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 The American Humane Association recently deemed some of Millan's techniques "inhumane, outdated and improper."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
(Page 6 of 6) Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6Put Bill in a yard with a pit bull that's been mis treated. Then he'd being crying for Ceaser's help.
That is the most ridiculous thing I have heard--- Cesar's techniques are quite the opposite of inhumane- they teach dogs to live they way they were intended to-- in peaceful harmony with their "pack leader" Keep up the good work Cesar!
The dog whisperer is the worst thing to happen to dog training in 20 years. His techniques are outdated and inhumane. He has no formal training in behavior or learning theory. The American Humane Society is just one of many organizations and experts that have come out against him.
To Cesaer i want to say,' Keep up the good work.' Any one with half a heart can see he believes in what he does and loves the dogs as well as their owners. Nomatter where you go or what you do there will be someone that wants to get attention by objecting and questioning your motives. Hold fast to what you know ,Ceaser, the true dog lovers of this world understand and stand behind you and your methods. From watching the program I get a calm sense of respect for my dogs, and that is what is important.
I enjoy watching and picking up tips from Cesar Millan. I started reading dog training books when I was a small child and was interested at an early age the best way to train dogs properly. It is true you have to show any dog that you are the "alpha"; and working with them requires one to be consistent, firm, yet gentle. I have learned things from Mr. Millan that I never learned in any book. He is wonderful and amazing to watch. He has an understanding with dogs that I can relate to. Any dog I have ever had has always been very obedient; which I give credit to having a great love for dogs and knowing that you are their alpha. I love the show and have deep respect for Cesar Millan!
I've seen this guy choke a St Barnard up a set of stairs, see him pick a very, VERY SMALL chihuahua by the back of his neck, and shake him violently, not once, but twice.
And on yesterdays episode, as TRIES TO TRAIN A PITBULL, TO HEAL TO HIS LEFT SIDE, WATCH HIM KICK THE DOG WITH HIS RIGHT FOOT, TO KEEP THE DOG ON HIS LEFT!!
Also on yesterdays episode, he had a pitbull for over a month, took it back to the owner, and as he got out of the car, the dog was cowering, very low to the ground, with it's ears way back, and it's tail FAR between it's legs. THESE ARE ALL CLASSIC SIGNS OF AN EXTREMELY SCARED ANIMAL!! I would love to see some undercover footage of this "person" to see how he really trains dogs
But probably, the most disturbing thing of all while watching this "person", for lack of a better term, IS THAT HE NEVER GETS DOWN TO THE DOGS LEVEL, AND GIVE THE DOG A HUG, OR TO PRAISE THE DOG!!
HE IS MUCH MORE NEGATIVE, THAN POSITIVE!! THERE IS NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT!!
He is negative, through, and through. He says "Don't ban the breed"!!! Well, he must know that it is a felony to own a pitbull in Dade County Florida??!!? But probably not!!
Pitbulls are bred to fight! It is there instinct to fight, and many will fight to the death, with any dog, unless you pull them off. This is not something that can be totally removed from within the dog! You can try and control IT,but never have total control over such an animal.
IT IS THERE INSTINCT, THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE BRED TO DO!!
He seems to have forgotten what the term "breed" means
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