You presented (“Don’t Whisper,” December 2006) some of the same observations I have made in viewing “The Dog Whisperer,” but I believe that you failed to give him credit for two key points.
The first is his consistent emphasis on the importance of exercise. In almost every instance on his show, owners don’t exercise their dogs and the dogs have behavioral problems. Second, he teaches people that dogs don’t think like humans; acting as if they do can cause problems. As for the lack of depth and oversimplification of dog behaviors, blame it on the lack of time or space for depth that is evident in most television and magazines.
There is much to be learned from your methods and those of Cesar Millan. My dog has needed several approaches and what I’ve learned from Whole Dog Journal and Cesar have been very beneficial.
Kay, via e-mail Mankato, MN
I’ve been trying to articulate why Cesar Millan’s methods bother me so much, and you expressed it perfectly. I don’t want submissive obedience from my dog, I want a companion! While I’m pretty bad at the timing for clicker training, my Silky Terrier is smart enough to learn quickly, and he’s equally good at showing me how he feels about whatever we’re doing. I enjoy the two-way communication we share.
Suzi, via e-mail
The only thing I agree with you on is that some of Cesar Millan’s work should not be tried unless you know exactly what you are doing, especially with aggressive dogs. You should not try what he does without really knowing what you are doing and he states that on his program. He also says that what you do has to be a lifetime effort on your part if you want success.
I do not agree that Cesar wants a subservient dog. He wants to be in control. A lot of dogs are put down because people can’t control them. I have seen too many people that can’t coexist with their dogs because the dog is in control. I have never seen Cesar gain control by harsh methods.
I don’t think that any one person has all of the answers.
Sharon Gibson via e-mail
I love the Dog Whisperer for two main reasons. First, he has convinced me that it is very easy to inadvertently nurture neurotic behavior in your dogs. Second, his methods have saved dogs who would have been euthanized because no other dog trainer was able to modify their aggressive behavior. The program encourages people who are ready to put their “bad” dogs down to give it one more try with him.
I am also a big fan of your publication and Dr. Ian Dunbar and the like. Just today I was practicing the eye contact exercise you described a few issues ago to try to get my Weimaraner to stop pulling after squirrels on her daily walk.
Barbara Via e-mail
You expressed the thoughts I’ve had about Cesar Millan. I first saw him on “Oprah.” I was excited to see what he would offer her to correct/help her dog, Sophie, who had on-leash dog-dog aggression, because our pooch suffers from the same. I ran out and purchased all his books and DVDs, but soon came to realize that I disagreed with so much of his training theories and techniques. I became very disappointed with how everyone jumped on the bandwagon due to his celebrity.
I agree with him only in that dogs need more consistent daily exercise and a calm and assertive (within reason) leader, but his form of discipline and rough handling is very disheartening! I will never be a fan of his.
Rebecca Richardson Vancouver, WA
Just a note to thank you for the nice article on vaccinations and risks (“Shots Fired,” November 2006). When I was in veterinary school, we were taught that vaccinations did no harm. We now know that is not the case. I never give a vaccine without questioning, “Is this a valid and necessary step to protect this pet from disease?” I am currently comfortable with expecting three-years plus of immunity. At my clinic, we have been following that protocol for more than nine years. We, too, have seen a decrease in immune-related diseases.
Thanks for a fine resource for my clients, and often enlightening for myself.
Mona L. Gitter, DVM Noblesville Square Animal Clinic Noblesville, IN
Your article on vaccines could not have come at a better time. I recently found a puppy in the middle of the road, with a collar but no tags or microchip. We put up signs and called the Humane Society but nobody has claimed him.
I had no idea whether he had any vaccinations, so I had a vet give him one shot. Of course it was a five-way vaccination the sort that I specifically did not want. Since then, I have been trying to locate single vaccines for Parvo, Distemper, and Adenovirus 1, with little success. Do you have any suggestions in this respect?
Ute Miethe via e-mail
We strongly recommend finding another veterinarian to work with in the future, one who is willing to do (or has already done) the homework needed to locate individual vaccines. While owners can legally purchase and administer some vaccines, in our opinion, the accompanying veterinary examination and opportunity to discuss other health issues with a like-minded vet is too valuable to pass up. Consider yourself warned
I hope you might publish something regarding paper shredders and dogs. I work from home and have a large paper shredder that I kept on “AutoFeed” in my den. I also have a Bearded Collie who has long hair on her tail. She was standing next to the paper shredder, wagging her tail, when the paper shredder just sucked her hair in.
Obviously, I now keep it off when I am not using it, but I would like to alert other readers to this potential hazard.
Robin Lestrange Plainview, NY
