Veterinary Behaviorists Take a Stand Against Cesar Millan. In recent weeks, there has been a lot of talk on Twitter about Cesar Millan, otherwise known as The Dog Whisperer, and his dominance-based training methods for dogs.
In February 2009, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) issued a "position statement" about the use of punishment for behavior modification in animals, detailing 9 possible adverse effects of using punishment when training dogs. While not naming any trainers by name, the statement was written to counter Millan's techniques featured on his National Geographic channel show, The Dog Whisperer.
According to an article by Timothy Kirn for the VIN News Service: "The AVSAB recommends that veterinarians not refer clients to trainers or behavior consultants who coach and advocate dominance hierarchy theory and the subsequent confrontational training that follows from it," the position statement says. That statement was initiated with Millan in mind, says Dr. Why all of the fuss? Related Reading: Got behavior tips? Dog training gone bad - Veterinary Community Blog post - Find it all here. Many of you may be aware of a National Geographic television show featuring a charismatic individual who helps dog owners.
I recently came across this video on the website and I urge you to watch it (preferably without the sound so as not to be distracted by his talking) and keep your eye on the dog. Here is what you will see: Within the first 5 seconds, the handler kicks the dog in the abdomen. When the dog turns toward him he is jerked off his feet. A struggle ensues where the handler gets bitten several times and the dog is seen to be struggling for air. What you have witnessed is not dog training but abuse. As a veterinary behaviorist I have dealt with behavior problems in companion animals for over 25 years and would never confront a dog this way. I would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your time Debra F. Dog Whisperer Lawsuit: Cesar Millan Sued by Flody Suarez.
Viewers Want to Know… Is Millan’s Controversial Training Method Cruel?
Loading ... Here’s what we know… Here’s what happened… Cesar Millan, from National Geographic’s Dog Whisperer, was sued by Flody Suarez, producer of Book of Daniel and 8 Simple Rules. According to the lawsuit, Suarez claims his Labrador-retriever, Gator, was injured after having been left at Millan’s dog training facility, Dog Psychology Center on February 27, 2006. Suarez stated that several hours after dropping Gator off at the facility, he received a phone call from a worker who said the dog had been taken to a veterinarian. Welfare in Dog Training. UK animal welfare, behaviour, training, canine and veterinary organisations1 are again warning of the possible dangers of using techniques for training dogs that can cause pain and fear, such as some of those seen used by Cesar Millan, who starts his UK tour this week.
The organisations have joined forces to voice their serious concerns about techniques which pose potential welfare problems for dogs and significant risk to owners who may copy them. These concerns are shared, and the statement supported, by similar organisations around the world2 and in continental Europe3. Aversive training techniques, which have been seen to be used by Cesar Millan, are based on the principle of applying an unpleasant stimulus to inhibit behaviour.
This kind of training technique can include the use of prong collars, electric shock collars, restricting dogs’ air supply using nooses/leads or pinning them to the ground, which can cause pain and distress. Further information on: Cesar Millan "The Dog Whisperer" strangles dog. Training? Shadow turns blue. Are the Dog Whisperer's methods harmful ? Cesar Millan kicking dogs. Cesar Millan: The Dog Whisperer? The history, background and reputation of Cesar Millan. Has become a household name in the world of dog training and millions of television viewers tune in to his show every week.
It is undeniable that the Dog Whisperer TV show oozes Millan's charm and charismatic appearance, and the use of smoke machines and soft focus lenses only helps to increase the cinematic appeal of the program but controversy grows as many professional dog psychologists, trainers, behaviourists and canine experts claim that Millan's archaic use of choke collars and physical and mental force borders on animal abuse and cruelty. This article will attempt to address the issues raised by such critiques of Millan's methods, in order to find out whether Millan is a true canine genius, or just a phenomenally successful example of corporate American marketing strategies. Cesar Millan was born on August 27th, 1969. A native of Culiacan, in Mexico, he lived on his parent's farm in Ixpalino. His grandfather was a “campesino” (farm worker) who looked after a large herd of cows.
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