Finally, the answer to the long pondered question...why in the world is Cesar Millan so popular when so many trainers are embracing more positive training methods? This article discusses the training philosophy of Ian Dunbar and how important it is to trainers today. Be sure to read the sidebar artcile entitled "The trouble with Cesar".
Here's a great article comparing The Dog Whisperer to Fear Factor. I love the analogy and agree with the author.
Last night, 20/20 did a segment on dog training with Tamar Geller, author of The Loved Dog. It was a relief to finally see a dog training session on tv that was not focused on the use of coercion, force and physical training methods. I think training takes time and there are no "quick fixes" to severe behavior problems. Tamar's methods are more closely aligned to those used by well known trainers such as Karen Pryor, Ian Dunbar and Patricia McConnell. I'm glad to finally see some airtime for these types of methods, which are endorsed by humane associations across the country.
I often receive information about National Geographic's hit show, The Dog Whisperer. Many people ask me for my thoughts on the show. ...so here they are.
I have watched the show, and I have trained (many years ago) using some of the same techniques seen in the show. However, I consider the methods used fairly old-fashioned and prefer to use a different style of dog training.
You can train animals in a variety of ways. I choose to use more dog-friendly methods. The methods I use don't rely on intimidation or force. When methods rely exclusively on intimidation and force the training is often easily accomplished by the trainer, but not so easily accomplished by the owner. Methods based on intimidation can work. However, when they don't work, the handler is at great risk of getting bitten and making the dog worse in the process of training. (Hence the "don't try this at home warnings on The Dog Whisperer).
I don't believe dog training is all about 'the ends justify the means". I think dogs should be trained using minimally invasive techniques based on principles of learning and not methods based on force and intimidation.
The Dog Whisper is a great show to watch if you would like to observe signs of stress and fearful body language in dogs though.
For more information about training methods click here.
Speaking of “dog whispering”..here’s another article about animal abuse. This is a long article but well worth reading. It's rather rather disturbing, but it also gives a good overview of the history of dog training. If you’re looking for a dog trainer, check out the guidelines here.
Last year, Cesar Millan was sued for a dog that was injured at his facility. Read here for the case settlement. It seems amazing to me that no one at Cesar's facility or any instructor working with the dog noticed the fairly easy-to-identify signs of stress long before the dog collapsed.
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