What do you think of Cesar Millans Techniques?

I think he needs to stop treating every behavior problem with the same technique. He comes on way too strong for dogs with fear based issues.

If people read his book and watch all of his shows, they will understand more of where he is coming from. He does not recommend Alpha Rolls ! They are a last resort for dogs that want to kill other dogs. And they won't work unless the dog respects you. That's why the disclaimer. Pro help is needed with aggressive dogs. I did learn some new techniques from him, I was able to get a 10yr. old Siberian(not my dog) that attacked ALL dogs on sight to accept my old Whippet and 2 Bostons using Cesar's ideas....walking them side by side and not going nose to nose right away. My Whippet used the "killer" Sibe as a pillow on a long car trip. His ideas can make a good trainer better. It is a different idea to focus so much on the people and then on the dog. He's not perfect, but I wish more people would learn more of his ideas. And sometimes he really is that fast ! The show's producer is in contact with some of us and says some dogs really do take only 15 minutes...of course the owners need to follow through. He does check back on some dogs. Thats why the show has so many owners with shocked looks on their faces. Some dogs do take longer of course.

I agree with some of his ideas. Like ensuring the dog knows where he is in the pack hierarchy through calm assertive behavior and boundaries. It's mostly about basic manners. Also to reiterate that Fifi is a dog, and not a little human. Which a lot of people forget (me included from time to time).

I agree, every dog needs to work for his reward. Don't give cookies just for the sake of giving the dog cookies.

In the end though, he's teaching the same thing a lot of other dog trainers teach. It's about setting the rules, and being consistant.

However, I don't think many of his techniques work on situations that are fear based. A scared dog shouldn't be forced through anything. It should be gradually introduced and the proper behavior rewarded. Cooing a visibly scared dog reinforces the bad behavior. And while he does say that, I haven't seen him too often do much work with fear based situations.

I haven't watched The Dog Whisperer recently, but I was a fan of his techniques for a while. The only thing I was wondering is if he would do a follow up show?

He seems to solve the problems that the dogs have so quickly, but can an owner do it so quickly without the years of professionalism? If he were to randomly show up at the houses of his clients, would they be able to control the dog? Or at least control him in the way that called for Cesar's help in the first place?

I find this to be an interesting question. I have watched his show but have never had the opportunity to see him live. He does seem to have some good basic instincts as to how to train dogs through their behavioral issues but I honestly believe he is over rated. I have worked with many dog trainers over the years who are not "commercial" like him with a TV show, etc and they are just as effective.

I think that for whatever reason, he got lucky and got noticed by the right people at the right time and now he is famous. Are his techniques better than anyone else's? I think not. As I have said, I have seen the same types of training used (years ago) and therefore I don't believe he is the "Ultimate Dog Whisperer".

I Love Cesar. I think hes definately gifted, better than most other dog trainers that are out there. hes really helped me understand my own dogs behavour and made me aware of how I was praising my dog for unwanted behaviour without realising it. I dont think hes too full on at all. Theres no such thing as a grey area with dogs, it either black or white, thats all they understand so by facing the problem head on which is what Cesar does and dealing with it straight away without drawing it out is a fantastic way to overcome unwanted behavour. You need to keep things simple with dogs also so I can understand why he uses a few techniques to treat a wide range of problems. Hes helped me immensly but having said all that, it may not be for everyone, Ive just found him most in tune, I mean hes got 40 dogs living together in harmony and some of them are entire males also, that is amazing. Our local dog trainer here tells everyone to keep entire males away from each other yet hes got them so balanced they can all live together and actually enjoy each others company. And I commend someone who is helping people to understand what causes agression in dogs, especially in the fighting breeds, and OUR part in creating an agressive dog. Not that I have an agressive dog, I just find what he says really interesting and invaluable. I lend the dvd to all my friends. Hes a beautiful, humble person that is truly passionate about what he does.

A reason why i like his show is because he isn't training the animals, he is training the owner and that is very important. Dogs cannot understand plain english so we have to adjust for the dogs. What he does well is teach the owner to be consistent and that is very important.

I use his techniques on my dogs and love how they work. I went to his seminars and I have his books and CD's. Very common sense and effective. I find nothing controversial about him. I know that all treat/positive only trainers object to his methods (which aren't harsh, only mimic a dog's corrections) but otherwise he's great!

I think his basic tenants of exercise, discipline, and affection and maintaining calm assertive leadership are excellent. That being said, I do think his use of the alpha roll is not really something that he should broadcast on his programs, all warnings and disclaimers aside. They should be used rarely if it all. I haven't read all his new book, but it seemed to go into further detail that I was wanting from the first. I'd like to meet him one day.

I also think he is great. a lot of people don't like him and believe he is a joke but I think he does have a gift. I would like to see him work on a bit more difficult cases though.