Random Controversies Surrounding Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer (11 items)

(#9) His Results Produce Made-For-TV Moments

The dog training techniques on Cesar Millan's show contrast greatly with the ones advocated for by trainers who use positive reinforcement in part because of the time it takes for the techniques to be effective. Millan gets results almost immediately, which makes for good TV, though critics argue his methods have negative long-term effects which won't make it into an episode.

Positive reinforcement takes a long time to be effective - often too long to be shown on TV. With this method, dogs have to be trained repeatedly until they show results, and there isn't a dramatic turn of events.
(#8) Cesar Millan Was Investigated For Animal Cruelty

In one episode of Cesar Millan's show, Cesar 911, Millan planned to train a dog that was attacking its family's pigs. During the training session, the dog attacked a pig and blood was shed. As a result, the dog expert was investigated for cruelty toward animals.
(#6) Critics Say He Makes Dogs Insecure

Many trainers and behaviorists now advocate for building trust with dogs as opposed to fostering an aggressive, fearful environment. "Discipline doesn't come in the form of screaming at your dog, hitting your dog or putting it into an alpha roll," trainer and It's Me or the Dog host Victoria Stilwell said, according to Time.

"When you do that, instinct tells the dog to shut down, which is mistaken for calming, but really you're making the dog more insecure."
(#3) His Training Techniques Have Been Criticized

Cesar Millan's training style has come into some criticism. According to Nicholas Dodman, a dog behaviorist and professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Millan is abusive. Others have pointed out that Millan carries no medical or behavioral psychology credentials to legitimize his theories.

In 2008, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior advocated against the use of punishment when training dogs - like Millan's methods of pulling on a dog's collar, forcing the animal onto its back, or poking it in the stomach - except in specific circumstances.
(#10) The American Humane Society Called Cesar Millan 'Cruel And Dangerous'

Once Cesar Millan's show became popular, the American Humane Society offered a harsh criticism, asking producers to cancel the program. They even called Millan's work "cruel and dangerous," offended by his pinning animals to the ground and use of shock collars.

After receiving a number of complaints from viewers, the National Geographic network eventually began issuing an on-screen disclaimer in each episode: “Do not attempt these techniques yourself without consulting a professional.”
(#7) Many Experts Say Positive Reinforcement Is More Effective

Experts like Nicholas Dodman of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine say a dog should be trained through positive reinforcement. Dodman told Live Science you can gain a dog's trust by "making sure that the dog understands that all good things in life come only and obviously from you."

A 2004 paper in Animal Welfare found that dogs became more obedient as they received more reward-based training, and that bad behavior increased when they were punished. A 2008 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior made similar findings.