It was so refreshing to read your critique. I have a jack russell currently going through rehabilitation through positive reinforcement. His trainer is a qualified vet and companion animal behaviourist. We work with different members of her team. We’ve been rehabilitating since January 2010, and though it’s slow and hard work, my little man has made excellent progress. We recently went for annual vet check up and his heart beat is now slower and his arthiritis medication has been reduced because he is much more relaxed. I have used other so-called behaviourists who in their own unique misinformed ways made my dog worse. They had no qualifications and used dominance theory to justify their methods. Having read up on the dominance myth I have now come to the conclusion that it is us humans who want to be dominant not dogs.

AWESOME response! So well thought out and well explained and so many references included at the end – how can anyone accept what this man is doing when they read an intelligent answer like that!

I’ve only been able to stomach the show once and even then my limbic system was buzzing so much that I’m not sure I could tell you what happened….

Hope you’re well!
Sally

thank you for this most insightful article. When I first watched the Dog Whisperer I thought he was amazing! Then the second time, I felt a bit uneasy about his methods but dismissed them, as I can be a bit of a softy when it comes to animals. This article has validated what I’ve been feeling, so thank you.

I have watched a few of his show’s episodes and read 2 of his books, another specific to the Dacschund breed plus a wonderful book written by a holistic vet in New Zealand, “Natural Dog”. I am, as are many viewers, seeking an education. All these resources have inspired me to ‘read on’ and seek out other authors / professionals in educating myself and seeing to the happy life of my dacschund, Lulu. I see these influences as complementary and an immense help, but yes, ultimately, raising Lulu has been about getting to know who Lulu is and building a relationship with her as a little individual with own personality, needs and unique ways of interacting with us.

I agree that a healthy debate as to Cesar’s approach and how it compares to that of other professionals in this field is necessary (one cannot argue that there seems to be a demand for this information and ultimately the debate). Considering his show’s popularity and the subsequent ‘consciousness’ that this & his books have created among pet owners the world over, it’s evident that Caesar has opened the door to all manner of dog-professional willing to present their approaches to and impart expertise in rearing fulfilled animals. This must surely be an exciting moment for all of you and your work!

At least the topic of rearing pets has received appropriate airtime (for once). Now it’s up to the community of professionals to stand up and provide their insights, publications and educated critiques of dog handling in general, not quash the first voice to present the topic in a popular format.

I am so grateful that there are trainers like you who adhere to ethical principles and can back up your teaching methods with solid learning theories.
It concerns me greatly that naive viewers will use his methods and then blame their dogs when worse behaviours manifest.

Keep up your wonderful work and thank you for helping me do what is right for my dogs!

Hope you have settled in well into the new place (Ben n Cindy too).

Novida

Thanks for your newsletter. I read your opinions re Cesar. Well argued!

Well done for speaking out. I have also resorted to addressing the issue on my website, as I have been inundated with clients who have been sucked in by Milan’s show. Unfortunately so many of our South African colleagues (including many vets) still rely far too much on dominance theory. I look forward to the day when more trainers and behaviourists move with the times, make themselves familiar with learing theory and finally say goodbye to pop psychology myths! Thanks for letting me see that I am not fighting this battle alone!

All I can say is THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

I have tried to explain to doggie friends who think his methods “make sense” that his methods are downright cruel!

I spoke to you today about my fearful aggressive dog and so am very aware of body language, calming signals etc, when I watch this show I just want to cry as I can just imagine how the dog feels.

I would work with my dog for his entire life before resorting to using these methods.

So again, Thank you!

Wish I could have worked with you but hopeufully when your facilities are finished being build we can meet

The reason why I did not approach these two woman was because they were clearly deliberate and their lack of action when they saw the situation. And I think that was the main reason for my fuming anger. If I were to say something to them then, it would have been anything but educational. I understand that accidents do happen, but what the owner does or tries to do can clearly indicate their attitude towards their dogs and other people’s dogs and how open they will be to friendly advice.

I saw a VERY bad scene 2 months ago, where an off leash Bullmastif, ran towards an on leash Jack Russel and started to tear him to shreds, it was horrific and ever since then I am extremely tense around off leash dogs, I am terrified that they will do something to my pups, and as a result, my pups pick up on my fear, I feel so guilty for it, because my pups now 4.5mnths old Weims are very scared of other dogs.

But shows you how one bad experience can have a huge influence on a pup and an owner…. I am also too scared to take my pups to the beach, for this exact same reason, I’m too scared of off leash dogs. So my two pups have Never seen the ocean

If I were you, I would have approached the pup owners and given them a mouth full! Afterall, you are the expert and they, well they are selfish to say the least!

Good Luck with the building and relocation!!! Can’t wait to have you guys up and running again so we can finally meet you and hopefully join one of your classes!

Kind Regards
Riana, James
Comet and Astro