Quote from Cesar Milan re: rescue/shelter dogs

I think Yahoo is a less-than-great source of dog related info in any case.  I think what Cesar has said has, to be really honest, ruled most run-of-the-mill families looking for a pet out of the equation, and this is the main source of homes for dogs in shelters!!!  There are a great many shelter dogs who make wonderful pets and Cesar could well be steering some good owners away from rescuing a wonderful dog who needs not much more than a loving home.
 
ETA - I think he would have been better to say; Some shelter dogs come with issues but often all they need is a little understanding and patient training.... he could then have suggested a list of sources for understanding rescue dogs, solving common problems etc.  ie.  Here are the possible problems and here is how to overcome them.  Not, You may have problems so perhaps you'd be better off not bothering!!!!

IMO, that was a stupid thing to say. Sure some rescue dogs have issues - they weren't given up because they were perfect. But (a) there are rescue dogs who are looking for homes through no fault of their own, and (b) in rescue the animal has been pretty well profiled in foster and they are in a good position to match you with the right dog.

Paula

"Consider the source. It's a noble thing to select a dog from a rescue center, but keep in mind that many rescued or abandoned dogs are higher-energy dogs with issues. Someone who's unsure of themselves, who's never owned a dog before, or who has a laid-back, low-energy lifestyle might do better selecting a compatible dog from another source. "

 
I have a feeling the quote is not finished or CM didn't finish by offering a solution. If the solution is to get a purebreed from a legit breeder, so be it. But truly, there are some great dogs right here in our little, bitty, untelevised forum that came from shelters. In another thread, where I mentioned an aggressive Rhodesian Ridgeback that spent a good amount of time in a shelter, the rescue was trying to re-home him. And no doubt, they saved him from euthanasia. The shelter would not have adopted him out and didn't. He would have been pts except for the rescue org stepping in. So, the shelters do provide a service and offer dogs of reasonable temperment for adoption.
 
So, I would have to disagree, at least in part, with CMs sentiment. Also, for a first time dog owner, the shelter should provide info and guidance in how to approach owning a dog. If the world was made up of only dogs gotten from good breeders, there wouldn't be shelters. Also, if CMs main point, which is valid, that many times the problem is the owner, then what difference does it make if the dog came from a shelter? It is up to the owner to step up to the plate and meet the needs and challenge. Most dogs I have seen in the shelter are sweet and playful and their only crime is being homeless.
 
And I think any dog, regardless of source, is going to need educated handling and training. Some will often say that a certain breed isn't for a first time owner. I think no breed can be picked as good for a first time owner. They all need understandign and training.
 
I guess that's enough rambling, for now.
 

ORIGINAL: dogsRkewl

This is taken from Yahoo's pet section.  They've recently revamped it and now have Cesar write articles and give suggestions, etc.  Below is a quote from an article on picking the right dog.:



[blockquote]
"Consider the source. It's a noble thing to select a dog from a rescue center, but keep in mind that many rescued or abandoned dogs are higher-energy dogs with [linkhttp://cesarmillaninc.com/tips/glossary.php]issues[/link]. Someone who's unsure of themselves, who's never owned a dog before, or who has a laid-back, low-energy lifestyle might do better selecting a compatible dog from another source. "[/blockquote]

My thoughts:  I don't believe that abandoned dogs should be painted with such a broad brush.  It seems like a diservice to the dog community to make a statement knowing that there are so many dogs out there that desperately need help.  Sure some shelter dogs can be a challenge to first time owners, but many just need some love and time.  What dog out there doesn't need training, etc?  And please tell me, is someone just walking into a pet shop and picking out a "cute" Weimaraner puppy not in for worse than many shelter dogs?  Just my two cents.

 
[:@]  I barely know what to say................................   Yes some shelter dogs have issues... some need training, some are older and need very little.  Lots of shelters here at least try to match the dog to the home. 
I have found way more issues in dogs from pet stores.  Under socalized, sick, etc. 
I may be a little biased as all my animals are rescues.

"Consider the source. It's a noble thing to select a dog from a rescue center, but keep in mind that many rescued or abandoned dogs are higher-energy dogs with issues. Someone who's unsure of themselves, who's never owned a dog before, or who has a laid-back, low-energy lifestyle might do better selecting a compatible dog from another source. "

Wonder what source he means...personally, as a trainer, I favor the shelters that run good behavioral assessment programs, and have not had problem dogs come through my classes from them.  What I do have a problem with is the no kill shelters that don't have a behavior program, feel like they have to "save them all", and don't understand that the average soccer mom with three kids under 12 doesn't need another headache to deal with - she wants Lassie.  But, to paint all shelter dogs this way does them a disservice and, for someone whose influence is so widespread (ugh), it isn't a great day for those dogs when the masses believe him.

Considering that Millan spends his days with some 30 rescued dogs, I don't doubt his genuine concern for abandoned animals. His statement seems to me, more a reflection of his lack of faith in many common dog owners.

I think Millan paints commentary in broad strokes, on topics we'd rather have concrete solutions for. His concern that individuals and families are taking on dogs that they cannot handle, is a valid one. On the news last night was another story of a dog killed in Los Angeles, this time at a dog park, by an unattended dog. After the killing, the owner promptly left the park and returned the animal to the shelter, where he got it two weeks prior. [:@]

If Millan's offering of the statement offered by the OP makes dog owners more thoughtful about the risks and responsibilities of taking a dog into their home, all the better. I love that his presence brings such a heightened awareness about human responsibility for out of control dogs.

He's whipped up public interest ... I'd say now's a good time for passionate dog advocates to get out there and make the most of it! []


ETA: IME, Los Angeles area shelters tend to play down the risks of dogs in their care. We have a no-kill agenda, and crowded shelters. [X(]

Maybe so, but if you take his statement literally, as a lot of newbies would, then it is quite possible that they might believe a myth, long perpetuated, that shelter dogs are "damaged goods".  Same as with cars, no one wants "someone else's problems" is the mentality.
Anyway, it seems to me that when you are in the public eye, or asked to do Q&A, or columns or TV spots - whatever, that you need to consider how your words might impact the uninitiated. 

Given some of the stupid reasons that dogs wind up in a shelter in the first place (moving, divorce, the dog barks/sheds/drools/got bigger than I thought he would etc.) I'm stunned that a dog savvy person would make a statement like that. Aside from being a little leash reactive, Max is about the most mellow, laid back, issue free dog I've ever seen. And for the person that does get a purebred dog from a responsibe breeder - aren't they still going to have to train that dog?
 
Joyce

I think that yahoo needs to be a little more discerning about how they quote someone who clearly supports and encourages adopting shelter animals.  If I recall correctly, he made that statement during a show where he helps someone pick a dog, from a shelter for a family.  That was just one of many great words of advice he offered on how to choose a shelter dog.  His advice is great advice - someone who is pretty sedentary and wants a lap dog, probably shouldn't adopt a border collie.  Someone who doesn't have the time or patience to spend a lot of time with a pet who needs extra attention, should not be adopting one.  To those of us who understand the grave responsibility required in caring for a dog, it goes without saying that this same type of individual should not be getting a puppy (bred or otherwise) or a young animal either.  Nontheless people with no experience, education or willingness to exercise, train and properly discipline a dog get it in their heads they want a dog.
That's why so many of these animals end up in shelters in the first place, and end up returning after being adopted.

Honestly, I don't think it's terrible advice. 
 
I love my shelter boy more than anything in the world, but at the same time he *does* have some difficult issues (primarily leash aggression/reactivity). The shelter either did not realize or did not disclose this problem. 
 
He is a fantastic, wonderful dog for me and I wouldn't change a thing.  But I am the type of dog owner willing to do a lot of work and learning and training and management, and I have very good natural skills and instincts with dogs.  I don't think most adopters fall into that category.  There are a lot of really clueless people out there, who just want a pretty "easy" family dog -- and that is what they are willing and able to handle.  A reactive dog is NOT easy.  A lot of people would have been over their heads with my dog.  And it could have been a bad situation. 
 
I know there are a lot of sweet, wonderful shelter dogs out there with no issues.  I know there are.  And I would go to the shelter again, and for anyone looking at puppies within the socialization window I'd advocate the shelter as long as they'd listen.  But honestly, for brand new dog owners, looking at adult dogs, I'd be more likely to recommend adopting through a rescue that fosters instead of a garden-variety municipal shelter.  You just get a better sense of what you are signing up for. 

And for the person that does get a purebred dog from a responsibe breeder - aren't they still going to have to train that dog

 
You said it better than I did. It doesn't matter where you get the dog or what breed it is, the dog will need training. There is no fool-proof dog available for an uneducated first-time dog owner. And toy breeds are not excluded. The only time I've seen CM get bit on an episode (though I haven't watched most of the new season) was from a toy breed. Almost a tea-cup size dog. And it she drew blood. The infamous incidents of the Jindo and the reactive pit bull, not once did CM get bit, that I saw. So, in all, I would say the statement doesn't reflect accurately even his own experience. It doesn't matter where the dog came from, it's all in the handling. And I would hope that the general public does take it to heart that having a dog is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Of course, I also hope to see the Dallas Cowboys win another Superbowl. Either one is not totally impossible, theoretically.[]

And that's why I originally questioned the context of this quote. He has been involved in shelter dogs, Katrina dogs, etc.

Hi Ron,

You're right, his show has been nominated for an Emmy, based, I believe, upon this episode:

Episode Number: 62 Season Num: 3

A visit to Tijuana brings Cesar face to face with Mexico's overwhelming stray dog population. There, he teams up with volunteers from United Hope for Animals to help rescue dogs that have a good chance of finding homes in the United States. The dogs are brought to the U.S. where Cesar works to rehabilitate several of them. Then meet Chloe, a disrespectful cocker spaniel who taunts her owner who has cerebral palsy.

I work in the dog kennel area of our local shelter during the busiest time of the week as far as adoptions go (Saturday, mid-day).  I can't tell you how many times I overhear people making totally incorrect assumptions based on very brief observations of the dogs.  They think a dog that's spinning in his kennel is "bad" and a dog that is quivering in the corner is "good" because it's quiet.  What they don't realize is that whatever they are seeing in the kennel, they should be prepared for the exact opposite.  The quivering, quiet dog in the corner is probably an insecure fear biter that barks and nips at everyone.  He will quickly be adopted, only to be returned after his true nature surfaces. The hyper dog doing jumps and spins just might be the most well-rounded dog appropriate for a family, but he will sit in the shelter for months because everyone assumes he is too bad and too hyper.  I think Cesar might have been better off saying something like "Please remember that the shelter environment is very unnatural and every dog is under stress and suffering from anxiety.  If you cannot handle certain behaviors from a dog, make sure you spend time with the dog and get additional information from the staff and behaviorist before making your choice.  Most likely, the way the dog is behaving in his kennel is not going to be the way he behaves in his new home."