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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cesar's Way - What makes it so appealing?, Mar 31 2008
This is a great series. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves dogs. And if you live with one or more dogs, it is a MUST HAVE.
I have lived with dogs all my life and I am in my fifties. I have read widely on the nature of dogs, and their relationships with one another and their humans. The thing about Cesar -- and any accomplished dog trainer -- is less about a particular theory or school of dog training than about his or her seemingly native ability to move into their psychic space, economically, quietly, and confidently. Like Suzanne Clothier, Cesar is fully present. Their body language says to dogs, instantly, "I get it. I understand. You are safe with me. You can trust that I will lead you."
Critics say Cesar's way is all about punishment but that is not what I see. His way is all about teaching humans to invest in being fully present to their dogs, and owning their own space. Respecting themselves first. I think this is a helpful thing to do.
At first meeting, Cesar actually hangs back a bit...he lets the dogs reveal themselves to him, and he even allows them to lead, so he can see where they stand mentally. HE reacts to THEM, he doesn't force them very often.
When rehabilitating, he uses graceful, lightning-fast counter-moves. For instance, he blocks an aggressive English Bull who tackles the human's golf cart..he uses his body to communicate to the dog that the cart is HIS space now. The dog eventually respects that decision, backs off, and is rewarded by an invitation to move into Cesar's space. It is fascinating.
I have seen Cesar bleed, but I've never seen any dog hurt by his approach. Rather, they've become calmer, more self-assured, and, ironically, LESS likely to exhibit fear-based aggression or predatory-dominance behaviours. If Cesar beat the dog into submission, well, OK. But a body check, a poke in the side of the neck, these are not abusive. I've seen dogs do MUCH WORSE to each other just horsing around in the park, when, say, a young dog won't let up and an older dog has to say, ENOUGH, ALREADY! I am done!
I think dogs become more fearful and mistrustful when the human-alpha-dog-"bite" (finger jab) comes from an inexperienced or ignorant leader who lacks confidence in his or her ability to hold that position, and therefore protect the PACK. Dogs sense indecision, tentativeness. Cesar helps the dog's human reclaim the role of confident leader through understanding the mind of his or her dog. More important, he shows his clients how to communicate with the dog, using every layer of one's being - energy and bearing, mental intention and mental state, body movement, light correction, and yes, even rewards.
It is funny how we want things to be so cut-and-dried, right or wrong in our culture. Experts who have invested hearts and souls and years in a discipline get pretty upset when a new face without the proper "credentials" appears to usurp their authority.
They are inclined to treat those whom Cesar has helped as gullible laypersons who are incapable of understanding that we are being conned. If it appears to work, the "experts" say, well, just wait a few months. Actually, you could say that about ANY kind of training. Keep it up or lose the value.
The argument about the rightness or wrongness of Cesar's training methods is a false dichotomy. We should be asking ourselves, what does this mean for us in terms of how we relate more effectively with the dogs in our lives?
For a less judgemental, non-invested, and far more nuanced view, I highly recommend Malcolm Gladwell's essay in the New Yorker, May 22, 2006, issue, also available on his website at: http://www.malcolmgladwell.com/2006/2006_05_22_a_dog.html.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Count me in - as a member of Caesar Nation!, Dec 3 2007
I read his books, but seeing Caesar in action is something else. I have been using his techniques while working with my own dogs and although a little confused at first they came around quickly and are even better dogs for just a few minutes work.
I am hooked, and will be a life long member of Caesar Nation!!!
Love the videos, very well done...
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
We're totally, totally hooked, Jan 31 2008
Cesar Millan's series has been nothing short of life changing.
The man understands animal psychology and is able to put it into simple terms to people who own dogs, because dogs live by simple rules unlike what we humans have decided to do. His principles of exercise, discipline then affection are outstanding and as with most things in life, when you simplify things become clear. Cesar's approach of 'calm and assertive' becomes radical when we apply it to our normally stressed dealings in life. He us really an incredible teacher and human.
I looked into dog training as our young kids had saved their money and wanted to adopt a dog from the local animal shelter. We waited over 7 years before getting a dog. My wife and I knew it would be work and we wanted to take advantage of my being at home temporarily to help get the 3-month old puppy off to a good start in our 'pack'.
Let me just say, my wife and I were no pushovers but what we learned from watching Cesar in action is beautiful and absolutely effective. (I don't think you get the same effect just by reading his books). Our kids and us are still learning and one word of caution: you need to be consistent day in day out, and never forget it. But what a incredible experience it is!
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