Tuesday, January 8, 2008
It's About time! Cesar Millan is WRONG!
Finally the truth about Cesar Millan and his training methods are coming out! Professional trainers and behaviorists who use science-based training methods that do not include punishment or any type of physical correction are NOT the exception, we are the norm.
Here is the entire link: http://dogtime.com/cesar-millan-and-ian-dunbar.html
Ian Dunbar is the expert in the field not Cesar Millan. Ian Dunbar has certifications and degrees, Cesar does not. Ian's methods work. Cesar's don't. Please remember when you watch a 30 minute show, NOTHING is solved in 30 minutes and they are NEVER going to show you failure. That wouldn't make for good t.v. Times are changing and soon the world will understand that you don't have to wrestle with a dog's body when you can work with his mind.
From the article (please do click the link and read the whole thing!)
Putting your dog in his place
Cesar's way: Dogs assume either a dominant or submissive role in their "pack." If he doesn't get off the couch when you ask him to, it's your dog's way of telling you that he's dominant and you're submissive.
Why he's way off: The notion of a rigid pack hierarchy with fixed roles between humans and dogs is largely a myth. Dogs are most likely to do what we humans ask when they clearly understand what we want - not as a sign of submission. Patricia McConnell explains: "So many issues - sitting on the couch, coming when called - have nothing to do with social status, any more than how you do on a math exam reflects your social status. A dog who doesn't sit when you ask him to sit - in most cases - simply doesn't understand what you want."
The truth: In groups of canines, roles among individual members are both fluid and give-and-take.
Treating fear with fear
Cesar's way: You can "cure" a dog's fear by overwhelming him with the very stimulus that terrifies him.
Why he's way off: Imagine treating a human's acrophobia by dangling him over the edge of a skyscraper. This technique, called "flooding," actually leads to further psychological trauma in the form of learned helplessness: An animal learns that resistance is futile - his spirit is broken and he ceases to assert himself.
Trish King, Director of the Animal Behavior & Training Department at the Marin Humane Society observes: "In some of his shows, Cesar tells the owner how 'calm and submissive' a dog is, when to me, the dog looks shut down and fearful."
The truth: It may take weeks or months for your dog to truly overcome deep-rooted fear - and setbacks along the way are to be expected.
Snapping the leash or rolling the dog
Cesar's way: Physical corrections - such as snapping a dog's leash or forcefully rolling him onto his back - are an effective way to garner good behavior.
Why he's way off: Physical corrections add to your dog's stress rather than offer instructive information. You may temporarily stun your dog into obedience in the short run, but in the long run, the use of physical force increases aggression and, ultimately, your behavioral problems.
"You can lead with force, like Saddam Hussein, or you can be a benevolent leader to your dog by choosing a style more like Gandhi," says Tamar Geller, trainer to Oprah Winfrey's dogs and author of The Loved Dog. "Your approach will determine the type of relationship you have - and whether your dog acts out of intimidation... or respect."
The truth: Rewarding for the behavior you do want, as opposed to punishing for any number of behaviors you don't want, clearly communicates to your dog what's expected and is far more likely to generate confident, appropriate behavior.
The Happiest Dog on the Block
Dog trainer and behavior counselor
Northford CT, United States
http://thehappiestdog.blogspot.com/2008/01/its-about-time-cesar-millan-is-wrong.html
It's About time! Cesar Millan is WRONG!
Finally the truth about Cesar Millan and his training methods are coming out! Professional trainers and behaviorists who use science-based training methods that do not include punishment or any type of physical correction are NOT the exception, we are the norm.
Here is the entire link: http://dogtime.com/cesar-millan-and-ian-dunbar.html
Ian Dunbar is the expert in the field not Cesar Millan. Ian Dunbar has certifications and degrees, Cesar does not. Ian's methods work. Cesar's don't. Please remember when you watch a 30 minute show, NOTHING is solved in 30 minutes and they are NEVER going to show you failure. That wouldn't make for good t.v. Times are changing and soon the world will understand that you don't have to wrestle with a dog's body when you can work with his mind.
From the article (please do click the link and read the whole thing!)
Putting your dog in his place
Cesar's way: Dogs assume either a dominant or submissive role in their "pack." If he doesn't get off the couch when you ask him to, it's your dog's way of telling you that he's dominant and you're submissive.
Why he's way off: The notion of a rigid pack hierarchy with fixed roles between humans and dogs is largely a myth. Dogs are most likely to do what we humans ask when they clearly understand what we want - not as a sign of submission. Patricia McConnell explains: "So many issues - sitting on the couch, coming when called - have nothing to do with social status, any more than how you do on a math exam reflects your social status. A dog who doesn't sit when you ask him to sit - in most cases - simply doesn't understand what you want."
The truth: In groups of canines, roles among individual members are both fluid and give-and-take.
Treating fear with fear
Cesar's way: You can "cure" a dog's fear by overwhelming him with the very stimulus that terrifies him.
Why he's way off: Imagine treating a human's acrophobia by dangling him over the edge of a skyscraper. This technique, called "flooding," actually leads to further psychological trauma in the form of learned helplessness: An animal learns that resistance is futile - his spirit is broken and he ceases to assert himself.
Trish King, Director of the Animal Behavior & Training Department at the Marin Humane Society observes: "In some of his shows, Cesar tells the owner how 'calm and submissive' a dog is, when to me, the dog looks shut down and fearful."
The truth: It may take weeks or months for your dog to truly overcome deep-rooted fear - and setbacks along the way are to be expected.
Snapping the leash or rolling the dog
Cesar's way: Physical corrections - such as snapping a dog's leash or forcefully rolling him onto his back - are an effective way to garner good behavior.
Why he's way off: Physical corrections add to your dog's stress rather than offer instructive information. You may temporarily stun your dog into obedience in the short run, but in the long run, the use of physical force increases aggression and, ultimately, your behavioral problems.
"You can lead with force, like Saddam Hussein, or you can be a benevolent leader to your dog by choosing a style more like Gandhi," says Tamar Geller, trainer to Oprah Winfrey's dogs and author of The Loved Dog. "Your approach will determine the type of relationship you have - and whether your dog acts out of intimidation... or respect."
The truth: Rewarding for the behavior you do want, as opposed to punishing for any number of behaviors you don't want, clearly communicates to your dog what's expected and is far more likely to generate confident, appropriate behavior.
The Happiest Dog on the Block
Dog trainer and behavior counselor
Northford CT, United States
http://thehappiestdog.blogspot.com/2008/01/its-about-time-cesar-millan-is-wrong.html