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World-renowned dog trainer Cesar Millan is taking some serious heat for methods used on his hit show "Dog Whisperer." The American Humane Association recently deemed some of Millan's techniques "inhumane, outdated and improper." Now, as the show gets ready to launch its third season, TMZ has learned that the widely respected organization tried to get the show pulled from the air.
The group claims they were forced to take action after witnessing "numerous inhumane training techniques" on the show, including one instance where they claim a dog was partially asphyxiated after it was pinned to the ground by its neck. "We wanted National Geographic to pull the show" Bill Torgerson, Vice President of Animal Protection Services for American Humane Association, tells TMZ.
But the National Geographic Channel stands behind their star, claming that owners of several of the allegedly "abused" animals contacted them and praised Cesar for his work. When contacted by TMZ, the channel pointed out that the show has received a seal of approval from multiple respected professionals and animal organizations.
TMZ has learned that as a result of the AHA's concern, the show will now feature a cautionary statement to remind viewers "There are many methods of dog training and owners should work with professionals to choose the right approach for them."
Torgerson tells TMZ that they are still working closely with the network on "eliminating the broadcasting of certain techniques" but they've stopped their push to pull the show entirely.
Season three of "Dog Whisperer" debuts Monday on the National Geographic Channel.
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Reader Comments
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There are many aspects to Caesar's training methods that are not shown on T.V. and you must realize that since it is a T.V. show, they will only show what the audience wants to see.
I'm not saying that all his methods are ineffective, but there are some that come into question. For example, I heard about how a previous client sued him for using a method on their dag referred to as "helicopter." It involves a choke chain, and well, you can imagine.
I've been around many veterinarians: private practicioners and even veterinary behaviorists at the UCD Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital who really seem to despise him, and I'm sure it's not without validation.
So, even though what's on T.V. looks good, please, consider what goes on behind camera.
(And by the way, I'm not affliated with PETA or any organization- I just think people should weigh all details)
CESAR helps dogs that otherwise might be sent to the pound and possibly put to sleep for being problematic. Hey, I'm as much of a 'tree hugger' as the next person, however, if a doggie needs a 'correction' when being trained then he needs a correction. It's kinda like a 2 year old sticking a fork in an electrical socket. You really can't sit a baby down and explain the properties of electricity and why NOT to do it. They won't understand it.... but a quick pop on the hand and a 'NO' will keep him away from it (aversion). KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK CESAR!
CESAR helps dogs that otherwise might be sent to the pound and possibly put to sleep for being problematic. Hey, I'm as much of a 'tree hugger' as the next person, however, if a doggie needs a 'correction' when being trained then he needs a correction. It's kinda like a 2 year old sticking a fork in an electrical socket. You really can't sit a baby down and explain the properties of electricity and why NOT to do it. They won't understand it.... but a quick pop on the hand and a 'NO' will keep him away from it (aversion). KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK CESAR!
I NEVER MISS A SHOW, I HAVE YET TO WITNESS ANY ABUSE!! I AGREE 100% WITH THE COMMENTS ABOVE, POINT YOUR FINGERS AT THE REAL & SICK ABUSERS! TRUST AND BELIVE THEY WON'T BE TELEVISED!!
Give Ceasar a break! He has done nothing wrong! He is helping the owners and dogs out! I have watched the show many times and have NOT seen any ABUSE or act of being inhumane! Go find the real abused animals that are starving to death or beaten by their owners!
I have discovered Cesar's show a few months ago on a french netwokk in Canada (Québec). If it wasn't for his good advice and animal psychology my pittbull would not be alive today. He is simply the best!!
Please don't leave Cesar, animals and there owners NEED YOU!!!
Lise, from Montréal
comment #33 should not have been allowed up. what an idiot.
cesar on the other hand is much loved by the average,decent, rational-minded person in comments.
never stop Cesar! you are well supported. national geographic is also well respected and i commend their support as well.
As a professional dog trainer myself I am not a huge fan of Cesar. I also know MANY other dog trainers that share my opinion. Ask around in the dog training circles and check out the feedback you get on him. You may be surprised. Sure he has some great nuggets of info on his show and I agree that dogs are not people in fur coats. But I HAVE seen things that I consider unfair to the dogs on the show.
Weighing down a growing 9 month old puppy with a heavey packpack is one of them. Using the outdated and dangerous (to the public) technique of alpha rolls (pinning dogs to the ground) which are also tramatic to the dog considering in dog language you are attacking them. (read Patricia McConnells "The other end of the leash" for more in depth info on dog behavior about that) It is a behavior that will most likely get you bitten.
Dogs are a pack animal and need clear leadership yet in a pack leaders are benevolent, not violent.
There are MANY techniques for dog training. He uses what we call compulsion training, teaching the dog to behave to avoid pain. It has been around a long time and does work. Fortunatly in this day and age we (who study dog behavior) have found a better way to communicate with dogs and teach them without using intimidation and fear. Once upon a time I used choke collars regularly in training. I rarely use them anymore because I prefer to use more positive methods. For the record I am NOT a 100% positive trainer. I use what is needed for each client but I TRY to use positive as much as possible to be fair to the dog.
Yes positive methods CAN take more time but the trade off is worth it to me and my clients. The thing about tools for training is that they are only as good as the people using them. They CAN be used improperly! (including treats and positive methods)
I am glad that he works with dogs that are in need and saves them from being put down. I just hope they get to live in a real home afterwards and not spend the rest of their days at his "center" competing with the others of the pack. (a very stressful life for some-watch their body language) However aggression isn't generally something that is "trained" out of a dog. It is either managed using training or changed by using behavior modification techniques.
I do think he is a very good "handler" of dogs. I just disagree that he is a fantastic trainer for dogs and their people. He needs some serious training in reading body language of the dogs he works with. Many times he stresses them out inappropriately and seems to miss their reaction entirely. (the Great Dane on the slippery floor and the backpack puppy are two excellent examples)
He is a person like the rest of us. The problem lies in that he has a show and reaches millions with his sometimes (in my opinion as a trainer) really bad advise/techniques. I regularly see clients that I have to help out of a problem they have created with their dog because they have used stuff they have seen on his show with disasterous results.
I debated whether to respond to this thread at all because the perception is that us other trainers are jealous of his success. In reality we are just tired of doing damage control to the dog training profession.
If you are happy with his methods that is fine. I feel the HSUS responded appropriately with their concerns due to the feedback they were getting from the dog training community.
For more info on dog training using positive techniques you can check out these books:
How to teach a new dog old tricks by Ian Dunbar
The Cluture Clash by Jean Donaldson
Parenting your dog by Trish King
How to be leader of your pack by Patricia McConnell
Aggression in dogs-Practical management, prevention and Behavior Modification by Brenda Aloff
Just my two cents as a trainer in the trenches.
I've said this guy was a "Charlitan" from the get go and now the truth comes out. Do you people actually believe they would put "the real problem dogs being controlled by the REAL Ceasar" on TV? Bwahaha
This guys treats those animals like dogs. I'm a true pet lover and treat my dog as my friend, with love and affection. All my dogs have given me unconditional love and not because I'm the alpha boss but the loving companion. I bet he treats his women like he treats his canines as submissives that always walk one step behind.....but we all know they will finally fall in line with one firm jerk on their leash. What a guy!
I think many of the Humane Societies need to take a look at themselves and re-evaluate their take on cruelty. Enough said on that. Cesar doesn't really need anyone to defend his methods. One only has to look at the way his dogs in his pack look at him to know "they" think he is king and they love him. Cesar treats dogs like they truely love to be treated...like dogs. Cesar loves dogs and wants them to be happy and healthy and to live amoung humans in a happy, healthy manner. Cesar, thank you for your commitment to dogs everywhere and for helping humans learn the "power of the pack"!
To Marie at #38, it was AHA, not HSUS, that complained about Cesar. Look into AHA--I have heard a lot of negative about this organization over the years including that they do not actually help animals but are more of an animal rights type group. Their attack on Cesar is idiotic in my opinion and speaks to all that is wrong in our society today. People who object to Cesar's methods are people who feel the need to see dogs as little humans in fur suits. I am a longtime dog lover, always felt uncomfortable with clicker and treat based training, and I never miss an episode of Cesar's show. It is a breath of fresh air to me. Get a life animal rights people!!!
My dog was trained by Cesar Milan before he had the show.
We boarded our then, 1 year old german shep. with him. Cesar was supposed to socialize him, go on hikes with with other dogs, supervised play, and after 4 days we took him home and noticed he had welts all over his body. We found at least eight infected leisions all over his body. When we called Cesar to tell him and ask him what happened, the only response he had was: "Dogs witll be dogs." That was it, no I am sorry, no explination, no nothing.
This guy is horrible. My husband and I have told this story to friends, and almost everyone we tell this story to also has a bad experience about Cesar to share.
He is no "Dog Whisperer," he is a "Money Whisperer" that is all he is thinking about.
Caesar is NOT a dog trainer and he does not claim to be. Yes, that is what he wanted to be when he came to the US. But after seeing how unbalanced dogs were in the US, he realized that training is not what he wanted to do. He teaches Dog Psychology. He trains people how to relate to dogs and to see things in a dogs point of view. He has been around dogs his entire life and studied the way a "Pack" of dogs behave. So yes, in a dogs' world there is an alpha dog and as a dog owner, you should be the alpha or "pack leader." If anyone has not read his book, I would suggest it.
I have used some of his techniques on my 95lb. yellow lab and I now have a different dog. I used to think Choke chains were awful. But I finally got tired of my dog dragging me down the street, choking himself with his collar, that I tried his walking technique with a choke chain. My dog responded instantly, without being hurt. He now walks off leash right next to me. I gave him more boundaries and limitations and he is a happier dog because of it.
So if you are a "trainer" and do not agree with his techniques, I suggest you read his book. In his book, he explains how he got here (US) and how his "Dog Psychology" came about.
Educate yourself before you form an opinion.
I just wish my son would use some of Cesar's techniques on his 2 out of control dogs. As an animal lover, I have only admiration for Cesar and the way he manages to change the lives of not only the troubled dogs, but of their owners as well. Thanks to the "Dog Whisperer".
