Training styles

Question
Hi,  I was wondering what you think of the Dog Whisperer (Cesar
Milan)'s traning style?  I have a year & a half old GSD mix named
Sally.  We rescued her from the pound 6 months ago. She is a
puller and she growls & barks at other dogs when on a walk.  
She never bites or attacks.  I have the HALT harness, it does not
work on her at all.  I also have the one with the bands that go
around the front legs & her collar & chest. I Cant think of the
name, it is a pain to put on her.  I have just ordered the Gentle
Leader,  I read it is really effective for pulling & lunging.  Have
you used it?  Also for the person who asked what is good for
shedding,  feed Nutra Max & use the comb that looks like a saw
blade (loop), worked for us, MAJOR shedding!!   Sorry for asking
so much.    Thanks for your time.  

Answer
Hi, you won't like my opinion about the Dog Whisperer.  One of my own clients didn't believe me when I told them that their dog's aggression towards other dogs couldn't be corrected.  They paid bucks to fly their dog down to him, and of course the dog couldn't be corrected.  The dog came back the same and now they are trying to find it a home.  He believes that there are no bad dogs, just bad owners, which is true in some respects, but he also doesn't believe that genetics do play a big part in a dog's temperment.  I majored in genetics in college and have studied canine gentics all my life and know for a fact that genetics are a big factor, especially when it comes to aggression in dogs.  
I don't recommend the Gentle Leader as it tends to cut into the eyes of the dog, we use the Halti brand halter in our training, but you have to remember to never keep it tight.  All training devices use a pull release/action when you are training.  When something is tight against a dog, they will fight it, whereas if you pull then loosen the dog will relax and go along with what you want.  Collars, head halters and such are just guides.  They are to put the dog where you want and then let up.  The words and body language are what teach them as you guide them where you want.  Yes I like Nutra Max too.  It is really good food.  And yes GSD SHED!  UGH!
I would recommend that you obedience train him too so you can get better control of him when it comes to his prey drive with other dogs.  

Hope this helps,

Dawn