The more I learn about training dogs, the more I learn what’s not to like about Cesar Millan. It’s kinda funny. My parents are die hard Cesar fans and I can’t talk them out of it no matter what I say. They see the show, they witness the miracles, and they believe. I can’t fault them for that, I really can’t. But I have learned the way of positive pet training and it’s a better way. Really and truly.

Pals hubby J, the trainer, recently said to me “Watch Cesar to learn what NOT to do.” My friend K was telling me that her sister (who volunteers frequently for the Humane Society and has gone to Mexico to offer free vet care for the people there) met someone from Cesar’s staff. Apparently when you witness Cesar miraculously getting a muzzle on a dog within a few seconds of it completely freaking out it it’s for a few reasons. One, a production assistant goes and runs the dog for an hour or two. Two, the dog is so freaking tired that of course not much of a fight will be put up. I do have to agree that his philosophy of a tired dog being a good dog is accurate. I also learned that there have been lawsuits for pets that have been hurt from being put on the treadmill too long etc. etc. etc. EEEEEK!

Not to say that you can’t respect the man. I do. Anyone that can have a farm of dogs (a lot of rehabilitated pitt bulls no less) that can live in relative peace deserves some respect. I just do not like his methods.

Another thing I read – it was in a book review of one of my recent positive training book purchases – said that [the book I wanted to get] “couldn’t screw up a dog too bad, not like Cesar Millan books or Monks of New Skete could.” Soooo I guess the bottom line are there are different ways to accomplish the same things. Positive and Negative.

I remember watching Cesar myself and trying out his tactics. None of them worked for me, and I was not about to go out and get a pinch collar or choker collar for Kraymer. Anywho, I learned in the end that kicking Kraymer on the side to get his attention or karate chopping him on his neck when he was in a zone didn’t work. In fact I have learned now that I was adding discomfort to an already discomforting situation. How can that be a positive thing for a scared/reactive dog???

Ok, that rant is over. I am going to copy and paste this to the parentals although I know that it won’t change their minds. I just want them to be well informed, ya know? They can make their own decisions on what to do with their out of control dog.

I had an awesome weekend. Loved every second of it, per usual. It’s back to reality though and working after work and on the weekend. Ooooo well!

Happy Tuesday peeps...