Ceasar Milan has changed recently! yea!

Thanks for replying, Mudpuppy. You, most accurately, got the gist of my question. IOW, our training is based on the motivation of the dog, rather than asserting alpha position, as in a wolf pack. Sometimes, I forget little things. And you taught me something. Thankfully, I don't forget my wedding anniversary. That could be disastrous.

i am reading his book ceaser's way. he knows what he is talking about. he is a master trainer

You will find many here who disagree with that statement.  And given the law suits against him, we aren't alone.

I wish I could comment upon CM, but I've only seen snippets of his show.  At some points he does seem like he knows what he's doing/saying, at others I've had issues.  (and that's from watching less than 3 segments!)

ORIGINAL: glenmar

You will find many here who disagree with that statement.  And given the law suits against him, we aren't alone.

Guilty until proven innocent I guess...  Have you even read his book?

Yes, as a matter of fact I have and was less impressed with the book than I am with what I've seen on his show.
 
According to the suit filed, CM or his people put the dog on a treadmill and ran it dang near to death.  This is what is filed in the court papers.  There is no disputing the medical bills or the vet statement.

Ok, so maybe an employee of his screwed up. Accidents do happen, esspecially when dogs are concerned.  I'm sure arrangements will be made to prevent this from happening in the future and I'm sure all vet bills will be paid.  The fact is, none of us would have ever heard anything about this lawsuit if someone of lesser fame than Cesar was involved.

Here's a link to some positive things Cesar is doing for dogs for anyone interested, although I'm sure some of you here will find reasons to make even this negative.
[linkhttp://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1148681732379]http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/[/link]
[linkhttp://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1148681732379]ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/[/link]
[linkhttp://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1148681732379]Article_Type1&call_pageid[/link]
[linkhttp://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1148681732379]=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1148681732379[/link]

I also happen to notice, especially among trainers that use total +R, a more general acceptance of euthanasia for dogs not responding to that.

 
I am predominantly a +R trainer, as most of you know, but I certainly don't adopt a "more general acceptance" of euthanasia because of my training methods.  But, owners must understand their liability, and how important it is to manage an aggressive dog properly.  Even if your trainer is CM, the Monks of New Skete, or the Almighty, no one can "guarantee" that their training method will permanently eradicate aggressive behavior.  An aggressive dog *always* needs to be closely managed and supervised, because once your dog has exhibited aggression toward a human and you know that, you are going to be held to a higher standard than other ordinary dog owners.  That's why most rescues cannot take in a dog with a bite history.  So, I do impress that on clients who ask about management versus euthanasia.  Many decide it isn't worth the lawsuit.  Others press on with their dogs no matter what.  It's their decision, I just inform them of the options and consequences.  And, sadly, there are some dogs that should be PTS, and others that are euth'd, but could have been salvaged. Sad fact of life, and you can't save them all.  I find it hard to think of the good dogs that die in shelters every day for reasons of *space*.

I've read the book and seen many of the shows. I generally like Cesar, what he's done for himself and his general wisdom concerning dogs. Does that mean that I agree 100% with him? No. The problem with most methods is precisely that they take themselves too seriously. You have to use common sense and know your own dogs. But, in general, a lot of what Cesar advises I consider solid.
 
With respect to the lawsuit, it's probably the effect of fame and exposure. Everyone makes mistakes. But if nobody knows you, few find out.
 

I cringed when he put that little white dog, think it was the Lakers managers dog, on a treadmill, and made him walk on it while facing the jaws of his pitbull. I don't think a treadmill is made for dogs. 
Much less making the elephant  in Alaska Zoo get on one too lose weight!

I disagree.  We use treadmills every single day, and have amazing results.  Many of the dogs we deal with would not be able to stay in there homes if it weren't for there treadmills.  Seniors, single parents, people with physical ailments (disabilities), lazy people, all benefit from there dogs being able to run on a treadmill. 

I don't think a treadmill is made for dogs.

 
Dogs weren't made to live in houses either, they were designed to live outdoors and hunt for their own food, so that line of reasoning doesn't really hold water.  We humans have bred down the wolf for our own selfish purposes, and though we love the dogs we have created, sometimes their primal instincts and requirements for exercise put them at odds with the modern lifestyle.  I don't think a treadmill is inherently evil, just as I don't think agility equipment is inherently evil.  It's up to us to use these tools responsibly to bolster our dog's quality of life.  Lack of exercise gets a lot of dogs sent to shelters when the humans can't keep up, so if those dogs can get what they need on a treadmill, or in a swimming pool, or at the end of a bicycle springer, what's the diff?  As long as they aren't being abused in the process, it's fine, and I'm with Mic that sometimes it's the only way to keep the dog in its home.

mudpuppy, thats great insight on animal training.  My APBT reacts as if he were a horese when I've tried to, for lack of better word, "force" him to train.  Any tidbits of training advicefor animals that react in fear to "domination".  Rocco is scared to death of his leash, and can't get him to trust me with it.

if he's really scared of leashes, I'd put some around in the house with treats on the other side of them and let him approach them at his own pace. Once he's happy about stepping over them voluntarily to get treats, try playing tug-of-war with him with a leash. Have him drag a leash around for a few days.

Sounds good, its probably the only way because dominance doesn't motivate him to learn anything.  I learned the hard way, he only cowers.  Is it that passive animals need positive reinforcement, and dominant alpha dogs need dominant reinforcement?