I’m a fan of Cesar Millan.
His original Dog Whisperer show was popular in 2007 when I adopted my dog Ace, and Millan’s “calm, assertive” methods really reinforced what already came natural to me.
His books and TV show really encouraged me to follow through with rules and consistent exercise for my young dog.
Millan is also a big reason why I started a dog running business. He helped me realize the importance of exercise for dogs, and how damaging it is for dogs when they have no outlet for their energy.
It’s strange to me how so many dog lovers consider Millan’s methods “harsh” or “controversial.” I think it’s very telling about where we are as a society.
Calling Millan’s methods “abusive” is disrespectful to the dogs out there who truly are abused every day. We do not need to worry about a celebrity dog trainer’s clients. Good grief.
Millan is someone who has made an incredible difference in the world for thousands of dogs and their families. He has helped dogs keep their homes. He has helped restore the image of pitbull dogs. He has helped rehabilitate dogs that would’ve otherwise been killed.
How could I criticize that?
Millan has a new show out Friday March 7 called Cesar 911. It will air on Nat GEO Wild. Check your local listings for air time.
I plan to record and watch the first episode where Millan helps a black Lab mix that neighbors believe should be killed due to aggression. The trailer video is below.
How about you?
Tish
Sunday 20th of March 2016
I have probably watched almost all of Cesar Milans shows and read several of his books. I have also watched a fair amount of Ian Dunbar. In his book, Cesar's Way, he states that the only thing that all dog trainers agree on is that everyone else is wrong. Sounds like raising children, to me! Obviously, there are many ways that work. I am unable to imitate Ceasar's techniques as much as I wish I could. His intuitive skill is just magical. Ian Dunbar, who Cesar disagrees with regarding verbal training, completely respects him as a trainer. Ceasar says, you have to be who YOU are, first. I can see what Ian Dunbar does, therefore I can follow his instructions easier. I simply sit in awe with Cesar. Both men have been criticized for being too 'rough' with aggressive dogs. Completely rediculous. They are in the moment, and their restraint is what impresses me. And their incredible love of dogs...all of them!
Lindsay Stordahl
Sunday 20th of March 2016
So well said!
Elena
Thursday 17th of March 2016
Thanks for posting this! It's unbelievable how misunderstood Cesar is...So many people trash him, especially "positive only" trainers, but where are the thousands of dogs that THEY'VE helped? Where is their rehabilitation center? Where is their pack of 40 dogs faithfully and peacefully following them? Unless you have actual experience--and actual results--with the most difficult dog behaviors, your Cesar criticisms are garbage.
Lindsay Stordahl
Thursday 17th of March 2016
I hear ya!
Debra Carmichael
Tuesday 8th of July 2014
Watching Cesar do everything he can do day in and day out and shows that he is the best dog trainer I have ever seen. He continues to give each and every animal he meets the best he has, to train and correct their problems. He is a constant winner in my book.
Jean Salas
Saturday 22nd of March 2014
I need 911 help!! My husband rescued a 70 lb. Pit bull 1 1/2 yrs ago! He is so attached to this dog! The dog is crazy for him! Frank walks the dog 6+ times a day. It has kept him busy and friendly with the neighbors (my husband)!! The dogs name is Lucky and the one big problem we have is he is very aggressive and strong! My hubby is 74 and I'm afraid this is asking for trouble!! Please help us Cesar!! Thanks for your consideration. Sincerely, Jean Salas
Renchan Li
Friday 21st of March 2014
I appreciate Lindsay's saying in "... Millan is someone who has made an incredible difference in the world for thousands of dogs and their families. He has helped dogs keep their homes. He has helped restore the image of pitbull dogs. He has helped rehabilitate dogs that would’ve otherwise been killed." This positive thinking approach is an angle of view that I feel could apply to many issues in my life.
I bought Cesar Millan's book "How to Raise The Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond" when I adopted my first dog (a 1.5 years old female Rottweiler then) last year. I haven't finished reading the book; and currently only consult this book when I need some information about dogs. I only have access to the TV programs that are available via antenna, thus I won't be able to watch the National Geographic channel for the show; I would definitely be benefited from watching this mentioned TV show since seeing how Cesar Millan trains the dogs is a more effective learning for me than reading a book.
It is an unfortunate thing that I have been observing in various incidents lately that people, that often don't have a thorough understanding to a situation, jump on an opinion painting someone as abusive to the dogs. I wish that people could spend more time in understanding an incident before starting a negative comment.