by Sandra Goodwin

Created on: March 22, 2009   Last Updated: March 27, 2009

Comparing Ms. Stilwell to Mr. Millan is like comparing apples and oranges. Mr. Millan states quite clearly that he is not a trainer. Trainers teach dogs to come, sit, stay, don't bark, shake hands etc. The dogs I've seen on his program have already been trained, trained to misbehave.

While many people consider their dogs to be people in a fur body, I feel this is quite an injustice to their dogness. Honor what they are by treating them as such. Mr. Millan is doing just that. His simple rules of exercise, discipline and then affection can turn even the most unruly dogs into good canine citizens. I've witnessed this with my own eyes.

Cesar's most effective technique for me has been "no, look, no touch, no talk". It works for dogs barking when people enter the house and for very shy dogs who want to make contact on their own terms. This method is in no way aggressive towards the dog as many of Cesar's detractors have accused him of being.

One article writer stated that they did not know what "calm, assertive energy" was and I could not believe someone who trained dogs did not understand such a basic principle. Maybe it would help to change the wording to "calm, confidant energy" which is what any good trainer uses to approach dog training situations. Energy is contagious and a dog can immediately sense what you are thinking and feeling because they are consummate body language readers. If you are fearful or overly excited that will produce the same from your canine and it can become aggression in the right situation. Mr. Millan understands this very well.

I have seen every single episode of The Dog Whisperer and witnessed the subtle changes in Cesar's methods. He is never afraid to try something new if he thinks it will help a particular dog. He's had clicker trainers and positive only trainers on his show. He never has a bad word to say about anyone else's methods. He is gentle when necessary and assertive when called for. For those who believe their dogs are more human, I can see where he might appear to be too harsh but watch a pack of dogs and you will most certainly see bad behaviour corrected and submissive behavior rewarded.

For all of Mr. Millan's detractors I have only this to say...Cesar has helped hundreds of dogs who would have otherwise been destroyed. Take the time to really listen to what he is teaching and witness the changes not only in the canines but also the people. He empowers everyone he helps.

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