Interesting article about Cesar

[ALDOGMOM]

http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2010/07/a...-methods-safe/

[mezmerelda]

Not surprising...

While I don't agree with everything he does, some of it works very well. But there is not one thing that will work for every dog. And like humans, what works for them when they are young may not work when they are older.

[ToBScholarly]

I think the critics unfairly state Cesar's methods are "dangerous". That kind of blanket statement seems a little generalized to me, because Cesar does use different methods. And I have seen episodes where he does take the dog's emotional state into consideration.

Of course, I may be a bit biased because my trainer for Reggie was almost EXACTLY the"throwback to those used to train German military dogs in the 1940s" and he got many great results.

Like Mel, I think it takes different training for different dogs. Same with children. Some kids do great with reward-based training. Others need a fear of consequences in order to do the right thing.

[MuttleyCrew]

I really appreciate your posting this Mel. On "other" dog forums, comparing one's self to Ceasar necessitated negating his methods in order to make one's own views seem more valuable. I agree with one of the posters following the article: look at all the techniques and method philosophies, take and apply what works to your situation, i.e., your dogs' and your personalities. No singular method or philosphy applies to all dogs or dog handlers. I think we should consider all the material and use what is useful to your situation and dog.

Praise and reward appeal to me because that appeals to MY personality. Now does this mean it is optimally effective with the dogs that live with me? In this case yes, because my dogs aren't overly aggessive, fearful and have never been abused. Does this work with all dogs all the time across the board? It's doubtful. Is that even possible?

Nontheless, between Bryn and Bree, Bryn is much more confident than Bree. Bree has a weird "shy" response to children and strangers but is not aggressive. She just takes longer to warm up. She's mutt of unknown breeds so I don't even have a breed to begin to help me guess why. Bryn, forget about it! Doop dee doo friendly all the time with humans, a little fearful of other white dogs. Two different techniques in handling Bree and Bryn in the same house with similar gotcha ages and handling philosophies.

[Terry]

I believe that some of Ceasar's methods work. I use the tap of the behind with Daisy when we are walking when she gets focused on another dog. It is a mere tap, not a kick. I have tried the watch me, but she is quite stubborn even when I am holding a high resource. The little tap of the behind gets her to look at me long enough for me to say watch me, give a treat and good girl. I am hoping at some point the tap won't even be necessary, but for now it keeps me from being pulled.
The other thing I think people fail to remember is that he takes on the worse of the worse. Not the normal dog that has a few quirks. I do believe that there is a pecking order. You can sit back and just observe that with dogs when they are together. It is their nature.
this all being said, I practice mostly positive re enforcement with Daisy and responds very well to it, until there is another dog in the picture. For general obedience commands it has worked well.
I agree that there are many methods, and sometimes you have to take a little from everyone to find the right formula that works for your dog.

[ALDOGMOM]

My biggest problem with his show is that he makes everything look easier than we all know that it is...

I personally think he is a mediocre trainer and a marketing genius.

[mezmerelda]

Victoria Stillwell makes it look pretty easy on her show too, although it usually isn't. I've had some great luck with her methods too.

[Terry]

Of all the TV trainers, Victoria is my favorite.

[mezmerelda]

Mine too. The trainer we're using says that she's her idol.

[ToBScholarly]

My biggest problem with his show is that he makes everything look easier than we all know that it is...

I feel the same way about SuperNanny.

I need to try the butt tap thing Terry. Maybe that will help refocus Maxine, as I am having a hard time getting near her head when we go for walks because she tries to get so far ahead.

[mezmerelda]

I might try the butt tap thing w/Dan.

[Itsapyr]

Well butt taps don't work here...at least not for the dogs. Neither does hair pulling, tail tugging or just about anything else.

[ToBScholarly]

Well butt taps don't work here...at least not for the dogs. Neither does hair pulling, tail tugging or just about anything else.

How about making faces behind the back?

[MuttleyCrew]

I might try the butt tap thing w/Dan.

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

[MuttleyCrew]

Butt tapping is fine if you can find certain folks' BUTTS through all the hair...

[Swissy Mom]

I'm betting butt taps would be very effective with Dan.