Friday, September 23, 2011

Dog Health Questions: What is the best dog training method? And why do people in here hate Cesar Milan?

Every so often, someone in here goes on a soapbox rant about Cesar Milan. What is a better training method, and WHY is his so bad? If it works, what is the problem? I am really curious.

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I have never worked with nor met the man, can't hate someone I have never met in person. What we see on TV is an edited piece, not everything can be shown in the time slot he is given (can't remember if it is 30 mins long or 60 mins long). The man is not an actor, he has no formal training as one, just because he has a TV shows and does the occasional cameo does not mean he is an actor. He is a self taught behavioral based trainer, more emphasis on behaviorist than trainer. He has made it clear for the longest time that he does not train the dogs, he trains the people to train their dog. I can not deny that he has success in what he does, the proof is in the pudding. He was training long before he got a show, it is because of his successes that he even has a show. Have to admire a man who comes from nothing, immigrates to a country that now frowns upon the very thing that made up this country in the first place, and has built up his successes and is now doing well for himself. The man does have it right about calm and assertiveness, plus his discipline, exercise then affection.

There is NO best training method, it is absurd to think otherwise. No one training method is universally correct. As all dogs are different and respond differently to training methods. I personally believe in a balance of positive and negative, corrections and praise. As I feel like with anything in life, balance is needed.

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  • Since this is the place for opinions, here's mine: His methods are not for people who need to be taught the most basic things about how to handle dogs. Some of these dogs have been allowed to get to a point where only time and/or a lot of fearless correction from a professional will work. Of course, he showcases those because it's dramatic and makes good TV. I think of Patti LaBelle who had poor Nasir in a cage in her garage, and no one could get near him for 3 1/2 years. And, I remember in one case he took a dog back with him to his training ground and kept it for a month.

    I haven't had access to his shows for quite a while, and didn't get to see many while I did, but if this is a common way for him to teach correct behaviors, it does show that these owners are clueless, and they need heavy duty teaching themselves as much as the dog does. Also, I saw at least one episode where he got physical with dogs, in the way dogs do with each other. But this is rather too harsh by many people's standards. And, most people are not going attempt to correct behaviors the way he does. If they had the right chutzpa (for lack of a better word) in the first place, they wouldn't need a trainer to come in.

    As for what's best, probably a variety of methods and assessing your dog to to find out which techniques would work best with his temperament. Dogs are different. I don't think "one size fits all".

  • I think the training method depends on the dog. While I'm all for positive training I think my dog understands a bit more if I correct him for what he's done wrong as well. I don't agree with everything he does, like those little 'nips' he gives dogs with his hand for correction but I suppose it depends on what works for the dog. Also when he dragged that dog across the tile floor or whatever the type of flooring it was, the dog was absolutely terrified. Sure I want my dog to get over a fear, but thats not the way I would do it.

  • One method fits all just doesn't work. Each breed or groups of breeds requires a different approach. A chow requires a different approach than a lab and a yorkie a different approach than a pekingese. Some things are one for all but after the very basic, sit, down, it's about each breed and sometimes each dog within the same breed.

    Milan is about making money of course.

    Dog training is 10% book work and 90% owner hands on and owner gut instinct provided the dog owner is of average intelligence and isn't a nut job.

  • Because Cesar Milan is an ACTOR, not a dog trainer. So many people who armchair their dog training do not realize that and live in la-la land.

    I won't go into detail, as that has been done on here plenty of times, and all the articles are available for you to read yourself!

    The best dog training method is the one you find that fits for you and your local trainer that you use, not some TV fool out to make money. You cannot train a dog by watching TV or asking people on Y/A.

  • The reason people say he is more of an actor than a dog trainer has nothing to do with acting. It's saying that he's more of an entertainer who is all style and little substance. When you see his shows, what do you watch? Do you watch how he actually trains the dogs or do you focus on him? I would be willing to say that most people focus on him. That's why people say he's an actor. He talks a lot but you don't see much on how the dogs are actually trained nor do you see him really teaching the owners on how to follow through with the training after he's gone.

  • i am a groomer and i have worked with all breeds my whole life. The thing that you have to understand is understanding the breed that you have looks like a king charles and the nature of that breed .. I say displine in a postive manner and sometimes babying can be the worst thing makes them think there bad behavior is ok a pat on the head is fine.. easiest way i can sum it up ... there is always the option of going to school. People that hav things to say aboout cesar is because they are igorant to the subject of dogs there are very few people that truly understand dogs and the breeds therfore they do not understand him ... i hav a high respect ... He is one of the few thats knos that when a dog get men its for a reason and they are not a lost cause he trains them back

  • I prefer marker training above all others.

    Cesar uses intimidation and out dated theories to "train" dogs. Mute the tv and watch the dogs. They are anxious and fearful, he increases their stress until the dogs give up.

    Also, he's an actor. No way in hell would I let some actor train my dog.

  • Cesar Milan has had great success with training both dogs and their owners. If he makes money at the same time, more power to him. However, not every method works for every dog or every circumstance. If you are uncertain, talk with your vet. What is important is what works for you and your dog.

  • I don't know, but I don't use a specific method. Just consistency, and good behavior equals good consequences. No treats. I use praising and playing. So many treat trained dogs won't do anything unless a treat is in hand. My dogs are on a raw diet, so treats are out, anyway.

  • My issue with Cesar is not his training method it is the fact that he does not teach the people that actually live with the dog to maintain it. The food he supposedly developed is crap.

  • Every method has its place. Every dog is different and they may respond to different methods.

  • I think Cesar Milan is great and your right if it works and your not abusing the dog then whats the problem.

  • simple and useful method http://bit.ly/fAcQ6e

  • I don't hate Cesar Milan - who is he?

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