Cesar Millan Dog Whisperer UK Tour
As you may know, Cesar Millan is embarking on his first ever UK tour.
The Dog Whisperer divides opinion amongst dog people. He has many fans and many detractors.
He has certainly caused a sensation worldwide and got people talking about dog training and debating methods, styles and approach. We know, as he’s appeared on our cover, that Cesar Millan tends to attract two distinct opinions: there are those who LOVE him and those who DON’T!For those who love him, you’ll no doubt be aware that he is in the UK on a national tour: The Dog Whisperer Live
He is appearing at some very large venues – why?
Because he is likely to SELL OUT those large venues!
If you’re one of the many thousands of people who are
looking to see The Dog Whisperer Live Tour, we’ve
managed to negotiate a discount on the in-demand tickets.
Here is your exclusive code that well get you 10% off
but please be warned, the tickets are moving very, very
fast:
Discount Code: VGG4232
Ticket Link: http://k9m.ag/dogwhisperer
We expect those people who are not lucky enough to be able to act quickly to end up disappointed – so we apologise in advance if you have to scour eBay for the over-priced, touted tickets.
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What’s your view of Cesar Millan?
The world-famous Dog Whisperer splits opinion amongst dog people.
It seems that many dog trainers don’t approve, but many dog owners adore the man and cite his TV show as a catalyst for improving their own dog’s behaviour.
His Dog Whisperer books are constantly top sellers globally.
Have your say in the comments section below.
Highly Recommended: What dog owner wouldn’t want a piece of THIS action? – Get FREE dog food!
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In my opinion, he is dog`s best friend!
It is amazing that we let our dogs get away with things we would not allow our children, or other people get away with.
We cannot see the actual damage we do to our pets by loving them too much.
It has taken 1 man, to change the way we look at our pets.
His programs are not only entertainment, but are informative and educational too. He also uses his own children to show that you do not have to be a top dog psychologist in order to generate the behaviour required.
Thank you Cesar for bringing your beliefs and now yourself to the uk
I hope to see you at Wembley
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Mimi Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 8:31 am
Hi Sandra
Nice to finally read some positive comments on Cesar. I really feel given all the great work he does, he is getting a really hard time.
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What a disappointment that you have not presented a balanced viewpoint. There are many fantastic UK trainers and behaviourists who use gentle and effective methods just as quickly and without risk. Two years ago I saw a behaviourist here in the UK that has helped me with my people aggressive dog – saved Jess from being put to sleep with a really kind way of training.
A ticket discount is a cheap way to sell your commercial soul. Gives a bad image of your magazine. No integrity.
Anna
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D Reid (volcano) Reply:
December 9th, 2009 at 11:15 am
sorry anna but as a dog owner of some fifty years standing I have to say that yes we have some good dog trainers in this country but I have yet to see one who uses the natural training methods of Ceasar Milan, for instance the act of putting the dog down when it is trying to become the pack leader to the human ownera lot of people think that is wrong but it isn’t in the wild any pack leader would do a similar thing to any other dog trying to usurp his position. Likek Ceasar Milan I have always said that dogs are dogs and not a substitute child so why do humans insist on doing just that. Last year I had tohave my little Llapa Apso put to sleep at christmas as he had cancer, I had taken him in 4 years earlier when he was going to be put to sleep for being very aggressive, in fact my vet said he was a rottwieller in a little body. Everybody I approached said he should be put down but I begain to train him in the way I had all my other dogs I was pack leader and at no time was he allowed to trty and become the leader of the pack.. Ceasar Milan trains dogs in the way they would be if they were in a pack in the wild. In this country were are too soft in our approach to dogs that is why so many people are bitten by them. I can honestly say hands on heart I have never been bitten in all that time. My dogs respect me so how come dogs owned by people i know have had them trained by some of those setting themselves up as trainers have. Sadly the dog I have now has to be my last as health problems doesn’t allow me to exercise them as they should be, but I intend to fight on to get this government to bring in sensible well thought out laws to benegfit dogs and humans
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for the attention of Anna, I believe they have totally given a balanced viewpoint its no biased at all?
as far as UK trainers go there are a lot of trainers out there that are also no good, I had real trouble trying to get a good one, even a recommended one, in the end I spoke to Robert Alleyne.
I think Cesar has an amazing understanding of dog behaviour, and seems a genuine animal lover
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I am sure there are other dog behaviourists like Cesar Millan but he has come forward to try and change so many peoples attitudes to dog behaviour. I wish I had found Cesar Millan 15 years ago … the man is a genius and his methods not only work but make life so much better for dogs and humans … using Cesars methods my dogs are very happy and so am I. I have my tickets booked for Wembley next March and I can’t wait .
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I think there is plenty of demand for Cesar and also for the very good UK dog behaviourists. There is one in the UK named Jan Fennell who has written good books including The Dog Listener, which I am reading right now and wishing I had known about her and Cesar’s methods before ‘losing’ (literally) a dog with BIG recall problems many years ago.
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I am a fan of Cesar’s having lived in the US for the past 10 years and being a first time dog owner rescuing two dogs during that time. I also love Victoria Stilwell and have actually used many of her tips with amazing results!!
I do wish Cesar was not charging however for tour tickets…. he is becoming just a marketing tool now and in fear of people not believing that he is in this “for the love of dogs” – I am not saying that people shouldn’t make money from what they are passionate about – but all the books, dvds, leashes etc – ontop of the tours… it’s a bit much!!
I really think he’s got a gift – but I won’t pay to see him as I don’t think I will learn anymore than he has already written or narrated on ALL the other promotional products already out there.
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Steve Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 11:44 am
I think that the comments Clare made are very apt.
I love Cesar and his attitude to dogs and life.
However, she is 100% right.
I shall be donating the cost of a ticket to Cesar’s tour to a dog charity instead of going and I am certain that Cesar would understand this view.
I would recommend that people read Cesar’s Way and watch the TV programmes as that will give them most of the information needed.
I am really pleased for Cesar and all he has achieved but now there is a chance that Cesar’s gift will be lost as he will spend more time doing media events than helping the dogs.
Best wishes to all you dog lovers and your canine friends
Steve
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Clare Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Thanks Steve,
Money well spent, I too just used money that I would have spent on a ticket on the recovery of two needy dogs in the US.
LBD – Little Brown Dog, who needs much medical attention after his owner dragged her tied to a rope from his truck for several miles in Knoxville, Texas:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/nov/26/a-thanks-giving-tale/
Please join our FB group called Little Brown Dog to get Justice served.
and Sweet, sweet hope who needs the money as she needs so much rehabilitation to learn who to just be a normal dog.
http://www.noahs-arks.net/RESCUE/Sweet_HOPE.html
Clare
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Steve Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Clare
I must admit to having a tear or two in my eye when I read the story and saw the Little Brown Dog as I have a terrier(Cairn) and so can identify with the situation. If I was there and knew of a monster like that dong something so horrible to a little dog, I would do something criminal or just!?
Not sure who I should send money to of the causes you mention on this FB group so await more details.
I hope that other readers see those 2 stories of yours.
Best wishes
Steve
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Clare Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Steve, you can donate money for the University of Tennessee that are looking after her here. Where is states “Choose a Fund” select “ Fund not Listed.” Follow instructions . Before they submit the credit card info, there is a comment section where people can write “Small Brown Dog Fund”
https://web.dii.utk.edu/alumni/?Campus=1500&College=1501
Do also join out Facebook group and sign the petition for justive for LBD too!
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=188423549216
Thanks Steve – you are an Angel.
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Steve Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Clare
I did as you requested. This is my note.
I read about The Little brown Dog whilst looking for Cesar Millan tour in the UK in the K9 magazine. Clare told me about the LBD and I know this is only the tip of the iceberg. Although I live in the England and prefer to support UK dog trusts I hope that this small contribution will help. I am keen that all people who treat animals and children so badly should be punished severely.
I look forward to hearing more of the LBD’s recovery.
Best wishes
Steve Osborne
Please keep in touch – steve.osborne1@ntlworld.com
Cesar Millan, yes a genuine dog lover. People warm to him and his just great at what he does. I only wish I could have him over at my house to help me with my 4 dogs. I love watching his show, it does make you stop and think about what we do with our dogs. I know that there are a lot of trainers out there that charge the earth. And I’m sure Cesar does, but the difference is we know he knows what he is talking about as we have seen him in action.
Love you Cesar
x
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Cesar Millan is the dog saviour of the world! He has deep knowledge and natural instincts when it comes to canine behaviour. He is totally top of the tree in the dog world!Theres never been anyone as good as him!He is unique! The best! Hail Cesar, us dog lovers think you are the King of Canines!!! Love you and your dedicated wife Illusion and 2 up and coming whisperers calvin and Andre! doggy kisses from jen and her mutt xxxxxxx
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Dave Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
I’m afraid Jen it’s over the top comments like yours that rankle with a lot of balanced dog people. I admire the guy and would always defend him against some of the hysterical attacks that are made on him in the canine media.
You may not have come accross them but there are other equally effective dog psychologists/behaviourists out there….they just don’t get the same media exposure. Enjoy what he has to offer but don’t play into the hands of his critics with descriptions like ‘dog saviour’.
Although I’ve got a ticket for Cardiff I respect those who are contributing to dog charities instead. I commit a lot of my spare time to dog charity work and so am happy to accept this from my partner as a Xmas present – without feeling guilty.
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I have spent an absolute fortune on dog trainers and behaviorist advice. The only thing thats worked for my people aggresive german shepard is the things I have learned from Ceasers programmes. He definatly has saved a lot of lives.
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Clare Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I agree he’s done a lot of good for a lot of people (and lots of what would otherwise have been ‘euthanized’ dogs) – and he’s happy, he’s content, he is famous, makes a great living doing what he loves doing and is passionate about.
So here’s my point – maybe the money on the price of a ticket should go to some less fortunate folks… like the millions of dogs in shelters this year due to the credit crunch and people forced to abandon and surrender their four legged friends… that is what I and others are doing. Take the $$ you would spend going and put it to better use – paying it FORWARD, not back! Cesar would understand!
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heather Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
I think your absolutly right and instead of going to see him I’ll give my money to the Dogs Trust.
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Clare Reply:
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:41 am
Yeah way to go Heather!! That’s such a wonderful charity that I have just discovered since moving back to the UK after 10 years in the US.
Cesar is a great man – and I would love to work for him at his sanctuary in LA – I watch him with awe, and read his books, and he truly has the Dr.Dolittle gift of talking to the animals! I just can’t justify spending that much money on going to see him – as much as I would love to be in a room with him personally.
The dogs need us more in these economical times… thank you again!
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Alison Reply:
January 12th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
My husband was going to surprise me with tickets for his show although he’s not a big fan of all things dog. But I REALLY wanted to go. I appreciate my hubby’s offer but havng read the emails I will send money to the Dogs Trust, although we already sponsor a dog there and have four rescue dogs at home. As many of you have already said, Cesar would understand.
On the suject: do I like him – well yes I think the man is wonderful. My first two rescue dogs (over 20 years ago) were treated in a similar fashion to his methods. For example one dog, a mongrel with some terrier qualities, liked to think he could be top dog and listen to me when he felt like it. Whenever he showed signs of that behaviour I took him to the ground by the scruff until he submitted. For those who worry, he was never hurt by this. This relationship grew to a wonderful bond to the point it saved his life. Chasing a rabbit (remember he had terrier blood in him) he was heading towards a busy road in full chase mode. One shout from me and he stopped in his tracks and came back. Now that, I believe, is the respect that Milan talks about. He and his buddy were good (although not quite perfect),happy dogs and well behaved enough to be off leash next to roads. One call of “in” reminded them to stay off the road and concentrate on moving forward. Dearly missed dogs but I believe a testament to the kind of lifestyle Cesar promotes. So I will remain an avid dog whisperer fan even if I don’t go to see him.
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Clare Cassar Reply:
January 12th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Thanks Alison – Dog’s Trust is great, and you can tell them that “Buddy Sent You” ( read all about Buddy and the movement here:
http://www.facebook.com//group.php?v=feed&story_fbid=251324809135&gid=136306569135#/group.php?gid=236330769299&ref=ts )
I agree with the method of pinning your dog to the floor as Cesar has shown – my pound rescued female dog (Terrier mix – looks like the Winn Dixie dog) was not very socialized at first and even though she was the most lovable and friendliest of dogs towards children and people, she would always start fights at the dog parks and I could usually tell when it was coming.
The minute I could see it about to break out, or the second it did – I would grab her by the neck (where their mum would grab them when they get outta line in the wild) and make her lie in submissive pose and LOOK HER DIRECTLY IN THE EYES – you must never let your glare move first, once the dog looks away from you, he or she has given up and knows you are boss. You must keep your stare or the dog has won – sounds crazy but it really worked
It only took a few times doing this and all was good – again thanks to Cesar.
Wow, four dogs, and several sponsors – that’s quite a handful! Sadly I don’t have any since I had to leave them in the US when I was forced (due to job loss) to return to the UK – but instead I work several hours a day on Facebook rescuing and donating money for many abused dogs in the US. It’s awful as many states still legally allow dogs to be gassed (many at a time and usually with cats too) and/or use the
“heartstick” as forms of euthanasia there. We try and rescue these ones especially.
Do join me on Facebook (my profile pic is a Boston Terrier) and help raise awareness of Neutering and Spaying as well as moving to a NO KILL Nation – where we no longer have to put to sleep ANY healthy animal.
Clare
I appreciate Cesar’s gift and all that he has done to call attention to the need to train humans to treat their dogs properly.
He has built his gift into a 50 million dollar enterprise.
That is truly “The American Dream”.
I think Clare’s suggestion is most excellent! She shows a very good understanding of the real problems we face in today’s world.
Please watch Cesar’s shows, read his books and send your hard earned
money to those who really need it. I have donated to the “LBD” in Tennessee and have followed her saga from the beginning. She has a chance to live a full and happy life now if she continues to recover from her ordeal.
Thank you all for showing that you care. The ones who can not speak need us to speak out for them.
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Clare Reply:
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:45 am
Thanks Randy… I know how much you do for dogs and especially for Little Brown Dog “LBD”. A battle is going to get won there, I know it – but there is still a long war ahead.
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I am a big fan of Ceser Millan and I am so disappointed that I won’t be able to see him, I live up in Shetland and I could have done with getting his advice on getting to be a better pack leader, as my dog ( Kaiser ) is a Japenese Akita X I feel when I walk him I’m not in full control, I am 60 yrs old and find when he makes a dash towards another dog he nearly pull’s me over, he isn’t aggresive just wants to go to the other dog. I have watched all of Ceser’s episodes on TV but I still can’t get it.
Thats the penalty for living on an Island.
Anybody know if Ceser is doing any one to one with dog owners and there dogs?
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I’d like to say how thrilled I was to know that at long last Caser was coming to the UK. Ok so you have to buy a ticket, but I am sure having read Caser’s books and seen his amazing work that he is worth every penny, after all this is a man who arrived in the USA pennyless, who has go where he is today through determination, skill and hardwork. He is passionate about helping other’s and I believe in his own unique way he must have saved thousands of dogs from an untimely death I have always believed that no dog should be put down and Caser’s work with this in mind has been amazing, I just wish that Caser would remain longer in the UK and therefore give us all more opportunity to see him and maybe do some actual workshop’s with dog owners. I would absolutly love to shake his hand and thank him for what he has done for the dog loving and none dog loving public. Yes, there are other dog trainer’s out there, but what Caser has taught us all was not learnt in books, on courses etc but because of his upbringing and unique understanding of a dogs natural behaviour. Whatever your thought’s you have to admire anyone who can make dog training interesting, entertaining and not as impossible as people think it is.
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The RSPCA, Blue Cross, and many training, behaviour and welfare organisations across the UK have issued a joint press statement regarding the methods of Cesar Millan:
http://www.dogwelfarecampaign.org/
Any training or behaviour modification is based on psychological principles, not mystical mumbo-jumbo.
Cesar’s methods use a great deal of positive punishment, flooding and learnt helplessness to ‘train’ dogs. A lot of agressive problem behaviour in dogs is fear-based; a lot of so-called ‘dominance’ problems relate to lack of structure and consistency from the owners and in the home.
Making an already fearful dog even more frightened, to suppress it from showing a behaviour is not ‘curing’ the problem, as the underlying emotion is still present.
Cesar has strong communcation skills with people and does emphasise the importance of consistency, routine and exercise in dog’s lives, which is great. By abandoning the mystic ‘dominance’ myth that he promotes, and change from a predominantly positive punishment based training method to one which uses positive reinforcement, he could be a great trainer. Unfortunately he has too much invested in the myth to change.
I would urge anyone to visit the campaign website to read a balanced and scientific view.
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Becca Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 11:22 pm
You speak of ‘the mystic’ as something CM hides behind so he can get away with -R, PP, flooding and all the other training methods thats quite frankly would be immposable to watch even by members of the public that know nothing about it…i mean flooding for eg could be compared to locking somebody with arachnophobia in a room full of spiders – and that would not be good viewing! The reason why it is enjoyable and educational to watch CM is because of the use of his ‘energy’, body language, eye contact which is applied and well in place BEFORE he uses any of the above. I really don’t think you understand the concept of energy and most people who use clicker training or other +R methods have to rely on the clicker or reward to structure the cognative responces of a dog because they have lost touch with their own body language. I believe this in itself can be dangerous as the dog is merely responding to effort and reward rather than the relationship that has been created and this can also lead to repression.
Here’s a good made up example. A dog, lets call him Bobo (!?) that has suffered abuse in the past snaps and barks at passers by. Bobo pulls on the lead particularly when he sees people on bikes and will snap at their heals and given half the chance would be hanging off their leg.This is fear based aggression. Bobo’s owner reassures him, knowing it is fear based, and ofcourse everyone on both sides of the training scheme know this exasipates the behaviour, inadvertedly rewarding it.
By using dominance, ‘calm assertive energy’ (CM) the handler is able to show the dog that he no longer needs to be in charge of the situation. Bobo feels safe knowing he has a leader who will do all the decision making from now on. Yes he got a sideways check from a choke chain and in the nano second it was used Bobo will have no lasting spinal damage, which is so much better then the poor dogs that pull on their leashes everyday on walks choking themselves. But you know it was more than that check on the choke chain. It is how you feel in your belly, what you odurs you ammitfrom your skin, whether your shoulders are hunched or relaxed etc etc – this is energy and it’s not mumbo jumbo!
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Dr S O'Hanlon Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:02 am
1. I don’t like the term ‘energy’ and disagree that it has ANYTHING to do with dominance, but I completely agree that getting owners to remain calm and assertive is a good thing. That is why I think Cesar COULD be a great dog trainer if he ditched the ‘dominance’ myth and reliance on punitive techniques. He is doing some things very right… and others very very wrong.
2. In your example I agree that Bobo’s owner should not reassure him, and inadvertantly reward him, but show him a) that he need not be frightened of passerbys, and b) that he can rely and trust on his owner not to put him in any dangerous situation.
I cannot see where checking with a choke chain helps build this bond of trust or lessens fear – quite the reverse in fact. If Cesar used his ‘calm assertive energy’ to quietly and gradually desensise the dog to the frightening thing, and primary reinforcement to counter-coundition the dog’s reaction to people, he would be using all his skills to best effect. Unfortunately gradual desensitisation does not make dramatic TV viewing!
3. I would also agree that without careful observation and use of body language, clicker training and +R can be used inappropriately too. But the damange of using +R wrongly is going to be far far less than using +P!
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Ryan O'Meara Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:03 pm
[quote]“I don’t like the term ‘energy’ and disagree that it has ANYTHING to do with dominance, but I completely agree that getting owners to remain calm and assertive is a good thing. That is why I think Cesar COULD be a great dog trainer if he ditched the ‘dominance’ myth and reliance on punitive techniques. He is doing some things very right… and others very very wrong.[/quote]
^^^The above sums up my views on Cesar Millan in a perfect nutshell.
I absolutely do not but into dominance theory. I’ve studied dogs in packs and have had access to a couple of thousand dogs on a one to one basis.
For a dog to believe in human on dog dominance, he has to buy in to the theory that the human is a canine member of his pack. This is ludicrous. By acting LIKE a dog, the human is giving up the privilege of the fact that a dog comes ‘hard wired’ to actually recognise humans as a more ‘dominant’ species by nature. A dog is perfectly aware that a human is of a different species. Thus, by acting out in a way that mimics the dog, the human is spreading confusion.
I am ‘dominant’ over my dog by virtue of my species.
Calm, assertive behaviour produces results.
Dominance and pack-theory is a load of bunkum. I say this having seen how dogs interact in a true pack situation.
Alpha dogs / real pack leaders – do NOT do half of the things that we are lead to believe we should be doing. For example, I’ve seen pack leaders side step a fight over who gets to drink and eat first. I’ve seen pack leaders act very submissively, I’ve seen them relinquish position – but they REMAINED pack leaders and all the other dogs knew it. Pack leaders also tend to be the least physical and least prone to violence. The physicality and violence tends to come from lower ranking dogs as they jostle.
So for me, I simply do not worry about the idea that I need to stamp my authority as ‘pack leader’ because the very fact that I can leave the house, come back with a bag of groceries from Tesco, makes my dog realise that I have special, beneficial skills which, by definition, give me the status I require. This is innate, it’s bred in through generation after generation of domestic, selective breeding. We are NOT talking about wild dogs who need to be tamed or stallions who need to be broken in – we are talking about a domestic animal who ‘gets it’.
Calm, consistent, assertive, clear, kind, rewarding and plenty of physical and mental stimulation is the key to a successful dog. Cesar Millan does in fact teach plenty of this. Then he has to go and ruin it by talking about packs and dominance, which is a backward step – in my view.
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Dave Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I guess, Ryan, the difference between your opinions and that of Ceaser’s is that yours are like the steam that comes out of a ketle – once its out its gone and forgotten.
One of Ceasrs greatest strengths is his use of his pack of dogs to help re habilitate other dogs (its Daddy who’s my hero – not Cesar)and his graciousness in not claiming to have all the answers and refering to other dog professionals ideas as ”bunkum” (certainly not in the public domain)
I know who i’d wish to advise me on my dogs issues
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Ryan O'Meara Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Hey Dave, if you want to buy in to pack theory and dominance theory, more power to you. Personally I don’t really need to listen to dog gurus, I’d rather learn from dogs themselves – pack theory with regards to dog training is bunkum. I’ve trained more than 2,000 dogs and competed in the British Spaniel championship – which is the top gundog competition in the world bar none – it doesn’t make me a better dog trainer than anyone else, but what it does do is qualify my opinion as a dog trainer who has had success WITHOUT using pack theory and other such nonsense. You are, of course, free to choose who you want to get your advise from on dog issues, it’s genuinely no skin off my nose, I don’t make my living from giving dog advice or training dogs. But I am perfectly able to comment on canine issues on the back of experience with a lot of dogs. My opinion on pack theory and dominance theory as a dog training aid is bunkum – if you note, I did not refer to Cesar Millan in negative terms, but that particular line of thought as a training method is ridiculous and outdated. Dogs do not require humans to act like dogs in order to be able to be perfectly trained and acting like a dog is actually more likely to cause greater problems and confusion. Understanding pack theory and canine dominance makes perfect sense, attempting to deploy it as a dog training method, does not.
Dave Reply:
December 24th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
”Guru ” is your choice of word no one elses – and certainly not one CM attributes to himself. If you are useing the word(guru) to refer to an experienced dog professional then I am happy to read accross the board from Cesar to Jean Donaldson,John Fisher,Barry Eaton,Turid Ruugas,Bruce Fogle and so on. I think not to be open to learn from these people and just ‘learn from the dogs themselves’ is a touch arrogant. All these people have gained their knowledge from observing dogs but their insights and experiences as a result are rich and varied and are there for us all to tap into.
Maureen, Reply:
March 11th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Reading the comments of the dog trainers on Cesar Millan,they
seem to be united in a theme of green eyed envy..they appear to
function on puffed up egos..compared to the genuine humilty of
Cesar.
I saw Cesar last night in Derby, what an absolute joy it was to see this man in action..I came away totally uplifted..Beside me
was a woman who didn’t hesitate to tell me that she didn’t
approve of Cesars methods because she was a dog trainer, I asked
why on earth was she there. but did notice that she was laughing
and applauding along with the rest of us…pure hypocrisy.
I don’t really care who you choose to read – it’s of no consequence to me. However, I commented on pack and dominance theory based in real world, physical experience with a lot of dogs. Simple as that.
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Dave Reply:
December 24th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Well where do you think all these others base their theories in……a test tube with a bunch of cats ……!!!
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for any detractors of cesar millan, and there are many it seems, i always say the same. what other trainer do you know that has 50 or so dogs all living in harmony. including x fighting pitbulls, rottweilers and many other breeds who came to him with agressive tendensies. also what other trainer will actually take the dog on if the owner cant keep them.
saying that showing a dog that you are the boss creates a fearfull dog is madness. a dog will relax once it realises that it doesnt have to react to all new stimulous as you are in control and will guide and protect it.
for detractors from the term energy, its a shame you arent more intune or else you would be able to feel the changes in your dog before it reacts. to call that mumbo jumbo is denying the natural makeup of all living things. we are all electrical pulses and the current alters as changes in perception or emotion occur. before i had ever heard of cesar i was aware of this.
i could always feel if a dog fight was about to occur even if i wasnt looking at the dogs in question. i have the same prickly feeling when humans are about to kick off and have noticed that the current is much stronger and easier to read in people with psyccosis.
cesar is not only a dog and human trainer but blatantly a man of courage, substance and integrity.
i dont care if it gets cesar haters backs up when i say that he truely is a gift from the gods and hope that he can further in britain the good work he does to clear the tarnished name of a breed in this country that is murdered daily because of ignorance into how to train a pitbull successfully.
hopefully he can help us make them legal. as apart from k9 magazine, i dont really see many others trying and alot of british people still buy into the all pitbulls are baby eaters myth. shame he wont be able to bring daddy and junior because of our stupid laws.
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Hi, l have a white german shepherd who is now 8yrs old and despite being bought up with 3 other dogs in our pack she has grown up with dog issues. On the lead if she sees a dog she will drag me along barking trying to get at them and if she gets to a dog she will pin them to the floor and has l say give them a good telling off without marking them at all. This l only know has l never let her off the lead with other dogs but a man wouldnt wait till i put her on the lead in the field one day, he had two retreivers. The horrid thing is she also does this with members of her own pack so she has to be walked seperate to which l think is a terrible shame has she misses out on the play and fun she should have with the pack.She is gentle and loving to humans of all ages. l tell you this as l have broke myself paying out loads of money to dog trainers in britain over the years and not one as been able to help her or me. So to me l wish l could get to see Cesar Milan as l believe he would be able to get to the root of her problem that as l said no one else as.
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Sorry but i cant explain what is in my heart in the moment i am live right now in english.
Provavelmente algumas pessoas me conhecem em barnes, wimbledon and ritchmond parck.
Eu nao sou ainda um especialista mas, tenho algum conhecimento.
Como quem me conhece sabe que sou bem similar ao cesar millan quero dizer as tecnicas.
Trabalhei em uma compania por mais de 2 anos e perdi este lugar ainda nao sei o por que, talvez para mim poder crescer com minhas proprias pernas. Acredito muito no meu potencial e nao vou desistir mesmo que tenho que morar dentro do meu carra neste inverno. O ponto que quero chegar e……Cesar venha e veja eu me cominicando com os animais e me diga se estou no caminho certo por favor.
Nao vai ser dificil de me achar se tu fores nestes parques mencinados acima. Te agradeco antecipadamente e entendo que isto possa ser imposivel. Que Deus te abencoe. H H. Shiiiii.
CLAUDIO BARBOSA
brasileiro
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It seems to me that in any Field of training ,whether it be children, dogs ,Horses,Medical etc., you name it,there will always be some who take the Establishment view,this is the way we do it and there is no other way because we are totally institutionalized and resistant to any new ideas and woe betide anyonewho rocks the boat! we have all seen it or orexperienced it at sometime.
What is wrong with someone promoting their way of doing things,Just because it doesn’t fit with the establisment elite theories. If it works for him and it works for the animals and doesn’t hurt them,let him get on with it and leave him alone! I supect that there is a lot of professional jealousy involved here because Ceasar is getting a flurry of media attention at the moment, it will put some establishment noses out of joint.In my view,if they want to walk about with teir heads in the sand, so be it! but maybe, just for once, they should perhaps consider that there may be more than one way of doing things.
To me Ceasar Milan is a breath of fresh air in a somewhat stale Doggy world, I wish him well and hope his UK tour goes well, I also hope he makes a lot of money over here and then goes home and puts it to good use developing his Dog psycology center.
Phil Walker
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well said phil, my sentiments exactaly. if he saves dogs from death and trains with love in his heart, which he plainly does then all power to him.
as for the lovely people who have donated thier ticket money to dog charities i should think that he would thouroughly commend your decision.
our bigest challenge as dog owners is to create an end to breed ban legislation. as i say if he can help alter peoples perception on this causing pressure on the government to rethink ,then many thousands of innocent dogs could be saved.
i for one am chuffed that he has made time to come to britain.
both him and his wife are involved in charities for children and animals, they deserve all the success they have achieved through hard work and dedication.
this should not overshadow the work of excellent british trainers. there is plenty of room in the dog raining world for all the lovely people trying to dispel the ignorance of how some dogs are evil. i myself have trained dogs with aggression issues and they have become cuddly teddy bears using cesars teqniques. another trainer i love is victoria stillwell.
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Its rather strange that Cesar himself never enters the debate. Having read his books and watched his program I noted that he always refers to other professionals with grace and indeed encourages people to seek the help of a professional dog trainer. As he often stresses, he is NOT a dog trainer, he rehabilitates dogs with problems and helps the owners be better leaders for the dog’s own welbeing and, in my opinion, does this extremely well! He says – this is how I do it – and not – this is the only way to do it. His critics often cite a list of organisations who have petitionned against him as though all involved in the welfare of dogs were his ennemies; there are many other organisations, just as reputable and just as committed to the wellbeing of dogs, who agree with his philosphy and seek his help. Trust me I would never hurt an animal and would never condone cruel treatment toward an animal, if I ever see ANY hint of cruelty or mistreatment at the hands of Cesar Millan I would join the ranks of his detractors in a New York minute. That hasn’t happened heretoforth and I doubt it ever will as I only see compassion and deep understanding in his actions and no edititing in the world would have been able to mask that. As for his commercial pursuits I say more power to him. And yes, I do have front row VIP seats to see him in Dublin (travelling from Norway to see him
and I’ll be buying all the ‘rubbish’ that’ll be on sale before the show…. can’t help myself:-)
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Cesar is a genius.
Yes we do have some fantastic dog trainers in the UK who use only kind methods.
I now a trainer who can’t rehabilate own dog from people aggression. This trainer will only use positive reinforcements methods. But they are clearly failing in this case. And because of this, the dog is condemded to live in fear of meeting people for the rest of his life.
Also some so called ‘kind method trainers’ advocate putting an aggressive dog down.
Cesar has never suggested any dog be put down for behavioural issues!!!! If a quick appropriate correction and a adapting your life style to fulfil your dogs needs can save your dog’s life – what will you choose?
I have adopted Cesar’s philosophy of calm assertive energy, practise exercise, discipline and effection, and follow it up with training using positive reinforcement.
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Most of my clients come to me when all other methods and/or trainers have given up or the dog has been excluded from training classes. I use common sense, Cesar’s techniques amongst others (I always keep an open mind) and usually find the dog is easy, it’s the humans that clutter up their minds with the rubbish talked by so many people. Teaching the humans is much harder because they are not as quick to learn as the dog and they have these crazy notions that they can tell what the dog is thinking.
I use correction, not punishment.
My clients are happy with my methods, I explain them first.
My clients are happy with their dogs.
And that is my goal, happy dogs, happy people.
And that I believe, is Cesar Millan’s goal too.
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I have been fortunate enough to have seen Cesar Millans seminar in Melbourne, Australia and am looking forward to seeing him again in Cardiff. I have read all the books and believe it is essential to read them and see him live if you are going to make a comment on his methods.
Within his seminar he does talk about Exercise, Discipline affection. Rules, Boundaries and limitations, calm assertive energy all things we have read and heard in his shows. The magic for me is seeing this mans energy and techniques right in front of your eyes. It is one thing reading it is something else to see right in front of you.
The show was split into to two sections first was a talk then hands on where several dogs with a variety of different issues came on stage and he works with them and their owners. It is a real opportunity and one that should not be missed. You would not believe the number of people I heard coming out of the seminar talking about exercising their dogs more, a simple message that obviously wasn’t being heard by enough people. In a time where a large percentage of the population of dogs and humans are over weight then the promotion of exercise can not be a bad thing.
I understand it is a lot of money and it does annoy me at times the franchise side of his business. I would like to think that he will work with some charities whilst he is here I now in Australia he had worked along side some.
You could tell during the seminar just how much his work with dogs meant to him. The business side could be organised by other people but his love and work with these great animals is all him.
If you follow his advice and remain calm assertive you can bring no harm to people or your dogs. For me this is a great message.
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If only Cesar did what he says to do… with no force used…
In this clip he appears to be issuing calm “positively-charged (high voltage) energy” via a hidden shock collar remote control, without even mentioning he is using a shock collar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPvr8tQhJY4
I’ve seen an expert desensitise a dog to cats in minutes with no fuss – this is not ‘no fuss’. He even manages to get the dog to redirect a bite towards the owner. The poor dog also hides under the owner’s chair effectively screaming “mum help me”.
In this one he kicks a dog, then restricts it’s air supply, the dog fights to get the lead loosened from around it’s neck (I would have gone for Cesar’s neck myself). The dog keels over looking semi-concious (or ‘calm’ as Cesar puts it), a change of camera angle and dog jumps up looking fine, ony trouble is in the frame before it jumps up it was not lying in a puddle of dog wee where it was lying, but a puddle is there when the dog jumps up – what makes a male dog wee whilst lying down, and how long was the time gap?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eSERTmOrpk&feature=related
Sorry, I just don’t think he’s any good at anything apart from marketing!
See a qualified professional instead!
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ps
Re: ‘I know a trainer who can’t rehabilitate own dog from people aggression… using reward based methods’…’so I use “correction”‘.
… Seems a common complaint
You wouldn’t expect a first aider to do heart surgery, so be realistic about the expertise level of someone who has maybe just attended a couple of dog training courses for a few days.
Many are self taught – and I wouldn’t want a self-taught dentist.
Find a person suitably qualified for the scale of problem that you have. Being a dog dance teacher does not make that person a dog psychiatrist, in the same way that a human dance teacher isn’t a qualified human psychiatrist.
There may be dog trainer organisations at lower levels (at the lowest level you just have to pay the joining fee), ones like APDT with a high training standards, or ‘qualified behavourist’ ones like APBC for serious behaviour problems (requiring a ‘psychiatrist’, with a relevant degree as a pre-requisite to even starting their training to be qualified.)
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What Cesar Millan does is nothing new. People were doing this sort of thing back in the 1960s. However most people stopped using his methods for a number of reasons. Firstly they got tired of getting bitten. Note that Cesar and his clients get bitten regularly judging by the TV show and videos. Secondly the logic behind his methods are based on how people thought wolves and dogs behaved. But today research shows clearly that dogs do not behave how Cesar suggests. Finally what cesar actually does is to scare the dog with either jabs, leash jerks or shsst sounds. This causes stress which reduces the behaviour. However the animal may use aggression in response to this stress which is why Cesar and his clients get bitten so often. Of course poking and prodding dogs will work sometimes, if you are prepared to take the risk of getting bitten or making the dog more aggressive of course. Thankfully most modern trainers that are well educated in animal behaviour realised that there are better, safer ways to train dogs and other animals including humans.
Many organisations are concerned that owners will get bitten by following cesar methods as cesar and his clients are often bitten . So they have issues a warning to the public to take care if using his methods, just to save Cesar getting sued by them all. http://www.dogwelfarecampaign.org/ Of course if you don’t mind getting bitten or scaring your dog then carry on and copy Cesar. They are your fingers after all – just be ready to protect yourself.
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A large number of dogs in the UK are not walked regularly if the only message that Cesar gets through to people is to walk their dogs he has been successful.
His methods are not to train dogs these are for the toughest cases last chance cases that other professionals would have had put down. I watched it’s me or the dog where Victoria insisted they put a dog down, I thought this was awful and a disappointment maybe if it was with Cesar the dog would still be alive.
His work for powerful breeds is really important especially with the dangerous dogs act.
No one should use his techniques without proper guidance. This is common sense but needs to be put up as a warning due to people’s stupidity.
What I like about Cesar’s work is that he will teach the correct techniques for the tools that the owner chooses to use. Other trainers may insist on tools that should not be used and force their opinions on people.
If the dogs in his pack were scared of him I think Cesar would know about it and wouldn’t last very long. He has brought really important messages out in the world.
When a large percentage of pets in the UK are obese and the owners as well the message of exercise, discipline then affection is important.
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It’s unfortunate that MIllan is now subjecting British dogs to his abusive practices and outdated methods.
His methods are based on pain and intimidation, there is little instructive value about his show. The few tidbits of good advice regarding exercise can be obtained from every other trainer in the world.
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Linda Reply:
March 7th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Unfortunately, you obviously do not like his methods and perhaps there are behavourists out there of the same opionion who may be jealous that he has been able to get his message out there.
We had a dog aggressive rottie rescue and spent a fortune on various recommended dog behavourists. One behavourist did help to a certain extent but still would not let us bring her anywhere near any other dogs or to her classes (even as she improved), therefore, we could not progress and I suppose we were beginning to think the same way as a couple of other owners did and take her back to the rescue home.
Fortunately for us and the dog, we persevered and from watching Cesar’s shows and reading his books, we have followed his leadership methods which are not ‘abusive’ as you put it – do you really think his shows would be allowed on networks if he was? Our rottie has improved no end, she mixes with other dogs and is very contented and well behaved. Rotties do get a a very bad press. We do charity work with her now and you would be surprised at how many people change their attitudes towards the breed. As Cesar says “it’s not the breed, it’s the handler”.
We love dogs (and other animals) but no dog or human is perfect. We have the greatest respect for Cesar and wish I knew of a behavourist in the UK who deals with dog handlers in the same way, as a lot of behavourists brush over the handler issues, and always try to deal with the comands – sit, stay, etc – rather than concentrate on the owner/handler. Yes, commands are important but unless there is respect from both handler and dog those commands will never work.
As per Gareth’s comments (February 8, 2010 at 10:02 pm), I think the problem with a lot of dogs in the UK (as shown with the problem dogs on Cesar’s shows) is that they are not exercised properly. Why purchase/obtain a dog if you are not going to go out for walks, they need exercise and discipline as well as the affection they truly deserve.
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Yet the message is not out there. Why would so many people follow his work if he was cruel to the dogs. It would not happen. Considering some of the treatment of dogs around the world Cesars methods can not be compared to such cruelty. With regards to the instructive value of the show i am glad he doesnt.When i need advice and techniques i will go to a local qualified trainer. Any techniques in the wrong hands or incorrect technique could potentially cause problems.
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I saw Cesar in B’ham on his dog whisperer tour last week and was totally enchanted by the man. I love his show anyone and think he is a genius. The show was entertaining and he was funny but at the same time was getting the message across that its how we treat our animals that causes alot of the problems he deals with. I found him totally fascinating and not only a brilliant trainer but a thorougly decent modest man. We got VIP tickets that wernt cheap but I thought it was worth every penny. The man has a great stage presence and everybody in the place was hooked on his every word.
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Dave Reply:
March 9th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Agree with the above;I saw Cesar in Cardiff. Although I expected there to be quite a crowd I was pleasantly suprised to see the CIA so full. I really believe Cesar was affected by the the wave of appreciation that met him when he came on stage. He knows too well he has his critics but it must have been a real inspiration for him to experience such a welcome so far from home. Although a lot of what he said was familiar it was still refreshing to be part of such an entertaining and challenging show. One of the highlights was the montage dedicated to Daddy – WHAT A DOG !
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Only 7 more days till I see him in Dublin (travelling from Norway for the occasion) I can’t wait especially after reading the comments about his show in Cardiff and in Birmingham (I am so lucky to have VIP tickets… front row too
so sooo excited.
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ok i saw ceaser on sunday at wemberly with a friend and having both watched the tv show and read his first book i stick by the oppinion of him i’ve had from the start i agree with some but not all of his methods the calm authority figure and excersise disapline affection regime is one i have applied all through my dog owning and handling time from when my dad first taught me how to train and work a dog at the age of about 6 or 7 though the methods my dad taught me would be classed as out dated by some as they are 50’s/60’s british army methods and some my grandfather taught him which are from the 20’s but i have with a small amount of modification found them to always work for me with family dogs including my current dog a bullmastiff cross english bull terrier who is my unofficial service dog who dose things like helping me sit up in the mornings or if i’ve been laying down in the day, switching on and off light switches if im having a very bad day, walks with my wheelchair with no problems and has done since puppyhood and picks up things that i drop.
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it had been 10 years since i had a dog but with watching Cesar it inspired me to get another, i chose a Doberman again as i had previously owned one, i brought her up from 8 weeks old to rules, boundries, and regulations and consequences, my dog has never ever been smacked or shouted at and she walks off lead all the time, when i am out with her everyone i meet comments on her temperament and how well behaved she is and they just love her , i am so proud of her and thank cesar for giving me the tools to have a well balanced dog, his understanding and endless patience must have saved countless dogs from being distroyed for there behaviour, he is to be respected for all his work, anyone that can help save the life of just one animal has to be a valued member of society, and i am looking forward to seeing him in Liverpool next weekend.
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I’m not a dog owner, but I do watch The Dog Whisperer, as does one of my friend (who does have a doggy; two in fact).
I don’t just watch “The Dog Whisperer”, I also watch “Dog Borstal” (a show for UK dog owners where both the dog and the owner gets sorted out), and other shows. I’ve watched shows where the trainer has used ‘gentle ways’, and more often than not they’re not as successful.
People who don’t like Cesar’s methods probably don’t watch his show. Because of this, they think “oh, Cesar Millan is cruel. he just hits the dog to get it to do what he wants” No. He doesn’t. He knows what’s the best method for each dog and their type of issue they have. People get “oh, he hurt the dog, look how it looked at him when he did that, he’s cruel” blahblahblah, and it’s not like that at all. My friend did actually do the biting thingie and it worked. One of her dogs, Tess, would occassionally growl at her other dog, Izzy. My friend started to do that technique, and Tess would stop. Tess now no longer does it, and she wasn’t harmed at all.
I just want to point out. Dogs are descendants of wolves. How do you think the alphawolf gets the pack to do what it wants? No doubt someone will say to that statement “Yeah, descendants. They’re not wolves so don’t need to be treated like that blahblahblah” but no matter what you say they still are. And they fall into instinct that “oh, I need to protect my pack” because the ruddy owner of the dog has gone “duuuh, this dog sees me as it’s mummy/daddy, so it’s gonna do what I say, huuuuhhuuuh” and it’s so stupid. I’m pretty sure a dog can tell the difference between a human and a dog. It’s not going “we’re a family and I’m the baby YAAAAAY” it’s going “No-one is taking control. Someone needs to take control. I shall take control.” and an agressive dog is born. Would you follow a weak leader? I wouldn’t. So why would a dog, who still have a lot more pack like instinct than humans, follow a weak leader, even if the leader in question is human? They’re not seeing that, they’re seeing “that one can’t lead”
Also, when multiple domesticated dogs get loose and become a pack, they (may) revert back to how a pack of wolves would behave. Yes, wolves are a lot more dangerous, but they’re the same family. Feral cats are dangerous, yet you get a kitty in the pet shop it’s all sweet and lovely – at the time being! Cats flip from one to another, dogs are a lot more predictable.
Anyway, what i mean is that his methods aren’t creul and barbaric. People who think that (I personally think) are blowing it out of proportion. If I had a dog, I’d rather get it trained by Cesar Millan or Mark (Dog Borsal) than some weak-willed animal trainer who doesn’t get the job done as well at all.
Thankyou for reading my long rant.
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