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Originally Posted by LilysMomma  Hi everyone. I have to respectfully disagree with some of the points above. As a dog trainer myself I can say that Cesar has inspired many pet owners to acknowledge and seek out the understanding of their dog and the needs of the dog as separate from the human needs from the dog, psychologically speaking.
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As a dog trainer, then you should know that the AVSAB disapproves 100% of these methods.
http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonli...0statement.pdf
Here is their statement on dominance training. ^
I would like to know why you are utilizing a theory that has been disproved by the very people who created it? Just curious.
I've been able to enjoy the experience of bonding and learning with a dog through truly positive reinforcement. Then I discovered clicker training as well. It's really amazing what you can do with a dog with a little encouragement and positive vibes. And as I said, I'm not taking never saying "no" or that I'm perfect, but I don't want a "perfect" robot dog.
I am not my dogs "pack leader" nor his "alpha". He doesn't obey commands because he HAS to... he does because he WANTS to and he ENJOYS pleasing me. He's my best friend, my every day companion, and my heart.
And with positive reinforcement, he knows well over 100 commands and tricks and names. He comes to me happily when I call his name (ok, most of the time!
), he has gotten over his fear of strangers, he has graduated agility classes, and is well on his way to becoming a canine good citizen. He's friendly with all other dogs he meets, he's able to walk into a store or go anywhere really and be on his best behavior. And this, plus
much more, was accomplished without physical corrections, without dominating him or rolling him on his back, or forcing him to walk behind me (though I don't allow to pull, typically speaking), or using a prong collar/choke chain/shock collar.
Most of all, we have FUN together. We have a freakin' blast and he and I both enjoy training equally. We're a team... I'm not "above" him. We have a mutual respect for one another that's created a strong bond that will last a lifetime.
People will eventually see the light. I used to be one of the posters defending him. Looking back, I can't believe I ever watched in awe.
I watched an episode with a sheltie who was terrified of the toaster. Cesar took the toaster and pinned the dog into a corner and kept flicking the popping mechanism. The poor sheltie was
terrified. His eyes were wide and he kept trying to get away. Finally, the dog was so stressed that he laid on the floor and was panting heavily. Cesar said that the dog "overcame his fear". No that's just a dog who is broken down and absolutely terrified. And this dog was not "aggressive" and shelties are known to be somewhat quirky.
When Jackson is scared or unsure of something (and he has some VERY weird quirks), I simply encourage him to check it out, bring some high value rewards, and start treating him for being close to it, or near it. I did this with the oven. He was deathly afraid after the smoke alarm went off, so he wouldn't come into the kitchen for a few weeks. It just took time and patience. I can't imagine if I had just dragged him in there and pinned him down. OMG he would be traumatized.
http://vetmedicine.about.com/b/2009/...sar-millan.htm