Does Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, Really Have it Right When it Comes to Dog Training?
I know it sounds crazy, but I love AND hate that Cesar Millan Dog Whisperer show.
It's fascinating to watch him re-shape dog's behavior, but it's really hard to understand his concepts and how to actually make the dog change his behavior.
I have trained dogs before, and I have watched Cesar's TV show and read his books.
He brings a lot of "intuitive energy" to dog training. He talks about doing "centering" exercises and meditation at home. He says it's important to have calm and positive thoughts in your mind when you are interacting with your dog. However, I think he falls short on a lot of communication to people in general, about how to get their dog to do what they want.
I have watched the show a dozen times or more, and I just don't have a solid grasp of how he would train a dog to do something simple, like Sit.
Maybe Cesar focuses more on rehabilitating dogs, not just training them. But for most of us, we need to learn solid dog training techniques that can get our dog to behave a little better at home. We're not trying to heal him from some traumatic past or redress other major problems. We just want the simple things - come when called, don't beg for food, stop barking, etc.
One thing that I do like about Cesar's dog training ideas is that he focuses on helping your dog get exercise and meet his other "breed" needs - like playing fetch, scent tracking, and so forth.
Truthfully, I think a lot of neurotic or anxious dog behavior can be traced to people just not having enough time to spend with their dogs to get them a good variety of routines in their day that are active (we Americans aren't very active, are we?).
For every person who jogs 3 miles with their dog after work, there are probably 10 others who just let the dog out into the back yard and hope he runs himself around.
Unless you have a dog breed that doesn't need much exercise, this can be a real problem.
However, all this and more is covered in the dog training manual I recommend. It is much more concrete and actionable than the "philosophies" that Cesar discusses in his books. I think Cesar's techniques are fascinating to watch, but not very duplicable for the average dog owner.
For a real easy-to-understand and implement dog training system, I think Cesar's approach is a little too murky.
Find out what I recommend instead.
About the Author
If you're frustrated by hearing dog training ideas that aren't actionable, I suggest you check out this refreshing alternative dog training manual.
It's called Sit Stay Fetch, (now also known as Secrets To Dog Training. You will find it easy to absorb and very effective at helping you change your dog's behavior.
Dog Training Group Class, Dog Whisperer Style www.K9-1.com
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