Comments: The dog trainer's trainer

“Jean Donaldson, The San Francisco SPCA-Director of The Academy for Dog Trainers

“Practices such as physically confronting aggressive dogs and using of choke collars for fearful dogs are outrageous by even the most diluted dog training standards. A profession that has been making steady gains in its professionalism, technical sophistication and humane standards has been greatly set back. I have long been deeply troubled by the popularity of Mr. Millan as so many will emulate him. To co-opt a word like ‘whispering’ for arcane, violent and technically unsound practice is unconscionable.”” — PrometheansFire, Apr 10 2009

“Dr. Nicholas Dodman - Professor and Head, Section of Animal Behavior
Director of Behavior Clinic, Tufts University - Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
“Cesar Millan's methods are based on flooding and punishment. The results, though immediate, will be only transitory. His methods are misguided, outmoded, in some cases dangerous, and often inhumane. You would not want to be a dog under his sphere of influence. The sad thing is that the public does not recognize the error of his ways. My college thinks it is a travesty. We’ve written to National Geographic Channel and told them they have put dog training back 20 years.”” — PrometheansFire, Apr 10 2009

“The ultimate profanity is the vanity
that puts profit and self-interest
before enlightened principles
of wise use and reverential respect.
--M. Wilson Fox


People who rebut against attacks against Cesar are often not even 'followers'.
They are just fair or open minded folks who enjoy learning stuff!
The funny thing is that I don't see Cesar taking this attitude.
Then again he seems like he has enough confidence in his own methods that he doesn't need to go out onto the internet and pick fights.
Nope, he's just out there doin' his thing, explaining why he does what he does for anyone to take or leave, and Rehabiliting dogs.
There's a Lesson in there somewhere...
I'd suggest checking out some of his fan sites. They are interesting places full of a wide range of information including health and fitness for dogs, nutrition, clicker training, agility and sports topics, dog psychology, and more.
A pretty open minded bunch, I'd say.
They are also generally the most Internationally Diverse and Culturally Tolerant groups I encounter in the dog world.” — PrometheansFire, Apr 10 2009

“Is it not arrogant to demonise another dog behaviorist when it is clear that Cesar Millan has helped and enlightened so many people? let alone helped save so many dogs from the needle?

Dr Dunbar, in the dog training world, there is NO one correct way like you seem to imply. Every dog is different, and dogs with different issues, will respond to different ways of addressing those issues.

Cesar Millan has shown time and time again that his techniques and understanding work. Can you claim the success with dogs with behavioural issues like Cesar has? No. I dont think you can. It is all very well being able to train pups and dogs with no serious issues, but I would just like you to demonstrate your techniques with dogs with severe agression issues ( which despite all my research, I have found none ). This article just reeks of arrogance, and really, if you have to deride the techniques of another dog behaviourist just to bolster your own career, then really, it doesnt say much for your honesty and integrety. ” — k9friend, Apr 10 2009

“I can't see Millan's contribution being much more than popularzing the message that dogs need more exercise than what most of them get.

His anti-scientific, invalidated, outdated ideas are in many ways harmful to the human-dog relationship. He approaches dogs as enemies, beings trying to usurp his power. His reaction: punish them until they "submit" ” — Corinthian, Mar 30 2009

“I demand an explanation why my last comment was removed
There was absolute No Profanity or Bad Words
Was Because I quote M. Fox?
or was Pure and Simple Intolerance?
If you want Shut up all the Voices that are Against your Believes
Then you have a very hard work and long way to do and go.” — PrometheansFire, Mar 13 2009

“I met and have a great respect for both. Ian Dunbar's softer training has done wonders for the dog training world. But Cesar Millan has also made a great contribution. Cesar has introduced the concept the the person is supposed to be the alpha dog in a multiple dog household. I can't tell you how many times I've heard trainers say that dogs should work it out for themselves. From personal experience, this sentiment achieved nothing. Maybe most importantly, Cesar goes the extra mile with the toughest cases. That is not sexy, it's a lifeline for those of us who have been there. Sue Sternberg, along with many others, would recommend euthanasia for many of the dogs that are on his show. While I can appreciate that sentiment from a shelter perspective, I can't condone it when Millan has proven time and again that there's hope. Both of them, with their different viewpoints, have helped me. I do wish Dr. Dunbar was more widely known to the public.” — kristin.arnold, Mar 10 2009

“I guess that I see a finger strike to the dog's flank, or a behind the leg kick as hitting. Though you make a false claim by stating training won't help a dog with aggression. Training is chainging behavior; that behaviour could be a sit on cue, or tracking behaviour or pro-social social behaviour. Since a large portion of aggression in dogs is rooted in fear, Millan's punishment based approach is counterindicated. ” — Corinthian, Feb 14 2009

“Hmmm., I have never seen Cesar hit a dog. Most of all, he works with dogs with serious issues. All the training in the world wont help dogs with severe agression, or obsessiveness. I have a pack of 20 dogs, have no "formal' education. I dont hit my dogs, I practice what Cesar has done long before I ever heard of him. Education does not equal "the best" or most successful. I have had many many dogs that "educated" dog trainers could not "train" with their clickers or treats or love to not murder another dog. Being pack leaders works. Calm assertive energy works. Someone that has "real" experience understands this. Seems as though everyone thinks there is only "one way". One answer. This shows real ignorance.” — roggo11lis, Feb 12 2009

“why do my two border collies eat soil,they are very well fed & and walked each day,could this be a stress related problem in some way?” — lopearbobtail, Feb 08 2009

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