Many people who consider themselves educated about dog training either love or hate Cesar Millan. For that matter many who know some or even nothing about dogs have likely heard of The Dog Whisperer. I personally think he responsible for saving the lives of tens of thousands of dogs, maybe many more, all over the world. Some harm has been done in his name by those who misunderstand his teachings, in my opinion, but either which way, he, by default, represents what is considered by many as the old ways. On the other hand we have what is known as reward or positive only training. Many in the know consider a guy named Dr. Ian Dunbar, out of Berkley, CA to represent this latter philosophy. Clearly the two camps have very strong feelings for what they think they see as the harm the other side is doing to dogs...but I wonder, if we study the matter, do we see the same huge chasm between the two men as we do between the two camps who follow their teaching? Could it be that these two men are talking about two different scenarios? Could it be that they are talking about the same time line...just different places on it? Could it be an apples and oranges situation? Could it be that one is an expert in the mechanics and science of it and the other focusing on helping average people? Could it be that one says he doesnt believe in what has come to be known as the hierarchical model, yet counsels a certain level of growling and dominance and negative punishment and calls it something else, but it is not, in fact, all that different? Most of you know the basic tenets of the old ways. Wolf and dominance and submission and alpha and such. But most of you do not know exactly what they mean by reward or positive only style of training dogs. Many have never heard of the teachings of Dr. Dunbar (which, by the way is a sore spot for many who hate Cesar Millan and his public successes). So, in the interest of education...because of course, one must understand all sides to be able to adequately argue the subject...I present this video of the good doctor. To that I say, learn all you can about as many trainers as you can study. Thankfully the internet makes that easy, so it really is just intentional ignorance if you profess to have an opinion when you havent studied the subject. Watch this video and understand that not everything a trainer says should be gospel for everyone. I dont agree completely with everything Cesar Millan, Dr, Dunbar or anyone else, for that matter, says on anything. Not even Judge Judy. Ya, I know...I would fan her with a palm frond like a Nubian slave if she told me to, so...maybe that is not the best way to put this. How about just watch the video. It is intended as an introduction to this particular individual. I suggest you consume as much of his work as you can...if you find the subject of dog psychology interesting. And of course...do the same with Cesar Millan and others. Then try to work out those nagging seemingly irreconcilable differences. And remember...the most important thing in this is to understand that theory without practice is as useless as practice without theory. Study but also find a way to put your hands on as many dogs as you can. You will never understand if you only work with a handful of dogs. https://youtube/watch?v=Dcdpl4H2glo
Posted on: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 06:09:01 +0000
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