"It is equally clear from the scientific literature that confrontational methods like alpha-rolling, forced or dominance downs, and pinch collars increase the levels of a dog’s stress, anxiety, and fear; thus it is not surprising that the use of these techniques were reported to be associated with high levels of aggressive response. Interestingly, the most commonly reported source of these techniques was television, and while the research did not ask for specifics,
it can be assumed that many of these techniques were learned from a popular television show hosted by Cesar Millan." (Emphasis is mine.)
Behind the Behavior » Blog Archive » Confrontational Behavior Modification Techniques and the Risk to Owners
You assume incorrectly. I do not agree with all of Cesar Millan's training techniques/philosophy, but in the interest of accuracy:
Cesar Millan does not advocate, nor does he teach dog owners, "alpha rolling".
Cesar Millan does not teach owners, "dominance downs". He will use it himself when performing an initial attitude adjustment on a dog that has entered "the red zone"--aggression to the point of violence. But that's only to make the dog submit and release its anxiety. He most certainly does not tell owners to do it, much less instruct them on how.
Cesar Millan does not advocate pinch collars. He prefers to use--whenever possible--a simple nylon web looped leash.
Cesar Millan does not instruct owners to hit, kick or strike a dog. He will use his foot to nudge a dog to get its attention and break its fixation on something, but he does not hit dogs.
I have posted previously about this article/study and how it is misleading in implying that Mr. Millan's dog training techniques advocate teaching "punishment" or "confrontational methods" to dog owners. Mr. Millan's training techniques and philosophy are not what's causing this problem. People who attempt to achieve the same results without understanding the techniques and their underlying philosophy, much less apply them correctly, are the problem--regardless of whose techniques they
think they are applying.
Just my honest opinion and thanks for reading it.
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