Hurray! The Blog is BACK and season 3 almost here!!! Cant wait to see what else they are going to do to this site! Have you guys looked over the video clips? Great snips that show some key points.

Becky HI! Bless you for having the courage to work with a blind dog! People like you are an inspiration to me!

Now I teach workplace safety and one of the things that isnt talked about much for this kind of behavior problem is what a difference that personal protective equipment (PPE) can make in our confidence in facing our fear of being bite and successes in rehabilitating our dogs!

I was asked if I would would work with a beagle that had bitten his evaluator just prior to being adopted and was two days from being put down when I offered to try! The first thing that was done was to have him fixed, so your instincts on that matches my experience of how much a dog calms down (male and female) after this is done.

The next thing that really helped me was to get and have Cesar's book on hand which I refer to alot to consider the dog psychology of things like you mentioned of Bella's claiming the food by biting and food agression (both discussed there). Also watching the videos from Season 1 and reruns from Season 2 to select what kind of response I am willing to attempt based on my skill and safety. There are several Dog Whisperer email list groups you can google as well if you want interactive and direct brainstorming and support!

Because Buddy was willing to to bite to get to the food, I decided to order from a pet supply a synthetic nitrile rubber gloves laminated with scratchresistant Kevlar for double scratch and infection protection. Gloves measure 22” long for extreme coverage. Gloves are washable, extremely flexible and protective to reduce the risk of serious injury from bites and scratches. There are several brands of gloves available but it is the Kevlar material which dogs cant bite through. I did pay $85 for a good set that went past my elbows and were big enough for my sweetheart to also use.

Gotta tell you, that it only took one session for me to claim the food back (and toys), for him to get it because it made such a difference in my safety )and there for energy/confidence.

Next week he will be going to a good home and I will be ready to work with another! Hail Ceasar and his Team! Another dog saved because of THEIR unceasing efforts to help us help others!

Hope some of the tools and resources help you too!

just wanted to let you know just how much i enjoy this show...your concept and true belief of the "Pack Leader" is the best thing that i've ever seen or herd of. I only wish i knew about your show from the beginning. the best part i feel,is when i see a "red zone" dog become "calm-submissive" in such a sort time span. i used to train police dogs for various "jobs" here. if i could have had only an ounce of skill that you have, i would have probably have had a much better success rate. i tape all of the shows, so i can go back and watch them over and over again. if you ever come east to pa (would be great!!!)i hope that i can meet you.keep up the great work

CJ,
Thank you for taking the time out to reach out. I can't wait for my husband to come home and read this! We bought Cesar's book and he does the pack walk with our 2 pugs they are great boys though so easy to teach! We'll go over it again and apply it to Bella. We're taking her next week to get fixed. She can be such a good girl its like 2 totaly diferent dogs! She is really small about 8lbs and just so cute it breaks my heart to see her get nasty and it is SCARY! I have tried to grab her under the neck and lift her chin up,(becuase Yorkies have such fragile necks I can't use a collar) sometimes I have gotten her to calm down, but the minute I let go she starts growling and baring her teeth, I do keep trying and sometimes I do OK and others she is faster than me and bites me! Right now she is in a calm mood just cuddled in my arms as I type one handed! Please any other information let me know! Last night one of the pugs took her bone and she went after the other one, because she can't see I guess she thought it was him and then I had the 2 pugs going after her too, and she wasn't backing down. Now I don't leave the 3 alone because I'm afraid they may hurt her they are 30lbs pugs! I just hope something works because I think my family wants their house back and I can't bear to give her up!
Becky

Hi folks, Please note that Cesar does not respond to the posts here. But there are a lot of us who will be willing to share our own experiences and advice with you. We are all huge fans of Cesar, and have used his techniques to help our own dogs behave better.

Time to whisper some much needed and overlooked concerns to Cesar. Since this won't get to him, I ask somebody at NG or DPC, please advise him of a summary of my remarks. I invite him to respond to just a few comments to clean up his show into a tighter, safer program that paints a more complete picture of dog training in which we can learn from research, mistakes, and failures (e.g., shaping by taking steps too large. In fact, taking a minute out to discuss exactly what successive approximation and shaping are all about would be a good idea IMHO).

First of all, my credentials are 2 master's degrees in applied behavior anlaysis and over 25 years researching and direct hands on in the field of behavioral sciences. While mostly with humans (developmentally delayed citizens)I have worked with dogs as well and refer him to Karen Pryor's masterful book from some years ago: "Please, Don't Shoot the Dog."

Also, Cesar's intentions are wonderful and long overdue. We've needed his program for a long time. He has an appealing approach and presence of manner in working with most clients, although in some cases, I think his critiquing "dogside" manner with the owners, who after all do have feelings, is a little harsh with a sort of "don't waste your or my time" spin. It's not always about shutting up, not asking questions, and just listen to Cesar or forget it. Finally, Cesar has a lot of coursge and a good sense of humor on this valuable topic. All n' all he is reassuring and good about removing the myth and fear.

The biggest concern of mine when I watch is - "Where's the data?" There doesn't seem to be any and I think this skews the picture of a complicated issue. Of course, I'm not suggesting a show about behavioral science (even though, in the end, that's what he's applying). I just think he needs to emphasize caution and not be quite so positive that there's no dog he can't handle by his method alone.

My main rant is that while "Dog Whisperer" accidentally stumbles on a few principles about dog behavior that's been in the literature for decades, he oversimplifies processes of dog training that in some cases has taken months of difficult and daily consistency often fraught with failure before results show even promise. There's very little of Cesar's ideas that stem from controlled and reliable experimental methodology and applied research. In short, there's a lot more to dog training than good odds, mixed in with a few sharp collar yanks and sharply issued "Shhhhhs."

Trust me, as an experienced appliced behavior analyst, there is considerably more that is necessary before I would be convinced that most of his "suggestions" are as simple as he makes them look.

Where's the replication or follow up:?
DW is treading on shallow ice lacking these two essentials that confirm or disconfirm his approaches.

In all fairness to Cesar:
Cesar is quite correct to make the direct connection between human psychology and dog behavior by discussing measurable signals such as eye contact and posture as well as positioning of the animals on much needed exercise for the dogs to work out. We humans are often sadly too lazy about undertaking the responsibility that comes with owning any pet.

One large problem is that most of the handwringing dog owners are oblivious to, let alone appreciate, the amount of serious, systematic research that was and continues to be conducted to get Cesar where he is. This research should be at least mentioned and described and, needs to be at least connected back to his conclusions. Because, truth be known, virtually no animal behaviorists see anywhere near the success rate that Cesar currently is portraying. There are a lot of mistakes and failures that should be mentioned so that we can all learn from, even if it were only anecdotal data. To overlook this is, I believe, a disservice to viewers and Cesar alike. We often learn far more from our failures. Why not analyze some case studies such as recent dog incidents or from DPC in behavioral science terms account for them? This is why I mention replication. Sure, Cesar may get things to work because the dog is under control of novel stimuli that intimidate it for the purpose of illustration. But what happens when Cesar goes home or away for good and the dog falls back into some bad habits that enjoyed only temoporary relief? I've notice ample openings to mention this possibility and what can be done, if anything, to prevent or handle a situation post-camera crew. Fundamentals underlying his conclusions that go unmentioned could help.

I realize this would present some difficult tactical issues for TV but at least there should be an additional disclaimer to join the other one 1. Never attempt without the skilled support of an expert, etc.. and 2. "These results are based on minimal research with no guarantee that they will maintain as you see them on this half hour program."

Take principles of shaping up a new behavior using B.F. Skinner's well thought out and replicated research. Think of the intraspecies, let alone cross species differences that must be accounted for which by the way brings up another dangerous absence.

For example, Cesar makes frequent reference to "energy." Pure random luck based on probability aka good fortune is more like it. What is this energy in measurable terms? That's not an unfair question to ask. I'd like some too. Can we package it and put it in the animal's meal Put differently, how would we know that "energy" if we saw it and how would we maintain even 90% of the time. How long does it last? What are some of it's distinguishing characteristics? Does it come and go? Why and when? How to predict? With all due respect, Cesar, I can read between the lines and think I know what you're talking about but what about the people who don't understand your "energy." I wouldn't bet my safety out on the street with the dog and mailman every time on something as "fuzzy" as "positive/
negative energy." Be careful and use language that we can all recognize and would therefore reach a broader spectrum of viewers about what you mean.

Whether your selling hair regrowth products or changing potentially dangerous dog behavior, what does any TV viewer begin to notice in about 10 seconds. Somehow, miraculously, after the Cesar's "Shhhhs" and "postive energy", they almost uniformly are miraculous success cases. You can't tell me that percentage accurately reflects what most owners should uniformly expect. Say so! Emphasize "for demonstration only."

Dogs, although domesticated, are still unpredictable animals just like we humans. You can't tell me there aren't some serious accidents, failures, near injuries all of which would be valuable learning opportunities. But what we get seems more cherry-picked successes, intentional or not.

In fairness, Cesar does demonstrate some "rudimentary" reasonable methods based on principles such as "pack mentality." Okay, fair enough, but it gets way more complex than that and way sooner especially during "extinction bursts" (Skinner, 1958) Again, I recommend Karen Pryor's book "Please Don't Shoot the Dog." It provides a needed balance to Cesar's amazing results.

Sorry to say it folks, some dogs do need to be put down; plain and simple. That's just life. Please, I urge, avoid the P.T. Barnum effect and ask questions about what you're seeing and more importantly, what you're NOT seeing on "DW" or any "claimed result" program. You may suprise yourself at your own intelligence and common sense. The deck is stacked far too much in favor of success cases when we often learn the most from failures. Yet these are underreported on "Dog Whisperer" (just the laws of probability would predict that much). No research in any field, applied research in particular as well as basic more controlled research gets Cesar's success rate with such eloquence. The problems he encounters simply aren't that simply solved.

I hope I've been balanced in my critique and mean well to give Ceasr credit where it's due. I am just asking for a more balanced picture that mentions, practices, and is hence based upon more sound, demystified experimental research methodology.

Best regards,

Ashton
M.A. Psychology (cognate in Applied Behavior Analysis and Research Design and Methodology)
M.S. Instructional Systems Technology

I have had Australian Shepards for years and have never had an unbalanced one. It was shocking to see Kobe's antics. I hope Cesar can help him

Ashton,

I'm sure you know what "bloviating" means...you've got the market cornered.

It seems your over inflated ego found a place to vent, but I'm sure Cesar Millan, et al can do without your un-invited "advice".

It's always amazing to me how success attracks the oddballs.

Also Ashton i'm not ripping on you, I like that you are coming out and asking questions. Questions should be asked and should be answered to everyone can understand everything better.

Also, if you sound a little jealous, but anyway you sound like a newcomer to his show too.

It sounds like you ahven't seen all of his episodes. There are episodes where it's 2 weeks later and he has to go back to that house because there was an incident involved with the dog. So in his show DW, you'll see everything you are asking.

*On a side note, I would love to see an "energy camera". Like I was watchign a paranormal show that picked up heat or energy and it was showing different colors like , blue, orange, red etc.. and it was showing it move around.

Well I would love to see that "energy camera" be used on Cesar and see how his "colored energy" (positive energy) travel into to the dog. And in return see the dogs energy returned back to Cesar.

Since Cesar always says that Dogs see us as an energy, not as Mr Jones. Well I would hope everyone knows that, that's how life works, it's all about energy. Just watch wild animals, they are constantly giving off energy, and body signals. That's mother nature, and Cesar just teaches MOTHER NATURE to the humans.

I believe everything Cesar teaches is the best method. I saw all his episodes, read his book. I read about 15 other dog books and his makes the most sense. Don't get me wrong, I've learned lots of things from the other books i've read, but Cesar makes it so easy to understand and put into reality.

I need HELP! I have an australian shepherd that is EXACTLY like Kobe except that he has never had a traumatic event in his life. I got him when he was 7 weeks old from a good breeder and he is now 3 years old(neutered). His name is Boomer. He is terrified of strangers and behaves exactly like Kobe does towmard them. I hate living in fear every second that he is going to bite someone. Every time he starts that bark(the same sounding bark Kobe was making in the episode) I run outside to make sure he's not going after a neighbor, which happens very very often every single day.(he is barking at this very moment at a neighbor thaqt opened there door..) I know of several other aussie owners that have the same problem with their aussies. I have posted all over the interent on different boards and emailed many different dog trainers and behaviorists and nothing anyone tells me to do helps at all. And after watching this episode over and over several times, I still dont really know what to do to help him.

I know that when someone comes over they need to ignore him and not show there fear, but its a little difficult to find someone that isnt afraid of him. i know that he needas someone to stay calm and assertive but no matter what we do or say it's like we do not even exist when he goes into this state of mind. I have my dad help me with him when we have company because I do have problems staying calm and assertive, and my dad is always calm and assertive with him, but still Boomer freaks out. If he is on a leash or healing he is usually fine but when he is loose in the yard and someone comes over he goes off.

He is scared of lots of things to not just stranger for example he's terrified of hats, if my dad comes home wearing a hat one night, Boomer will hide under my bed until morning. He's scared of thunderstorms so he again hides under my bed. And when he goes under the bed there is no getting him out, if I try to pull him out he will snapat me sometimes, and calling for him does no good at all. He is scared of bottles now after when he had an ear infection and I had to clean his ears, so now if he sees a spray bottle or something that looks liek the ear medicine bottle9like a shampoo bottle) he hides under the bed or if he is trapped feeling he will growl. He wont let anyone except me and my dad put flee medicine on him(this is very sudden I dont no why he's scared of it now)He's also scared of other dogs now after being attacked by one a few months ago so he now goes after dogs like this to, he even bit the end of an ear off of my neighbors lab. And at agility practise if another dog runs up to him he starts growling and snapping at them.

I've done the dor bell excersize like on the episode previuosly and he's begginning to get better at the door when the bell rings or someone knocks but as soon as the come inside he starts up again.

i WATCHED EPISODE 2 TODAY AND DID NOT REALIZE THAT THEY TAKE DOGS WHO WERE USED FOR TESTING AND PUT THEM IN SHELTERS. i SAW BANJO AND FELT SO BAD FOR HIM. I DO RESCUE AND END UP KEEPING MOST OF THEM BECAUSE MOST OF THEM HAVE HEALTH ISSUES AND ALOT OF PEOPLE NOT ALL BUT MOST WANT A HEALTHY DOG WITH NOT TO MANY PROBLEMS, NEVERMIND HEALTH ISSUES. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO CESAR AND HIS FAMILY FOR DOING SUCH A GREAT JOB WITH THESE DOGS. i HAVE LEARNED ALOT AND WILL CONTINUE TO LEARN EVEN MORE.

You had a dog in your pack that came to visit Kobe-- it was a long small long haired dog -- I tried to find it in the AKC -- It was a beautiful little dog-- must have been a mix-- can you tell me what breed it was-- PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT EMAIL ADDRESSES TO THIS BLOG. THEY WILL BE DELETED.

Ashton, Perhaps you did not notice the NEW disclaimer that the channel runs between commercial breaks. It says exactly what you suggested. It's different from the bubble disclaimer that pops up on the screen during the show. It runs at the commercial break, and takes up the whole screen for about 30 seconds, and the announcer reads it aloud.

To Ashton: I understand that you have concerns about Cesar's show, but I think that there are some aspects of the show that you may have overlooked.

First, Cesar is not a scientist or a researcher. He is a problem solver, and, for him, each problem is unique. A bunch of unique problems does not lend itself to data or to replicability. In order to reproduce an experiment, you have to have the same conditions as with the original one. The premise is "when these criteria are present and these actions are taken or operations performed, this is the result and is always the result." That's not the case with Cesar. Dogs are individuals just as humans are. Seven fearful dogs may each have a different reason for being fearful.

Second, people watch the Dog Whisperer for entertainment as well as for knowledge. TV is a vehicle for recreation for the most part. It also imparts knowledge, but not as its primary focus. Most of the programs on the National Geographic Channel (and other cultural, historical or environmental channels) are geared toward entertaining the public. NGC has run many archaeological and historical programs, often about controversial subjects. They don't show you the tedious details involved in every stage of a dig or a research effort. They hit the highlights and spin a story/script around the facts to give them meaning and make them entertaining to the people who watch. A program that would go into everything you want with Cesar's technique would not last very long on national tv -- it would bore its audience!

Third, if you watch any of the big televised dog shows (i.e., Westminster Kennel Club or Eukanuba's National Dog Show or the Crufts Dog Show), somewhere along the line, one of the commentators will mention that a show dog's handler communicates his or her energy to the dog -- and vice versa -- via the leash. They don't use another term. They specifically call it energy. This is the same energy Cesar speaks of. It's not quantifiable. It's the essential quality that makes you feel comfortable or uncomfortable in someone's presence or that makes you respond to a charismatic politician or back away from a dangerously unstable person. You can't measure it, but everyone projects energy, including animals, and animals are better at reading energy than most people.

Finally, we see many programs based on failures. The Dog Whisperer is intended to be an upbeat program intended to give people hope. In my opinion, it also fights the increasing tendency we have to treat our animals as commodities and conveniences, disposable after they've fulfilled their purpose or if they are not what we expected. Cesar's is the voice that says "these dogs matter" and "these dogs can be saved!"

Sincerely,

Jackie C

Ashton, read "Cesar's Way". You will find that his "data" comes from LIFE EXPERIENCE with dogs. Lots of dogs. For a long time.
As a Software Engineer (with an over-inflated ego) I can attest that life experience is worth more then any degree(s). I respect Cesar's years of experience and put my faith in his approach for that reason alone.

I havent been back on this post in a long time, so I just saw your reply K2. I have tried ignoring the behavior, but there are times that I need him somewhere else other than under the bed. And he practicly lives under that bed, he will stay under there for a hours and hours, I don't think that seems like a good thing for him to just hide his whole life.

He gets lots of excercise! I walk all 3 of my dogs every day usually 2 miles(the caesar way). And he chases the four wheeler in the woods for hours, wrestles with my other dog, swims in our lake, runs in the woods, and we compete in agility trials.

I am planning on taking him to a dog behaviorist nearby that a lady in my agility class took her aussie to. She had the same problems with her aussie and now that aussie is very friendly, never fearful anymore.

Hey ..Guy Lee I'm also trying to figure out that dog, i had one for 16 years ( i was one until i was 17), my parents bought it off a homeless couple who was selling puppies here in Kissimmee fl. I wrote to his website with no luck so far...let me know :)
thanks

Dear Ceasar, I am a 29 year old female Connecticut native. I desperately need your help! I have a 7 year old Rottweiller, Sampson whom I owned for about 5 years. I adopted him from a junkyard. I guess you could call him a junkyard dog. When I lived with my ex @ a year and a half ago he had full run of our studio apartment and a big yard to run in. Now for the last year, I have been living with my parents and had to beg them to let me bring Sammy home. They finally let me bring him home, but he has to be in a cage when I am at work, tied to my bed at night and he barks constantly to get his way. About 8 months ago, when I was packing for work and he was tied to the bed my bro walked between us and Sam put Dougs hand in his mouth, not vicously . It did punture his hand, we hid it so my dad would not throw the dog and I out on the street. His hand ended up getting infected and the bills of the hospital totaled $10,000.00. Now , my dad said I had to get rid of him, but I didn't listen and I am still holding on to Sammy. My mom and bro(who got bit) are still helping me out by walking him, when I am at my weekend job 48hrs straight. They say all he does is bark. Probaly because he is caged.
In the beginning of the year I found out I am pregnate. Making me about 4 months along. This really complicates the situation because I don't want to give my Sampson up. I know he deserves better. Now my boyfriend insist that I choose him or the dog. This is all we fight about. He says I am choosing Sam over him. He thinks Sam is not to be trusted around an infant. You are my only hope. I have talked to numerous pofessionals and they said I don't have too many options. Please, please contact me. With Thanks, Heidi Palker MODERATOR'S NOTE: Please do not post personal information, such as email addresses and telephone numbers to the Dog Whisperer blog. They will be deleted. Thank you for your cooperation.

First - for everyone. Please check out the books by Patricia McConnell (The Other End of the Leash) and Victoria Stillwell (of It's Me or the Dog). They use MUCH better and simpler techniques than Cesar, and do NOT rely on being an alpha leader (in a bad way) the way Cesar does, which causes people to be too dominant, and can backfire badly. I'm sure I just offended 95% of the people on this list, but please keep reading. While Ashton managed to make his point in a way that would NOT reach most fans, he did have some good points. Please research the dog training world's feelings on Cesar, and their concerns are NOT based on jealousy!

Second - for those with dogs who are afraid of strangers. You need to get your dog to see meeting a stranger as the best possible rewarding experience. Practice with a friend who is willing, and have them carry treats, or a favorite type toy (e.g. a tennis ball) with them. Have them approach your dog and you, in a calm manner, talking in a nice, happy tone. When they get even within 12 ft (or whatever is the distance before your dog gets scared) have them toss the toy or treat to the dog. You should praise and reward the dog, too. Repeat this type of thing with different strangers, in different situations, and remember - don't rush it, an early failure is worse than a slow success. The main point is, though, to get your dog to LOVE strangers, because strangers mean treats, toys, ear scratches, and other happy experiences.

Last - if your dog is having problems, don't wait til you can contact Cesar (or anyone!) through a tv show or email. Please - there are great dog trainers and animal behaviorists in most communities - a good place to start is at your vet. Find someone who uses positive training techniques, is willing to be patient and clear with you, and who you trust.

Good luck!