Comments: The dog trainer's trainer

“I use to work with a trainer that used Mr.Millian`s style of herk and jerk mess even hanging aggressive dogs and i quit and went back to my way of training,click N treat,it works much better.Mr.Dunbar in my opion has it closer to the way they would be trained by their own kind.I also have most of Mr.Dunbar`s writtings/Video`s/DVD`s....Sincerely,
Rodney M.Rollins Sgt.Ret.USARMY” — RROLLINS6, Jan 08 2008

“I think the author has gotten a bit over dramatic about Ceasars methods. Why do you want to "bash" someone, when they are successful in their efforts ? It turns me totally OFF to your Dunbar dude.,” — Melissa.Shumard, Jan 08 2008

“Apacapacas: Dr. Dunbar does NOT ignore bad behaviour in dogs. He gives them a REASON to behave well without abuse. I think it is his professional training both as a Veterinarian and Animal Behaviour Specialist along with his rapport with animals which makes his methods so successful. It's easy to physically bully an animal into momentary submission but to truly train one you need to apply scientific knowledge of animal behaviour, not brute force.--lfairley” — slfairley, Jan 08 2008

“Apacapacas - If you think Ian's approach to rehabilitating aggressive dogs is to ignore it, you know absolutely nothing about him or his method! On the other hand, ignoring aggression (which I do not endorse) is vastly better (and safer) than Millan's style of confrontation. At best it represses the behavior, only to reappear at a later date, at worse it elevates the aggression. Just in case you didn't know, humans are ill equipped for a dog-fight <grin>.” — pawsbehavior, Jan 08 2008

“Mortysmom - I can't agree more with your statement that comparing Dunbar to Milan is like comparing apples to oranges; bad apples (Milan) to sweet, refreshing oranges (Dunbar) is more to the point! What truly is a "bad" comparison is of a dog raised in an experienced home to a dog raised in the average American home. An experienced dog owner knows how to teach and communicate what acceptable behavior is. It has NOTHING to do with dominance and everything to do with relationship. You have it with your dogs, the average American does not. Milan's approach to rehabilitating behavior problems in dogs is out dated and "rotten" (pun intended). Thank you, Ian Dunbar!! - PawsTrainer” — pawsbehavior, Jan 08 2008

“Although I have only recently learned about Ian Dunbar, I have been training dogs (and horses) for many years, professionally for the past 12 years. As I read about Dr. Dunbar and his methods, I realize that I have been using much the same approach with all the animals I am asked to train. For whatever reason, I have been asked to work with many "aggressive" dogs whom other trainers have either given up on or refused to work with at all. Without the use of choke or prong collars, harsh/dominant techniques or drugs/chemicals, the vast majority of these dogs have remained in their homes and have become loving, valued members of their families. The first time I saw Cesar Milan interviewed on television, I had an overwhelming sense of sadness, because I realized that he did not truly understand nor respect the incredible animals he was asked to "train". It was obvious that he has no idea the real purpose and intention of these amazing animals who agree to come into our homes and our lives and love us unconditionally while attempting to help us learn our life's lessons. Because my last name is Ceaser, and I am also an animal communicator, people often comment "oh yes, you're like the dog whisperer, Cesar Milan" to which I reply an emphatic "NO". My intention is not to dominate and intimidate the dogs with whom I work.....rather, it is my responsibility to teach the humans and dogs how to effectively communicate with one another, to help them gain a mutual understanding and respect so they may share their lives in love, peace and harmony. I'm afraid Cesar Milan forgot the part about love and respect. I applaud all who work diligently to educate the public regarding the proper way to "train" a dog. Norma Ceaser, The Animal-Human Connection, Schwenksville,Pa” — animalspeak1, Jan 08 2008

“Love it! I have had yet another conversation today with someone who watches Caeser and is ready to address their dogs resource guarding behaviors and want to establish "dominance" prior to the birth of their child! I smell danger. I hope I had some impact.” — annshepard4, Jan 08 2008

“I have owned, rescued and competed with dogs for over 30 years. I have OTCh dogs in 2 countries and 17 Utility titles on many different breeds (and groups) of dogs. I have NEVER had to seriously discipline any of my dogs because from day one they know, recognize and understsand that I am alpha. Ceasar Milan is called in to help with seriouslt flawed human/canine relationships. The owners are always completely ignorant of dog behavior and usually consider their dogs to be furry children or pitifully abused creatures that are in need of constant pity, love and praise.
Comparing Cesar Milan's work to Ian Dunbar's is like comparing apples to oranges.
My own personal belief is that one needs to train or work with the dog at the end of the leash and taylor the method to the particular dog...enough with the generalities!
Thank you,
Ruth Rosbach-Chandler” — mortysmom, Jan 08 2008

“Great article, explains well what I try to explain to my students. I was hoping Ian would also get a show to counter Millan... Leigh Sansone, NY” — starchild1, Jan 08 2008

“I'm with Ian Dunbar on this one! I have 2 rescued greyhounds whom I love very much and I much prefer seeing respect and love in their eyes than fear...I consider adopting a dog a privilege and a lifelong commitment.I'm a firm believer that you accomplish far more with patience and rewards than with force and submission. Judy Lounder New-Brunswick, Canada ” — jjlounder, Jan 08 2008

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