Methods of Changing Dog Behavior

Question
Hi Patti,

I'm sure you're familiar with the methods of both Cesar Millan and Victoria Stillwell, and I'm wondering which method you believe to be the more effective.   I've noticed similarities between the two, but I've also noticed some major differences.  Even so, it seems that both Victoria and Cesar are successful in changing dog behavior.

Do you have an opinion with respect to these methods?  If you'd prefer not to pick one over the other, perhaps you could point out the positive aspects of each?  I'll be getting a dog before long, and even though we'll be enrolling in obedience classes, I want to get off to a good start at home.

Thank you for your help.

Lucy

Answer
Hi Lucy,

Cesar Millan and Victoria Stillwell use different styles. Stillwell uses some more updated training methods with treats and positive reinforcement while Milan uses pack behavior to teach leadership to the owner.

For a dog that's having dominance issues, Cesar may work better.

Any other behavior problem might easily be fixed using something that Victoria uses on her show.

You shouldn't use any method on your dog without consulting a professional (just like Cesar says before his show).

There were plenty of well behaved properly trained dogs before Cesar Millan and Victoria Stillwell were ever on TV. Dogs have always needed a strong leader in their lives, as well as consistency in training, and reward for good behavior.

There are people with bad parenting skills, and there are people with bad pet ownership skills, it's as simple as that. I don't blame the dog when things go wrong. For people who are losing or have lost control of their dog, they need the help of a dog trainer or behaviorist to show them how to control their dog. In essence, a dog trainer is training the person, not the dog. Reading a book, or watching a TV show is a poor substitute for working with a live person.

I think many pet owners believe spoiling their dog equates to loving their dog, however, this philosophy isn't always true. In many regards, overindulgence can be detrimental to the well being of the pet and can lead to behavioral problems. A good rule to follow with your dog is to offer rewards and affection based upon obedient behavior. Dogs love to know what their boundaries are and thrive in an environment where the rules are enforced and where they know how to please their people.

Correct bad behavior as it occurs. Your dog must immediately be made aware of misbehavior; waiting to correct the behavior will be ineffective and will confuse your dog. When you offer a correction, do not allow your demeanor to reflect any emotion that the dog could confuse with praise or happiness (which means reward) such as smiling or using an upbeat voice. If your dog jumps up on you, a firm "Down" is what's called for, not a laugh followed by shoving the dog off of you.

Encourage good behavior by rewarding your dog with affection and treats, but do so only when your dog is following the rules. If these things are given freely when the dog is acting inappropriately, it will confuse the dog and blur the lines of what your expect.

A simple easy to follow dog training routine that helps many behavioral issues is called "Nothing in Life is Free", you can read about this method here:
http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

Just as when you anticipate the birth of a child, you may try to prepare and read all about raising a child, but in reality reading about childcare and actually parenting can be vastly different. I doubt you can adopt either Cesar Millan and Victoria Stillwell's methods before you get your dog, and expect your bases to be covered. You've got to roll with it.

Feel free to get back to me if I can be of further help.
Best of luck,
Patti