Do you think Cesar Millan's, (the National Geographic Channels "Dog Whisperer",) methods of training dogs are outdated and perhaps even cruel?
Tracer Bullet
2009/01/09 18:16:21
|
|
|||||
|
4 votes
|
|
80% | ||
|
0 votes
|
|
0% | ||
|
1 vote
|
|
20% | ||
|
0 votes
|
|
0% | ||
Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer" claims to "rehabilitate dogs, and train their owners". He sums up his philosophy thusly; "Exercise, discipline, and affection" in that order. His large following and television show would indicate he is a success.
But, there are those in the dog training community who claim Millan's methods are based on outdated science from the 1950's which overemphasized and completely misinterpreted the role of social hierarchy in wolves. His ideas on "dominance" and "pack theory," are considered today by most mainstream trainers to be virtually irrelevant to training or understand behavior.
In his 2006 article for the New York Times, "Pack of Lies", author Mark Derr states:
"While Mr. Millan rejects hitting and yelling at dogs during training, his confrontational methods include physical and psychological intimidation, like finger jabs, choke collars, extended sessions on a treadmill and what is called flooding, or overwhelming the animal with the thing it fears. Compared with some training devices still in use — whips and cattle prods, for example — these are mild, but combined with a lack of positive reinforcement or rewards, they place Mr. Millan firmly in a long tradition of punitive dog trainers."
But, there are those in the dog training community who claim Millan's methods are based on outdated science from the 1950's which overemphasized and completely misinterpreted the role of social hierarchy in wolves. His ideas on "dominance" and "pack theory," are considered today by most mainstream trainers to be virtually irrelevant to training or understand behavior.
In his 2006 article for the New York Times, "Pack of Lies", author Mark Derr states:
"While Mr. Millan rejects hitting and yelling at dogs during training, his confrontational methods include physical and psychological intimidation, like finger jabs, choke collars, extended sessions on a treadmill and what is called flooding, or overwhelming the animal with the thing it fears. Compared with some training devices still in use — whips and cattle prods, for example — these are mild, but combined with a lack of positive reinforcement or rewards, they place Mr. Millan firmly in a long tradition of punitive dog trainers."
Top Opinion
-
pocket squirrel 2009/01/16 22:07:45No, Cesar's methods are not outdated. He is a dog's best friend!
+2I think he's great although I do not have a dog. I do love his show and his philosophy goes beyond just dogs. BTW, I loved the South Park episode...
I think he's got a pretty good understanding of canine psychology, and his methods have also been shown to be effective.
I also have never seen him physically hurt a dog, but as I have said before I think he has gone a little too far with intimidation. Still, he apparently really does understand how dogs think.
I have used some of his methods with my own dogs. I feel that with what I have learned from watching Cesar's show combined with how well I know my three dogs, I have been able to elicit some very positive improvements in their behavior.