Dog Whisperer

[abuja]

I'm hoping to get a dog come winter, and have become very recently an avid follower of the Dog Whisperer. Can I get some opinions?

[spygirl]

I agree with SOME of his methods, not all. Every dog is different, so every training program is going to be different. Maybe in some microscopic way, but the program will be different.

I AGREE with the fact that Americans tend to treat their dogs too much like people. They are not humans. They do not process thought like humans. Period. This is how you should train. You are the pack leader as the human, not the dog.

I AGREE with the fact that you must be a strong leader when training dogs. Especially (most of the time) with working breeds. You must never give up. Bad behaviors can be fixed. But you need to teach the dog how to fix bad behaviors.

I DISAGREE with the fact that he tends to use a lot of dominance with every single dog. Yes, it gets the job done BUT I think sometimes it's too much. Sometimes a softer touch is more effective.

I AGREE with the fact that dogs need correction. They do learn from this.

Point is, read and research lots of different trainers and their style. Patricia McConnell is just one off the top of my head. Learn about the different tools used for training and when it is appropriate to use them.

When I train, I tend to use a blend of several styles. I think that's a serious issue with some of today's big name trainers. They tend to stick to their own style and refuse to try anything else.

I also strongly encourage people to attend group training classes. The experience is usually very positive for dogs and if you can train a dog with a group, then you can train a dog anywhere.

Hope that helps some. And good luck with finding a dog!

[JLC]

I haven't watched any of his shows, but I have read a book or two by him. And I agree with spygirl...it's not an all-or-nothing sort of decision to make. Some of his principles about dog behavior and society are sound...but his methods are often questionable.

Another trainer you can watch on Animal Planet is Victoria Stillwell (It's Me or the Dog). She has the same principles as Caesar, but uses an entirely different method for training. I much, much prefer her methods. But there may be times when Caesar's more dominant/aggressive style would be more productive. As spygirl says, every dog is different. But in the long-run, I think Caesar's methods have far more risks of causing permanent damage to a dog...whereas Stillwell's methods won't damage, they just might not be as effective with some dogs.

[Spaniard]

I think Caesar has a great way of approaching the issues he encounters on his show. I've watched a lot of his episodes and I've never seen anything that made me question his methods.

When it comes down to it I think he has a great understanding of the primal needs of dogs and how to correct common day issues by addressing those needs.

Here is an episode on puppy mills that you can watch on Hulu. It shows some of the more patient techniques that Ceasar uses which don't involve the "Alpha" presence.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/89602/dog-...lls#s-p1-so-i0

[wolfy-hound]

I agree with 90% of Ceaser's show. He does take different approaches for different dogs, but he is always the alpha, even if he's not aggressively dominant.

The main thing I agree with on his shows is that he teaches the owners to behave properly with their dogs. If they don't change how they act towards the dog, the dog doesn't behave how they want it to. You don't train dogs, you train owners. Also you can teach a dog 100 tricks to do on command, and it doesn't mean your dog is trained, nor that you are doing it right.

The entire "furkid" movement of making a dog into a person, rather than appreciating it for being a dog has always irked me. Dogs are not kids. Dogs shouldn't be treated as if they are human. Yes, you'll get individual dogs that adjust, but mainly they are much mroe happy as valued pets, rather than damaged humans.

[Maize411]

I agree with everything he describes! I even have his DVD box sets..lol :0)

[SlitherinSisters]

I wouldn't say I totally agree with his ways, but I really like the fact that the puts the emphasis on the owner and tells them what they are doing wrong. He's a little harsh at times, but he knows what he's doing, it's the people who watch his shows and think they are suddenly professional trainers that make problems for him.

Good luck finding a dog! I suggest heavily researching breeds before choosing a dog! It's extremely important (my MIL has pretty much killed two of her dogs because she didn't research the breeds first)!!!

[kazboots]

Yes, researching breeds is important, we get lots of dogs into the shelter that are doing things inherent to their breeds that a little correction as a puppy could have solved. Like the Border Collies that come in because they nip at the kid's heels.

[juddb]

I agree with Judy, i prefer "its me or the dog". Ceaser is good at what he does, but i dont think its a good idea for people to watch his show and try "alpha rolling" and "dominance downs", these methods seem to aggressive to me and should be left to professional trainers (just my opinion), i have been very successful with my dog, just taking him for basic training at petsmart, tons of positive reinforcement, and lots of exercise and socializing with other dogs at the park.

[nixer]

ive had labs all my life and i must say that both shows have some merit, but they tend to leave out alot of the steps to training.

to the one who said letting a dog sleep with you doesnt effect behavior is dead wrong. while an older dog sure its fine but when that cute little puppy you just got crys all night and you take it to bed with you or go lay with it you are pretty much teaching that puppy that its the boss.

all of my dogs are taught a mixture of both ways. oh yes and paying someone to train your dog is for the most part a waste if the owner can not mimic the trainer.