Cesar debate thread

[YorkieMother]

Originally Posted by Akbritt

thank you LJ...ill read that now

Really Good short read is a book called Domince Theroy by James O Heare.
Need more let me know.

JL

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

A lot of people, myself included, do not believe that dogs are all the concerned with rank position. It's a long debate, really, and there are many shades of it. How it applies with Cesar is (in my opinion), he often uses the word "dominant" to describe many different types of dog behaviors, and in many cases, the dog is just doing something because it has never been told not to do it. Anyway.

Mercury, come to my house and not only will I involve you in a horse training session, I will show you how much my little pack is concerned about rank and pack position.

It is amazing how much you can learn by observing a group of dogs. Sometimes just observing a group of dogs interacting can give you valuable insight as to how to solve doggie related problems. Even more it can help you solve people problems.

[mjharpst]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I think many of you overestimate how much we love Cesar, it's just many of us are grateful to have learned something that works, and his shows are interesting to watch, even if what he's doing doesn't apply to your own dog. I do think the average pet owner should become acquainted with the typical food reward training methods. I applaud you Quicksilver for opening this thread, and I intend to link it every time a training thread gets hijacked.

This says it all. Cesar has really helped our pack be well balanced and behaved. His techniques have worked for us. Grateful is definitely the key word.

[YorkieMother]

another really good on on Domince theroy is
http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonli...0statement.pdf

Applying Dominance Theory to Human-
Animal Interactions Can Pose Problems
Even in the relatively few cases where aggression
is related to rank, applying animal social
theory and mimicking how animals would
respond can pose a problem. First, it can cause
one to use punishment, which may suppress
aggression without addressing the underlying
cause. Because fear and anxiety are common
causes of aggression and other
behavior problems, including
those that mimic resource
guarding, the use of punishment
can directly exacerbate
the problem by increasing
the animal’s fear or anxiety
(AVSAB 2007).
Second, it fails to recognize
that with wild animals,
dominance-submissive
relationships are reinforced
through warning postures
and ritualistic dominance and
submissive displays. If the
relationship is stable, then
the submissive animal defers
automatically to the dominant
individual. If the relationship
is less stable, the dominant
individual has a more aggressive personality, or
the dominant individual is less confident about
its ability to maintain a higher rank, continued
aggressive displays occur (Yin 2007, Yin 2009).

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by YorkieMother

There is a common belief among dog owners and trainers alike, that dogs will challenge their owners in attempt to rise in rank, and lead the pack. This theory has been around for decades, and although still popular, many of the top canine behaviour experts now believe this concept to be incorrect, and assert that we have misinterpreted the dog's motivation by interpreting the dog’s behaviour in that manner.

It says MANY of the top canine behavior experts now believe this concept to be incorrect." This isn't the same as saying MOST, this isn't the same as saying ALL, so there could still be over half or even three fourths of the experts who still believe in it. The author of this is giving her opinion. I think the author would have chosen a different word if more than half the experts believed one way.

[Akbritt]

Originally Posted by YorkieMother

Really Good short read is a book called Domince Theroy by James O Heare.
Need more let me know.

JL

That's very interesting. Not sure if i'm buying this theory yet...but ill read the book and then form an opinion.

[QuickSilver]

I'll admit I don't work with dog packs, and that may be more similar to what is commonly thought about wolf packs, since it is often a similar situation -- unrelated members forced to live together and compete for limited resources (kind of a grim description of a home, but you know what I mean). However, I generally believe that dogs do not think we are dogs, and I really do not think they compete with us for rank status.

I have also read (and believe) that rank is fluid in many situations, and a dog/wolf that is dominant in one situation will not be in another. I ALSO don't believe that dogs feel compelled to immediately establish rank with every other dog they meet. I've read that dogs don't care about THEIR OWN rank, they just want to know everyone's place. I don't believe that either, that makes no sense in terms of species. If the top dog gets the best food, of course you care.

Finally, I don't believe resource guarding is and of itself a dominant behavior. Otherwise very submissive dogs will engage in this behavior. (By the way, I also make Thor sit & stay before he eats, and really work on NILF).

[YorkieMother]

Key Points

• Despite the fact that advances in behavior
research have modified our understanding
of social hierarchies in wolves, many animal
trainers continue to base their training methods
on outdated perceptions of dominance
theory. (Refer to Myths About Dominance
and Wolf Behavior as It Relates to Dogs)
• Dominance is defined as a relationship
between individual animals that is established
by force/aggression and submission,
to determine who has priority access to
multiple resources such as food, preferred
resting spots, and mates (Bernstein 1981;
Drews 1993). Most undesirable behaviors in
our pets are not related to priority access to
resources; rather, they are due to accidental
rewarding of the undesirable behavior.
• The AVSAB recommends that veterinarians
not refer clients to trainers or behavior
consultants who coach and advocate dominance
hierarchy theory and the subsequent
confrontational training that follows from it.
• Instead, the AVSAB emphasizes that animal
training, behavior prevention strategies,
and behavior modification programs should
follow the scientifically based guidelines of
positive reinforcement, operant conditioning,
classical conditioning, desensitization,
and counter conditioning.
• The AVSAB recommends that veterinarians
identify and refer clients only to trainers
and behavior consultants who understand
the principles of learning theory and who
focus on reinforcing desirable behaviors
and removing the reinforcement for undesirable
behaviors.

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior

[YorkieMother]

Originally Posted by Akbritt

That's very interesting. Not sure if i'm buying this theory yet...but ill read the book and then form an opinion.

Happy reading and enjoy.

JL

[YorkieMother]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

I'll admit I don't work with dog packs, and that may be more similar to what is commonly thought about wolf packs, since it is often a similar situation -- unrelated members forced to live together and compete for limited resources (kind of a grim description of a home, but you know what I mean). However, I generally believe that dogs do not think we are dogs, and I really do not think they compete with us for rank status.

I have also read (and believe) that rank is fluid in many situations, and a dog/wolf that is dominant in one situation will not be in another. I ALSO don't believe that dogs feel compelled to immediately establish rank with every other dog they meet. I've read that dogs don't care about THEIR OWN rank, they just want to know everyone's place. I don't believe that either, that makes no sense in terms of species. If the top dog gets the best food, of course you care.

Finally, I don't believe resource guarding is and of itself a dominant behavior. Otherwise very submissive dogs will engage in this behavior. (By the way, I also make Thor sit & stay before he eats, and really work on NILF).

You read this yet in full.http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonli...0statement.pdf

Resource guarding is not dominace it is keeping an item that one has for ones self. Even a puppy with a bone and grr at another older dog and say it is mine.
Just like if my sister walks up and yet agains trys to snag my ice cap I am going to grr at her.
Also dogs in the wild do not pack and well somes pack is not a normal setting for a dog. Just like some humans are happy alone so are some dogs.

JL

[YorkieMother]

Dominance in Dogs
Debunking the Myths of Dominance TrainingBy Sophia Yin
From Veterinary Forum Clinical Update March 2009


When dealing with difficult dogs in the hospital do you just have to dominate them and teach them who’s boss to get them to behave?

If your dog barks or growls or misbehaves should you throw him on his back in an alpha roll and reprimand him face to face?

When a pet greets you by jumping or rushes out the door is he vying for higher rank?


Fifteen years ago when I was just starting in practice, I and most other veterinarians would have answered, “Yes.” Almost two decades later the scientific understanding of dominance theory and social structure of dogs and their wolf relatives is making its way into the mainstream. As a result myths about dominance are being debunked and veterinarians, technicians, and trainers who have used dominance theory to guide their dog-human interactions are rethinking their techniques.




One major myth debunked by our updated scientific knowledge is that dogs misbehave generally because they are seeking higher rank, or are trying to be dominant. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s (AVSAB) recently released position statement The Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals, dominance theory has limited use in animal training and rank is rarely the motivation behind the bad behavior.

To understand why this change in thinking came about one has to first understand what dominance is.

Dominance in dogs and other animal social groups is defined as a relationship between individual animals that is established by force/aggression and submission, to determine who has priority access to multiple resources such as food, preferred resting spots, and mates (Bernstein 1981, Drews 1993). A dominance-submissive relationship does not exist until one individual consistently submits or defers. The majority of behaviors pet owners want to modify, such as excessive barking, unruly greetings, and failure to come when called, are not related to valued resources and may not even involve aggression. Rather these behaviors occur because they have been inadvertently rewarded and because alternate appropriate behaviors have not been trained.

Says E. Kathy Meyer, AVSAB president, “ Behavior modification and training should focus on the scientifically sound approach of reinforcing desirable behaviors such as sitting when greeted and removing rewards for undesirable behaviors such as jumping on people for attention when greeting them.” Reinforcers for such jumping include, petting, yelling, pushing the dog away, or playing with the dog.

This focus on a more scientific approach rather than one based on an antagonistic relationship affects not only the dog’s long term well-being, but also the owner’s safety. When using dominance theory as a guide, owners tend to meet resistance with force and this can lead to human injury.

Says AVSAB past-president Dr. John Ciribassi, “A typical scenario is a client with a 3 year old dog who has presented because of aggression directed at strangers that the dog meets either on walks or when guests come to the home. Initially the dog barks at people as they pass and backs away if approached, indicating that the aggression is due to fear.” Ciribassi continues, “The dog is referred to a trainer who suggests the dog be fitted with a pinch collar and be given a verbal and physical correction with the leash. Because the dog now feels pain when it encounters the person it fears, the aggression escalates.” As a result, now the dog lunges, snaps, and bites in situations where it used to bark and back away. Ciribassi adds “In some cases the dog is so aroused it learns to redirect its aggression towards humans.”


Some owners may also incorrectly try to pin a dog on its back and reprimand it if the dog has misbehaved in some way. This treatment is based on an incorrect understanding of what happens in the wild. For decades trainers have assumed that higher ranked wolves pin lower ranked ones in this alpha roll as a powerplay. In reality, it’s not the higher ranked wolf that forces the lower one down, rather the lower ranked one offers this ritualistic posture as a sign of deference the way one might bow or kneel before royalty. Consequently a more appropriate term for this posture would be a submissive roll (Yin 2009).

Indeed wolf biologists rarely, if ever, even use the term alpha to describe the leader of the typical wolf pack in the wild (Mech 2008), much less a body posture. Says prominent wolf biologist David Mech, “Rather than viewing a wolf pack as a group of animals organized with a ‘top dog’ that fought its way to the top, science has come to understand that most wolf packs are merely family groups formed exactly the same way as a human family.” That is maturing males and females from different packs court, mate, and produce a litter of pups. These adults naturally fall into a leadership role.

As the trend towards using dominance theory fades people may ask “What about leadership?” The AVSAB stresses that dominance and leadership are not synonymous. Leadership, or the ability to influence individuals to perform behaviors they would not necessarily perform, can be gained without force by:

Clearly defining guidelines for behavior, such as sitting patiently to ask for what you want.
Communicating these guidelines by reinforcing the desirable behaviors immediately as they occur and removing reinforcers for undesirable before they are reinforced.
Avoiding reinforcement of undesirable behaviors and only reinforcing the desirable behaviors frequently enough and consistently enough for the good behaviors to become a habit.
By dispelling the old rules of dominance in dogs and following the new guidelines of leadership, veterinarians and their staff can better handle patients and guide their clients towards proper training.



References:
Bernstein, I.S. 1981. Dominance: The baby and the bathwater. J Behav Brain Sci 4:419-57.

Drews, C. 1993. The concept and definition of dominance behavior. Behaviour 125: 284-313.

Mech, L.D. 2008. What every happened to the term alpha wolf? International Wolf. (International Wolf Center Sorry, Page not found January 1, 2009)

Yin, S. 2009. Dominance vs. Unruly Behavior. In Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification in Dogs and Cats. 52-73. Davis, Calif.: CattleDog Publishing.



Dominance in Dogs | Dr. Sophia Yin

[Akbritt]

Thank you

[YorkieMother]

Dog Whisperer, Dog Psychology and Cesar Millan

THE DOG WHISPERER CONTROVERSY
By Lisa Mullinax, CPDT
With the recent popularity of a television show about problem dogs, the controversy over which methods are the most humane and effective ways to address behavior problems in dogs has been renewed and is dividing dog lovers all over the world.

While behaviorists, trainers and other dog professionals recognize that the show is exposing dog owners to the possibility that their dogs' behavior can be changed, the show gives the false impression that behavior can be changed within a matter of hours. Professionals are also concerned about the methods used, as many of those methods are known to incite or increase aggressive behaviors.

This article will explore the controversial issues and will attempt to separate fact from marketing. Wherever possible, additional links or book recommendations are provided as reference or to elaborate on the preceding issue. We strongly recommend those who disagree with this article read the links and/or books provided before contacting us.

"DOG PSYCHOLOGY": FLAWED FROM ITS FOUNDATION

All explanations and answers given on the show center around "dog psychology," the idea that the dog is a pack animal and needs a pack leader. "Pack theory" was used in the past to explain dog behavior during a time when there was little to no behavioral research on dogs.

To understand why pack theory is a flawed behavioral model, it is necessary to understand its source and the modern understanding of behavior.

Dominance Theory: Wolves

Dominance was once touted as the cause and solution for behavior problems in dogs. This belief originated with studies of captive wolf packs in the 1940's and was popularized by the Monks of New Skete in 1978. This belief led to fear that these animals could physically harm us unless we "established our dominance." Methods such as alpha rolls and leash corrections were often recommended as a way for the dog owner to "establish dominance" over their dogs.


Alpha roll or omega roll? Closer observations of wolves over the last 40 years have shown that this infamous behavior is an act of submission, not dominance. A wolf voluntarily rolls on its back in a subordinate display. No contact is made, thus avoiding dangerous physical conflict.
However, there are multiple problems with modeling dog training after these beliefs:

The wolf studies were seriously flawed. First, the studies were of wolves in captivity and not in their natural habitats. Second, the wolves had been captured from different wolf packs, creating a volatile and unnatural pack structure. None of which provided researchers at the time with an accurate view of normal wolf behavior.

More in-depth studies of wolves in their natural habitats have since revealed that a wolf pack is made up of a family; the breeding pair who shares leadership, and their offspring (1), who stay with the pack until 2-3 years of age, when they start their own pack. Eventually, almost every wolf becomes an "alpha" if they survive long enough mate and breed.

Dominance Theory: Dogs

Dogs are not tame wolves. The domestic dog is a separate species that evolved from wolves approximately 14,000 years ago and exhibit behaviors that wolves do not. They also do not display the same behaviors that wolves do (2).

In Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin Behavior & Evolution, Ray and Lorna Coppinger write:

"Today, the popular dog press seems to feel that if dogs descended from wolves, they would have wolf qualities. But the natural selection model points out that the wolf qualities are severely modified. Dogs do not think like wolves, nor do they behave like them."

Observations of free-roaming dogs throughout the world reveal that dogs are social animals, using displays of submission to keep the peace, not displays of dominance. These dogs, sometimes referred to as pariah dogs, are more scavengers than predators, and therefore live much more solitary lives than wolves, since it does not benefit a scavenger to share limited resources with a large group of other animals. These dogs rarely form packs, and when they do, the packs are loosely structured with animals joining and leaving randomly and frequently, a trait not seen in wolf packs.

Further, the domesticated forms of wild species will, as a general rule, revert back to their original form after being feral (wild) for a few generations. Dogs, of which there are many feral types throughout the world, have not reverted back to wolves either in appearance or behavior.

All of this evidence strongly discredits the romantic notion that dogs are watered-down versions of the wolf.

'Leaders' in all animals control assets more often than they control individuals through the use of force. As stated by Myrna Milani, DVM, author and veterinary ethologist:

"...the mark of a true leader is the ability to control without force. And, in fact, wild animals who rely on brute force to maintain their status typically get eliminated from the gene pool because this approach requires so much energy."

Power struggles with dogs communicate no more leadership than an adult human in a physical struggle with a small child or an armed bank robber and his hostages.

Here's the reality, through a stroke of evolutionary luck, we were blessed with opposable thumbs which give us priority access to most, if not all, of the resources that dogs want. By maintaining control of those assets, including food, access and attention, and not giving them away for free or on demand, it is not necessary to get into power struggles with our dogs. We already have everything the dog wants. We are already "dominant." The trick is to not give those resources away for free, or on demand.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dominance Hierarchies in Wolves

"The concept, nature, and importance of the dominance hierarchy or pecking order ...itself in many species are in dispute. Similarly, in a natural wolf pack, dominance is not manifested as a pecking order and seems to have much less significance than the results of studies of captive packs had implied. In a natural wolf pack, the dominance rules bear no resemblance to those of the pecking order, that of a group of similar individuals competing for rank."

-L. David Mech
Senior Scientist
Biological Resources Division
U.S. Geological Survey

[YorkieMother]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dominance-based training methods are very energy-intensive for the human. They require that the human constantly react to the actions of the dog, such as a leash correction for growling, which still initially puts the dog in the lead. This is not how the "dominant" individuals behave - it is, however, how insecure individuals behave. So these "calm-assertive" methods communicate the insecurity of a bully, rather than leadership.

Humans are neither dogs nor wolves. So when we try to replicate the behavior of either, we are genetically doomed to fail. We lack the proper physiology, timing and accuracy with which to deliver the same types of signals and corrections that wolves or dogs use with one another to maintain peace.

We're not dogs and our dogs know it. We are not wolves and our dogs know it. Exerting excessive amounts of energy attempting to be something we're not doesn't communicate leadership. At best, it amuses our dogs. At worst, it makes us dangerous and unpredictable in the eyes of our dogs, which does not communicate leadership at all.

Fortunately, we have learned much more about dog behavior since the early 1900's. Just as it took centuries for mankind to accept that the earth was not flat, it may take decades for mankind to learn that dogs are not wolves and that their actions and emotions are much more complex than the simplified labels of "dominance" and "submission".

Additional Reading

Dominance in Dogs
The Dominance Controversy and Cesar Millan
AVSAB statement on Dominance Theory PDF
What Ever Happened to the Term Alpha Wolf? PDF
Debunking the Dominance Myth PDF
Moving Beyond the Dominance Myth PDF
Beyond the Dominance Paradigm
Leadership vs. Dominance
Non-Linear Dogs
Advanced Reading

Alpha Status, Dominance and Division of Labor in Wolf Packs PDF
Attachment to humans: a comparative study on hand-reared
wolves and differently socialized dog puppies
1 Leadership Behavior in Relation to Dominance and Reproductive Status in Gray Wolves
2 The Social Organization of the Domestic Dog: A Longitudinal Study of Domestic Canine Behavior and the Ontogeny of Canine Social Systems
The Domestication of Social Cognition in Dogs (abstract) PDF
Recommended Books

The Other End of the Leash (basic)
Culture Clash (intermediate)
Dominance Theory and Dogs (advanced)
EXERCISE

On the television show, a great deal of importance is placed on exercise as a dog's primary need. Dogs do need exercise. The following is not an attempt to minimize the importance of regular exercise. However, most dog breeds were developed for particular work which requires both mental and physical exercise. Dogs need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise.

Mental stimulation, through training, tracking or other working activities satisfies a dog's need for both mental and physical exercise. Walking a dog on a short leash may be easier for the human, but gives the dog little aerobic exercise and does not allow the dog to gain mental stimulation from exploring his environment as he would with off-leash activities.

Mental stimulation exercises also satisfy the needs of dogs physically incapable of exercise due to arthritis, hip dysplasia or other health problems.

Forced Exercise, such as running a dog on a treadmill might satisfy a physical need to run, but does allow the dog to choose to run, nor does it provide mental stimulation, socialization or interaction with the owner. In the Federal Animal Welfare Act, treadmills are considered forced exercise and are not permitted as as a means of satisfying the exercise requirements for dogs in kennel facilities.

Treadmills still require time on the part of the owner, as a dog on a treadmill must be constantly supervised to prevent injury and the potential for abuse is high. There are other more satisfying activities such as walks, training and sports such as agility, Rally-O, herding, tracking or lure coursing available to dog owners through breed clubs and local training groups which can provide your dog with a physical and mental outlet that fits his breed.

Behavioral Fallout. Dogs that are reactive to dogs, people or other stimulus commonly found on walks can actually get worse with continued exposure. Would it reduce your stress levels to be chased by a bear? Of course not. Your survival instincts will kick in, sending your body into stress overdrive to keep you alive.

The dog's stress levels, including cortisol and adrenaline, are elevated with each walk and exposure to the triggering stimuli (person, animal or object). Not only do elevated levels of these hormones lead to behavior problems, but they undermine the immune response, leaving the dog more susceptible to illness.

This is why effective behavior modification programs start in low-stress environments, before gradually introducing the dog to increased levels of the person, animal or object that causes the aggressive behavior. Not necessarily entertaining television, but the results are long-lasting.

A Primary Need? Contrary to the claims made on the show, a dog's primary need for survival is not, in fact, exercise. If a dog were to spend all of its time and energy exercising, it would have nothing left for establishing and protecting territory, hunting/scavenging, or raising young. Exercise is accomplished through these actions, not instead of.
Ethological studies of wild animals have revealed that when all physiological criteria are met through food abundance, shelter and there is absence of predation animals will not "exercise". The conservation of energy is of utmost importance in wild animals and unnecessary expenditure is not a viable strategy. Therefore exercise happens as a result of animals satisfying other behavioral and physiological activities (e.g. foraging for food, socializing or seeking shelter

"Canine behavior." M.W. Fox. 1989 pp. 21-31


Training and other activities provide dogs with both the mental and physical stimulation necessary for their complete well-being. Well-trained dogs are also able to enjoy off-leash activities much more often, which provides them with adequate mental and physical exercise.

Additional Articles:
Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Fetch?
Lowering Arousal PDF
Play and Exercise In Dogs PDF
Animal Welfare Act: 9CFR3.8

Book Recommendations:
The Only Dog Tricks Book You'll Ever Need
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers

DISCIPLINE AND AFFECTION: POSITIVE DOES NOT MEAN PERMISSIVE

With a greater understanding of behavior, today's behaviorists and trainers are now using positive methods to modify even the most extreme behaviors in dogs with great results. This includes dogs with severe aggression problems that may be facing euthanasia, or "red zone" dogs.

This does not mean, however, that the dog is not given boundaries, firm rules or is only responsive when treats are present. Positive training and behavior modification methods start with setting clear boundaries and controlling the resources in the dog's life, including affection and play, which are not given to the dog for free or on demand. This is done in a way that sets the owner up to succeed, so that they can control their attention, but still enjoy their dog's company and affection.

If dog owners don't set these rules and boundaries, they will be forced to rely on punishment, as they will have no other means to motivate their dogs. Many of these dog owners give the dog what it wants for free or on demand (i.e., becoming submissive) then punish the dog for assuming a "dominant" role. This is not a dog behavior problem, but a human behavior problem.

Additional Reading
Are You the Alpha?
Nothing In Life is Free
Work to Earn

STRESS IN DOGS

One of the biggest concerns that the experts have with the television show is that many of the dogs show signs of significant stress, some even go to the point of biting the star of the show. While most people are able to recognize overt signs of stress such as barking, growling and baring teeth, dogs give numerous other subtle signals of stress before they resort to more impressive displays. Some of these subtle signals include:

Yawning
Increased respiration after little to no physical activity
Low or backward ear carriage
Repeated licking of the lips or nose
Increased and sudden shedding or dandruff
Low tail and body carriage
Tense and slow movement


If a dog is repeatedly exhibiting these signs during training, it is time to re-evaluate either the training methods, the environment, or the owner/trainer's behavior. Is the environment too stressful? Are the methods or equipment causing the dog pain? Is too much being demanded of the dog too soon?

We all need some stress to survive. Hunger is a form of stress. If we didn't feel hunger, we wouldn't eat. However, humane and dog-friendly methods don't just mean the absence of pain, it also means absence of undue stress. A dog that is stressed to the point of aggression, fear, or shutdown (learned helplessness) is physically unable to learn and any training attempted while the dog is in this state will be wasted.

Additional Reading
Canine Body Language PDF
Canine Stress Signs
Canine Calming Signals
Calming Signals Gallery

[YorkieMother]

REHABILITATION OR SUPPRESSION?

Behavior Modification is the process of changing a dog's underlying emotions by gradually exposing a dog (desensitization) to the triggering stimulus (dog, person, car, etc), then teaching an alternate behavior (counter-conditioning). This process keeps the dog below the level at which they react (commonly referred to as the threshold) and gradually teaches the dog a more desirable response under stressful situations. There is a difference between suppressing a behavior and modifying a behavior.

Suppression is typically done through the use of force or flooding. Suppression of behavior stops the behavior in the moment, but requires the dog owner to constantly repeat the steps necessary over and over. Because so many dog owners want to know "What do I do when my dog..." this feels like a solution. However, it is not actually changing the underlying cause of the behavior.

A dog with modified behavior willingly offers the alternate behavior, such as looking at the owner instead of lunging toward a strange dog, without a tight leash or physical restraint, allowing the owner to reward the more desirable behavior, rather than "correct" the undesired behavior.

Force includes punishment such as verbal corrections, leash corrections or jabbing a dog in the neck with your fingers. It can also include forcing a dog on its side or back. While techniques such as this may immediately suppress the symptoms of the problem behavior (if it does not elicit an aggressive response), the use of force can often make problems worse as the dog forms an association between the punishment and the trigger (the person, place or thing) that incites the aggressive or undesired behavior. In many cases, the frequency or form of punishment must be increased to maintain the suppression.

While there are types of punishment that can be used humanely and effectively to modify low-level training problems, the use of aversives as seen on the show suppress the symptoms of the behavior in the short-term. The long-term behavioral fallout may take months or years to surface.

Flooding. If you are afraid of spiders, will it lessen your fear if I give you a massage with a pair of tarantulas? Flooding is prolonged and forced exposure to something that is or has become unpleasant. It includes pulling a fearful dog into a swimming pool or immersing a dog-reactive dog in an environment with numerous other dogs. When a dog is flooded, they can "shut down" from stress and won't exhibit any of the problem behaviors. This is not fixing the behavior, although it appears to because the dog does not show overt signs of aggression, in fact that dog is not doing anything at all.

While true behavior modification is not a fast process, and while it certainly doesn't make for exciting television, the effects are more permanent than those gained by suppressing a behavior through the use of force or flooding.

Additional Reading

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Statement on Punishment
Punishment: How Not To Do It

MEDICAL CAUSES FOR BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

Not all behavior problems are the result of a lack of training, exercise, leadership or discipline. There are many medical causes for behavior problems, as well. House training issues can be due to urinary tract infections and aggression can be a reaction to pain caused by injury or illness. Aggression could be triggered by injury or illness such as hypothyroidism.

On a recent episode of It's Me or the Dog, an American Bulldog that was exhibiting aggressive behavior towards visitors was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after the trainer recommended a vet check. The owners were previously unaware that the dog had a medical condition which was contributing to his behavior.

There are also some behaviors which do not have physical causes, but mental, such as compulsive disorders. A popular internet video shows a dog attacking its own foot. This is a very good example of an compulsive behavior problem. Problems such as this would not be modified through exercise - in fact the dog in the video exhibited this behavior after returning from walks - leadership or discipline.

A qualified professional will recognize when a behavior problem may have a medical cause and will make appropriate referrals before attempting to modify the behavior through training.

Any sudden change in behavior should always be discussed with a veterinarian.

Additional Reading
Vet Diagnoses Dogs With Compulsive Disorder

DOG PSYCHOLOGY OR POP PSYCHOLOGY?

Dog psychology or, more accurately, the study of animal behavior, is not a complete mystery that is left to the interpretation of a few individuals. While there are many areas in which our understanding is incomplete, there is a staggering amount of scientifically proven information available.

Additional Reading

Animal Trainer's Introduction to Operant and Classical Conditioning
What Were They Thinking? More Than We Knew
Clever Canines
Behavioral Science Turns to Dogs for Answers
Millennia of Human Contact Linked to Unusual Canine Cognition
Books

The Other End of the Leash
For the Love of a Dog
Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution
How Dogs Learn
Excel-erated Learning.
CONCLUSION

Is exercise important? Absolutely! Do dogs need rules and boundaries? Certainly! Do humans need to stop equating dogs to humans and gain a greater understanding of dog behavior? Definitely! But how these goals are accomplished are of equal importance.

A basic understanding of canine behavior can give dog owners the knowledge they need to determine the right training methods for their dog and avoid those methods that offer new age explanations or pop psychology to sell old and potentially dangerous methods in a new package.

The fact that the show's very foundation is flawed should be enough to make dog owners think twice before buying into the methods promoted. However, in our media-centric society, if it's on television, it must be true.

Part II: Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

Dog Whisperer Approach More Harmful Than Helpful

Training Philosophies

He Ought To Call Himself The Dog Screamer

Review Sent to National Geographic

Pros and Cons of the Cesar Phenomenon

Cesar Contends "I Help The Dogs," Experts Question His Approach

Interview with Cesar Millan mp3

The Anti-Cesar Millan

Beyond the Dominance Paradigm

Producer Sues TV's Dog Whisperer

Pack of Lies

Misguided Expert of the Year