Since the airing of National Geographic’s Dog Whisperer featuring Cesar Milan, I’ve had a few calls about what I think of the program.
I’ve been debating if I should write about it, because when trainers disagree, it seems to be put down to ‘professional jealousy’, lack of confidence and pettiness. On request of a client I reluctantly decided to struggle through last week’s episode to see if the techniques used were the ones I’ve seen him use in the past. Maybe there was a change in approach, maybe I could find something positive in it? With each ad break we had a quick chat about what happened, about what I observed and would have done differently. I did not enjoy it, it reminded me a little of animal acts in a circus – entertainment at the expense of the animal, but if it helped one client to really understand why I don’t agree with his techniques, then it was worth it.
Usually when one looks for someone who’s service we are about to use, we first look at education, credentials or professional societies they may belong to. You will not use the services of a vet, lawyer, pediatrician, physiatrist, plumber or builder without making sure this person is who and what he claims to be. Why then when it comes to our dogs, do people go for the charismatic, the celebrity or the closest trainer without checking them out.
Trying to find any of Cesar’s credentials was difficult. The closest I got to was that he read two dog related books –‘ The dog’s mind’ by Bruce A. Fogle and ‘Dog Psychology’ by Leon F Whitney and watching the animals on the farm he lived on as a child. How does that make him (according to his official website) “a world renowned dog behavior specialist”. I’m not saying that only if you have qualifications you are talented and competent, but if you want to practice in a profession that is based on science then, I feel, you should have some qualification to indicate that you understands the ‘laws of learning’…at least.
Who can blame the public for believing that Cesar’s techniques are okay – if it is on National Geographic, it must surely be right? TV, or more so reality programs are about entertainment, and to satisfy the current TV audience is becoming more and more difficult. Mixing an emotive topic such as our pet dogs with a charismatic, energetic foreigner with a strong accent – surely will make for good viewing. What if the star of the show was a monotonous, ordinary professor in animal behaviour? Ratings would drop. Even Victoria Stillwell had to dress up as a dominatrix in the UK show “It’s me or the dog”. (Victoria has in later years become more of a positive approach trainer.)
Why then are there so many NGO’s, Professional Societies (see below) and other behaviour specialists in uproar (see below) about Cesar Milan’s techniques. Is it about professional jealousy? I don’t think so – every professional that has come forward with their opinion about his techniques are highly qualified people such as board certified veterinarian behaviourists, professors, certified trainers and lectors in the field of animal behaviour. They are all successful in their own right. Neither I nor any of these professionals are personally attacking Cesar, it said that he is a very charming person and I’m sure his heart is in the right place, but it’s the methods that he uses that is causing great concern amongst dog trainers and behaviourist.
While watching the show – a few buzz words kept coming up like, ‘calm submissiveness’ and ‘respect’ . What he terms as ‘calm submissiveness’, we with a knowledge of body language would rather call that physical and emotional exhaustion and in some cases even shut-down. The later term means the dog ‘gives up’. Then he proclaims that NOW the dog is respectful of him, because the dog allows him to do just about anything to him (yes…because his given up). And THEN Cesar rewards the dog (for being helpless) with heavy petting. According to the dog’s body language that petting in that context is more of an aversive that a reward.
Next time you watch the Dog Whisperer, if you can stomach it, watch it without sound and focus just on the dog’s body language.
Next time your children start a fight – grab the one who started it, force him to the floor and hold him down until he stops struggling and when he does, tell him how good he is while ruffling his hair. Do you think you’ve made your relationship stronger, do you think your child respects you? Do you think your child finds your physical touch reassuring? Has this taught your child how to interact appropriately with his sibling?
With all the outcry, public concerns and statements (see below) one would think that a reputable channel such as NG would investigate what the ‘fuss’ was about – if it wasn’t such a serious issue it would be laughable that the National Geographic now puts a “don’t try this at home” warning on the screen – to waiver any liability. Is this not indicative of their knowledge that his techniques could cause harm to owners, other dogs or people? If their idea is to educate dog owners on how to deal with behaviour problems, why warn people about “‘don’t try this at home”?
So what is all the objection about?? It seems that the three basic techniques Cesar uses are positive punishment, flooding and excessive exercise all have negative fallouts and is detrimental to the dog’s well-being. Positive punishment means adding an aversive towards the dog or towards the dog’s environment like choke chains, physical intimidation, shock collars, hanging dogs until they pass out, alpha rolling dogs on their backs until they give up. According to dr. Sophia Yin (whom you can read about more below) says that in most veterinary practices in the USA a vet technician / nurse will get fired for using such techniques. Flooding refers to a technique where you over expose the dog to the stimulus or environment which he finds fearful.
When you physically (or verbally – depending on the individual dog’s temperament) punish a dog, a physiological stress response occurs. There is a cascade of neurotransmitters and hormones that are released in the body and brain. Some of these chemicals can take days to get back to normal levels. As the dog endures more and more punishment the stress response re-occurs over and over and the dog becomes more and more anxious and conflicted – which in time causes the dog to become more reactive and can have an ‘over the top’ response to minor stimuli. This is usually when we hear “he just bit me for no reason” / “I just wanted to pet him and he bit me” This dog was in conflict and did not know if the hand approaching him was going to hurt or feel good.
Some of the dog’s on Cesar’s show that have a fear of a particular stimuli or situation is besieged with this fearful stimuli (flooding) – for example the dog-dog aggressive dog is forced to interact with a whole group of Cesar’s dogs. Can you imagine how that dog must feel inside?
Imagine your worst fear (i.e. heights, snakes or spiders) and then I make you face your fear – how would you like being taken up in the cable-car or enter a room full of wriggling snakes and crawling spiders – is that going to make you feel good? Are going to try and escape the situation – what if I prevented you – would try and fight me to get away – what if you were successful – would you use that same strategy next time in a similar situation? What if you were not successful – wouldn’t you just feel helpless? Would you want your dog to go through this emotional torture.
Another technique he uses is to exercise a dog on a treadmill till the point of exhaustion, off course the dog would not be able to misbehave afterwards. When in that physically exhaustive state no dog will be able to learn any new alternative behaviour. Moderated exercises is good to get rid of excess or nervous energy, but in itself just exercising is not going to solve the problem.
When working with positive reinforcement and removal of reinforcement you might take longer to get to your desired goal, it does requires more creativity, mechanical skills and knowledge, it will require more work as you will have to work systematically, but you will have a more reliable, lasting new behaviour with no negative fallouts.
Cesar seems to contradict his theories at times. On his official website it states : “In Cesar’s opinion, no one should ever hit or yell at a dog to correct unwanted behavior.” – So what does he call string up a dog to cut of air supply or alpha rolling a dog? On the show I watch he said that the Labrador “forgot he was a dog, and thought he was a human” – how does he KNOW THAT? He also said that dogs are not to be treated as children but then he anthropomorphizes this Labby by ascribing human attributes to him.
Does positive punishment work sometimes – yes, if timed properly and appropriate intensity is used. ‘Appropriate intensity’ could mean different things to different trainers. Most trainers cannot even comply to these two criteria, so how can he expect the general public to implement these techniques accurately? When punished on TV, the dog’s behaviour immediately ceases, but in fact it is only temporarily subdued. That behaviour will pop up later again and this time maybe even worse and maybe out of context and/or directed at some person or dog that is completely unrelated to the initial trigger / behaviour. Does Cesar have success stories? Yes – but how reliable, safe and lasting is that success and can he validate the methods he used to get there?
Can gratuitous petting and treating cause negative behaviour – sure it can. Rewards, if used wrong could exasperate unwanted behaviours. It can also cause dogs to become pushy and demanding. Years ago I was bitten on the arm by a Rottweiler that was so use to always getting what she wanted, and the moment I did not give her attention when she nuzzled her nose under my elbow, she bite me out of pure anger, for not getting what she want when she wanted it. (Visualize a spoilt child being told “no”.)
In the show it seems that one behavioural ‘recipe’ fits all. Get “respect” by forceful means, sprinkled with poorly timed, un-reinforcing rewards. What is clearly lacking from the show is that there has never been a full behavioural work-up done on any dog – neither has it been mentioned – if it was done. Work-ups take approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours (let’s leave that out of the show, cause it’s too boring to watch), and even longer for aggression cases. It usually includes a vet check and a detailed history taking of the behaviour to find out what really drives the unwanted behaviour. Not all ‘mis-behaviours’ are linked to dominance – in fact that theory has been proven incorrect for the last decade. Dogs are individuals and need to be treated as individuals. They have different early learning experiences, different genetic make-ups and different underlying physiology. Has any of those dogs ever been tested for pain of the neurological system, muscular-skeletal system, for endocrine disorders or infectious diseases? If any of the above is underlying the aggressive behaviour no amount of any behaviour modification will work.
Never has Cesar accepted the numerous requests to explain or defend his methods. Why is that? Does he have to? No I guess not, but if you have confidence in your method and you are literally bombarded with negative press from educated, qualified specialist in the profession from all over the world, wouldn’t you like to say your say? When questioned about this in interviews his standard reply always is: “It’s their opinion, I always say my way is not the only way, it’s just a way.”
Has he made more people aware that there is help for their unruly or aggressive dogs? Yes, and that is a good thing. The flipside of that coin is – people are trying his methods at home and getting bitten and emotionally and behaviourally suppressing their dogs. It’s dangerous, unfounded, inhumane and not advisable, unfortunately the packaging it comes in is attractive and alluring.
He has literally taken all the progress that have been made in the field of dog training back by 40 years. It seems we have backtracked to the era of the Monks of New Skete, Koehler and the ‘Barbara Woodhouses’.
©2010 Claire Grobbelaar
All comments will be published that are written in a polite, professional manner regardless of whether you agree with my opinion or not. Posts that are of an offensive manner will be denied.
The following organizations have joined forces to voice their serious concerns about techniques which pose welfare problems for dogs and significant risk to owners who may copy them.
UK – Dogs Trust, The Blue Cross, Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), The Blue Dog, Wood Green Animal Shelters, World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), The Kennel Club, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Canine Partners, UK , Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB), Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), Association of Pet Dog Trainers, UK (APDT, UK), UK Registry of Canine Behaviours (UKRCB), Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy Study Group (CABTSG), British Small Animal veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA).
Australia – Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), Australian Vetrinary Behaviour Interest Group (AVBIG),
USA – American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB), The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, Inc. (CCPDT)(USA).
Europe – European Society of Clinical Veterinary Ethology (ESCVE), European College of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine – Companion Animals (ECVBM-CA), the Flemish Veterinary Working Group on Ethology (VDWE) and Norwegian Association for Pet Behaviour (NAPB) Norsk Atferdsgruppe for Selskapsdyr (NAS).
Links about what other trainers, behaviourists and experts have to say.
VIDEO – Are the Dog Whisperer’s methods harmful? (When I watched this video my dogs who were lying next to me abruptly got up and hurried away when they heard the noises the black GSD was making)
http://www.komonews.com/home/video/37440019.html?video=pop&t=a
Experts say Dominance-based Dog Training Techniques made popular by Television show can contribute to DOG BITES.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sophia-yin/experts-say-dominance-bas_b_204482.html
Cesar Milan: The Dog ‘Whisperer’?
http://www.k9obedience.co.uk/dogbehaviour/behaviourist/cesarmillandogwhisperer.html
Andrew Luescher, DVM, Veterinary Behaviorist, Animal Behavior Clinic, Purdue University
http://www.urbandawgs.com/luescher_millan.html
Pack of Lies – New York Times
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950CE3DF1E3EF932A0575BC0A9609C8B63
Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan Sued For Dog Injury
http://www.dogexplorer.com/content/view/140/1/1/1/
Veterinary Behaviorists Question Dominance Theory in Dogs
http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=12230
The Anti-Cesar Milan
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/10/15/CMGPHL9D1N1.DTL
Talk softly and carry a big carrot or stick – Jean Donaldson
http://www.urbandawgs.com/divided_profession.html
Why is Pharmaceutical Giant Merial ignoring the advice of Veterinary experts?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sophia-yin/why-is-pharmaceutical-gia_b_218983.html
21 Responses to “Is Cesar Milan barking up the wrong tree?”
Megan
Hi Claire,
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 🙂
Taryn Blyth
Hi Claire
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!
Claire
Hi Taryn,
thanks for your feedback – you are not alone. I think there are lots more trainers in SA that feel this way. They just need to voice it, so that people can hear ‘two sides of the story’. I read your article ‘Pack Theory – fact or fiction’ – very good!
Denise A
Hi Claire,
Thanks for your newsletter. I read your opinions re Cesar. Well argued!
Lauren
Hi Claire,
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!
Macy
First, I would never compare children with dogs. I agree that we need to treat our pets well… we can love them very much, but they are not our kids, they are still pets and of course you cant apply the same technique for a dog, cat or horse, so how can you even mention about to “use them with your kids to see if it works”. Some expert gave the expert advice to put them down because its nothing to do with their behaivor, i dont know if that its better choice.
Maria
I hear, respect, am very open to & interested in your critique of Cesar’s methods, but I find the tone of your piece too scathing and emotively charged to find clear reason therein. Your own approach is obscured, so there is no ‘sparring’ within the topic or the basis for your vehement stance against his approach.
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.
Jane Sinclair
Maria,
Your positive attitude, willingness to embrace new concepts and learn from both schools of thought is very refreshing!
I have watched many Dog Whisperer shows, and while I hear the points that Claire is raising, I have never seen a dog or his owners worse off after having met Cesar.
And surely that it is what it’s about too, how happy your dog is, and as his owner, you know straight away how he is feeling.
I agree and support the notion that this is a topic that should be openly debated, discussed, and reviewed, in a fair, well-intentioned and un-hostile manner.
Claire Grobbelaar
Hi Jane,
thanks for writing. For us the well being of the dog is paramount therefor we prefer to have the dog do something because he likes doing it, not because if he does not, something bad will happen. I know punitive measures work – but I prefer not to use them. If you are in CT, let me know, and I’ll invite you to our next Body Language Talk – where we show exactly what a dog’s body language is conveying. There are so many subtleties in their posture, but if one does not know what to look for, you’ll miss them. There are so many misconceptions on canine body language (hence so many dog bites), and I believe that when owners have the knowledge and know what to look for – they will not condone his techniques if you are looking for a non-confrontational trainer. Regards Claire
Jo
Hi Claire,
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.
Sally Montgomery
Hi Claire,
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
Anne
Have to agree.. :o)
Dogs have to have some freedom of expression!
lolz
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION! who are we talking about animals(dogs) or humans?
1. Dogs aren`t humans
2.IN NATURAL HABITAT OR NATURE:
They don`t have freedom of expression, they live in packs and in packs there are pack leader give them directions, rules, boundaries and limitations if a pack member misbehaves, Pack leader will correct the behavior in a few ways and stages:
FIRST STAGE : Look – by looking at them , and they must submit if they don`t
SECOND STAGE – Growling – again they must submit and if that doesn`t cut it
THIRD STAGE – Byte and dominance ritual
DOMINANCE RITUAL – Biting and pinning him to the ground, Waiting until he gives up , he stays there until pack leader walk away.
Also pack members correct each other by nipping, or pushing and sometimes growling.
They do not experience HATE or FEAR experience towards pack leader, they acttualy feel safe and fufilled.
3. they experience behavioral issues only when living with many humans (who just expects their dog to behave not FUFILL HIS NEEDS).
4.it`s not DOMINANCE point
Sarah
Hey Claire,
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.
Candi
Thanks for a very insightful piace Claire. As a dog trainer myself I am being faced with similar situations to what you describe and I’m glad I’ll be able to refer clients to this blog post.
Dog Explorer
I discovered your thoughtful article when looking at our site’s logs. Thank you for linking to our news item on the litigation issues faced (at the time written) by Cesar Milan.
You may take issue with the humorous story we have that is more recent about assisting someone who wanted to appear on the show. We produced an audition video for them which indeed did get them on the show and gave me occasion to meet Milan.
I’m writing, however, because the very end of your article said something, in your own words, I’ve been saying for years. What Cesar Milan has done is “commercialize” – made more modern and tv audience friendly, what amounts in large part to be the teachings of the Monks of New Skete.
I hope you keep writing your insightful and thoughtful articles.
Best wishes in the new year!
Mandy Barrett
A very well writen article Clair, which makes a lot of sense. Having been a dog trainer for the last 20 years, I have seen almost every piece of equipment and every “trick” and the ones that work are consistancy, kindness, reward and patience. All others are a quick fix, often resulting in a break-down of the human animal bond. Although I think that Cesar is a wonderful showman and has perhaps saved some dogs from death, I dont think that his methods are anything other than outdated. But hell, people buy dog food – so why not listen to him. Oh, and if I could have all my dog training edited, I would also look like a wonder-worker. However, all credit to him for making people realise that dogs CAN be trained and problems can be resolved, and for bringing the concept of “owner energy” into the mix – which is probably the most important of all! Keep the interesting articles coming…..
Lin
Hi Claire,
i have just read your article for the first time and I do agree, but I am just a bit confused regarding exercise, surely big dogs need to be exercise daily, anyway my shepherd at a certain time starts whining until I put her collar on.
I do think that each dog like people have different needs, the methods i used with my Shepherd seems not to be so successful with my 1yr shepherd/husky cross.
i rescued my shepherd when she was a year old from.
My question do dogs need to be exercised daily?
Claire Grobbelaar
Hi Lin,
thanks for your comment. All dogs regarding size need daily physical stimulation. On walks they not only get physical exercise, but also get to do what dogs looooove to do, smell, investigate, discover new things, meet other dogs and people, maybe get to play with friends they made in their local park…..
The amount and type of exercise your dog needs is as you say, very dependent on the individual dog – some like to take slow leisurely walks and others like to rush and can’t wait to get to the next smell. I have written two other articles regarding exercise, which might also help answer your question. I’m just not pro running a dog on a treadmill till exhaustion, just so that he is to tired to do anything.
https://www.canineconcepts.co.za/articles/is-a-tired-dog-a-good-dog/
https://www.canineconcepts.co.za/articles/the-benefits-of-walking-your-dog/
hope this helps.
Regards
Claire
Rethea
Hi
I think that one can disagree with some of Millan’s methods, but to condemn everything he does and is is disingenuous. Having read about it quite a lot – articles both for and against Millan’s methods – it often seems to me to be a case of semantics. His terminology includes words – “dominant”, “submissive”, etc. – that get many people’s backs up instantly. If one substituted other words would he still automatically be wrong?
Something else I think is misguided is the notion that one has to have what used to be called “book learning” in order to be qualified to do something. I think that is untrue. Many people have an innate ability to do something, or are self-taught. He clearly does have a “way” with dogs.
His methods often seem to me to be more reality-based than some of the high-concept methods of other behaviourists. And yes, it is difficult for someone to implement his methods without having all his attributes as a person, but Ian Dunbar’s off-leash training seems to me just as challenging to actually accomplish as a lay person, for example.
I think one has to recognise that Millan cares deeply about dogs and has had success in rehabilitating many animals, often very challenging cases. He is at least willing to enter into discourse with other behaviorists, which is more than one can say about some of his detractors.
Just my 2c :-).
Rethea
michael
I agree 100% with you, Rethea!
Cesar is a natural and formulated his methods through many years of experience, which is much better than a few years of academia and even 1 year online courses,as advertised and offered by so called qualified animal behaviourist and institutions.
In every episode he has explained his methods as to why he is doing what he is doing. Even the e-collar, which is just a buzz and not a shock as many think it is, has been explained and its effects, experienced by the owner to be just a buzz to redirect the dog’s attention.
Using his methods, he has single handedly saved many of our four legged friends from uethenasia and deserves more praise than scorn.
So, count your own blessings and your own work and be grateful to be in a position to assist our four legged friends as best you can and allow Cesar to carry on doing his.
Cesar Milan, I salute you brother!