by Jean Amanino

Created on: January 14, 2010

I get compared to Cesar Millan all the time. The Times Picayune newspaper even compared me to him in an article. I have been training dogs for 30 years. When I am asked, "Did you learn from Cesar, I respond by saying, " anyone who has a working knowledge of dog behavior will address behavioral issues in the same way."

To the Positive Reinforcement, treat, and clicker trainers this is what I have to say. Not one of these trainers would even consider taking on a truly difficult or aggressive dog. I would love to see any of these trainers take on some of the dogs Cesar confronts. I too take on, not only vicious dogs, but also the dogs that have been made aggressive through the new so called modern training techniques. These techniques superficially appear to be people friendly, but in reality is just sugar coated dog abuse. 

Training must consist of contrast and balance. It cannot be all positive, or all negative. Ignoring unwanted behavior only rewards and promotes that same unwanted behavior. By the same token, dogs can't learn under fearful conditions either. Correcting the dog (verbally and/or physically) after the fact or inappropriately only leads to confusion and intimidation.

Food reward is not a practical form of training, so no treats are used in our program. Using food not only obligates the owner into carrying a food pouch everywhere, but it also makes the dog unreliable and untrustworthy.

The dog and owner should form a partnership based on communication, not manipulation. Pack society dictates that the top dog eats first. The lowest ranked dog will often present food to the top dog in an attempt to appease him. The top dog takes the food and ignores the provider, thus the provider avoids being attacked.

Treat based training teaches the dog to focus on the treat and ignore the owner. By understanding canine social structure, it becomes clear that this simple act empowers the dog to Alpha or dominate status.

Dogs of Alpha status show dominance, defiance, and aggressive behavior when interacting with lower pack members. They can be very loving, but it is always on their terms. They will play bite excessively, snap and lunge when corrected, drag you when being walked, not come when called, and fight if you try to hold them. They will also show aggression and possessiveness toward their food bowl, toys, and anything else to which they lay claim. Dominate dogs just don't listen to lesser ranked pack members, be it person or dog.

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