Author Topic: Top Training/Behavior Books - Must Haves  (Read 6055 times)

Offline sc.trojans

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Top Training/Behavior Books - Must Haves
« on: December 28, 2006, 12:15:13 pm »

I have been seeing so many questions lately regarding behavior, communicating with our canines, and understanding how to show them what we want, I thought I would post here all of my top recommendation s:

You cannot go wrong with anything from Patricia McConnell but these are must haves:

The Other End of the Leash
For the Love of a Dog
She also offers specific training guides for specific behavioral issues, including reactive dogs and fearful dogs:  http://www.dogsbestfriendtraining.com/

Pat Miller:  The Power of Positive Dog Training
http://www.peaceablepaws.com/

Jean Donaldson:  The Culture Clash

Ian Dunbar: Many resources and must haves
http://www.training-dogs.com/ian-dunbar.html
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Offline CrazyLoveRosie

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Re: Top Training/Behavior Books - Must Haves
« Reply #1 on: December 29, 2006, 07:09:00 pm »
I've started watching Cesar Millan's Dog Whisperer show on National Geographic channel and find that his methods seem amazingly miraculous. Sometimes he has some pretty scarred dogs (red-zone aggressive dogs, and some other majorly disturbing behavioral problems), but somehow he 'makes them well'. It's not the traditional 'dog training' that teaches a dog to sit, stay, come, or heel. But somehow it makes sense.

Any thoughts on his sort of technique?
Rosie - Newfoundland

Offline MagicM3

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Re: Top Training/Behavior Books - Must Haves
« Reply #2 on: December 29, 2006, 07:41:31 pm »
I watch Cesar as well, and as he says at the begining of every show *he reabilitates dogs and trains people*

He really isn't training dogs at all.He is simply put educating their owners as to what they need to do in order for leadership and training to be successful.

But I agree with his methods and his ways of doing things.

Tricia and the fur kids

Offline schelmischekitty

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Re: Top Training/Behavior Books - Must Haves
« Reply #3 on: December 29, 2006, 07:44:23 pm »
i love his methods!  we've used some of them on our dogs also, and they've always worked!  i love how he teaches the PEOPLE and helps the dogs with people problems ha ha
steffanie in atlanta

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Offline sc.trojans

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Re: Top Training/Behavior Books - Must Haves
« Reply #4 on: December 31, 2006, 01:33:00 am »

I can't endorse Cesar Milan or call him a "trainer" - he is a man with good handling skills who learned "everything he knows on his grandpa's farm in Mexico" and is completely uneducated in behavior science now understood about canines.  I do think he makes great TV however.

As a result, he is unfortunately still using very archaic aversive methods that are both dangerous and damaging to dogs - we didn't know any better in the 70's, but we do now.

Ceasr has some good messages - the need for good leadership and consistent exercise.  But his aggressive techniques and focus on dominance theory is inappropriate.
The National Geographic channel has issued press release after notice, and posts all it can on the series that this is not to be used at home because it is so commonly condemned by animal behaviorists and certified trainers with science backgrounds.  Recent lawsuits by dog owners have not helped.


Here are some of the critical explanations about why Cesar's methods are far less than optimal, and should not be used on dogs.  I have left out the best write-ups including BARK magazine two months ago and Whole Dog Journal last month. The New York Times wrote a very cheeky critique of him and why he has animal behaviorists so annoyed.  Check those out if you can.

> <http://www2.southbendtribune.com/stories/2006/10/17/living.20061017-sbt-MICH-D1-Getting.sto>

http://www.esquire.com/features/articles/2006/060906_mfe_October_06_Dog_Whisperer.html

http://www.sfspca.org/Viewpoint/index.shtml

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20060906/pl_usnw/_dog_whisperer__training_approach_more_harmful_than_helpful107_xml

http://www.nydailynews.com/09-16-2006/city_life/advice/story/453013p-381111c.html






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Offline Kermit

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Re: Top Training/Behavior Books - Must Haves
« Reply #5 on: December 31, 2006, 10:16:46 am »
You can tell in the newer episodes of Cesar Millan that he has been doing some research. I have seen him using some of Turid Rugaas' calming signals in the show, and adding in some other aspects of positive training. It seems to me like he has an interest in furthering his education.

When it all comes down, the best thing about Cesar, and what I prefer to focus on, is that he encourages rescue and he encourages people to not give up on their dog if they are having problems. This message is an important one. :)

Offline MagicM3

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Re: Top Training/Behavior Books - Must Haves
« Reply #6 on: December 31, 2006, 07:45:46 pm »
I have to say that I do like his way of doing things,and do believe that dogs need a leader.

There are other things though that I wonder what he would have to say about.

In particular a dog that alerts on medical conditions.
I happen to have one in Magic and I haven't heard even one expert explain this phenomon in a way that makes sense to me.

Most trainers experts in the field put to down to a *sent* that the dogs can pick up on.But then go on to explain that for example dogs cannot be taught to alert on a seisure,only to respond to it.But the fact that many people with a seisure disorder have dogs that predict ahead of time,and have chagned their lives for the better because of it.

I certiantly don't have any answers except to say that some dogs have a way of reading their people,that in the case of people with a disability or health problem,benifit their owners.

They certiantly don't see it as a weakness in the person to take advantage of,but just the opposite.The provide an important aid to that person.

Magic has taught me so much,in that he can alert on many medical conditions,and I there for have tried to investigate what exactly is going on.

My conclusion is it is a gift he was born with.As with people born with gifts of extrodinary intelect,or voice,or abilities of whatever kind they have.

I am blessed to have Magic in my life,and while I have no medical disability,and wonder sometimes why he came to me.I am greatful he did.

Since dogs do not have the ability to speak in our language,we will never know what the answer is.ONly that some things are real and true despite not having an explantion.

Tricia and the fur kids