to the neck or side when they do something out of line. Cesar follows nature's pattern to communicate to the dog that the animals isn't the dominant pack leader that the humans would previously not fulfill. Creating a balanced calm-submissive animal.

Maybe Cesar Millan's recent honorary award from the IACP (International Association of Canine Professions) is worthless.

I view the show more as a "back to nature" kind of thing. These are the alphabet of building blocks to make the connection with the dog before trying to train him/her. If people did these things when the dog was young.. they wouldn't have the problems as the dog ages. They'd fulfill the role as pack leader for the beast and the beast would have no reason to lead a mutiny to take control away from the people that owns them.

Thank you, finally someone who does not look at the "Dog Whisper" and believe it is the best way to train a dog. Love and patience not force is the what most animals and humans respond to on a postive note not from fear of the leader of the pack!!! My furry companion is a Tibetan Mastiff who I've had for 12 years now and I am not alone in saying he is the best behaved and loved dog in my area. He enjoys meeting and greeting people and I have women on our walk circuit who bake him home made treats even though they don't have dogs of their own. He's been socialized and gone to training and is not only welcome almost everywhere I go but I'm asked all the time where he is when he's not with me. He's my fellow traveler on the path of life and not something that I would ever consider using dominence on!

Why would a dog obey you, even if he loves you? Would you obey your dog just because you love him? Hardly. It takes leadership. You have to show your dog that what YOU want him to do is more important than what HE wants to do. Why else would he heel when you ask him to, when what he wants is to wander about and sniff things? Why else would he take care to do his elimination chores outside instead of on the livingroom carpet? What do you call "leadership" if not "domination?" Parents dominate their children or they have out of control kids; similarly, humans must dominate their dogs or they will have out of control dogs. This doesn't mean abuse them... it means showing leadership and EXPECTING obedience and enforcing the rules when they're broken.

The Dog Whisperer is a Reality TV show, like Amazing Race or Survivor or Extreme Sports. There are messages printed on the screen several times during the show that say "Don't try this at home" or words to that effect, and "Get professional help." Is Cesar to blame because people pick and choose what to use from his show?

What, exactly, would YOU do with a dog that is on leash and charging viciously at another dog? Remember, many people get their dogs from rescue organizations and haven't raised them from puppies. They don't know that their new dog is going to attack anything that moves. What are they to do? Keep the dog indoors? Crate him 24/7? Let him keep trying to attack other dogs? Cesar's methods FIX that problem - and many others.

Just tell us, in your next blog, exactly what YOU would do at the moment of attack in those circumstances.

So much of these discussions regarding methods for "fixing" dogs with mild to extreme behavioral issues seem to divide at whether training is the issue or behavioral modification is the issue. You absolutely cannot adequately train a dog with intense behavioral issues that are or may become dangerous to the dog, other dogs, or people without fixing the cause of the misbehavior in the first place. If a dog is anxious, fearful, shutdown, obsessive, or just plain over exhuberant, these behaviors won't go away by teaching the dog to sit, stay, heal, etc. The dog's lack of being balanced dog needs to be addressed. I'll refer to one of Cesar's Examples ... watch a dog following a homeless person without a leash on. Why does the dog respect the person so much as a leader? Not because they attended a pet store training class. Agreeably, not because the person did dominance rituals with the dog either.

You can advocate destroying dangerous animals (what does that mean anyway?) and I suppose given the circumsances, that may sometimes be the best all around compromise. The Jindo situation DOES show an animal that finally became a balanced well behaved companion animal which had previously been a dangerous hand grenade.

I'm personally 100% for WHATEVER combinations of techniques will allow me to save a handgrenade dog and heal it and train it to the place where it may be placed in any person's home and with little or no explanatio, they can safely do anything reasonable with the dog and take it any place they wan't with no surprises. In these cases, CM's techinques have gotten me the quickest, easisest, least truamatic results where I can take the unpredicatble handgrenade and leave it unkenneled and off lead in my pack and begin actually training the dog house rules, and obedience and the entire pack receives a new talent for different tricks and recreation. I find all of CM's techiques useful and they all blend well with traditional AKC, positivie reward, clicker, and other training techniques.

Many people fail more traditional training environments (are even dropped from classes) due to the misbehavior of their dog. The are the most likely to benefit from an experienced trainer blending CM's techiniques with other tradional techniques on whatever improvised timeline works for the owner and the pet to achive a balanced companion animal. Training tamed horses is different from breaking wild mustangs. I have had dogs that would sit, heal, come, work on and off lead, but at the same exact event, go after one particular dog and try to kill it. Without CM style rehab, I don't know how long that grenade would have lasted. By addressing the dogs behavioural issues and (yes) being a calm, dominant, assertive pack leader, my last best friend last 14 wonderful years and neither one of us went to jail.

Cesar Milan has a cult following, yes. But watch the shows thoroughly. Observe the amount of time indicated between shots (3 week later follow up on Jindo).

I'm gonna throw something else in here which may not be entirely appropriate but ....

Sometimes a lot of labeling, finger pointing, and nay saying comes from not studying, understanding, leaning, and succefully trying something else. I hated cheese when I was a kid. I love cheese now. Are some "experts" writing from the experience of trying CM ides and techniques and not understanding them or failing to achieve results, ..... or perhaps is jealousy involved too ?

I only really care (and wrote this) because I think the people that need help with their dogs should be able to get whatever help they need for THEIR DOG and I beleive CM's techniques are appropriate in many occaisions. Not many folks are gonna enter competitions with their dogs. Rather they just want their dogs to be safe, contented, reliable companion animals that are socially acceptable wherever they go and whatever they do.

RIGHT ?

Cesar Milan does NOT train dogs - he rehabilitates dogs that might otherwise end up euthanized anyway. His methods are not about dominance - they are about RESPECT. Those of us who work with larger animals know that brute force will not work in any circumstance - the animal will get the upper hand every time. Being able to work WITH rather than AGAINST an animal's natural behavior is what makes a *behaviorist.* One does not need a PhD. I know many, many EdD's who are THE WORST teachers on the face of the planet. Just because you have a degree proclaiming that you *are* something, does not make it so. If you disagree with Mr. Millan, turn off his show and watch something else. But I would suggest that you not let your children watch ANY television lest they: enter a lottery to win a spouse; sign you up for a make-over; try to rewire your home; attempt to cook dinner for 20 guests; order merchandise from QVC; try to jump off a cliff like Wylie Coyote; decide they're too fat and need plastic surgery....the list goes on and on. There's lots of junk out there - for heaven's sake, the evening news is tantamount to a horror show sometimes. We must be responsible and decide what is relevant to our own lives. It's not for us as individuals to decide what's right for everyone else!

Why don't you take the time to follow up with some of the people Cesar has helped? They are on season 3 now, check back with people from season 1. See who is still following through and the reults they are having.

A piece of paper granting a degree means one can read books and regugitate information someone else decided is important to know. Not having one does not mean one does not know what they are talking about. Elitism and snobbery at its best.

If Cesar can prevent one un-needed death due to owners that don't know how to handle a dog then why not be glad for that? How many dogs have been saved from being put down on the show? How many more that haven't been shown on the show? At least he is getting people to realize they can't apply human psychology to dog behavior. You may not see that as anything profound but anyone who really watches the show sees many people who have a light bulb suddenly go on when they "get it" about that very thing.

Of course there are going to be people who disagree. As with many things in life, there are different paths for different people. Look at how many different expressions of religion, politics, diet/nutrition, history, culture, love, whatever there are. Everyone thinks their way is right. The difference between Cesar and the people who disagree with him seems to be that Cesar doesn't care if you disagree with him where as the people who disagree seem to be bent on spending a lot of time focusing on Cesar. If "trainers" truly felt their way was the best way for dogs, and were secure in that knowledge, they wouldn't let Cesar phase them. They would let it go and focus on what they know is right.

I have owned (and been owned) by several rescues in my life and only recently came to understand dog behavior, courtesy of Mr. Millan. I believe I was like many dog owners who "knew" dogs, only to be proven ignorant of their thought patterns and postures. I am much more attune to my dogs' behavior.

I attended (and I failed, not the dog) traditional training classes that focused only on where the dog was standing or sitting. Not addressing why or understanding what the dog was experiencing. Training collars, when used properly, are a training tool. A flat buckle collar can harm a dog when used improperly.

Understand too that many dog owners don't read up on dog behavior, nor do they acknowledge that dogs communicate with us or each other. They are "just dogs" and those dogs are often left at a humane society - if they are fortunate.

Take the time to research Mr. Millan's methodology - falling asleep during an episode is not research. Read his articles and books. Attend a webinar or see him live. Open your mind that dogs, like children and adults, learn differntly and need different behavior from their owners.

If we take an animal into our homes, we make a commitment to the animal. They aren't animated stuffed toys. Make an effort to understand them, instead of slavishly adhering to "training" that does not address the pet's nature.

Cesar Millan is NOT a dog trainer.

Cesar Millan LOVES dogs.

Please see my essay on this topic:
www.k2k9.com/dogs/cesarmillansupport.cfm

you sound very mean spirited to me. I don't think I want someone like you to train my dog. The dogs in my life pick up on all vibs. It seems to me yours would spoil any good you could do.

I think Cesar Millan has got the whole thing right. If you view wild dogs in nature, that is how they are toward eachother, not understanding and comforting. A dog wants leadership, it makes a much happier dog, and a much happier household. It has changed my househlod alot, I am finally giving my dogs what they really need. Dogs needs are not human's needs. They are dogs.

Cesar Millan's method for dog rehabilitation has blazed the path to change the way people think about dog behaviors/problems. This can be confusing, feared and resisted by others, as is ALL new thoughts, ideas, techniques. It's human nature to balk at new things until those new things become old tried and true methods. Today is that interim time where people (trainers) are being challenged in their old comfortable ways.

The Dog Whisperer Show embarks upon the "evolution" of dog training. Fifty years from now this controversy over is it good or bad will be a moot point, as 95% of what you see on The Dog Whisperer Show today will be the accepted norm.

It is impossible to view the show and NOT learn essential wisdom about how dogs think (and maybe how YOU think!). Take what rings true for you and assimulate it within. Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. Know this new thought is the evolution of canine problem solving. Adjust as you can.

As we all are learning from the show, dog behavior problems can be the result of people's own inner personal challenges. Those trainers who feel threatened by CM's method, it may behoove you to ask yourself what is behind this. Is it fear that people may recognize that you DON'T know everything about dog training and now your ego is being threatened? Regarding the author of the above article, I would wonder if somewhere, somehow, there is a past inner hurt having to do with FORCING, that is trying to come to the surface to be healed.

I watch the show often and have never seen force or abuse used... it is all about changing the human behavior and I believe, anything you do, you should be calm and assertive and dealing with a dog, confidence is key ...just another example of how our perception, is what it is all about...and the same people would get bit using other methods, too, the human component can be a dangerous thing

Cesar millan is excellent---maybe it is the stupid pet owners who need training---people first animals second.

I have read many comments from non-behaviourists regarding the show, and many from behaviourists. The former don't understand why the latter so dislike the show and suggest all sorts, including jealousy , which to my mind is so NOT what it is all about.

Before I learnt about canine behaviour, I used check chains and force - then, I took a small course in behaviour and learnt a few things - one of which was about stress in canines and how they show it. Since then, I've seen and understood so much more. I do believe that those who support Milan are simply not in the right place to see how unfair and harsh his methods are, because they don't have the knowledge others have.

Either that, or they do see, but think there is no other way, and that the end justifies the means, which to my mind is very wrong.

Cesar is very outdated in many of his views, he often gets bitten, he has had problems with dogs at his centre being hurt, he's not someone I'd trust to work with dogs.

At the end of the day, we have dogs because we want some kind of relationship with them. Forcing dogs destroys trust and will destroy a good relationship, perhaps forever. Yes, dogs may be obedient and may brown nose, but the real dog-human bond will have been destroyed.

Maybe some people shouldn't even have dogs - because they have no idea how to train them or treat them. As for Mr Millan I happened to catch him on Oprah the other day as I had the day off from work and he was working with a man who had two totally out of control dogs. I didn't see any 'force' being used as he helped the hapless owner become the leader of the pack. It was more about training the owner than the dogs. There's nothing more annoying than ill behaved dogs (and kids) and it's usually the owner's (parent's) who don't understand their role as leader and if need be enforcer. I have two big dogs - one is very hyper and the other one is shy. They both behave much better for me than for my husband. I treat them like dogs, training them to respond to commands, walking on a leash, and socializing with other animals and people. My husband seems to think they're kids and allows the big hyper dog to literally drag him down the street and my husband finds this behavior amusing.

I would never condone hurting or frightening an animal in any way, but training is an essential responsibility that all pet owners have. Some dogs have more difficult personalities just like people and may take a combination of training methods to turn an unruly beast into a good mannered pet. Dogs want to please their owners, and we as owners have to be clear about what behavior pleases us. Too many people send mixed messages and confuse the heck out of their dogs.

I liked what I saw of Mr. Millan on Oprah, but it was only a 20 minute segment so I'm sure there's much more to his training regime.

"Maybe Cesar Millan's recent honorary award from the IACP (International Association of Canine Professions) is worthless."

You mean his honorary membership? Of course it is. Anyone with a credit card or a checkbook can join the IACP. The "award" was nothing but an excuse to cash in on his popularity.

What's your point? An organization dominated by force-based trainers awarded a membership to a force-based trainer with a TV show. Details at 11!

Please, people, this is a TV show; it's edited, remember? To make the star look good? That's how TV works, even "reality TV."

The surest proof that CM is not the state of the art in science-based work with dogs -- whether training or behavior modification -- is the frequency of bites, both to him and to the guardians of the dogs.

If you are getting bitten regularly working with dogs, you're doing something wrong. The whole point of scientifically grounded, modern training and behavior modification is to put the dog in a position to perform *desirable* behaviors so that those behaviors can be reinforced and made habitual. If you elicit aggressive displays over and over again, all you're doing is making the situation worse.

I realize that to a "normal" person, it looks like CM is succeeding. One reason for this is that punishment and flooding, his two chief methods for addressing problems, *temporarily* suppress behavior. The result is a dog who's not doing much, and if you're not very well educated indeed about dog behavior and body language, you are likely to think that you're seeing a well-behaved dog. But there is a big difference between a dog who has really learned to be relaxed and calm about a given situation, and a dog who's just given up fighting for the moment. The first time I watched "The Dog Whisperer," I wasn't expecting anything so awful, but the body language I saw in the dogs he worked with was appalling. There are several good books and DVDs about dog behavior and body language (look for Brenda Aloff and Sarah Kalnajs, for two), and I strongly recommend that anyone wanting to assess CM's methods study them first.

I would like to answer one specific question posed by a CM supporter: what would a modern trainer do with a dog who was lunging and barking at other dogs while on leash?

The place to begin here is with the insight that the dog is not doing this behavior because it's just so much fun. No way! Dogs show "leash aggression" for many reasons. Being on leash prevents dogs from offering other dogs the social signals that mean "I come in peace." Many dogs find that extremely stressful.

Also, many dogs become frustrated when they can't meet other dogs that they see on leash, and that frustration can easily spiral into an aggressive display. If a dog has met other dogs on leash and had bad experiences, that too can make them touchy -- they see another dog and figure Uh-oh! Better warn that guy off so I don't get hurt.

None of these problems is going to be helped in the slightest by yanking on the dog's neck or yelling at him. I frequently work with dogs whose aggressive displays have been made worse by just that experience. The dog has learned that the sight of other dogs predicts that his owner will go crazy on him, so he tries to warn away the other dogs more and more forcefully.

In working with a "leash-aggressive" dog, exposure to other dogs on leash should be as carefully controlled as possible while the dog is gradually re-accustomed to the situation and taught to associate the sight of other dogs with something *pleasant.* (The sight of other dogs predicts boiled chicken, not a yank on the neck.) Dogs should generally not be introduced to strange dogs on leash, either -- that's often a setup for trouble.

This is just a sketch, of course --I can't describe every nuance and possibility here. The important point is that modern, scientific training and behavior modification works by teaching dogs to comfortably accept formerly distressful situations, not by mysteriously affecting them with woo-woo energy. Trainers and behavior consultants like me apply principles of animal (and human!) learning that have been scientifically proven valid over and over and over again.

As to different methods -- yes, there are lots! But *sound* methods are scientifically grounded, and CM's not.

First of all let me say that most people's perception of Force is not what a dog's perception of forse might be.....to a dog, a physical push, a yank on the leash, and duuuh, an alpha roll are force. How can anyone say Cesar does not use Force! Geeze open up your eyes people. Yes, dogs communicate through body language, but hello! We are not dogs! Cesar knows nothing about dog psychology. He has no education either (do your research). I live in Southern California where he works, and I personally know people (in rescue work) who have had dogs supposedly rehabed by him - she now has a scar with 17 stitch marks in her arm (she is a trainer by the way).

Here is a trainer's tip for you - watch the body language of the dog when he is training - hmmm does it look scared? Does it have it's tail between it's legs? Does it want to bite Cesar? A dog, no matter what it's problems are should never, never, never be frightened by a trainer! I can clicker train any dog with a tail wagging and a happy face. I used to be a force trainer - I know the difference. Intimidate the dog to do what you want and if he doesn't he gets a correction. Correction = force to a dog.

As a human would you rather have options and rewards or intimidation and corrections - no one would last long that way - why is it ok for dogs?

Come on people - use your brains here......

I love to watch nature shows, anything with animals I've seen it.

But you know, in all the years I have watched these programs I have never once seen a momma lion or wolf or elephant or any other animal turn to it's offspring or other members of the pack or group and offer a treat to appease the other animal to do something for them.

For that matter I've never seen a a momma dog simply lay there when pups misbehave and think "they'll stop eventually because they love me".

I guess someone will have to go out and teach the animal kingdom how to raise their offspring because they must be doing it wrong then huh?

QUOTE from ERICOR >>Anyone with a credit card or a checkbook can join the IACP. The "award" was nothing but an excuse to cash in on his popularity. What's your point? An organization dominated by force-based trainers awarded a membership to a force-based trainer with a TV show. Details at 11!<<<

Are you kidding me? Please tell me you are not a dog trainer. Please, please, please.

You apparently have your canine professional organizations mixed up. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), to which many of CM's dissenters belong, is the only dog pro org. that allows anyone with a checkbook to join. Yes, that's right.

The IACP requires more: they require actual hands-on experience with dogs, and letters of reference, for starters. Their trainer certification exams are far more rigorous than APDT's multiple choice tests.

The IACP is not "an organization dominated by force-based trainers." It is a dog professionals organization that can and does require humane standards in dog training without quibbling over methods and tools, and this is hugely important. Why? Because good trainers know that what works for one dog will not work for every dog.

Get your facts straight before spouting off. While an "honorary" membership may indeed be worthless, you have no idea what IACP is all about.

It seems to me that there are a lot of "professionals" out there that have an awful lot of bad stuff to say about Caesar Milan. The first time I heard about the show "The Dog Whisperer" I at first thought, "Oh great, what kind of corny show is this?" but I tokk the time to watch it because I am a dog lover and have never spent any part of my life without having dogs around. Now I have never gone to the extent with my dogs of taking them to training classes and all that jazz, I was looking for my dogs to be entertainment for friends. I was looking for companions and another part of my family (or pack). I did understand one thing, however, that I did need to teach my dogs who the leader was. Now having watched Caesar's show and having done research and everything else on Caesar and his methods (because they were very similar to what I learned throughout my years of having dogs) I have not seen any force being used, I have not seen Caesar get bitten or almost get bitten unless he was trying to separate two fighting dogs, ones mind you he had not worked with as of yet, and I have never seen and choke collars or whatever else you people who watched the show once claim he uses. I see a man who has actually studied dogs and not books. I see a man who wants the dogs to be able to act like dogs and not like circus animals who do cute and funny tricks. I see a man who knows exactly what dog's need to make them feel more confident, calm, and also secure. Dogs, much like children, need structure and need to know who the boss is, but, like children, they don't need that by someone smacking them upside the head, which I have never once seen Caesar do. Yes, it is TV and things get edited, I know that, but I also know what a nervous and frightened dog looks like, an aggressice dog looks and what a happy dog looks like. The dogs that Caesar rehabilitates either look frightened and nervous, aggressive, or just a little too excited. When he get's done with them they look happy, calm, playful and well behaved. Dogs cannot act, so not matter how much you edit a tv show, unless you completely edit out the dog (which would be stupid for a dog show) you can tell whether or not Caesar's methods are working and whether or not these dogs are having forced used on them or are propoerly being taught how a dog is suppose to behave in a pack when they are not the pack leaders. I also see the people who have these dogs on this show and just one minute of watching these people on tv tells me exactly why the dogs are the way they are, because the dog thinks it is the pack leader or because they dog is feeding off from it's human's nervous and scared energy. Dogs know when you are scared and nervous of them and they will react to that as they would with another dog who acts scared and nerbous of them. I have not gone to school for dog training or dog behavior, all I've done is read a few books, and I own dog training books from the 40s nad 50s, which I will say do not in anyway hold similarities to Caesar Milan so called "old styles" of training. So before you "professional" dog trainers make claims, do your research and take time to actually watch the show. Don't tkae time to sit there for the first 5 minutes of the show with the attitude that you know Caesar is goign to fail or get bitten because then you will convince yourself that that's what is happening. Casesar first of all never says that he is training dogs, so those of you who mentioned teaching dogs trick need to hold off for a minute. Second of all the show slearly tells people more than once while you are watching it that you should not try these methods yourself and that you shoudl consult a professional. So the people who are being bitten by their dogs because they tried out Caesar's methods are obviusly not very bright and shouldn't have dogs. They also obviously don't know a thing about what they are doing or they wouldn't have gotten bit and the ones who are trying ti on someone else's dogs, well they should just not leave their house because they are just looking to get hurt.Third of all Caesar clearly mentions that he is rehabilitating the dogs and training the people. He is mostly there showing these people that thir nervousness, lack of control, lack of leadership or domininance, and treating a dog like it is a baby is what is causing their dog to act the way it is acting. He get's the people out of their bad habits and the dogs start to change their habits. Mosto f the dogs I have seen on the show act almost completely different when Caesar takes their leash and walks them down the road then when their owner does, and that is clearly because Caesar is confident with the dog and the dog knows that Caesar is the leader and the dogs know that instantly. Yes, some dogs with test that leadership as they would in a pack and yes, there are some dogs that also don't respond to any kind fo training because they are either too far gone as far as behavior is concerned due to abuse or mis treatment, and some are just born that way, as are some humans. There are some dogs that no professional in the world can train or fix the behavior of. Caesar Milan is a dog rehabilitator. He has trained himself and leanred about dogs by being around dogs and observing them and their natural behavior. He knows how dogs act and how they behave naturally and he also knows what kind of treatment a dog will react to because he has payed attention to how and Alpha dogs of a pack treat the other dogs to show that they are the dominant ones and leaders. This is the same things that I have heard a many vets, who hold degrees, tell people when they have trouble dogs. My mother in law as a female dog who use to knock her down and try to show her dominance over my mother in law and my mother in law did not know what to do about this behavior until she talked to her vet and her vet told her that she needed to show the dog who the leader of the pack was and that if the dog tried this she needed to put the dog on her back and make her submit, just as another dog would do to her in ap akc to show her they were dominant. She did this a couple of times and the dog's behavior stopped. So to all of you who hold degrees and have read books and teach dogs fancy tricks put down the books and start paying attention to your dogs.

"The IACP requires more: they require actual hands-on experience with dogs, and letters of reference, for starters. Their trainer certification exams are far more rigorous than APDT's multiple choice tests."

Anybody with a check can be an "Affiliate member." I'd imagine an "honorary" member would be roughly the equivalent...maybe Cesar didn't qualify for a professional membership or something.

BTW, the CPDT is the organization with the "multiple choice" test. It's a distinct organization that will certify any trainer that can pass the test, even trainers that believe in outdated dominance theory, magic "Tsst" noises and pretending your hand is a dog's mouth.

I guess I don't know what the IACP says it's all about...I'm sure I don't know how one can "require humane standards" without defining them? Maybe it's part of that magic "Tsst" stuff? Maybe that lack of definition is what makes people think correcting a dog for being afraid of a shiny floor is humane....it must be too complicated for me to understand.

Unfortunately, the "debate" over Millan and his methods doesn't seem to be subsiding much as the show enters its third season. The camps for either side have hunkered down, and the volleys just keep on coming. This professional trainer is finding it very old.

Both sides have some things right. But the CM detractors seem, to me, to be much more vitriolic in their opinions, and I don't find this surprising. Many of them scour CM and his shows for any hint of "violence" or "force," and most don't seem to have a decent grasp on what they are seeing. It's sad. These are people who are taking money to train dogs. What else are they getting wrong?

Those who defend CM often do so with both barrels ablaze, which I do not agree with, either. He's done a heck of a lot for dogs, absolutely, and he's changed owners for the better. But he's not a magician, and it's rarely made clear whether the owners he teaches will really be able to keep up with the changes he helps them make. The confines of a TV show make things seem very easy.

If one understands the nature of this type of programming, one understands this premise. But his detractors use the format as another bashing opportunity.

The man has a style and way about him that are good for TV. His main message is a very good one, and people are heeding it. This, in and of itself, is a blessing for dogs. Someone mentioned in an earlier post that the "stuff about exercise, discipline, and affection" can be found in any training book, but I disagree. In most "positive-only" training books, which are unfortunately saturating the market at the moment, the authors are far more worried about what tools and methods are draconian, and should be avoided at all costs, than getting this simple message--treat your dog as a dog, not a human--across. It's a waste.

I find some of what CM does questionable. I find his moniker smarmy and trite. I disagree strongly with him about dangerous dogs and their capacity to live in society, or be rehabbed.

But is he making a positive difference for dogs? Yes, unquestionably. This is hard for the behaviorist camp to swallow, but I doubt many of them actually work hands-on with different types of dogs on a daily basis.

CM uses very little force. He never condemns tools or methods, unlike his detractors, who do it daily. He uses food; he uses all manner of tools, often simply opting for a 25 cent kennel lead. He gets results. He gives dog owners hope. Anyone with half a brain realizes his approach isn't for every dog, results don't happen overnight, and guidance from a professional is a sound investment.

CM is making a difference for the better, not just for dogs, but for trainers, even the trainers who despise him!

And for anyone who says that "the expression on a clicker-trained dog's face is far preferable to the expression on a CM-trained dog," I say: please get out of the dog business until you learn more about what truly makes dogs tick.

I have watched a few episodes ofthe Dog Whisperer and I find Cesar to be quite helpful. Yes, many people follow only bits and pieces of his advice and that leads to bad or worse situations. But, all I am hearing from this article is "force" training, which I guess has some meaning for trainers, but I don't really see much force. If anyone pays attention, the very first thing CM has owners do is excercise their dog. Many of these dogs were not ever getting out of their house or getting a chance to run around. Then he show owners how to "correct" when dogs are doing something they shouldn't. I have not seen him hit, kick, strike a dog, nor have I seen him rub a dog's nose in an inappropriate mess (poop, pee, torn up shoe). CM actually discourages this type of training. Most people that a dog will learn from having its nose rubbed into the carpet. CM shows people an alternative and shows that it really can work. THere is a disclaimer about do not try this without professionals. He is not trying to get people to do what he does, but show people there are options other than euthanasia or a shelter.

I think that far too many of you are taking this article much to personally. I think Ms. Smith has made her point, as have you. Many of you, though, have responded in ways that make me think you didn't care to listen to what she was saying... but cared very much for jumping all over her. Calm down, deep breaths.

>>BTW, the CPDT is the organization with the "multiple choice" test. It's a distinct organization that will certify any trainer that can pass the test, even trainers that believe in outdated dominance theory, magic "Tsst" noises and pretending your hand is a dog's mouth.<<<

And this is good, as far as you are concerned? Anyone who can pass a multiple-choice test is certified? What, exactly, is that type of certification worth?

Just because IACP honored Millan doesn't mean that all its members consider him the Second Coming. They honored him because he has given much of value to dogs and their owners, despite that fact that he has some flaws. They also honored Dr. Ian Dunbar, the founder of APDT, for his contributions to dogs. Does that sound like "an organization made up of traditional trainers" to you?

I got my cane corso puppy around the time when The Dog Whisperer was gaining popularity.. and the show, as well as Milan's books, have really helped me train Brutus. He is now an 85 pound powerful dog, and I am a petite woman who can control him on a walk, etc. This doesn't mean I don't love my dog.. but I truly believe Brutus likes being trained. It is after a nice long walk and some training that Brutus seems the most balanced. I feel comfortable with my cane corso mastiff around children, etc. thanks to the show.

Kelly, The first time I heard of the show, I looked to watch it before forming an opinion (by the way, I am a professional trainer and behavior specialist, and work a lot with 'difficult' dogs, such as Nordic and working breeds).
The first couple of shows I saw weren't bad -- the dogs were mildly stressed, and that could have been from the cameras, as CM's behavior didn't raise a flag for those programs. The next episodes, however, sickened me. I watched CM get bitten time and again by super-stressed, scared dogs being alpha-rolled and held down until they stopped struggling (as any ethologist will tell you, when an animal is forced on its back and held there, it's only when the holder intends to kill it, so the dog's behavior was totally in line).
I watched him use an electronic collar to shock a dog who rushed the door when people arrived. This poor dog ended up hiding under a sofa every time the doorbell rang.
This is humane? I think not. How is shocking a dog 'training the people' or 'rehabilitating the dog'? Shock does damage to the brain -- that's a known scientific fact.
I have studied for many years, and continue to study -- my best teachers are the dogs themselves, as an adjunct to my reading.
I've worked successfully with hundreds of 'difficult' and 'stubborn' dogs, and never had to resort to those methods to keep them in their homes and happy. I've observed many litters with their moms and littermates -- actually, pups have a kind of 'license' to get away with virtual murder until a certain age. When they bite mom a little to hard, she gets up and walks away, she doesn't physically punish them - she takes away her attention.
You talk about how the dogs are calm after working with CM... you want to do something fun? Get a copy of Brenda Aloff's communication book, or Turid Rugaas', or Roger Abrantes, or Sarah K's Language of Dogs DVD. Read/watch it, study the pictures, watch dogs in a dog park with the book in hand. Now, take the book and go back to your television set and watch CM -- but don't turn on the sound. And, just watch the dogs, not CM.
It's a different world... try seeing it from the DOG'S point of view for a change. Dogs are sentient beings, they don't deserve this type of treatment in a quest for high ratings.
Think about this: if CM is able to 'rehabilitate' so many dogs, why did he return the 80 or so dogs he 'borrowed' to make up his 'pack' on the show to the ASPCA? Couldn't he 'rehabilitate' them enough to go to homes instead? Or keep them himself, if he's so altruistic?

"And this is good, as far as you are concerned? Anyone who can pass a multiple-choice test is certified? What, exactly, is that type of certification worth?"

Maybe you can help me out here, because I can't quite figure out where you are coming from.

You held up the IACP's Honorary Award/Membership/Whatever as a validation of CM's training techniques. I disagreed, saying that the award was meaningless, being simply an award given by a group of "traditional" (I'll be polite) trainers to a traditional trainer who happens to have a popular TV show.

You took umbrage with this, and in so doing told me I didn't know anything about dog trainers and professional associations, while (a) misidentifying the APT as the people that administer the CPDT test and (b) claiming that the APDT is just a bunch of CM haters. (Never mind that the APDT has been around a bit longer than CM has had a TV show.)

Now you are criticizing the CPDT exam as being inadequate for certifying trainers. Should the CPDT just hand out honorary memberships instead? Should they simply rely on references like the IACP?

You also now say that not everyone in the IACP thinks CM is the "second coming." Does that make them like the APDT? Maybe they have dual membership?

The CPDT test is probably too easy, and it should have a hnads on component - but if it did, we would have to actually define acceptable or unacceptable methods or tools. Gasp! We can't do that! Someone might get offended!

The CPDT does at least test knowledge of learning theory, and frankly if you are well versed in this you should find most of CM's techniques appalling.

i noted that several post-ers said that they had 'never seen Cesar bitten'.
back when his Natl. Geo. show was just beginning, he only rated a 30 minute slot. in the 20 minutes left over from commercials, he went to 2 different households.

in ONE monday thru friday, 5 day/5 program week, i saw him bitten by THREE different dogs: if U have seen the programs, i'm sure U'll recall them: a fearful Viszla who left her dam and sibs too young, and has always been timid and a confirmed resource-guarder; a terrified Chihuahua, who came off the streets of LA as a stray and trusts only ONE person, the woman who adopted him; and a very fearful Maltese, who is also timid and snappish, who bit Cesar MULTIPLE Times while he was attempting to groom him - a dog with a very well-known history of fear of the clippers and scissors, anywhere near his face.

'flooding' is not new thought, nor is 'Alpha-rolling' Ur dog; flooding is no longer used in human psychiatry because of the risk of severe fallout post-use. Flooding is now quite rightly seen as traumatic and seriously damaging to the patient, and damaging to the RELATIONSHIP between the patient and the psychiatrist.

Cesar bills himself as a 'dog psychologist'. yet he uses flooding, often on dogs who are terrified, as one of his favorite techniques. a man who has barely gone thru 10th grade, who bills himself as the equivalent of a college-educated health-care professional, is selling a package: himself.

to get a better idea of the dog's response to Cesar's mis-handling, please TURN OFF the sound- watch the body-language of the dogs. U will see lip-licking, avoiding eye-contact, nervous swallowing, heads, ears, and tails lowered, bodies that are stiff and contracted by tension.

if any dog i handled looked like that, i'd be ashamed of myself. even YEARS after i've met and trained a dog, with no further contact, those dogs are happy to meet and greet me - their tails are up, their mouths are open and relaxed, their bodies are free-moving and tension-free.

and Cesar hasn't just 'put dog-training back TWENTY years'... i began training in 1964, with my first pup, in 4H. Even THEN, the woman i trained with, a German Shepherd breeder and trainer, who had multiple dogs with Utility titles, DID NOT TRAIN AS HARSHLY AS CESAR DOES TODAY. (her name was Mrs. Frank Arnold, of Bucks County, Penna.)

confrontation, intimidation and punishment are not 'training'. they are short-term methods to quash a behavior - they do not address the root, nor do they install a WANTED behavior in place of the undesired behavior.

- terry pride, Assoc. of Pet Dog Trainers #1827; Certified Veterinary Assistant

'don't change pets - change behaviors!' (service-mark 1985)

Wow. If ever there were a person who could bring out the worst dog training has to offer, it's CM.
Who'd have thought one trainer using old & un-unique methods which seem to work well for most dogs & less well for others, could bring about the biggest waste of energy from so many trainers around the world? As a dog trainer myself, who is always ready to look before I leap, I am appalled at the disgraceful mud slinging I see from both sides of the controversy.
Over my years training a multitude of dogs & breeds, I have used many techniques, methods & pieces of equipment to do so. I learned a long time ago not all people learn things the same way & am reminded every day that the same goes for dogs.
I am neither positive or forceful, but often am both. Guess that either makes me balanced or the enemy in such a forum huh? To add insult to injury, I believe in breed specific legislation- I would gladly take tests & pay fees to keep other people from ruining my breed. I believe in euthanasia-both for people & their pets. Lastly, I believe that abuse is intolerable-even from those being abusive to prove their point that their gentler way is better. The fact is, just like the rest of us CM has his way & for the most part, it works for him. Too bad for most of us, he also gets to reap the bennies of a way bigger income, big facilities & tv show.
If you don't like it, don't watch, or better yet, go out into the world & actually show us you can do it better. Spend your energy training dogs instead of spitting your venom on people who do.

I must have missed all those episodes where dogs were electrocuted, drowned, hit, humiliated, and otherwise abused--also the apparently many shows in which Cesar was mauled with bites. For example, I saw the one with the dog freaking from the scissors when getting his hair clipped, but did not see him bite Cesar. What I saw was Cesar eventually gaining this animal's trust by being calm, assertive, and consistent.

But anyway!

The shows I have seen I've found very interesting. I had a dog for 17 years, and may again soon. The dogs in my life are my brother's. He has a pack of 5 110-pound German Shepherds. They are quite aggressive and have tended to lunge at me barking with slavering jaws. I am only a little heavier, and probably shorter than them were they to stand on their hind legs.

I personally would not own 5 German Shepherds and I would not train/raise them as my brother does. But that's immaterial. I visit my brother frequently, and I had become frightened of these dogs. I've always been easy with dogs--tend to adore them--so this was becoming problematic.

What I learned from Cesar was not to try to "make friends" with these dogs--or show them what a good and gentle creature I am who they have nothing to fear from. That's how I would have approached scared, shy, or aggressive dogs in the past.

Through the Dog Whisperer (silly title), I've learned a great deal about pack mentality and what dogs respect---and why that is the case. So now I can handle myself around my brother's dogs, and they respect me. They do not lunge at me anymore, and rarely even growl. And yes, I sometimes even make the "tsst" noise if the situation calls for it. It breaks their attention/fixation on something and enables me to refocus them on the fact that--sorry haters--I am higher in the pack hierarchy than they and they need to curb that negative dominating behavior. I don't own these dogs and I certainly would never hit them. But I know how to walk around them, talk in their presence, stay calm and assertive, and not be afraid they're going to take a chunk out of my ass if my back is turned.

All that is thanks to Mr. Milan. Would I ever have hired a trainer to teach me how to deal with my brother's dogs? No, of course not! But I have learned lessons from this show that will certainly contribute to my being a better dog owner in the future--able to understand the dogs' need to be part of a pack with leaders, rather than being a human who anthropomorphizes and mistakes human needs for dog needs.

Great, provocative blog posting, in any case. It was fun and illuminating reading all these responses. I had not idea people had such strong feelings about this TV show :)

You are saying the fall out from the Dog Whisperer is Dead dogs??? Give me a break.

Caesar works with many aggressive dogs that have been conditioned by their owners to be aggressive towards humans and other dogs. I imagine many trainers would be reluctant to work with the dogs Caesar works with.

You seem confused with the difference between rehabilitating an aggressive dog and training dogs in general. Perhaps this confusion, which likely exists with the general public, is what you are trying to address in your misdirected manner.

In my opinion your article misrepresents the show. You falsely imply that Caesar encourages the use of techniques such as electric shock, alpha rolls, hanging on TV, and chock collars as appropriate training methods.

The real rub with Nancy Freedman-Smith is clear in one statement she makes, "Cesar calls himself a dog behaviorist, but in order to actually be one you need to go to Vet school and get a PHD??? That is one of many things that burns trainers and behaviorists who have spent years studying their craft."

Unlike Cesar, who believes it is good to take the best of dog training methods and use what is successful, people like Freedman-Smith show a "possessive right" to being the sole ones to be respected in this field.

I've had dogs for over 40 years and have read every training book I could over the years. In training our collies, I used Lassie trainer Rudd Weatherwax's book. Collies are calm and submissive and easy to train. Not so easy with our border collie. He had some issues with walking and using Cesar's approach has clearly helped. No force involved. Just some changes to our approach to walking him that we learned from Cesar.

Freedman-Smith states, "They have spent years studying their craft"... yes, and Cesar has as well. Perhaps not at an expensive American school of veterinary science earning a degree to hang on the wall, but at the most basic level with working dogs as he was growing up in Mexico.

My husband and I recently attended Cesar's seminar in Austin, Texas. What a thrill to hear this awesome man talk about dog behavior for 4 hours! Cesar has a gift to share and we are happy to have benefitted in our house by his wisdom!

Hey, I am almost done with Patricia McConnell's new book "For The Love Of A Dog" and there are a few sentences I bookmarked. The book is about emotions in dogs and humans. Fun, fun, reading! One of the things she mentions is that emotions are contagious. GEEZ, I love that line!! Think about it...........while CM may have a stone steady face most of the time, his body language/emotions, are fairly intense and assertive. What is his line........assertive leadership........or some such thing? Anyway, it is contagious and what bothers some of us is that it isn't gentle leadership. It is leadership with a basis in aggression or dominance. Just watch him work and watch his body language. Assertive leader. What is SO easy for humans, and I am SO guilty of it at times, is that the emotion of force/dominance/pushiness/arrogance/assertiveness,or whatever, is SO easy. We are human and humans feed off that stuff. It is definitely a contagious emotion! My thoughts are, and I believe there is proof that, it may be more contagious than the emotion of love. The dopamine/adrenaline levels prove it, I am pretty sure. Sadly, I think that aggression over-rides love. So, here we are fighting human nature . BUT being human, reasoning beings we should be able to chose what is right and what is kind- if we want. SO hard for us to do, but the harder we try the better people we will be. Patricia's line after that chapter was something to the effect that if we continue to try to show confidence and learn to be like those people we admire most, those who are confident, gentle, leaders ............It is perhaps the greatest gift we could give our dogs. It is hard and it does take longer, but only because we are not that good at it. Humans are not good at emotions that are gentle and kind. We just aren't. There are more people in the world who are aggressive and dominant and highly "successful" then there are "successful", mild mannered, confident and gentle people. How sad is that? That doesn't mean we should not try to be more like those who are kind, confident leaders. Our dogs are that way, naturally. The leader of a pack of dogs is kind, confident, gentle and clear. They don't need to be any other way. We should learn to be more like our dogs. To coin Patricia McConnell words.........that is perhaps the greatest gift we could give our dogs.

Ah well, we just keep plugging along..............:D

I am not a domineering person and own a rottweiler and I have used at least his theory with great results. It is simply, makes sense to me and not physical or abusive. My dog is my baby but he is all dog, first... If his style doesnt fit you, focus on your own and serve like minded peoples' dogs ...and if you ever dare to work with 50 strong headed dogs that weigh 100 or more for years and you dont get bit once,,more power to you....LOVE to all your dogs...

When I first began working with my own dogs for competitive obedience, back in the “dark ages” of canine training, the only method practiced was the Koehler method, where “choker” chains (now it’s more PC to refer to them as “slip collars”) and pinch/prong collars were the sole tools of choice and “pop and jerk” were the recommended methods to administer corrections through the lead. The dog was physically manipulated into complying and forced into standardized positions/behaviors. There were food rewards used but, for the most part, many trainers opted to use harsher forms of corrections like the ear pinch, remotely-controlled electronic collars (used mostly with field dogs) and other unsavory devices/techniques to bring the dog into compliance. Use of expressions like “being Top Dog” or “Alpha” to your pack were bandied around and the cockeyed logic dispensed was that you were emulating the alpha wolf pair’s behaviors and dogs would instantly recognize you as the authority figure. There was little thought given to motivating the dog with positive praise or questioning the dog’s incentive for doing so as wanting to please you. It was almost entirely fear-based. The biggest, loudest, most dramatic, and harshest trainers were the most “successful” in training their dogs but one look at their dog clearly showed he was either robotic in his responses to commands and had been numbed into submission or his body language telegraphed anything BUT joy in doing so.

Then around the late ‘80’s, pioneers like dolphin trainer, Karen Pryor first introduced the dog training world to concepts like clicker training. How large (sometimes several tons) marine mammals could be motivated to perform complex and controlled behaviors (without tools to force them) and do so willingly and joyously was a practice embraced by many trainers. Over the next two decades, recognized and experienced individuals began to advocate the power of positive, motivational training to replace force/coercive training from the mainstream. Individuals like Dr. Ian Dunbar, Jean Dodds, Dr. Patricia McConnell continue today to lament the resurgence of techniques such as Milan advocates. Same old dance routine, just done to a new tune with catchy buzz words so pet owners can believe they’re pioneering some new innovative procedure. “Calm, submissive minds” etc. Trainers ‘crossed-over’ to this new thinking and I include myself amongst them. I’ve been training and teaching group classes and private lessons for nearly 20 years and have never regretted my decision to incorporate positive motivational training as my (only) mode of teaching. Flooding, fear-based corrections may yield results but the look of eagerness, desire to please, willingness to participate or assist me in illustrating a point would not be radiating from my dog or my clients’ dogs if I used those methods again. An entirely new genre of dog/human interaction has evolved since then - Agility, Freestyle, Rally-O, etc. – that clearly illustrate motivated dogs (OFF LEAD) are the direct result of positive motivational training. I take exception to the armchair psychologists and new-found followers of Cesar Milan who suggest his training techniques are new, innovative and he represents the salvation of dogs destined to die because of behavioral problems. Repetition, consistency and praise are the mantra of positive motivational trainers and our happy, eager dogs are the best illustration of how well that works. Submission, one-technique-fits all, correction belongs in the dark ages of training. I contend that The Dog Whisperer is yet another marketing phenomenon, and represents yet another “quick fix” solution (…add water, instant Lassie) to a culture that wants an all-purpose problem solver-without but are unwilling to invest the time or effort to understand what they themselves may be doing to create/perpetuate the very problems they want to remedy.

'you falsely imply that Cesar encourages the use of techniques such as electric shock, Alpha-rolls, hanging... and choke-collars as appropriate training methods.'

i don't understand how the blog article 'falsely implies' any of that:

Cesar has used hanging, which cuts off a dog's airway, repeatedly since his very early appearances.

Cesar has Alpha-rolled, or pinned dogs while supine, repeatedly.

He has also used both standard choke-collars of narrow chain, prong-collars which both tighten and pinch, and cheap, narrow-nylon slip-leads, which very easily get buried in a dog's flesh and shut off the trachea even faster than a choke-chain.

(those are the '25-cent kennel leads' that someone commented approvingly about in an earlier post. cheap is not always bad - but cheap and dangerous IS always bad!)

the first time he used a shock-collar on a dog, he HID THE REMOTE IN HIS POCKET: does that sound either ethical or truthful? U can see the episode and judge for Urself: it's the Shepherd who wanted to chase and attack the family cat; wait for the part where the leashed M dog, the female owner, Cesar and the cat (in a carrier), are in a small room together:

Look at the SUDDENLY CHANGED body-language of the dog: he's yelping, ducking, and trying to escape the room! Cesar's hand is in his pocket, operating the remote on the shock-collar.

If Cesar does NOT 'encourage the use' of these techniques, or think them 'appropriate training methods', why then does he use all of them?

I have worked with dog-aggressive and human-aggro dogs, and will continue to do so. I have also worked with dogs who were fearful, phobic, obsessive-compulsive, chronically anxious, over-reactive, and ONE clinically hyperactive dog... in over 30 years. In all of that time, i have been bitten THREE times - all in the space of about 5 seconds, all by one 12-week-old German Shepherd pup from Czech and East German Border-Patrol parents... who in my opinion, no more belongs in a PET home, with an inexperienced first-time dog-owner, than a 500# Siberian tiger belongs in a backyard.

the dogs and owners i work with are hoping to find a better way to live together, and a better means of communication. there are other means to reach that laudable goal than hanging, grabbing, pinching, poking, choking, shocking, and confrontation.

even dogs with serious problem behaviors and bite-histories can be re-trained - but UNLIKE Cesar, i never announce that 'aggression can be CURED' (his term). Aggression can be MANAGED - even very careful re-training does not 'cure' an aggressive dog. Fear-based aggression is especially difficult, as people often insist upon approaching a dog who is desperately trying to tell them to 'back off, U make me nervous', and when the dog can no longer retreat, the only option left is self-defense: a bite.

advocating for Ur fearful dog, while using a longterm desensitization program to reduce their fear, is a safe and sane program that protects the dog and the community. FLOODING a fearful dog is unkind, even cruel, and does not help the dog un-learn their fearful response.

"Look at the SUDDENLY CHANGED body-language of the dog: he's yelping, ducking, and trying to escape the room! Cesar's hand is in his pocket, operating the remote on the shock-collar.

If Cesar does NOT 'encourage the use' of these techniques, or think them 'appropriate training methods', why then does he use all of them?"
He uses all of them because Cesar will use whatever works as he so clearly states in this season's episodes. He spends a lot of time explaining the PROPER use of each type of training tool. He saw a need (educate the public) and he took the opportunity to do so.
Part of the problem is that regular, everyday folks are trying Cesar's techniques on aggressive, red-zone dogs but they lack his timing and savvy, and they're getting hurt. Well, who remembers that show "JackAss?" and all the foolish people who tried to recreate those stunts? THEY GOT HURT - duh.
SOME of Cesar's techniques can be used by John Q. Public and I am here to tell you that they have worked for me! My daughter's hyper minipin no longer jumps on me and acts like a lunatic when she comes here. A well-timed "SSSSH!" and a tiny "nip" from my hand soon has her sitting calmly, watching me with interest, instead of going bonkers and jumping around like Tigger on uppers.
You don't like Cesar? You don't have to like Cesar - that's why this is a free country! Write all you want, sound your trumpet, mount your cavalry......you'll not change the minds of we who believe in his methods!
Hail, Cesar!
Karleen

You people are all sheep. Just because you see somebody on TV telling you how to do something doesn't make it right. Sure, some of Cesar's theories are sound, and often his execution works...but not always. Forcing a dog to submit is NOT the be-all/end-all of behavioral issues. And try some of his methods on a 'soft' dog...see how that works out for you.

You're all sheep and you should be herded.

I once watched a Cesar Millan show that featured a pit bull mix that was very dog-aggressive. Cesar couldn't rehabilitate this dog in one afternoon session, so took her to his Dog Psychology Center to allow her to be with other dogs. She behaved well, although he told us she was still uncomfortable around the dogs. Then the owners arrived, and the dog lunged at a spaniel. Cesar broke them up by pulling on the featured dog's collar and forcing her to stop attacking the spaniel.

What would you "purely positive" trainers have done? Let them fight? Try to talk them into behaving? Point a clicker at them? Run into a building and grab a spray bottle of water and vinegar while the two dogs were battling it out? Offer them both a treat if they stop fighting?

Can't you understand that Cesar Millan isn't TRAINING dogs? He's REHABILITATING them. He's helping them to learn what NOT to do, just like a junkie has to be rehabilitated to learn NOT to do drugs.

I've watched Cesar's programs many times. Specifically watched the dogs' behavior, attitude, and their body language. I have NEVER seen a dog on that show that - after Cesar's work with him - showed ANY attitude or body language besides relaxed, comfortable, and happy with himself.

Yes, Cesar gets bitten on occasion. That's because he gets up close and personal with the dog, and doesn't back away when the dog wants things to go its way rather than Cesar's Way.

'you falsely imply that Cesar encourages the use of techniques such as electric shock, Alpha-rolls, hanging... and choke-collars as appropriate training methods.'

In the episodes that I have seen, Caesar only used alpha-rolls and hanging in extreme circumstances where the dog was being aggressive or dominant.

The techniques were never expressed to the viewer as a method to train the dog. The training advice given to the owners in the episodes seemed very reasonable...

Perhaps people will try to imitate Caesar in inappropriately ways. I feel the show is responsible about not encouraging viewers to try Caesar's techniques. Unfortunately some dog owners are very irresponsible and I do not think it's the shows fault.

Quote:"I once watched a Cesar Millan show that featured a pit bull mix that was very dog-aggressive. Cesar couldn't rehabilitate this dog in one afternoon session, so took her to his Dog Psychology Center to allow her to be with other dogs. She behaved well, although he told us she was still uncomfortable around the dogs. Then the owners arrived, and the dog lunged at a spaniel. Cesar broke them up by pulling on the featured dog's collar and forcing her to stop attacking the spaniel.

What would you "purely positive" trainers have done? Let them fight? Try to talk them into behaving? Point a clicker at them? Run into a building and grab a spray bottle of water and vinegar while the two dogs were battling it out? Offer them both a treat if they stop fighting?"

First of all, theres no such thing as 'purely positive'. Second of all, a trainer well-versed in canine behavior would NOT have put the dog in such a position so soon; counter-conditioning and desensitization needs to be paired with management of the situation.

I found your 'junkie' analogy quite interesting -- are you suggesting that we put choke chains on folks who engage in addictive behaviors, and throttle them when they reach for the joint, needle or pill?

Rehabilitation seems to mean many things to many people here, it seems. Those who work in the mental health field have found that cognitive behavior therapy is becoming quite helpful in rehabbing both those with bio-chemical disorders as well as addictions. What's wrong with using it with dogs?

Perhaps some trainers are just envious of all the money that Cesar is earning lately. Of course, he worked his way up from the ground floor to get where he is. A bit of luck and a whole boatload of skill and hard work! Are his methods violent? Hm, some fake bite motions, a bit of pushing and some leash pulling accounts for the vast majority of his stuff. This is far milder than dogs do to eachother just in play. Does flooding not work? Well apparently his way does because the dogs are doing much better just minutes later. I guess one could spend 6 months desensitizing and dragging out the fear and hoping it will work, but then again, many of these people have already tried other trainers and methods and they didn't work! Oh and I must say that insinuating there must be some kind of sneaky editing going on just because Cesar gets fast results even though you were not present at the filming, is an extremely low and unsavory tactic. I remember I took my dog to traditional positive reinforcement classes and saw that the trainer was first of all, unable to deal with a hyper active lab who would not sit still. This lab learned nothing the whole class. Second, the class did nothing to teach my dog to stop growling and barking at other dogs. So much for dog training, but using Cesar's leash pulls, my dog stopped his crazy barking in just days. Malign fast results all you want, but I see nothing wrong with something going quicker instead of slower. Perhaps some trainers just can't imagine that any other way will work other than theirs so when they see evidence that goes against that belief, they must instinctively attack and malign the bearer of this very scary to their ego information.

I read all these replies and come to the conclusion that if National Geographic aired another dog trainer show (the one they air in Europe) there might not be so many nasty fingers pointed at positive reinforcement trainers along with so many standing in support of Cesar. If you aren't given a selection beyond Cesar, how would you know?

There seems to be a great misunderstanding that positive reinforcement trainers simply try to click a bad behavior away ... or fling treats at a dog ... or coo-coo to snarling teeth. I don't do that and I'm a positive reinforcement trainer. I do use rewards, usually food, and I do use a clicker or some other marker technique. I also teach my clients a leadership program plus my first session teaches them dog behavior, body language and how dogs think and learn. Real positive reinforcement trainers get a smirkey rap because everyone thinks we're too soft or new agey with the dogs. Not at all accurate. I can get dogs to respond to me just as quickly as Cesar, and I never have to use foot kicks or hand bites or a choke chain or leash pops. I never use a rollover correction or scruff a dog ... never use the flooding technique. And I get results every time without the use of intimidation. I understand that true leadership doesn't require intimidation and I teach my clients the same.

We might be able to see a good positive reinforcement behaviorist on the National Geographic Channel if only they could air Ken Ramirez's show in the USA. But they can't - because Cesar won't allow it. His contract specifies that National Geographic is NOT ALLOWED to air any other pet training shows in the USA as long as they carry his show.

Talk about professional restrictions and jealousy!

If real positive reinforcement trainers can teach a dolphin to detect a bomb ... or a rat to find landmines ... or bees to detect explosives ... or miniature horses to do handicapped assistance work ... and dogs who do the same along with detecting cancer or alerting epilepsy -- and all of this is learned strictly with the use of positive reinforcement techniques, why do we think that any intimidation technique masquerading as "control" is ever necessary with a dog under any circumstances? Rationalizing using force techniques as the only way these dogs on Cesar's show could be rehabilitated and saved is simply ignorant and indicates that the viewer who thinks this is appropriate has not been exposed or cared enough to learn there are other techniques available ... and not a one of these cutting-edge techniques has ever been seen on Cesar Millan's show.

Before you stand in support of Cesar, you need to learn there are more appropriate ways to communicate and teach a dog. Instead of only attending Cesar's seminars or webinars, also attend the Clicker Expo or visit www.clickertraining.com or www.tagteach.com. Read Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson, Don't Shoot The Dog by Karen Pryor, Click To Calm by Emma Parsons, or any of the long list of Dr. Patricia McConnell's books such as The Other End OF The Leash. Or learn more from Kathy Sdao at www.kathysdao.com. Read Turid Rugaas' book called Calming Signals. When you've added these studies to your list, then come back and tell me how and why you think that Cesar is right.

There's a big world of dog training beyond the scope of National Geographic and Cesar Millan. You'll do yourself and your dog a huge service if you expand your dog behavior horizons.

People, esp. behaviourists and trainers are not "jealous" of Cesar, this is one of the sillliest statements I've seen. Cesar trains using outdated and discredited methods - of course modern trainers are annoyed that he is on tv - because he is teaching a whole lot of people that a well trained dog needs these forceful methods. Is anyone who promotes better, kinder methods going to support him? Of course not. Are they going to shout out against him? Yes, of course, for the sake of dogs and owners everywhere who seem to think he is some kind of dog god with all the answers.

Those who suggest they can train their dog because they've watched his programmes - you could read some good books or go to training classes and learn the same.

I didn't realise his contract specified Nat. Geographic cannot air any other similar shows to his - now, that truly is someone fearing any kind of competition, and that is genuine professional jealousy, to my mind!

No such thing as "purely positive" - but anyone suggesting reward based methods, based on science of learning, can't improve problem dogs, is someone who has no idea of what modern dog training/rehabbing/behavioural work is about.

Pack leadership, alpha, animals in the wild and how they train their young - er, folks, before you comment and make fools of yourselves, I'd advise checking out the latest information known. How many of the supporters of Milan know that wolves in the wild don't always eat first? How many know that a true leader will often give up his resource - bed, sofa, rock! - because he is so confident he can take it at any time, he doesn't need to scrap. How many know that it's those who fight, pressurise, in the wild that get ousted out of packs because they are not good for the pack as a whole?

If only his show could be balanced at least, by another totally different show - but it seems Cesar, himself, won't allow that. Is he afraid of the competition???

Yes, it's the confident leader who doesn't need to apply force - and the unconfident one who needs to assert himself by using force.

Some say they don't see force - I say, start to "think dog" not human, get some books on canine communication and then do what someone suggested and watch with the sound turned off. Put yourself in the place of the dog. Be that dog, and remember you only have canine language and you may be terrified of what Cesar isasking you to do.

Someone said Cesar gains the trust of the dogs - again, to you, I'd say learn about dogs and their language, because I've seen dogs in frightened submission, I've seen them drooling and hugging the walls (as in the case of the dane) but I've not, I don't think ever, seen him gain trust. He does get dogs to be quiet but that's often a state of what is termed "learned helplessness" - go check out that term and then say Cesar's way is OK...

Dear Ms. Freedman-Smith,

I just finished your blog and could not disagree more!

There is definitely an anti-Cesar contingent out there and they aren’t shy about their opinions. Why are you so sure National Geographic channel would sue someone with a blog in a small Maine newspaper?

After reading your blog, I assume it is because you cast aspersions but offer no facts. Where are all of these dead dogs? How many were put down in the 6 month period you refer to? Did these dogs already have behavior problems, or were they just balanced family dogs that turned vicious after experiencing Cesar’s methods? If you are going to refer to dead dogs and offer no facts, I can see why you are worried about being sued.

I have been watching the Dog Whisperer since season one. I was very surprised to find that some people feel Cesar is cruel to dogs. So, I started watching with a more critical eye. I have seen one instance of Cesar using a shock collar (I think there were actually two, but I missed one). In the show I saw, the dog had a tendency to chase and attack farm equipment, specifically the tires. These were big machines. If the dog was hit by one of the big combines, the dog would be killed. Before Cesar used the shock collar on the dog, he used it on himself. He was also very clear that this was not his preferred method, but in this instance it was used to save the dogs life. The setting was appropriate for the dog, and after just a few uses, the dog got the message. Do you think it would have been better for him to be hit and perhaps killed?

I have also been on the look out for his use of force – you mention alpha rolls and hanging. Every anti-Cesar person picks up on the one episode of the Jindo. Yes, he did use force with this dog, but it was extremely aggressive and the next step was to put the dog down. Basically, he saved the dogs life.

He also uses the alpha roll sparingly. He doesn’t muscle the dog to the ground or hurt the dog. Using the “bite” he can hold the dog down with one hand.

In most instances, he uses very little touch working with aggressive dogs. He uses body language, and light touch. Did you see the episode with the bulldog? His owner would choke him when he did something wrong so of course the dog became aggressive. By using calm assertive energy and light touch, he was able to control and correct the dog. There was no hanging or aggressive alpha rolls.

I object to your statement that Cesar uses force in working with shy or fearful dogs. Where are your examples? Could it perhaps be the episode of the dog that was used in experiments? This dog would not even approach his owners and they had him for many years. Cesar was able to rehabilitate this dog and for the first time it willingly approached the owners. The owner broke down in tears and not because Cesar hurt her dog. He was calm, patient and gentle and the dog responded. How about the Vizula that was terrified of everything? No force there either.

Cesar is not a dog trainer. Cesar works with dogs that have problems. Many of the dogs he works with would be put down. If you would actually watch his show rather than sleep through it, maybe you would better understand his philosophy and message.

I have owned dogs for 18 years and I don’t appreciate being referred to as “Joe America”. I have used several of Cesar’s methods and they work, and they work quickly. None of these methods involved force and only some of them required light touch. I have a happy, well balanced and well behaved dog and Cesar helped me achieve that.

Maybe if you ‘trainer types” kept an open mind, you would learn something!

>>"I found your 'junkie' analogy quite interesting -- are you suggesting that we put choke chains on folks who engage in addictive behaviors, and throttle them when they reach for the joint, needle or pill? "<<

Why do the "positive only" type trainers seem to think that training can only be done in extremes? The above quote is so typical of the over-emotionalistic, "your-hurting-the-dog" wailing coming from the extreme "positive" camp.

To them, you are either "all-positive," or you are a collar-jerking, hitting-and-helicoptering abuser who probably kicks puppies and little kids when no one is looking.

There IS a middle ground, people. A good trainer uses what works best for each dog. I've never in my life used anything close to the amount of "force" you people constantly worry about. But I do use all four quadrants of the operant conditioning model--not just the first two.

Balance is NOT a dirty word. Most balanced trainers use a ton of positive reinforcement, but are open to using humane corrections when they are warranted--and we know how to use them correctly. We do not condemn tools or methods, and we study all of them so that we'll be able to help the greatest number of dogs. There are plenty of tools I haven't yet used, and may never use. But I know how they are meant to be used, so I don't sound like a shrieking harpy if a client should ask me about it.

Some of us in the middle like what Cesar is doing, and some of us don't.

If you "positive" people spent as much time actually training dogs (not teaching management, but training) and helping their owners as you do bashing anyone who has stepped outside your "tools and methods comfort zone," you'd be making a heck of a difference for dogs.

It's a shame.

The best phrase to describe proper dog ownership and training is "benevolent dictator." I use the word dictator because what I say goes. If I tell my dog to do something I expect it to obey, especially since at times it could be a life or death situation. The most important word in that phrase, however, is benevolent. I never want my dogs to fear me, I want them to respect me. Respect will get you so much further in life than fear and is the foundation to every lasting relationship. Many of the dogs featured on the show fear Caesar and shut down when they are overwhelmed. There are better, more reliable ways to train dogs, they just don't make for sensational TV with instantaneous results.

"the best phrase to descibe proper dog-ownership and training is 'benevolent dictator'."
"I never want my dogs to fear me, I want them to respect me."

Hear, Hear! good on you, Liz!
has anyone else noticed how many folks posting here are anonymous?

i'm posting my name and credentials because i feel anyone willing to express an opinion should at least have the courtesy to name themselves. i've spent over twenty years working with multiple species; i don't by ANY stretch think i know it all, but i know better than to drag a former-feral out from under a desk and force them to walk thru a crowded room of unpredictable, loud, impulsive retarded adults... as Cesar memorably did.

i have a good counter-balance to Natl. Geo's exclusive contract with the DogShouter:

sample a couple of "Barking Mad" episodes, on Animal Planet 6 days per week; there is NO DISCLAIMER needed, as the techniques and tools used are pretty goof-proof, postive-reinforcement, and used- and dog-friendly.

to boot, they work with multiple species: dogs, horses, parrots, lemurs in a zoo, an octopus, cats, and many others.

there are dog-aggro dogs, dog-aggro and human-aggro cats, destructive and fearful parrots, and a host of other problem behaviors. U'll see behavioral enrichment, good use of body-language, good management, and excellent planning and execution of training.

Why does it seem like many of these posts are reminiscent of certain womens studies courses?

Emotional weaklings and beta males, anxiously wringing their hands while bemoaning a society that condones violence directed at their particular victim group.

If only we could all get along they cry! What they don't seem to realize, is that in the animal kingdom, you're either predator or prey.

I've known dogs trained by 'positive reinforcement' that are complete idiots that everyone tries to avoid. OTOH, I've known dogs subject to the mildest form of pack hierarchy who epitomize what many consider ideal behavior.

CM must be laughing all the way to the bank. What he does is so obvious it's a wonder why it's even on TV.

While I have never seen the Dog Whisperer show, I have seen the fallout of inappropriate training methods. As a rescuer and rehabilitator of border collies, there are lots of people who are resorting to "last ditch" efforts to "fix" totally normal border collie behaviors. Shocking a BC for herding behaviors does lead to disastrous consequences and death as Nancy states. I place more blame on this to the sellers of these puppies - the pet stores and "Internet" shops that let anyone with a credit card bring a totally inappropriate dog home to their family:( I would much rather see trainers contacting breed rescues when they see instinct-related behaviors than resorting to handing the family a shock collar and remote. Not so much to have the dog removed from the home but to get some sound breed-specific advice on what works. I have seen many dogs come into rescue with their "early warning signals" deleted because of punishment based training. They no longer growl or freeze when faced with presumed danger, they go right for the bite. If trainers would focus on telling the family what their dog should be doing rather than spending all efforts on what the dog should not do, more dogs could be saved. If families only want a "quick fix" and can't be bothered to put in some time and effort training or refocussing their pet, they should not have pets. JMHO.
Kathy - APDT #67113
A tired rescuer sick of instant gratification people who want the smartest dog on earth without putting any effort into it

The problem with using punishment is this: you're gambling. Unlike training with reinforcement, the results of punishment are unpredictable. SOMETIMES it works (or appears to work) and so certain trainers, like CM, have a success and they try it again. But animals respond to aversives (IE punishments) with escape behaviors, and escape behaviors are unpredictable.

A dog might escape a punishment by correctly doing the thing you've trained him to do to escape the punishment (and that's why training always must come FIRST) but he might also just run away, cower, bite or growl, submissive urinate, bark. He might develop anxiety that leads to chewing his fur or shoes or the couch. He might develop anger or frustration that gets redirected onto a child or cat or another dog or neighbor. You might think you're punishing the dog for barking, while the dog thinks he is being punished for laying down. Maybe you throw a can of pennies and the dog miraculously DOES stop barking, but he also stops coming when called. Even so-called "mild" punishment can unintentionally punish the whole relationship, and cause your dog to become more confused and anxious about his interactions with you and the world.

[Read my blog about "Barkbusters" on www.clickertraining.com by searching my name there, and I go into more detail.]

I'm not a gambler. Unlike punishment, the results of reinforcement are very predictable. All animals go to reinforcement like it's a bullseye, whereas they seek to escape punishment like buckshot, every which way. I want truly predictable long lasting results, so I train by controlling reinforcement.

To the person who wants to know, what do you do with a dog-reactive dog, who lunges and barks at other dogs? Think first about what you DO want, and put your bullseye there. So, I want my dog to look at me, not at the other dog, and I want my dog to sit quietly. So, I (food)reinforce the dog for sitting and paying attention to me, and I start practicing that with very low levels of distractions. Over time, practice around slowly increased distractions, so now my dog knows it's reinforcing to focus on me even when there is an open can of cat food on the floor, and even when another dog is 100 feet away, and even when the dog is fifty feet away, and thirty feet away, etc. There are other reinforcement based methods, I can't go into all that here, but animal emotions aren't ALL that different from human emotions. If you want super smart, dependable, mentally healthy and confident dogs who love and trust and are eager to obey you, you have to take the time to teach what you DO want.

Get the book "Click to Calm" by Emma Parsons or the great Patricia McConnell booklet, "The Cautious Canine." Usually the reason dogs react to other dogs is because they're a bit nervous and it feels safest to just to scare the other dog and make it go away. Punishment doesn't help your dog understand how it SHOULD behave around other dogs. People imagine they are punishing just one behavior, but aversives punish the whole relationship. It's sorta like using antibiotics -- save it for the real emergency (like if a shark is actually biting you, punch it in the nose!), because there are negative side effects. Punishments damage good behaviors (such as the dog's desire to be near you, or the dog's confidence, creativity and daring-do) as well as bad.

Learning to control reinforcement is what good training is all about.

I have been seriously involved in dogs for almost 15 years. 14 as an akita owner and 6 of those doing akita rescue. I have worked in my local shelter and vet hospital as well.

I am now a trainer who also does some behavior work and I regularly attend seminars to keep up with my continuing education. None of us trainers knows everything after all. I have been a professional trainer for 5 years after a year long hands on apprenticeship with a trainer that taught both styles.

When I first became a dog owner I used to use the "old" methods of training. Yes they work. It is called compulsion training. But when you know better you do better.

I challenge the people that defend Mr. Millan with such venom to read a bit about how dogs learn. (Excel-erated learning by Pamela Reid PhD) or more about dog behavior in general. (The other end of the leash by Patricia McConnell PhD or watch the DVD video "The language of dogs" by Sarah Kalnajs) Or check out the book "Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals" by Karen Overall for in depth behavior modification protocols.

Yes it is a free country and yes you may use whatever methods you choose with your dog. Having worked with hundreds of them myself, I will choose the method that the dog works best with. In my experience for me I see the best results using positive methods. I also see a better bond without fear at work.

Cesar Milan is no more a dog psycologist than I am a princess. (you will notice he never says he is a behaviorist because he would be sued for fraud) He made up the term. Do some research on the subject and you will find there is no such thing.

I think Ms. Freedman-Smiths intent was to post HER opinion on Mr. Milan. One that is shared by many other trainers, myself included. It is what it is.

Go ahead and use his methods if that is what you believe in. For your dogs sake however consider this question. What if he is wrong?

Don't just blindly believe ANYONE. Do some research on training. The internet is a wonderful thing. It makes it easy and convienent to do.

I agree that Mr. Milan makes some good points. Dogs aren't people and shouldn't be treated as such. Dogs need exercise. Dogs need training. Dogs need a leader. And he has a knack for handling dogs. Handling and training, or behavior modification,(or rehabilitation) are two completely different things however. He uses fear and intimidation to shut down the dog and therefore makes them more manageable for that moment. It does not mean the dog learned to feel differently about the thing it fears or learned what behavior the owner would prefer them to do.

Just because a professional trainer disagrees with how Mr. Milan does his "work" doesn't mean we don't know what we are talking about. Many of us have YEARS of study under our belts. We love learning about behavior and learning as much as possible about different training methods so that we may best help our clients quickly and humanely. Many of us have also come over from that way of training to do it differently because we have seen the results, not just in our own dogs but in the many we handle everyday. The average dog owner just doesn't have the experience we are coming from which is why our opinions are so strong on the subject.

Just another trainers opinion.

FIRST HAND CESAR EXPERIENCE!!!

I find it interesting that in all the posts about Cesar, there doesn't seem to be anyone with first hand experience. Let me tell you, I would be dead if I followed Cesar's training! Cesar is a total fraud and danger to dogs and I know because my mom spent a fortune with him when I was first adopted...here's my story:

When I was adopted, I was a mild mannered 7 mth old pit mix who in a few months grew to be very territorial and developed fear aggression. My mom thinks that having strange house cleaners who were mean to me while I was in my crate as they cleaned and wanting to keep the house safe from strangers was the root of my growing aggression. Having undisciplined aggressive play at doggie daycare didn't help either. When things got bad, mom called Cesar, who was recommended by the adoption agency and wasn't so "famous" then.

He came and taught mom all the stuff you see on TV and like all the other schmucks, mom was totally amazed by his B.S. Little did she know that he practically strangled me when she wasn't looking. After the first session, things seemed to be ok, but I just got more fearful and more aggressive. Mom called for a second visit as a follow up...same thing.

When I almost bit the neighbor after Cesar's 2nd visit, mom knew something wasn't quite right. She scheduled another appointment with Cesar after leaving a very urgent call for help on his message service. After almost a week, she finally got a call back and scheduled another visit the following week. After cancelling out of town plans for the appointment, Cesar completely blew us off. No call, no apology, nothing. He must have been starting to get famous and was too busy for us "commoners" at this point.

After several attempts to reschedule, including another blow off, he finally decided to grace us with his presence and only when we said we would bring him to our day care to meet the owners about training at day care. I'm sure all he saw was more $$$. There was more time schmoozing the day care owners, who were also snowed over, than there was training me.

When I got really bad, mom called other trainers, AFTER Cesar's training, and one went so far as to say that I should be put down!! Thank God mom didn't give up and she found another trainer, who has a ton of clients who have had similar experiences with Cesar. Our new trainer told us Cesar's little technique (which they NEVER show close up on his show) actually cuts off the blood circulation and oxygen, temporarily paralyzing the dog and that, done incorrectly or for too long, can kill dogs.

Our new trainer, a POSITIVE and holistic trainer, worked so much better than any of Cesar's Dog Whispering B.S. and I'm happy to say, I'm a much happier and healthier dog. I still have some nervousness, but at least that fraud Cesar isn't choking the life out of me to get me to behave. I can 100% honestly say that Cesar made me more aggressive and because of his so-called training/rehabilitation, I could have been put to sleep.

When I saw his show for the first time on National Geographic, I wanted to write them and tell them that I find it very interesting that they NEVER follow up with the really aggressive dogs because I'm sure some of them could have ended up like me. Cesar Milan is the most irresponsible excuse for a dog trainer because there are now millions of people ooo-ing and ah-ing his techniques, like all the people I see posting about how much they love him. HE IS A FRAUD and so is his show!!!

I am 100% living (no thanks to Cesar) proof. I would LOVE to hear from more parents and dogs who have worked with him first hand to hear about their experiences AFTER he has left them.

When Cesar was barely known at all I was a fan of his. I saw what he did and that it appeared to work. I admired him for saving cani