As a dog trainer one has a huge responsibility to the public as regards the information we provide and advice we give. People absorb, understand and process information in a whole variety of ways.
So here are some of the TV shows about dogs and how we rate them out of 10
It’s me or the dog with Victoria Stillwell – 10/10 (after watching the new shows in Aug 09)
*Dog Whisperer with Caesar Milan – 1/10 (@the 1 is for the common sense advice like not leaving your dog for hours in the garden alone)
*At the end of my leash with Brad Pattison – 0/10 (no no no)
Good dog, bad dog with dog whisperer Keith Mathews – 4/10
*Dog Borstal – 0/10 (no no no)
Those with a star * indicate that some content, in OUR opinion is highly irresponsible and can be dangerous. This would include inappropriate handling of the dog to include pulling, jerking, choking or popping the lead and collar. Interactive punishment, pushing the dog causing fearful or aggressive responses.
The use of aversives such as noise bottles, shakers, high pitched sounds, rattlers, water sprayers, noise discs.
The use of inappropriate equipment such as choke chains, prong collars, electric collars, spray collars.
Remember just because it is on TV does not mean it is right. After all training and behaviour modification takes time and it is usually the quick fixes that make good TV! Notice there are many “Dog Whisperers” who shout loudly!
Watch the dogs being handled and they will tell you how they feel!
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Comments
I can only agree with your review of the programmes that are viewed by the general public as being good examples of dog training methods and are in fact little more than another ‘reality’ programme using fast, sharp shock methods. It is such a shame that gentle, kind but firm methods do not make ‘good television’. What’s even more scary is that books by Cesar Milan are selling like hot cakes in UK! When someone gets bitten then whose fault will it be? Not ‘The “supposed” Dog Whisperer that’s for sure.
I have to disagree, both Millan like Pattison deserve a Zero.
Good Dog! with Stanley Coren I would rate a 7/10
My god! I just watched 1 of the “At the end of my leash” shows with Brad Pattinson. All I can say is that I won’t be bothering to watch another! I saw very little evidence of dog training, good or bad, in this show and the (thoroughly unpleasant, in my opinion) Brad seemed to be mostly about being extremely disrespectful to the hapless owners and how he was ‘the MAN who could fire his clients’ for not giving 110% dedication to his dubious theories and methods. I found the whole quite rediculous and more akin to X-Factor type shows than anything approaching dog training.
spot on with your assesments. Very telling that 32 u.k. dog charities denounced Milan prior to his visit to U.K. One of my clients followed his advice and took her terrified dog down a main street to flood her as Milan does and everyone had the worst day of their lives. Remember the message ‘do not attempt this at home’ flashes across your screen at the end of the show – says it all