For those who think Cesar Milan is wonderful

[lankeela]

AVSAB Letter to Merial
Share
Today at 9:59am
Dear Dr. Line,

The executive board of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior is
deeply troubled to learn that Merial, a leader in the veterinary healthcare
industry, is using Cesar Millan in a promotional campaign for Heartgard and
Frontline. We are even more disturbed to find that Merial i s cross-promoting
Mr. Millan's behavior video as part of this campaign. Merial's executives may
not be aware of the fact that the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
(ACVB), the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and the
Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians (SVBT) have uniformly spoken out
against the punishment-based techniques employed by Mr. Millan on his television
show "The Dog Whisperer."

At best, the show is entertaining but misleading to pet owners. At worst, Mr.
Millan's techniques and misinformation have contributed to increased aggression
and anxiety or resulted in physical injury to the pet and/or pet owner. As
practicing veterinarians, we all unfortunately have seen many cases of the
latter. Merial claims to "enhance the health, well-being, and performance of
animals." The use of Mr. Millan as part of an advertising campaign speaks
otherwise.

[lankeela]

In these difficult economic times, it may be understandable that Merial would
want to use a "celebrity" to advertise its products in a direct-to-consumer
fashion. However, had Merial taken the time to investigate, it would have found
that Mr. Millan's philosophy runs counter to the standard-of-care promoted by
veterinary behaviorists and taught at veterinary schools.

We are deeply saddened that Merial's executives are not more supportive of the
veterinary behavior community and its efforts to promote knowledgeable,
scientifically-based, humane training methods. We remain concerned that your
company's support of Mr. Millan's controversial training methods through the
distribution of his video and financial support of his show will contribute to
the number of difficult dogs and injured owners that we have to eventually
console, counsel, and reeducate. Perhaps Merial would like to support our
efforts to counteract the negative impact of this unfortunate marketing choice
that may ultimately serve to alienate educated veterinarians, dog trainers, and
owners alike.

Sincerely,

E. Kathryn Meyer, VMD (President)
John Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB (Immediate Past President)
Karen Sueda, DVM, DACVB (President Elect)
Kari Krause, DVM
Kelly Morgan, DVM
Valli Parthasarathy, PhD, DVM
Sophia Yin, PhD, DVM
Laurie Bergman, VMD, DACVB

[jules77]

Interesting, I have never liked his methods myself.

[kita1]

Never liked the bloke - but was totally horrified a few weeks ago when I blundered into the programme - it was the one where he was trying to get a black GSD to ignore a cat.

He brought the cat in a carrying case into the room and put it directly under the nose of the GSD. The GSD was trying its best to turn its head away from the cat - but as it was trapped in a corner with the carrying box in front of it the poor dog eventually had to look towards the box - Cesar then shocked it with a shock collar. The poor dog was in agony. It eventually bit its woman owner through sheer pain.

And the 'wonderful' Cesar never said once that he used a shock collar.

This man has put dog 'training' back decades - and made millions of dollars doing so.

[lankeela]

Most people don't notice the prong collars either.

[leelapops]

Thank god, finally some proof! I have often suggested to my animal-y friends that his methods and his whole demanour are detrimental to dogs and owners, to be met with cries of disbelief, and arguments praising his work.
Do they not show all the bad stuff on British TV or something? I watched the DW once, and didn't enjoy it at all. I don't like his attitude, or the way he thinks about dogs. it is so unusual for me to actively avoid a dog programme!
I might print that letter out.

Why do so few people see behind the PR?

[babybombo]

I've been arguing with my sister about the 'Dog Whisperer' for months!

It's worrying that so many people think that he's such a good trainer.

His methods are cruel and sometimes barbaric!
I think he should be taken off air since many people might watch his show and then try to use his methods.