This thread has made me re-visit my problems with CM - because I started out thinking he was the absolute way to go. I agree that he has interesting insights about energy, and dogs' responses to our calm or nervous energy, also what postures we hold in relation to our dogs, and even using my body to block, and move my dogs without pulling them around.

I have to say, though, that watching him in action did not help me when it came time to handle my own dog. Maybe because I can't bench press 200 lb., but I cannot give a meaningful leash correction from the side when my dog is over threshold.

I think my problems came from a the lack of discussion about the lines between assertive and aggressive human behaviours to establish positions of "dominance". I think it is the lack of discussion about the difference between a "dominant" leader who is bossing their dogs around, and a leader who is providing guidance to their dogs so they can learn to live with humans.

For all the times I watched CM, I never got the sense of establishing a relationship with my dog beyond who is 'dominant' and who is 'respectful'. I was so focused on 'dominating' my dog to make sure he 'respected' me that I completely lost the part about my relationship with my dog as a companion, that we are in it together, and that my dog has needs for guidance, but he does not need to be bullied into submission every moment of our lives together.

CM set up this system of dividing out my time with my dog into three areas: exercise, discipline, and affection. But life with my dog does not fit into these categories. Sometimes, I use affection to build my bond with my dog so that he doesn't need to be disciplined, he is happy to work with me because he enjoys being with me. Similarly, exercise was impossible without some form of 'discipline' if I didn't want to get pulled off my feet or be dealing is a lunging, snarling berserko every block. It has turned out that affection combined with discipline have made it possible for my dog to get the exercise he needs without putting the neighbourhood or myself at risk.

CM does not discuss or point out calming behaviours, I think he is overly focussed on signs of arousal (he calls excitement). But we can reinforce calming behaviours, and make it so our dogs don't go over threshold so easily.

 Quote: steve strom

Ahhh, come on Mike.



Thanks Al.

Anytime Steve,

Cesar Milan..............I would not let him come near my dog!!!!!! Enough said....... his domanince techniques make me shudder...not only stupid but downright dangerous with the wrong dog! I watched maybe part of a video...........reminds me alot of trainers who teach "bite work" only......not much obedience, not much control over the long run.......just my opinion but UGGGHH!

I understand criticisms of CM, but this one really has me puzzled:

" ...reminds me alot of trainers who teach "bite work" only......not much obedience, not much control ... "

I was at the show in Victoria and although I dont personally remember those comments being made, they very well may have been Im not disputing that. I wasn`t offended by anything in the show and thouroughly enjoyed it. I also met him briefly in person at a book signing and found him friendly and charming. I had two friends whos dog was used at one of his shows and they also found him to be very pleasant....jmo though...I also do not agree with all his methods but I rarely agree with any single person on every subject

Yeah, I had a couple of friends that attended that one too. I was supposed to go but it just didn't work out. It was one of them that pointed out the gossip link to me. I simply asked if he said those things and she said sure he did but it was just jokes. She thought he was hilarious but also felt that yes, it could possibly have been taken the wrong way.

And just for the record, I'm totally neutral on the guy. He's helping dogs that otherwise may not have a chance and that ranks pretty high in my books. Sometimes we just choose to help dogs differently.

Ceasar is just like any other trainer, he has his ways that he thinks will work best. And he probably got results with the dogs he has worked with. I am glad that I do not have to take all his advise and implement only what I feel is good for my dog. There are things I would never do to my dogs that he does to dogs on his show.
So I just gleen what I can from him and put into action the things that are right for my dogs.
I am concerned though that some people watching his aggressive tactics on tv may try it on their dog and it could be the very worst thing they could do. They could end up getting bitten and their dog labeled as aggressive. Not even realizing they were borderline abusive with their own dogs.
I noticed they are really pushing his show on the National Geo channel.
sharon