Dog Whisperer

Doberluv

Active Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2004
Messages
22,038
Likes
2
Points
38
Location
western Wa
#21
Good grief! By the time I post mine, there are a bunch of others so I didn't get a chance to say, "good post RD."
 

Scooter

New Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2006
Messages
970
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
San Francisco
#22
Not that I'm one to gossip, but....a friend of mine who lives in LA knows him casually and says he's kind of an asshole in general. Very macho.
 

irotas

Sucker for a droopy lab
Joined
Oct 15, 2006
Messages
361
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Toronto, Canada
#23
All those pokes, yanks, noises...they don't teach a dog what to do at all. *shakes head in disblief.*
Well, the pokes, yanks, and noises are ways to "startle" the dog to stop what he's doing. But I absolutely 100% agree with you that unless you teach your what you DO want him to do, you've only frustrated your dog without any positive redirection.

It's true that Cesar Milan mostly skips this critical second step, and in this way I agree that his advice is misleading.
 

sam

New Member
Joined
May 10, 2006
Messages
894
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Western Canada
#24
LOL Scooter but he has that sexy accent ;) :p .

RD-- I've been herding for a while now with a totally amazing and very successful trainer, trial judge (wins the biggest trials with $50 000 paychecks, regularly sells his trained dogs for over $10 000) and while it certainly does require "corrections" in the form of a verbal marker to indicate something to the dog, training a dog in herding is really is Premack at it's best. The dogs learn: you do what I ask = I send you to the sheep. you don't follow my instruction = I make it VERY hard for you to get the sheep. I think we're on the same page with that though right?

The second my dogs realised that the instant they downed, I would send them back to the sheep, their downs became lightening fast. The same is now holding true for their "that'll do" my extremely high drive, sheep obsessed dog will turn on her heel and RUN to the opposite corner of the arena to set herself up for her next outrun. I can say "that'll do and turn my back on my dog and she will comply. She has never worn a collar or a line in the presence of sheep. Did I have to run my butt off to get that first 'down' ? heck ya! and I guess you could call it +P when I'm saying in my deepest voice, most serious voice LIE DOWN!!!! But good herding really shouldn't have much by way of "corrections" so I'm a little leary of the methods of whoever is training you (unless I'm misinterpreting what you are saying and you won't be using collar corrections or a line) . Good sheep herding is really just Premack. You don't need clickers or treats but the principle is the same- your timing in sending your dog is the click and the sheep are better than the best treat in the world.
Sheep are the ULTIMATE reward for the herding dog-- handlers just need to learn how to use it to teach the dog his job.
There really isn't much "correcting" going on and sure doesn't need to be anything harsh done to a dog to teach them to herd-- typically that backfires anyway since border collies are so soft. I'm not sure if I'm just repeating what you've said. Curse this pregnancy brain.

sorry for the hijack. back to your regularly schedueled debate on Cesar.
 

Groch

Gadget Hound
Joined
Jan 10, 2007
Messages
270
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Denver Colorado
#25
In looking over past threads it seems that there are few subjects that incite as much passion as a discussion of Caesar Millan. I have watched the show from the beginning and read much of the criticism on this and other sites.

Here are some conclusions from a non-expert viewer:

1. The premise of the show itself largely determines the methods used. Caesar visits severely unbalanced often violent dogs with clueless owners and must change the behavior of both owner and dog in what usually amounts to 2-3 hours or less. While I believe that other methods may indeed work better and with less trauma, his work quickly.

2. The vast majority of owners and dogs he visits are far better off when he leaves than when he arrives. In a recent episode Caesar showed 2 typical clueless owners how to control 2 mini-schnauzers who were brutally attacking their 3rd dog, and how to start to control the third dogs unbalanced behaviors. He may have saved 3 lives in that one.

3. The show has evolved in a positive way over the years, probably largely due to the kinds of criticism they get on this and other forums. I too was shocked by the episode where he dragged the petrified Great Dane on to a linoleum floor. Particularly in this year's episodes there is far more positive reinforcement (and even treats!!!).

4. I do not believe for a minute that the methods he uses are based on ignorance. Dog Whisperer is by far the largest grossing show on NGC. Since the first day it was on it has received a tremendous amount of feedback both positive and negative from the dog world. Caesar spends much of his time on the road speaking to dog groups all over the country...you can sure bet he his challenged just as often there as he is here.

5. The primary benefit of the show is to prove to dog owners that there are far more incompetent owners than bad dogs. He makes people understand that dogs CAN change, and that alone may have saved thousands of dogs from the shelter. The hope is that they take the advice frequently posted on the screen to seek the advice of a competent local trainer/behaviorist.

6. I would very much like to see a competing show that uses other more positive training methods....their was a British program on a few years back but I think it is gone now.

7. It must be incredibly annoying for dog behaviorists using more mainstream positive methods to constantly have to defend themselves and their methods...."Why don't you do it like Caesar?"

George
 
Last edited:

irotas

Sucker for a droopy lab
Joined
Oct 15, 2006
Messages
361
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Toronto, Canada
#26
1. The premise of the show itself largely determines the methods used. Caesar visits severely unbalanced often violent dogs with clueless owners and must change the behavior of both owner and dog in what usually amounts to 2-3 hours or less. While I believe that other methods may indeed work better and with less trauma, his work quickly.

First of all, excellent post.

Second, I really agree with the point that I quoted above. I think this aspect of it is often overlooked (I certainly didn't consider it).
 

Roxy's CD

Active Member
Joined
May 17, 2006
Messages
3,016
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
Ontario, Canada
#28
I've watched it a few times and Scooter, what you said doesn't surprise me. The guy probably drives a big truck ;) LOL

When I first watched it, I had the same reaction. "Wow! He fixed the dogs that quick!" stuff like that.

It now seems like he's pretty agressive... I began to wonder why and how he changed those dogs behaviours so quickly. The emotions (of the dog) that popped into my head were: absolute fear, terror, confusion and words of the like.

One thing that I think makes sense, and I understand is the whole calm state of mind thing. The no nonsense attitude of the owner that results in a calm, relaxed dog.

*shrugs* It's a tv show, so it's kind of sad that people will probably only use his TV show as their only source of information about dog training. But the other side of me says, there are worse dog trainers out there.
 

sam

New Member
Joined
May 10, 2006
Messages
894
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Western Canada
#29
In looking over past threads it seams that there are few subjects that incite as much passion as a discussion of Caesar Millan. I have watch the show from the beginning and read most of the criticism on this and other sites.

Here are some conclusions from a non-expert viewer:

1. The premise of the show itself largely determines the methods used. Caesar visits severely unbalanced often violent dogs with clueless owners and must change the behavior of both owner and dog in what usually amounts to 2-3 hours or less. While I believe that other methods may indeed work better and with less trauma, his work quickly.

2. The vast majority of owners and dogs he visits are far better off when he leaves than when he arrives. In a recent episode Caesar showed 2 typical clueless owners how to control 2 mini-schnauzers who were brutally attacking their 3rd dog, and how to start to control the third dogs unbalanced behaviors. He may have saved 3 lives in that one.

3. The show has evolved in a positive way over the years, probably largely due to the kinds of criticism they get on this and other forums. I too was shocked by the episode where he dragged the petrified Great Dane on to a linoleum floor. Particularly in this year's episodes there is far more positive reinforcement (and even treats!!!.

4. I do not believe for a minute that the methods he uses are based on ignorance. Dog Whisperer is by far the largest grossing show on NGC. Since the first day it was on it has received a tremendous amount of feedback both positive and negative from the dog world. Caesar spends much of his time on the road speaking to dog groups all over the country...you can sure bet he his challenged just as often there as he is here.

5. The primary benefit of the show is to prove to dog owners that there are far more incompetent owners than bad dogs. He makes people understand that dogs CAN change, and that alone may have saved thousands of dogs from the shelter. The hope is that they take the advice frequently posted on the screen to seek the advice of a competent local trainer/behaviorist.

6. I would very much like to see a competing show that uses other more positive training methods....their was a British program on a few years back but I think it is gone now.

7. It must be incredibly annoying for dog behaviorists using more mainstream positive methods to constantly have to defend themselves and their methods...."Why don't you do it like Caesar?"

George
The fact that his show is hugely popular and he tours the country doesn't mean his methods are the greatest or even all that effective. Being on Oprah and having a few very rich influential supporters is more of an explanation for his success than anything. ANYTHING Oprah endorses is an overnight success -- Oprah who bought her Goldens from a puppy mill and feeds Pro Plan. Is she really who we want to trust about issues relating to dogs???

Do you actually believe those aggressive dogs are "cured" in a couple of hours? Supressed by flooding doesn't equal a cure or a longterm behavior change and in fact suppressing aggressive signals like growling can mean the dog skips the warning growl and goes straight to a bite the next time. That's been shown time and time again-- even on his show! There really is lots of study done on animal behavior and what influences it, how various training methods work and Cesar's ISN'T the fastest OR the most effective. Don't take well edited tv and take THAT as your proof of what works.

and yes it is hugely annoying (although more sad and scary) everytime someone has come from watching his show and reading his book because it's what's know as "supersticious dog training". What he says is happening and what is really happening are two different things although it can appear to uneducated, unknowing people to have the effect he is showing.

Nothing about Cesar or his method are NEW. He's just the latest version, the newest spin. Personally I think if you want to go with those old methods, at least go with Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson they've written far better books from the same perspective-- they have been very successful-- they just don't have Oprah and Will Smith promoting them.

Call his methods what you want ignorance, outdated, whatever, there IS really good science, that has been proven and repeated over and over again that completely disproves the premise he bases his methods on. At this point in the behavioral science community and modern dog training community that's not even debatable.

The worst though, is when someone has tried to employ his "don't try this at home" methods and their overwhelmed, screwed up, freaked out dogs have ended up defensively biting the owner in the face and you are brought this dog and have to start over.

You believe he is saving many dogs?-- I see the fallout of all the people trying to use his methods bringing very screwed up dogs for another approach AFTER they've now been bitten. How many of those dogs were there that didn't make it to the next trainer but instead when staight to the vets after biting the owner ? Even when good methods are put into place usually the damamge to the relationship is severe enough and the owner is upset enough that they don't stick it out. Most dogs that bite end up euthanised. How many dogs have we seen bite Cesar as he is employing his methods on his show? Plenty.

It certainly is interesting how the show has changed with him putting out less shows with alpha rolls, shock collars and now him using treats-- that says something right there doesn't it? I suspect that is at least in part because of the law suit resulting from the dog that was killed on a tredamill at his facility. Maybe it's because of the criticism from the dog training world or maybe just maybe he is learning?
 

BostonBanker

Active Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2006
Messages
8,854
Likes
1
Points
36
Location
Vermont
#30
If you could train without causing your dog pain, why wouldn't you do it?
This quote from RD is what I keep coming back to during the Ceasar debates. Why in the world would I want to poke, "bite", or yank my dog if I didn't have to? And I do not have to. I got her as an adult rescue who had most likely spent her life tied up as an outdoor dog. We have yet to find a problem behavior that I couldn't fix using positive training. She wanted to chase and bark at the horses at work - I worked on an emergency down while focusing a ton of energy on her recalls. She wanted to bark and lunge on the leash at dogs running by in agility - I worked on focus and did a lot of attention work, and the behavior has basically vanished.

Meg is proving to be a fantastic teacher for me, because she can not or will not tolerate any physical (and very little negative) training. Any verbal or physical correction will absolutely shut her down. Even using "no reward markers" has it's risks for her - more than two or three in a row, and she is done playing. She is showing me very clearly how possible it is to train a dog in a positive, pleasant way, and I have no doubt that my future dogs will thank her for it.

The article in People magazine a few weeks ago mentioned that the NGC is considering adding another dog training show to the line-up to show other training methods. If they do, I may have to renew my subsciption to the channel just so I can support it. I haven't watched Ceasar since last summer, since I refuse to help his ratings.
 

jason_els

New Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2007
Messages
463
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Warwick, New York, USA
#31
Has anyone actually read his book? I'm wondering if it differs from his television show.
I have it on my nightstand along with both New Skeet books, Ian Dunbar, Barbara Woodhouse, and Paul Loeb.

These were what I found in the book store.

None of them particularly impress me. Both Loeb and Woodhouse seem very, yank and crank.

What books should I be reading? Are there good books for obedience and agility training? Any good DVDs?
 

RD

Are you dead yet?
Joined
Aug 1, 2004
Messages
15,572
Likes
0
Points
0
Age
34
Location
Ohio
#32
LOL Scooter but he has that sexy accent ;) :p .

RD-- I've been herding for a while now with a totally amazing and very successful trainer, trial judge (wins the biggest trials with $50 000 paychecks, regularly sells his trained dogs for over $10 000) and while it certainly does require "corrections" in the form of a verbal marker to indicate something to the dog, training a dog in herding is really is Premack at it's best. The dogs learn: you do what I ask = I send you to the sheep. you don't follow my instruction = I make it VERY hard for you to get the sheep. I think we're on the same page with that though right?

The second my dogs realised that the instant they downed, I would send them back to the sheep, their downs became lightening fast. The same is now holding true for their "that'll do" my extremely high drive, sheep obsessed dog will turn on her heel and RUN to the opposite corner of the arena to set herself up for her next outrun. I can say "that'll do and turn my back on my dog and she will comply. She has never worn a collar or a line in the presence of sheep. Did I have to run my butt off to get that first 'down' ? heck ya! and I guess you could call it +P when I'm saying in my deepest voice, most serious voice LIE DOWN!!!! But good herding really shouldn't have much by way of "corrections" so I'm a little leary of the methods of whoever is training you (unless I'm misinterpreting what you are saying and you won't be using collar corrections or a line) . Good sheep herding is really just Premack. You don't need clickers or treats but the principle is the same- your timing in sending your dog is the click and the sheep are better than the best treat in the world.
Sheep are the ULTIMATE reward for the herding dog-- handlers just need to learn how to use it to teach the dog his job.
There really isn't much "correcting" going on and sure doesn't need to be anything harsh done to a dog to teach them to herd-- typically that backfires anyway since border collies are so soft. I'm not sure if I'm just repeating what you've said. Curse this pregnancy brain.

sorry for the hijack. back to your regularly schedueled debate on Cesar.
EXACTLY what I was getting at, you just said it better. :D The sheep are the reward, and they can't get to them unless they do what you ask. It's like teaching a dog to "leave it", making him learn that he won't get what he wants unless he does what *you* want first.

I don't think harsh correction is necessary in stockdog training either, though with an extremely drivey, beginner dog I wouldn't be mortified if someone gave a yank on the long line for a serious offense. In many cases, I've noted that this is a far less severe correction to the dog than removing them from the sheep entirely.

I'm planning on sending my Eve out for a month or two with a professional trainer to get her started. I would never send her to someone who uses harsh correction, e-collars etc. however, if he thinks stops and humane correction on a long-line would heighten her awareness of what she's doing, I wouldn't be opposed to it.

All the right moves are usually already in the dog, it just takes some refinement through training (and yes, correction, whether it be in the form of verbal markers or physically stopping the dog) in order to bring them out.
 

irotas

Sucker for a droopy lab
Joined
Oct 15, 2006
Messages
361
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Toronto, Canada
#33
What books should I be reading? Are there good books for obedience and agility training? Any good DVDs?
Don't know about agility, but for obedience (as you could probably tell from my previous posts) I really like the books by Patricia McConnell, "The Other End of the Leash" and "For the Love of a Dog".

Also, although I haven't finished it yet, "How to Speak Dog" by Stanley Coren also seems excellent. It's more of a 'scientific' book than McConnell's, so a little bit more difficult to read.
 

sam

New Member
Joined
May 10, 2006
Messages
894
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Western Canada
#34
EXACTLY what I was getting at, you just said it better. :D The sheep are the reward, and they can't get to them unless they do what you ask. It's like teaching a dog to "leave it", making him learn that he won't get what he wants unless he does what *you* want first.

I don't think harsh correction is necessary in stockdog training either, though with an extremely drivey, beginner dog I wouldn't be mortified if someone gave a yank on the long line for a serious offense. In many cases, I've noted that this is a far less severe correction to the dog than removing them from the sheep entirely.

I'm planning on sending my Eve out for a month or two with a professional trainer to get her started. I would never send her to someone who uses harsh correction, e-collars etc. however, if he thinks stops and humane correction on a long-line would heighten her awareness of what she's doing, I wouldn't be opposed to it.

All the right moves are usually already in the dog, it just takes some refinement through training (and yes, correction, whether it be in the form of verbal markers or physically stopping the dog) in order to bring them out.
well I don't know that I said it better LOL
I much prefer a method that doesn't use a line at all even in a pup actually especially on a pup-- they are the most sensitive at that point. I haven't needed to with either dog. I had the priviledge of watching my trainer work some pups and at that stage he NEVER corrects them but instead moves them using his body position. You turn to the head they naturally go they other way. Poetry in motion. I LOVE herding :D
Randy does occasionally us a long whip like a lunge whip on older dogs that are working in too close to the sheep and harassing them for fun. He doesn't WHIP the dog, he uses the whip like an extension of his arm to place it in front of the dog, he'll crack it which backs the dog off for a split second which makes more room, puts them in the correct position and goes back to working the sheep. That method taught Rosie instantly where she needed to be. She was like "oooooh ok" because that let us work together instead of it being comlete chaos. She tends to like to be right up the sheeps butts (typical aussie) which makes it really hard for me to do my part.

Anyhoo. I hope you've been lucky enough to find a great trainer for little Eve. There certainly are some "trainers" I've seen in herding that use way too much yelling and can be really harsh. How exciting that you're going to be starting her. Yippee!
 

jason_els

New Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2007
Messages
463
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Warwick, New York, USA
#35
Is, How To Speak Dog, a book on interpreting dog behavior and body language? If it is, I'd be very interesting. I've added it to my Amazon list anyway but it would be great to find a book on that.

Thanks for the recommendations!
 
Joined
Apr 25, 2006
Messages
2,947
Likes
0
Points
36
#36
I don't have cable, but I have caught a few episodes before.

My number one issue was, indeed, the teaching of the alpha roll position.
Mighty good way to get someone a bite in the face.

The vet I used to work for was very old school, very controlling and dominant, and used force to control dogs. What he did, was scare them and put them immediately in a fight or flight mode. Well, when pinned down in the alpha roll position, there IS no flight response, and what do you know? Fight kicked in. He sustained a nasty bite to his face from a white german shepherd that he alpha rolled. Inside I snickered a little. I'm a creep, but he deserved it.
 

irotas

Sucker for a droopy lab
Joined
Oct 15, 2006
Messages
361
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Toronto, Canada
#37
Is, How To Speak Dog, a book on interpreting dog behavior and body language? If it is, I'd be very interesting. I've added it to my Amazon list anyway but it would be great to find a book on that.

Thanks for the recommendations!

It is a book not only on interpreting your dog's behavior and body language, but also on how your dog interprets you. Very informative indeed. ;)

Enjoy!
 

sam

New Member
Joined
May 10, 2006
Messages
894
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Western Canada
#38
I have it on my nightstand along with both New Skeet books, Ian Dunbar, Barbara Woodhouse, and Paul Loeb.

These were what I found in the book store.

None of them particularly impress me. Both Loeb and Woodhouse seem very, yank and crank.

What books should I be reading? Are there good books for obedience and agility training? Any good DVDs?

I hate that none of the greats are ever in bookstores.:mad: I do like Ian Dunbar.
My favs are, yes I'll say it AGAIN :
1) "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson (I'm like Bob with the Natural Balance :lol-sign: ) I had so many light bulb moments reading that book.

2) People rave about "don't shoot the dog" by Karen Pryor. I liked it, didn't love it but it was a very important book in it's time.

3) "The other end of the leash" is really great , not so much about dog "training" but one every dog person should read, a very entertaining read too.

4) For agility my pic would be "Shaping Success" by Susan Garrett-- phenominal training book that applies to any dog sport.

If you read those 4 you'll be able to pretty much teach your dog to do anything.

For other resources I adore Sue Ailsby's site. Her "training levels" are awesome. her site is www.dragonflyllama.com

I love www.clickersolutions.com -- fabulous training articles by some of the greats of training as well as a great list of books and a list serv.
 
Joined
Mar 26, 2006
Messages
1,341
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Texas
#39
Cesar has a dog that is snapping at the owner and other people, and within a minute or two he gets the dog to calm down, and stop the snapping. I can't see throwing the dog a handfull of treats, accomplishing that. I also didn't see the dog in any type of pain.. Again, that is what is very surprising to me, that "causing pain" hasn't occured in any of shows that I have seen so far , yet according to what I have read on this forum, it must be happening continually on Cesar's show. I guess I will have to keep watching, but according to family members and alot of dog owner friends, they haven't seen it so far either, which is why I posted this issue in the first place.
Ok, first of all, take a kid in Walmart that is screaming over god knows what. Walk up to him and grab his arm, shake it and say, "Now you be quiet". What does he do? Probably shuts up and looks at his mom for help. THAT is why Caesar has such success in short amounts of time.

He never looks at the why though. Why is the dog snapping at people? Is it pain, a medical problem, or a fear issue? Is the dog uncomfortable around other dogs or strangers? Two of my dogs got into a fight recently and my mother and I had to separate them. Mama jumped on my younger dog, Carrie, to pull her off of my other dog. I put the dogs up, no big deal. Later on the next day, my mom comes in my room and bends over to pet Carrie. Carrie looks very uncomfortable and actually growls. Did I put a choke chain on her and jerk her around? Nope. First of all it took me a few days to figure out EXACTLY what her problem was. I took her to a dog savvy friend's house and had her bend over Carrie and do exactly what my mom was doing, no response. I have my boyfriend do it, no response. I finally put two and two together and after two clicker sessions Carrie and mom are good friends again. Jerking her on a collar when she was honestly AFRAID of what was going to happen would have made it worse.

Does that clear anything up?
 

jason_els

New Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2007
Messages
463
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Warwick, New York, USA
#40
I passed on Culture Clash, opting instead for The Power of Positive Dog Training, which contains a 6-week course. It seems to address a lot of problems people had with Culture Clash being more of an unindexed set of essays than a real book.

How are Mine! and Fight!? Are they worth getting? How many pages are they? If they're short I may as well get the much cheaper digital edition and print it.
 

Members online

No members online now.
Top