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

(#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.”
(#2) A Post On His Blog Claims Science Is Coming Around To His Theories

On Cesar Millan's blog Cesar's Way, a post titled "Science catches up to Cesar" by Jon Bastian highlighted a study in which European researchers used GPS to track the movements of six vizslas over 14 long walks.

"Dogs that led more often had higher dominance ranks in everyday situations, assessed by a dominance questionnaire," the study found. Still, researchers conceded that "there is still much debate as to whether groups of domestic dogs have a social hierarchy."
(#4) Many Experts Say His Techniques Are Counterproductive

On his show, Cesar Millan often trains a dog by poking it in the stomach or pinning it to the floor and grabbing it by the neck, claiming he's asserting his dominance over the creature. However, many behavioral experts and trainers state that the fear Millan sometimes instills in dogs is actually harmful.

According to a 2009 paper in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, efforts to establish dominance can actually make a dog more aggressive.
(#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.
(#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.