The investigation of
self-proclaimed “Dog Whisperer” Cesar
Millan for animal cruelty has sparked more debate in the animal behaviour
and training community and beyond.
An incident
on his show, Cesar 911, involving a dog that has attacked and killed pigs,
and injury to a pig during the dog’s rehabilitation has raised questions about
his methodology.
The
situation has prompted the American
Humane Association, who for 75 years has monitored the use of animals in
film, to call on the entertainment industry to also allow them to monitor
reality television shows to ensure the safety of animals.
The
TV personality has come under fire before - with his approach to training criticized for its focus on negative reinforcement (punishment) and being too
harsh. In 2012 Millan faced criticism after hanging
a husky by his neck during training.
The
Association of Pet Dog
Trainers (APDT) appears to take a stance counter to Millan’s methods,
saying, “Dog training and behavior modification strategies that rely primarily on
misinterpretations of wolf behavior are irrelevant, ineffective and can lead to
serious negative complications. The APDT's position is that physical or
psychological intimidation hinders effective training and damages the
relationship between humans and dogs.”
The
APDT also supports the LIMA approach to behaviour modification and training –
Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive.
Others
have taken exception to Millan branding himself as a dog behaviourist when he
has no formal training.
In
order to become a board certified veterinary
behaviourist, one must obtain a veterinary degree then complete additional
training, generally for at least three more years in a recognized program.
The
Animal Behavior Society (ABS), the leading professional organization in
North America for the study of animal behaviour, provides certification. Its
requirements include a Masters Degree or PhD along with professional experience
in order to obtain certification.
The International
Association of Animal Behavior Consultants also requires different levels
of education for certification by their organization.
So, if there are all these different certification
options and associations, why is there such a huge debate over training methods
and education?
The dog training and behaviour industry is
unregulated.
There is no governing body that requires any level of
experience or training for someone to be able to call him/herself a dog trainer
or behaviourist.
Until
there are regulations in the industry and standards everyone is required to meet, it is likely the debate
about training methods and approaches to behaviour problems will rage on and
posts praising Cesar
Millan for turning
a dog’s life around, and posts attacking his methods will continue.
