[Akbritt]

Originally Posted by Dame

I don't really want to say too much here, because this thread seems to have left the idea of a discussion and become a pure argument. I really wish we could just share and respect opinions and viewpoints - none of this should be about proving who is right and who is wrong. Aren't we all here to just learn and broaden our knowledge and horizons?

I do have to say that I totally agree with Quicksilver's statement! I really don't think anything Cesar does is new. What I do believe is new is the focus on animals and animal training in the media. His focus and his approaches have been used for years, its just that the "general population" wasn't aware of them like it was. Dog training is "in". I think one could possibly make that statement about Stilwell too though in all technicality (hehehe) because there is so much out there that people have done since the dawn of time, its just all about how far and how fast that knowledge spreads.

I also think comparing Stilwell to Cesar is like comparing apples to oranges. Two completely different approaches, personally I'll take positive reinforcement any day. Why? Fear and submission can be incredibly helpful - but in non expert hands I think it can do more harm then good. Positive reinforcement can be an issue if you reinforce the wrong behavior, but you are never going to get a agressive or defensive response from trying it. Sometimes, one approach is more effective then another. I think the biggest issue with all of this is what so many people take this one idea and apply it with broad strokes to everything - and that never works.

Cesar's techniques may be valid in numerous situations - but I think they can be super hazardous when you put them in the hands of someone much less educated, like the common pet owner its marketed towards. So many people think that his methods are the gold cure for everything! Considering his methods that is such a dangerous concept and I think that is why you had so many people who disapprove of him. Not necessarily because his methods have no merit, but because the common pet owner he is marketed towards will never be able to use them properly and it has drastic results.

FINALLY an intelligent post on the subject!