Using "Cesar's Way" to fight Cesar?

I just read an article about a group of trainers who will be protesting Cesar Millan's upcoming live shows in Ohio.  The reader comments on this article contained the usual stuff about these trainers being cream puffs that let their dogs walk all over them, that it is just an envious attempt to selfishly promote their own businesses, or that they are simply wrong.  This from a wide array of "credentialed TV-watchers."

[The article: Trainers are howling at ‘dog whisperer’ tactics]

The trainers will peacefully hand out other (better) information to show-goers.  Below are links to what I'm sure are the handouts that will be handed out at the Millan protest.  So you can read for yourself.

They don't say you can "never" correct your dog, by the way.  They are written by board-certified canine behavior experts who are worth listening to - The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.  And they don't have a place for the protesters' business cards.

AVSAB Position on "Dominance Theory"

AVSAB Position on Punishment

I think this group of protesting trainers is on the right track, simply providing independent educational information to refute "Cesar's Way" - informing show-goers so that they might make their own, more informed choices.  I hope upon hope that none become embroiled in arguments, or lodge their own personal attacks back at Millan - because this, in fact, would BE "Cesar's Way."  Using bullying tactics is HIS way, and I cringe when fellow trainers bully clients and each other about training methods.

Actual photo of two dog trainers discussing a prong collar.

We know these things about training dogs (we hold these truths to be self-evident?):

• "Kind" is not the enemy of "effective."
• When dogs are guided and rewarded for choosing the right behavior, they are more enthusiastic and motivated about that behavior than if they were forced into it.
• Dogs tend to meet force with force, and naturally push back when pushed upon (in humans, we might call this "defensive" behavior in response to judgment.)
• The dog that has not yet learned more appropriate behavior is not "bad" or spiteful - it is the trainer's responsibility to educate the dog.
• Encouraging alternate positive behavior is more effective than using punishment to suppress unwanted behavior.

There are a growing number of dog trainers and enthusiasts who are using the above guidelines to help share kind, science-based training methods with clients and fellow trainers.  We're having civil, adult discussions about how we choose training methods.  We're listening to trainers and clients who have other views, so they we can "First understand, then seek to be understood."  (Good heavens, I think maybe the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People should be covered in trainer education and certification programs...)

And it seems it's starting to work.  The Dog Whisperer show has been relegated to NatGeo Wild, while Victoria Stilwell is growing in popularity.  There are more and more trainers using positive methods.  Alternative "no-pull" equipment is readily available in pet stores, and the front attach harness is something I'm seeing more often than choke chains.  More and more people have heard of clicker training, and more people are using it.

You GO Ohio trainers.  With your education and all that. 


I can hear the Whispering getting quieter...