Comments on: Cesar Millan’s Positive Reinforcement Techniques

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:29:03 +0000

Victoria does not use aversive techniques. Cesar does the inappropriate dog role, cementing his belief in making sure the dog knows who is the boss. Having the dog learn through training that you take care of everything, makes a much happier dog than forcing the dog to obey. Don’t get me wrong, I like a lot of what Cesar does but Victoria creates calm just by speaking.

By: shibashake

shibashake — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 23:13:19 +0000

In reply to Jacqueline Martin. As you say, while genetics do play a role, many neuroscience experiments have shown that brains and thus behavior are highly plastic/adaptable. I write about some of my dog-to-dog aggression experiences here - Some things I tried to help my aggressive dog. My exploration into dog-to-dog aggression and warning signals. How I felt about my aggressive dog. A good trainer who is experienced, flexible, and willing to work with the individual personalities of dogs and owners can also be very helpful. It was difficult to find a good trainer for my Shiba, and we had many different ones. None of them were perfect, but ultimately I learned from each one and they all helped me become a better companion to my Huskies and Shiba.

By: Jacqueline Martin

Jacqueline Martin — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 15:49:06 +0000

I have been watching Cesar 911 seeking tips for my dog aggressive 3 yr. old un-neutered Siberian Husky. My trainer says this trait may be genetic & impossible to “train” out of my dog. As a retired teacher, I know NOTHING is impossible & with love & patience, people & humans CAN change. If anyone reading this has any tips or ideas to help me with my dog, please share. I’m very receptive to experiment with techniques to help.

By: Christine

Christine — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 23:18:02 +0000

Positive reinforcement techniques should be applied to the dog’s he trains, not just their owners. I don’t know what point you are attempting to make by saying he doesn’t argue with his clients but the techniques you accuse his competitors of using on their clients, Cesar uses on THE DOGS. He uses them on animals who can be nothing but helpless in return. Great point.

By: N/A

N/A — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 07:46:30 +0000

In reply to Kristy. WOW!!! he really did!!!

By: Kristy

Kristy — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 04:54:58 +0000

He’s a piece of crap trainer. A positive reinforcement trainer? That’s a laugh!
He is forceful and physically hurts dogs. Sensational tv? That’s all.
Not entertaining OR helpful imo.
https://youtu.be/9ihXq_WwiWM
He punched the dog.

By: Sophie

Sophie — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 23:25:50 +0000

This is a great article that I actually just remembered after watching the first episode of Cesar Millan’s new show, Cesar 911 (which explains why I’m so late commenting…)
It was actually 90% positive reinforcement techniques (mostly rewards based on affection). I’ve never been a die-hard Cesar critic, and even enjoyed his previous show a lot, but just as you are I was wary of some of his techniques. But that new show, oh boy! His energy along with positive reinforcement techniques, what a treat! Let’s hope the entire season is like that.

By: shibashake

shibashake — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:01:47 +0000

Hello Kacie,

You bring up some really good points. Victoria Stilwell has a nice variety of dog training techniques, and she is very creative. Some interesting ideas that I have gotten from her shows include the bubble machines with bacon flavored bubbles, timed toy and food dispenser, body blocks, and much more.

By: Kacie Cavanaugh

Kacie Cavanaugh — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:23:24 +0000

I like and respect both Cesar and Victoria alot, but I think Victoria’s show does a better job of teaching ways of dealing with particular behaviors. I don’t think
Cesar’s show does as good a job of taking you though, step by step, how to train your dog. But I still love watching him. He love those dogs and he has a magic touch with them that I envy.

By: shibashake

shibashake — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:43:22 +0000

Hello Reebi, Thanks for your very well thought out comment.

Nothing brings up controversy more than Cesar Milan…

Very true. I think though that there is common ground between both sides, and by having positive discussions we can make better decisions for our dogs.

As for interactions with both dogs and people, I personally think that positive techniques are the more effective form of communication. Often, it is the harder path to take, but I think it has a higher rate of success and has more lasting results. Cesar’s commercial success shows that positive techniques work well on people. Based on what I have read of Skinner, he was also a proponent of positive reinforcement techniques, which I think says a lot.

Another good example is to look at online discussions – often there is a tendency to use aversive techniques whereupon things quickly degenerate, and no information gets exchanged.

Perhaps Stilwell could consider applying more positive techniques on people, and Cesar could consider extending his people communication techniques onto other areas 🙂

And well I’ve never watched Brad, so I can’t comment on him.

No loss on your part.