Don't Fix It if It Ain't Broke

FourIsCompany

spiritdogs

I don't know why you would put so much stock in taking advice from a TV show, then.

See? There's one of the overblown assumptions. 

spiritdogs

I honestly think this thread is more about your feelings of control

And another. 

spiritdogs

The really simple solution is to disregard advice with which you don't agree and try that which you do find helpful. 

That's exactly what I'm doing.

Somewhere, admittedly not here at idog, I read a statement, posted by you, that says you "LOVE CM" and that you use his methods with your own dogs.  Since we are not to carry debate from one forum to another, you have my apologies if the reason you posted that is because you know the man in person and have attended the Dog Psychology Center.  It's just that I am so used to seeing posts from people touting his methods that have only watched them on NGC, which is why I made the comment I did. I wanted you to know, however, that I was not just blowing smoke - I was relying on something that it seems you said yourself.  As to the topic at hand, you, and others, who watch any show, or listen to any instructor, behavior expert, or vet, for that matter, always have the same obligation to take what you need and discount what you don't. (Except, of course, if your action violates any animal cruelty or welfare statute, such as the burden to provide care to a sick animal).  That is because dogs cannot speak for themselves and are considered property in most states.  I always like to conduct myself, as I'm sure others do, as to what the dogs might be trying to tell us about how they would like to receive our communications.  My guess is that they would want to understand, be understood, and not be asked to do things that put them at risk if at all possible.  Just like any friend or partner.

spiritdogs

I read a statement, posted by you, that says you "LOVE CM" and that you use his methods with your own dogs. 

I've probably said that here because I do, in fact, love him! LOL  And what I said was that all my dogs have been raised "Cesar's Way" (page 5 ) I was raising them that way before I even knew who Cesar was, though. I didn't "put so much stock in taking advice from a TV show" so much as I found someone who had some of the same ideas and philosophies about dogs that I did. Sure I've learned some things from Cesar and I reject some things he says, just as with about every other single dog professional I've read or heard speak, but I think he's brilliant and has a wonderful way with dogs.

spiritdogs

It's just that I am so used to seeing posts from people touting his methods that have only watched them on NGC...

...that you made assumptions about me. Yes, I know. People learn a LOT from TV shows. National Geographic is an excellent and educational channel. As are The Discovery Channel and The History Channel. What's the difference in learning something from TV and learning from a book or DVD? It's all information. We aren't all fortunate enough to take private lessons from our favorite dog training instructor or behaviorist.

spiritdogs

As to the topic at hand, you, and others, who watch any show, or listen to any instructor, behavior expert, or vet, for that matter, always have the same obligation to take what you need and discount what you don't.

What I don't understand is why you think I wouldn't. You seem to make the assumption that anyone who even says a kind word about Cesar Millan is some kind of automaton who goes into a trance when he speaks and bows down to worship him. People just aren't that susceptible, Anne. I know you think people "worship him" because he has a lot of fans, but he's really not that different than any other popular dog personality. They all have their "following", it's just that Cesar has a show and he's "famous" and you disagree with him. That doesn't make his fans any more gullible or undiscerning than Karen Pryor, Ian Dunbar or Ed Frawley fans. You may like to think that we're a bunch of dim-witted disciples, who would do whatever our "leader" said, but we're really just like anyone else. Many of us are intelligent, discriminating and sensitive people.