I ♥ the Huffington Post for finally calling Cesar out by name.
However, the comments defending him are really laughable. My dog is fear aggressive, and I appreciate any and all attention that this brought to this huge issue.
I'm on a forum where the biggest defenders of Cesar's methods have the easiest dogs in the world. They go on and on about their 'alpha-ness' when their dogs have always been docile and obedient, even before they adopted/bought them. In marked contrast, they are always arguing with the people who deal with dogs with problems either professionally, personally, or both. It's all due to the 'cult of personality'; if people don't want to believe something, they won't.
I was happy to see they mentioned the name too. All the other article just give generic TV trainers. While doggie people know who they're talking about, I'm sure the general public doesn't relate it to Cesar's show.
Yesterday I was at the park with my daughter when I spotted a couple walking a young dog. Its pretty easy to pick out Cesar watchers and they watch Cesar. They stopped at the park, the dog while friendly has a lot of fear. The dog really wanted nothing to do with the people he was with. It was upsetting to the lady and she made the statement "He used to really love us before." in a sad tone.
I wanted to say something, but my daughter was ping ponging all over as 5 year olds do. They left the park on continued their walk using tight leash, foot taps etc. oblivious to why their previously loving dog was now really scared of them. :(
From the first link: Last year I consulted with an owner who was having trouble with his Shar-Pei becoming aggressive toward the dog-walker when on walks. The owner had no trouble with his dog on-lead outdoors, but the walker complained of escalating aggression. Upon further discussion, it was discovered that the walker claimed he was utilizing some methods demonstrated by Cesar Millan on the Dog Whisperer. Instead of walking the dog on a loose lead, he would place a choke collar high up on the dog's neck, where it is the most painful and can shut off the airway. When the dog didn't respond to a command, he would punish the dog by tightening the collar, even lifting the dog's front feet off of the ground. As the punishment escalated, the dog began to growl, snarl, and snap at the walker. The walker even began to take a tennis racket on walks to try to subdue the dog when he became aggressive, a technique he saw on Millan's televised show. My advice was simple. Find another dog-walker who knew how to calmly walk the dog on a loose lead
( ... )
I hope more people become aware of how detrimental Cesar Millan's techniques actually are. I work with dogs and unfortunately one of my co-workers is 'in love' with Millan. I'd love to share the information that I get with those others that don't know much but unfortunately it's a delicate situation, probably seen as a personal attack more than anything if I'd go against what the other person says. :(
How many times I hear "Shht!" when a dog is barking/doing something negative, makes me want to pull out my hair.
Izzy and I had agailty this morning and I was chatting with our trainer and she mentioned she had been watching Victoria Stillwell and I commented that between her and Millan, I find her sooooooo much better, but sadly not nearly as public as Millan (Seriously, you can buy food bowls that say "be the leader". Give me a break.). My trainer commented that his training is valid, and that he does it well. The problem is his type of training is not something you can simply emulate from watching the show. You have to have a more advanced understanding of dog behavior and dog language to make it work without harming the dog or yourself.
Add in his mass marketing, and POOF! Instant problems with many dogs.
I personally would hit him with a bus if I had the chance. I can not stand him. I'm glad this article wasn't afraid to call him by name.
I fully agree that Cesar can get away with things most people couldn't. He's fast and fearless. However, I still not do feel his methods are valid, as your trainer believes. Sure he can pull them off (on an edited for entertainment show) but that doesn't make the the right thing to do.
But you already agree with that anyhow so I'm not sure of my point! :) Just saying I disagree with your trainer and am sad she feels that way. I hope it doesn't affect the way she teaches agility. I have some agility instructors in my area that agree with dominance ideas and luckily some that do not.
To be honest, I was kind of shocked to her she felt that way as never once have I seen her teach any dominance with any of her students. She's got a pit/aussie mix right now that has really bad dog aggression and honestly might do okay with more forceful training, but she keeps right on with positive reinforcement. And in the two weeks since I've seen the dog, she's made steps in the right direction. *shrugs* Maybe it's just a personal thing.
I feel very comfortable with her, but I suspect that if Izzy takes to agility like I'm hoping she does, that we will eventually have to find a more adapt instructor, as my trainer is more of a basics/behavior type who happens to have agility equipment and know how to go over the beginnings and safety. Stuff like speed and handler trainer (I still trip over Izzy and my feet) will need another teacher. Right now though, we just have a blast and it's helping reinforce her basic obedience.
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However, the comments defending him are really laughable. My dog is fear aggressive, and I appreciate any and all attention that this brought to this huge issue.
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Yesterday I was at the park with my daughter when I spotted a couple walking a young dog. Its pretty easy to pick out Cesar watchers and they watch Cesar. They stopped at the park, the dog while friendly has a lot of fear. The dog really wanted nothing to do with the people he was with. It was upsetting to the lady and she made the statement "He used to really love us before." in a sad tone.
I wanted to say something, but my daughter was ping ponging all over as 5 year olds do. They left the park on continued their walk using tight leash, foot taps etc. oblivious to why their previously loving dog was now really scared of them. :(
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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521112711.htm
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Last year I consulted with an owner who was having trouble with his Shar-Pei becoming aggressive toward the dog-walker when on walks. The owner had no trouble with his dog on-lead outdoors, but the walker complained of escalating aggression. Upon further discussion, it was discovered that the walker claimed he was utilizing some methods demonstrated by Cesar Millan on the Dog Whisperer. Instead of walking the dog on a loose lead, he would place a choke collar high up on the dog's neck, where it is the most painful and can shut off the airway. When the dog didn't respond to a command, he would punish the dog by tightening the collar, even lifting the dog's front feet off of the ground. As the punishment escalated, the dog began to growl, snarl, and snap at the walker. The walker even began to take a tennis racket on walks to try to subdue the dog when he became aggressive, a technique he saw on Millan's televised show. My advice was simple. Find another dog-walker who knew how to calmly walk the dog on a loose lead ( ... )
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I hope more people become aware of how detrimental Cesar Millan's techniques actually are. I work with dogs and unfortunately one of my co-workers is 'in love' with Millan. I'd love to share the information that I get with those others that don't know much but unfortunately it's a delicate situation, probably seen as a personal attack more than anything if I'd go against what the other person says. :(
How many times I hear "Shht!" when a dog is barking/doing something negative, makes me want to pull out my hair.
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Add in his mass marketing, and POOF! Instant problems with many dogs.
I personally would hit him with a bus if I had the chance. I can not stand him. I'm glad this article wasn't afraid to call him by name.
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But you already agree with that anyhow so I'm not sure of my point! :) Just saying I disagree with your trainer and am sad she feels that way. I hope it doesn't affect the way she teaches agility. I have some agility instructors in my area that agree with dominance ideas and luckily some that do not.
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I feel very comfortable with her, but I suspect that if Izzy takes to agility like I'm hoping she does, that we will eventually have to find a more adapt instructor, as my trainer is more of a basics/behavior type who happens to have agility equipment and know how to go over the beginnings and safety. Stuff like speed and handler trainer (I still trip over Izzy and my feet) will need another teacher. Right now though, we just have a blast and it's helping reinforce her basic obedience.
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