dog training/ behaviour

Question
Dear Dr. Connor,
I don't know if you can comment on public personalities, but I need some advice about how to raise a puppy with understanding and compassion. I am planning to buy an older (8-9 weeks) lab puppy and I have been looking for information on how to raise her to be a happy and healthy animal. I have watched Cesar Millan's TV series and thought he displayed a rare insight into animal psychology, teaching me things I never understood about dog behaviour. However, in looking for books and advice, I began hearing conflicting reviews about Mr. Millan's methods.
Although his methods do involve domination, I didn't see any angry or abusive reactions from him, however, I am now hearing that his methods are oppressive and "destroy the animal's spirit." I like to think I am an animal lover and it distresses me to think I may be bullying a vulnerable animal,as he has been accused of, but the only other dog behaviour book I found (The Dog Whisperer: a compassionate, non-violent guide...) says ANY correction is abusive and I find that a little difficult to process. What do you suggest? I would like to understand my dog's psychology in addition to proper and caring training; do you recommend any particular method? Are you able to comment on Cesar's theories?
Any advice or guidance you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Calder

Answer
Throw the baby ("the dog whisperer", NOT) AND the bathwater, OUT.  Forget Milan.

The perfect information available for FREE on the internet is Dr. Ian Dunbar.  His Sirius Puppy Training book and videos can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/Sirius-Puppy-Training-Dr-Dunbar/dp/B000NQRWMK/ref=pd_rhf_s...

The philosophy of EDUCATED AND HUMANE dog training is explained by him here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOW0IKO_zfM&NR=1

and here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYKglba7o_8&feature=related

A temperament test to assess bidability and present temperament (as training and experience do effect temperament, often in negative ways) is here:
http://www.nrta.com/breedforfoundation/temptest.html

Basics in puppy development (stages) are described here (scroll down)
http://www.nwk9.com/dehasse_pupdev.htm

and here
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/pup-dev.pd

The person you mentioned has a strong misunderstanding of dog psychology and seems to be stuck in the fallacy of "alpha" behaviors.  An educated opinion can be found here:
http://www.dogstardaily.com/videos/training/194

Socialization up to 14 weeks of age (and then ongoing) is CRUCIAL and this also should include a puppy kindergarten. The proper way one is conducted is explained here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIdz0T1ljyo&feature=more_related

ANY question on dog behavior, training, house training, chewing, jumping up, etc., all common to puppy raising, CAN AND ARE ANSWERED on Dr. Dunbar's site: DogStarDaily.Com as well as his many videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv38ornzzuQ

AVOID ALL COERCION, PUNISHMENT, DISCIPLINE AND NEVER USE THE WORD "NO".  Puppies are a lot of work (heavily daily socialization takes time), must be trained slowly in short spurts (according to their developmental stages), require PATIENCE, calm, consistent leadership.  Some breed types are prone to exuberant and boisterous behavior (even "nutty") and that's NORMAL.  How you calm, how you react, how you establish behaviors you can REWARD, will make your puppy the perfect adult companion you now envision.  RULE ONE THROUGH ONE THOUSAND:  IGNORE (or redirect) what you don't like, REWARD (and continue to teach) what you DO LIKE, and keep an eye on the ADULT DOG YOU DESIRE, and you'll get that dog.

Further reading to help you understand puppy development:
"A Dog in Hand: Teaching Your Puppy to Think", Dr. George Gates
"Culture Clash", Jean Donaldson

and learning dog body language is important, too.  You can see this at the following site:
http://www.canis.no/rugaas/index.php