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Ask Yvette

Pet lovers may be surprised to hear there is a battle of epic proportions unfolding in the dog-training world. Most people only know what they see in the media. Yet slowly the media is painting a disconcerting view of National Geographic's show, "The Dog Whisperer." Many experts are saying that techniques may not only hurt your dog, they might hurt you.

The American Humane Society's position states, "Several instances of cruel and dangerous treatment -- promoted by Millan as acceptable training methods -- were documented by American Humane...(Submission was) accomplished by partially cutting off the blood supply to its brain."

Perhaps what I find most disappointing in the whole situation is the picture it paints of North American society. Have we become a group of people that are so bombarded with marketing that we never question what is presented to us? Just because Millan was featured on Oprah, it does not mean the views expressed were accurate. After all, how many weight loss programs has Oprah been through since she wheeled out her wagon of fat? Let's get real - Oprah falls for fads too.

Why are supporters of Millan so upset by all the negative commentary? I do not know. If a car was recalled most people would be grateful for the warning. I suppose that the position statements of certified veterinary behaviourists and other legitimate experts may finally provide a definition of humane and inhumane when it comes to training.

Looking at things this way it becomes easy to see that this battle is not about Millan alone. This is about all trainers who use coercion as a method of choice. We are very clearly asking, "Are we being humane when training our dogs?"¯ This must strike a raw chord in some. Being the "alpha/leader/teacher at all costs,"¯ sales pitch has provided the justification for some heinous human behaviors.

For those that are not aware, a lawsuit has been filed on Millan in the last year alleging $25,000 in medical bills after the dog went to his clinic. I do believe in that people are innocent until proven guilty. But I also know that many industries will put accused individuals on paid suspensions until the matter has been resolved. We do this to balance the needs of the accused and the needs of the public.

Millan has suggested that we all need to be open to other opinions. I agree, so long as those techniques do no harm. There are lines that should not be crossed. There is no reason to potentially hurt a dog when there are other options available. To do otherwise is a game of Russian Roulette that puts your animal at risk. Whispering or no whispering - pain is pain.

What I know is that people are calling me saying, "We tried techniques from the Dog Whisperer and now the dog has bitten someone."¯ What does it take for people to heed, "Do not try this at home?"

To me, when I see the warnings on this show, I mentally place it into the same category as extreme cliff diving. Reckless, fascinating and only for those who want to take a very real and very dangerous risk.

Next week: Why I think children should turn off this National Geographic show.

Yvette is an award winning pet writer and pet behavior columnist. She also is the author of Meeting Milo, a North American dog bite prevention program to reduce the approximately 2 million children bit by dogs annually. She is the owner of AwesomeDogs.ca and works as a behavior consultant in London, Ontario.

This column was originally featured in The Londoner
See more of Yvette... www.awesomedogs.ca
www.meetingmilo.com

Yvette has 2 dogs of her own, KIKI and KAYA. Take a look...

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