Most dog training shows, no matter the method, make me crazy and cause me to watch all at the same time. This is true be it Cesar or Stillwell.
Both shows have one thing in common, they do not use a leash to train at times where common sense would dictate this to most. It especially concerns me where a segment begins with a dog ripping the leash out of the owner's hand to then bite a passer by (a Stillwell episode) or an off lead dog runs across the room to bite his/her owner (a Cesar episode). Is it really necessary to afford a dog another or first bite in a training program? The number one goal in a behavioral modification case is to PREVENT this from happening, not cause it to happen. I wonder if the producers do this on purpose to either sensationalize the show, or they feel the need to prove these things do happen?! I can think of better ways to demonstrate this than on hapless humans that wander by during taping episodes.
On the other hand, I do like that the episodes do not cut away from the problems encountered. I only wish that the trainers would also recognize why the problems were encountered, and take steps to correct it in the future. Also, they should explain in that episode what went wrong and how to do it correctly.
The other thing that the shows have in common, is there is never a discussion of appropriate (leash) equipment to use or how to hold a leash. If they go in and flexis or chain leashes (the absolute worst) are used, they never discuss the benefits of a nice leather leash, and how to grip it through the handle AT ALL TIMES. Nor does the advice "what you can't do on leash, you can't do off leash" EVER come up. Just having something that stays in your hand in a good grip, can be a huge help to someone. While a chain leash IS strong, it's better to not have to hold on with all your might by training your dog AND using the appropriate equipment when training your dog. A chain leash is very hard and pinches the human hand. The links are slick if you attempt to hold onto them, and it's only purpose is to attempt to hold back a dog that is clearly out of control.
Every trainer is different of course, and the one thing two out of three dog trainers will agree with is that the third one is wrong LOL. Television, as well, is about more than distributing good information, of course. They have advertisers that want a good viewer base, and there are other shows to compete with. I just wish we could fix a few safety things with these shows, and still make them sensational to the viewing public.
Need to train your dog SAFELY? Call Maine's Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at Mannerly Mutts Dog Training 207-361-4395. Or e-mail for your Maine Dog Training needs at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.
Both shows have one thing in common, they do not use a leash to train at times where common sense would dictate this to most. It especially concerns me where a segment begins with a dog ripping the leash out of the owner's hand to then bite a passer by (a Stillwell episode) or an off lead dog runs across the room to bite his/her owner (a Cesar episode). Is it really necessary to afford a dog another or first bite in a training program? The number one goal in a behavioral modification case is to PREVENT this from happening, not cause it to happen. I wonder if the producers do this on purpose to either sensationalize the show, or they feel the need to prove these things do happen?! I can think of better ways to demonstrate this than on hapless humans that wander by during taping episodes.
On the other hand, I do like that the episodes do not cut away from the problems encountered. I only wish that the trainers would also recognize why the problems were encountered, and take steps to correct it in the future. Also, they should explain in that episode what went wrong and how to do it correctly.
The other thing that the shows have in common, is there is never a discussion of appropriate (leash) equipment to use or how to hold a leash. If they go in and flexis or chain leashes (the absolute worst) are used, they never discuss the benefits of a nice leather leash, and how to grip it through the handle AT ALL TIMES. Nor does the advice "what you can't do on leash, you can't do off leash" EVER come up. Just having something that stays in your hand in a good grip, can be a huge help to someone. While a chain leash IS strong, it's better to not have to hold on with all your might by training your dog AND using the appropriate equipment when training your dog. A chain leash is very hard and pinches the human hand. The links are slick if you attempt to hold onto them, and it's only purpose is to attempt to hold back a dog that is clearly out of control.
Every trainer is different of course, and the one thing two out of three dog trainers will agree with is that the third one is wrong LOL. Television, as well, is about more than distributing good information, of course. They have advertisers that want a good viewer base, and there are other shows to compete with. I just wish we could fix a few safety things with these shows, and still make them sensational to the viewing public.
Need to train your dog SAFELY? Call Maine's Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at Mannerly Mutts Dog Training 207-361-4395. Or e-mail for your Maine Dog Training needs at mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.
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