I got this thoughtful perspective on Cesar Millan’s techniques from Maureen, whose Dobermans Deion and Baci were Dogs of the Month on DOG TALK®. What Maureen couldn’t have known without reading Temple Grandin’s book ANIMALS MAKE US HUMAN is that she actually does not approve of Millan’s harsher methods and ideology for dogs without serious problems, but does feel his techniques are effective with aggressive or dangerous dogs. I had asked her to clarify this before I interviewed her, but I decided not to get into that territory with her in the interview.
Hi Tracie!
I just finished listening to your conversation with Temple Grandin. My NPR station here in Ohio doesn’t carry your show but I listen on line and just listened to this one. I’m reading her book right now and am thoroughly enjoying it! What I appreciated most was her candor and honesty on Cesar Milan. While I don’t prescribe in my dog training, both in a shelter and in my business, to many of his methods (I’m pure positive reinforcement) I don’t believe in the demonization of him in the PR dog training world. I think he does bring interesting insight in pack/family dynamics and that he has learned by observation which is something that Temple speaks heavily on. I appreciate her respect for him as a man that does love dogs obviously and even though we may not agree with his techniques, we can agree that one dog that has been saved from euthanization and has been given a new lease on life, is something that can be applauded. Thanks for your show!! Don’t worry, I’m not alpha rolling any of our furry friends!
Maureen D. (Deion & Baci, my pups, were your Jan. dogs of the month)
b.f.f.- best friends forever dog training and behavioral management
UPDATE:
Hello again Tracie – I actually did read Temple’s book Animals Make Us Human and loved it!! I did understand her to say that while she doesn’t agree with his techniques (which I do not as well) she does recognize his understanding of dog behavior because he actually watched them as apposed to verifying statistics on dog behavior through scientific math problems. She has a respect for his knowledge I guess is what I meant to say which many dog trainers won’t even give him that. Sorry for the confusion.
Maureen
Tags: animals make us human, cesar millan, dog whisperer, temple grandin