If you’re a dog lover, or even just any animal lover, then you have to have heard of Cesar Millan: The Dog Whisperer!
No? You havent? Where have you been!?
Ok well then let me explain. He is someone who has dedicated his life to rehabilitating dogs, and training people. Yes, you read correctly. He trains people.
He has a strong belief of Power of the Pack and approaches his cases with a mindset of Dog Psychology, rather than Human Psychology, which so often we try to ulitlise on our pets.
The truth of the matter our dogs are not “babies”, nor human. They’re dogs. We need to be their pack leaders, and its when we achieve this, that the dog has true stability of mind. And while it might sound outrageous, you can see the weight lifted off a dog’s shoulders when they no longer feel they have to be Pack Leader.
Cesar himself has a pack of around 37 dogs, each who have been rehabilitated, mainly for aggression. His dominance over his pack is amazing, and you can literally feel the respect they have for him as you watch his episodes.
For us in South Africa, The Dog Whisperer is currently showing on DStv on the National Geographic channel, and you can catch the next episode on Thursday 29th July at 16:00 (‘S4/E29 – Woof And Wheels’. Follow more problem pooches through the audition process as Cesar attempts to cure a chocolate labrador of its fear of buses) and then another episode at 17:00 (‘S4/E30 – Widow’s Dilemma’. Can Cesar Millan curb the resentful behaviour of an Italian greyhound and help a widow whose two dogs have started acting up?), then further episodes on Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon.
If you have DStv, do try and catch at least one epidose – even if you dont have dogs! His work is simply amazing!
I suppose I should mention I’m in no way affiliated with Cesar Millan (I wish!), but merely a very big fan of his. If you want to know more, check out his website, Cesar’s Way, or become a fan of the Dog Whisperer on Facebook.
I know I’m well on my way to helping our family dog, Max, with his problems, and soon he too will be able to relax as a follower and not feel like he has to lead our Pack.
If you have watched it, and have some opinions, please do share in the comment area below. I would love to hear from you!
Settican
July 28, 2010 at 12:44 pm
I watch his show, but I must admit I’m certainly not his biggest fan (don’t hate me for saying it!). After following the works of qualified animal behaviorists/trainers like Ian Dunbar, Jean Donaldson, Leslie McDevitt and Karen Pryor, to name a few, lol, I find some of Cesars methods and the theory behind them flawed. Alpha rolling a dog is absolutely unnecessary and can ruin you relationship with your dog. Dogs that Cesar proclaims as “calm and submissive”, I only see a dog that’s stressed and shut down. Does he get results? Sure, we see them on his show. Does it last? Well, according to some of the other behaviorists that have to pick up the pieces later on, not always.
Don’t get me wrong, the guy does a lot of good for people, I’m not denying that (he has done great work for pit bulls in particular) – it’s just that personally I don’t like most his methods and will not use them on my dogs when I have other options.
Courtz
July 28, 2010 at 6:33 pm
I dont hate you for it :P Just dont ever comment on this blog again! Only joking!! :)
For sure, there are lots of people who wont agree with his methods, I can 100% accept that :) However, in most cases, I cant help but understand the reasoning behind the things he does. For example, alpha rolling…not something he does on a regular basis, perhaps once or twice, and the dog has to let go and understand you are boss. I agree, one shouldnt do it every time a dog does something wrong, but the reasoning behind why he does it is solid (pack behaviour).
Quite honestly, I’m tired of seeing human psychology applied on dogs. Its about time someone came along having studied dogs and dog behaviour and applied it in a way people can understand and learn.
As for it lasting….well, I believe it lasts as well as the humans are going to keep up with it. And you have to admit, the minute an Alpha Dog becomes mellow and submissive, another more dominant one takes over. So while it may last while Cesar-Fever is still in the house for a few weeks after he’s been for a visit, if they dont keep it up it will revert, and thats not Cesar’s or the dogs fault :)
Settican
July 28, 2010 at 7:42 pm
http://www.4pawsu.com/dogpsychology.htm
http://www.4pawsu.com/cesarfans.htm
There are plenty more articles out there that cover similar topics, written by people who have actually studied and been certified in dog behaviour.
Just food for thought :)
Clyde
December 31, 2011 at 8:52 am
Hi!!! I have a 2 year old boerboel. He is very aggressive
and does not listen to commands.Yesterday we had an
incident, Timby wanted to bite a smaller dog. My wife grabbed him just in time but then Timby went after her.
Can you give me some advise
Courtz
December 31, 2011 at 11:08 am
Yes, contact your local dog training school and enroll your dog. Otherwise, contact James on http://www.good-dog.co.za and hire him to assist. :)