Cesar Milan - Do you like his methods or not?

Question

Do you like Cesar Milan's methods of assessing, correcting, and training dogs? Before he hit TV, we were asserting authority and dominance in many of the same ways... albeit he goes where dogs and owners already have big problems.

Answer 1

I think his idea of you always being calm and in control is helpful, and the ways you can better yourself in that arena.



I don't like any of the physical methods he uses on dogs. Good for him that he hasn't gotten his face ripped off during an alpha roll, but my fearful dog certainly wouldn't hesitate. It would also be bad to make a submissive (though stubborn) dog go into an alpha roll, as, in my opinion, that would make it worse. It's just an old fashioned technique and we know much better ways of dealing with dogs out there, if people would only turn off the popular TV show and pick up a book by Ian Dunbar, Patricia McConnell, Turid Rugaas or any of those fantastic behaviorists/trainers who use positive methods as opposed to forced submission.



I also would not vote for someone whose show claims, "Warning: Don't try these methods at home." or whatever the bottom of the screen says. I do not understand the point of a tv show if we're not allowed to try the methods. Want to know why we shouldn't? Because we don't know how, because it is not the safest way of dealing with a dog. And then you get people on here talking about how they're going to put a dog down because they tried to alpha roll her (just like Cesar said!) and got bitten.

Answer 2

I like the fact that he doesn't give up on the "red zone" cases.. HOWEVER, his methods are a bit overbearing on the normal everyday housepet.. the problem is that the cases where his methods fit perfectly, are ones where the owner should NOT be doing it withouth expert help.. I like watching the show, and picked up a few small tips .. (which helped a bit when I was leash training the dog I adopted the first year it was on) .. but I don't follow his methods as the dog training gospel.. (I watch It's me or the dog as well, and she has some great info too.. but once again.. she's not perfect for every dog.. )



His emphasis on walking/exercise is great though.. If there is one thing I think people should memorize ..it is that.. even with a fenced in yard.. exercise is mandatory.. (although I don't see it as a chance to "dominate" my dog.. it is a way to get the excess energy out ,and avoid boredom, while also bonding a little bit more)

Answer 3

I do like his methods, but only in the most extreme cases.



I have problems with people when they try to implement their methods on their own dogs. Most don't understand why his methods work and botch them, causing the dogs confusion and possibly making the problem worse.



I also have a problem with the editing of the program making it seem like he solves all these problems in 10 minutes, when he has to work with some of these dogs for hours in some cases...but that wouldn't make good "miracle" TV.



We don't use his methods with our dog. She is a 1 1/2 year old German Shepherd mix. She's very head strong and independent, and our doggy daycare has told us we have a challenging dog. She certainly is a challenge! But, we're consistent with her and routinely practice all the things we learned in her obedience classes. We exercise her and play with her and she rewards our efforts in so many ways...I can't begin to imagine using Millan's methods with her, though I imagine if a first time dog owner had her, they'd either give her up for adoption or call him.



She's a challenge, but we love her for it. Phooey on Millan.

Answer 4

His methods should NOT be generalized as a one-stop-shop solution for all dogs, for all problems. That is what I don't like about him. Several of his methods can be dangerous, and have the potential to destroy a weak dog's spirit.



I feel much better consulting my own trainer, who knows my dog, for advice on behavioural issues.



I think that it is incredibly unwise to take advice from a media personality who over-generalizes for the sake of getting ratings and making money.



I do appreciate the "tried and true" methods of training and addressing behavioural issues, but what I don't like is the "one size fits all" approach. Dogs have individual needs that go beyond just behaviours... a lot of the more serious problems have to do with temperament, which is inherant and can not be "alpha-rolled" out of a dog.

Answer 5

No way. I have a dog who is fairly timid, especially about going into new rooms she's not been in. We usually coax her in by sitting in the room and offering treats, sometimes by just going in the room and hanging out and letting her work up the nerve to come in. She usually does it on her own and after a little while is comfortable coming in and out of the room.



If I used Cesar's methods, I would drag her into the room, force her to cross the threshold and I would end up creating a VERY SCARED dog.



Throwing a dog on its back ("alpha roll") is ridiculous and only going to create more aggression in a dog (and not based on wolves as he thinks it is -- submission is given, not taken). His ideas on dog psychoology are way off. There's just SO much wrong with what he does and worse, people think he's some sort of "god" because he's on TV. They end up emulating his "training" and create monsters.

Answer 6

Hello Sunshine said it perfectly.



Frankly, I'm sick to death tired of hearing/seeing people "shhh" at their dogs like he does, over and over, and thinking that will just work...like magic. I can't stand the "shhh" thing.



I'm a Patricia McConnell fan, personally. And having met her in person, I think she is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet.



Sabr1na said it PERFECTLY. Many people don't know WHY some of his methods work, so when they try it and it doesn't work - they don't get it. He is turning people into sheep by having them watch him and trying to replicate what he does, but that's not how it works. What he does can work for him sometimes because he sees the dogs reaction and can counter it, and inexperienced person who doesn't really get the POINT of what they are doing will rarely get the correct results.

Answer 7

Oh my word, I almost lost my lunch! "God gifted"?????



The man is an ACTOR. His lack of formal education in behavior and pack theories is eveident in his one sided, misinformed ideas about what it takes to rehabilitate an animal with behavior issues.



This guy has a rich producer and a good agent. He is talented enough to create a show that keeps millions of people entertained, but I would hardly call him gifted.



He utilizes some basic dog training tips that have been around for a long time-no new breakthrough there.

But his ideas of "flooding" and excessive exercising are not only dangerous, but dead wrong. I feel sorry for the animals he terrorizes and tortures with these techniques.

Answer 8

I don't think his practices should be followed like gospel in the average dog owner... and unfortunatley, that is happening a lot.



I think Cesar's committment to animals is admirable, and he believes that NO dog is beyond rehabilitation.



I think he can handle SEVERE behavior issues, OCD behaviors, dog aggression, food aggression, and people aggression with skill.

Answer 9

A lot of dog experts look down on Cesar's methods, but they seem to work just fine.



Cesar isn't some run of the mill, college educated veterinarian. He's both naturally talented and God gifted.



For better or worse, he works very well with dogs and he has a great understanding of the species.

Answer 10

Nope. They're harsh, outdated, and downright dangerous - what you see on TV is only part of the story. What happens when some unsuspecting person tries to copy what they've seen him do? Somebody gets hurt. His TV show is nothing more than a canine version of Jack@ss and both dogs and people are getting hurt because of it.

Answer 11

I've said it before, I'll say it again. I find him to be a dangerous nut. I have yet to meet a true "dominance hound out to rule the world starting with me and my possessions."



My dogs have better things to worry about: like... what's for dinner? Where's that favored toy? Will I get to nap with Momma today? etc.



Some interesting links you may want to read:



http://www.4pawsu.com/cesarfans.htm

http://www.urbandawgs.com/divided_profession.html

http://littlemind.wordpress.com/2006/09/01/the-dog-whisperers-popularity/

Answer 12

i personally like his methods

Answer 13

i know some people poo poo his methods. But I like him. He seems to have a wonderful understanding of dogs. And best of all you can tell he really loves dogs.

Answer 14

He's methonds for my mums dog is excellent my mums dog is like a model dog.

Answer 15

Yes, he's very good at what he does. But everyone has to remember he is naturally gifted and his methods may not work for the rest of us.

Answer 16

His program is single faceted, if you have seen it once you have seen everything he seems to have to offer.

A properly trained dog does not have dominance-authority issues, and any dog that will allow you to alpha roll it without taking your face off does not need to be alpha rolled.

Answer 17

i love his approach, it is calming to see someone be assertive without screaming and flipping out on their dog. it has helped me tremendously.

Answer 18

no i dislike him...any training that makes my dog yipe is not my kind of training. Also any training show that says WARNING: DO NOT TRY AT HOME..would not get my vote



i opt for a more friendlier approach and less hostile. I am more interested in Victoria Stillwell her apporch is be dominate but not fearful ...and her methods are newer and more educated.



this is the woman i would trust my dog with not some one who wants my dog to fear me



Victoria Stilwell is one of the world's most recognized and respected dog trainers. As the host of the hit TV show It's Me or the Dog (currently airing in more than 20 countries), Victoria has been able to share her insight and passion for positive, reward-based dog training with an ever-broadening audience.



Born and raised in Wimbledon, England, Victoria has been working as a dog trainer in London and New York for over 15 years. In the early 1990s, Victoria created her own successful dog-walking company and immediately recognized the need for qualified professionals to help her clients with the training process. While pursuing a successful acting career (working in London’s West End as well as in numerous films, TV series, commercials and voiceovers), she expanded her focus into dog training and behavior counseling. She was soon working with some of Britain’s most respected positive-reinforcement dog trainers and behaviorists.



In 1999, Victoria moved to Manhattan, where she co-founded Dog Trainers of New York. Through the company, Victoria primarily worked with families who needed help with dog training and behavior modification. In addition, she taught children techniques for safe and effective dog handling. Her unique background, personal sensitivity and innate training skills quickly made her one of New York City’s most sought-after dog trainers. With a particular fondness for rescue animals in need of behavior rehabilitation, Victoria devoted much of her time and energy to a number of the many fine animal-rescue organizations in New York, serving as a behavior adviser and giving regular seminars on the subject of dog rescue, training and rehabilitation.



In 2002 Victoria expanded her business and created Dog Trainers of New Jersey, earning further acclaim as one of the nation's top dog trainers. She has also worked as a volunteer adoption counselor for the ASPCA, and her dog-related writings have been published in numerous magazines and journals. She has appeared on countless talk shows, news broadcasts and radio shows as a dog training expert.



For the past three years, Victoria has been working with some of Britain's most unruly dogs (and owners!) on her TV show, It's Me or the Dog. On the show, she counsels families with difficult dogs to help solve their pets' behavior problems. She has also written two books (It's Me or the Dog: How to Have the Perfect Pet and Fat Dog Slim: How to Have a Healthy, Happy Pet). Detailing her reward-based training philosophies (which include "Thinking Dog" and learning the power of body language in both owner and dog), the books give owners the keys to having a happy, confident pet and a balanced, healthy dog-owner relationship.



Victoria is certified by the Animal Behavior and Training Associates Inc. and is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She is deeply committed to education and training as a way to reduce the number of animals that are owner-surrendered and abandoned due to a lack of knowledge and understanding. She is also a patron of the Waterside Action Group, which campaigns against puppy farming. Among the other organizations with whom she is associated are Deed Not Breed, which works to re-write the U.K.'s Dangerous Dogs Act to remove breed-specific legislation, as well as Vets Get Scanning, which promotes mandatory pet micro-chipping and scanning by vets.



For more information, visit Victoria's official site: www.victoriastilwell.com.