Cesar Millan’s Dog Training Methods are Wrong

My goal is not to offend or accuse anyone. I want to have an honest conversation about the latest controversy pertaining to Cesar Millan’s latest TV episode, featuring a known pig-killing dog attacking a pig. I know many Cesar Millan’s fans feel he did nothing wrong and that he saved the dog’s life and the pig recovered, but there’s a bit more to it than that.

As a professional dog trainer, I would like to discuss this topic from what I actually see in the video, which will verify that all is actually not right. Before you become frustrated with my observations, I ask Cesar fans to at least read and understand why so many dog trainers are upset with Cesar Millan.

Be Wary of Edited Footage

TV programs are heavily edited to create a perception for a targeted audience, so small segments are pieced together to only show successful events. Be careful to assume when watching TV footage. Dog trainers notice there are editing gaps in the subject dog’s behavior, but viewers only see a tiny fraction of what is really happening in the dog’s training. Basically, dog trainers know what is happening behind the scenes, which provides a false sense of Cesar’s success at the dog’s expense. That’s why so many of us dog trainers are upset.

All Dog Trainers Save Dog Lives

As dog trainers, our goal is to keep all dogs in their forever homes by teaching them polite manners. About 50% of dog trainers teach reactive (aggressive and fearful) dogs how to navigate through society positively and how to respond differently around triggers. We are just as successful at changing behavior in all aspects as Cesar, but we choose to use positive dog training methods that don’t involve force, pack leadership, alpha status or punishment.

Dog Trainers Are Not Jealous of Cesar

We are most certainly not envious of Cesar’s fame on TV. This is furthest from the truth. Any way to educate the public about the importance of dog training is a huge win! Most dog trainers have an issue with Cesar’s punishment-based dog training methods and not his show. With his TV show’s huge range, Ceasr Millan is teaching pet owners outdated dog training techniques.

The Real Problem

Cesar Millan’s Dog Training Methodology

Our world is full of opinions lately, and everyone has his opinion about what works better than others. Hopefully, I can explain why so many dog trainers are furious with Cesar’s dog training methods. Here it goes!

Many dog trainers feel Cesar’s dog training methods have pushed science-based training methods back into the dark ages. Punishment and force are Cesar’s primary training methods, but they’re no longer necessary since positive reinforcement works quicker and maintains a positive bond between dog and pet owner. Do understand, positive reinforcement training is much more than throwing cookies around. These methods have successfully trained thousands of zoo animals to voluntarily allow blood draws, vet exams, injections, dental exams, nail trims and so much more.

Mistakes Do Happen, But We Must Learn From Them

Oh, mistakes happen. We all make them, but we learn from them and should never allow them to happen again. Many fans claim Cesar had made a mistake, and everyone is fine now. That’s a major misunderstanding, as most dog trainers would never allow that to happen. Our job is to keep everyone safe at all costs. Instead of letting go of the leash, which is basically a safety line for the dog and pig, you can train the dog using barriers or muzzles with better success.

Safety is Vital

Using force or allowing a dog to harm another animal for the sake of dog training is wrong. As dog trainers, we never want to cause harm to any living creature and stand strongly behind this principle.

Back to the Pig

Cesar Millan and his network are claiming the pig recovered well and isn’t suffering from any lasting side effects from the trauma. I would disagree. We all know bullying, either verbally or physically, stays with you for a lifetime. While many people say, “It’s only a pig,” I would say all animals should be treated with respect and should never be subjected to unneeded pain or torture.

Thanks for Listening

So dear fans, I ask you to do more research before assuming one person’s dog training methods work for all dogs. There are newer concepts out there that work quickly and humanely, and promoted by thousands of professionals. Understand, I’m not asking you to choose a side. My goal is to explain my side and the reason successful dog trainers are upset with Cesar’s dog training methods.

Thanks for listening!