Dog Whisperer, Dog Psychology and Cesar Millan

With the recent popularity of a television show about problem dogs, the controversy over which methods are the most humane and effective ways to address behavior problems in dogs has been renewed and is dividing dog lovers all over the world.

While behaviorists, trainers and other dog professionals recognize that the show is exposing dog owners to the possibility that their dogs' behavior can be changed, the show gives the false impression that behavior can be changed within a matter of hours. Professionals are also concerned about the methods used, as many of those methods are known to incite or increase aggressive behaviors.

This article will explore the controversial issues and will attempt to separate fact from marketing. Wherever possible, additional links or book recommendations are provided as reference or to elaborate on the preceding issue.

Part II of this article responds to the most commonly asked questions .

DOG PSYCHOLOGY OR POP PSYCHOLOGY?

Since before Ivan Pavlov's experiments with dogs, scientists have been studying animal behavior both in the laboratory and in the field, where behavior can be studied in the animal's natural environment, without human intervention. It is the combination of these studies that gives us our understanding of dog behavior today and continues to provide us with startling new discoveries. For any one person to claim that they have it all figured out when our understanding of genetics and the brain (human or canine) is incomplete is preposterous.

Dog psychology or, more accurately, the study of animal behavior, is not a complete mystery that is left to the interpretation of a few individuals. While there are many areas in which our understanding is incomplete, there is a staggering amount of scientifically proven information available.

Many of the dogmatic concepts presented on the show appeal to people who have, themselves, believed or repeated these same statements about dogs. However, just because something is repeated frequently does not make it scientific fact. The concepts on the show do not correspond with the reality of nature when examined closely.

Additional Reading

Books

DOMINANCE THEORY: WOLVES

Dominance was once touted as the cause and solution for behavior problems in dogs. This belief originated with studies of captive wolf packs in the 1940's and was popularized by the Monks of New Skete in 1978. This belief led to fear that these animals could physically harm us unless we "established our dominance." Methods such as alpha rolls and leash corrections were often recommended as a way for the dog owner to "establish dominance" over their dogs.

Alpha roll or omega roll? Closer observations of wolves over the last 40 years have shown that this infamous behavior is an act of submission, not dominance. A wolf voluntarily rolls on its back in a subordinate display. No contact is made, thus avoiding dangerous physical conflict.

However, there are multiple problems with modeling dog training after these beliefs:

The wolf studies were seriously flawed. First, the studies were of wolves in captivity and not in their natural habitats. Second, the wolves had been captured from different wolf packs, creating a volatile and unnatural pack structure. None of which provided researchers at the time with an accurate view of normal wolf behavior.

More in-depth studies of wolves in their natural habitats have since revealed that a wolf pack is made up of a family; the breeding pair who shares leadership, and their offspring 1, who stay with the pack until 2-3 years of age, when they start their own pack. Eventually, almost every wolf becomes an "alpha" if they survive long enough mate and breed.

"Our findings should help resolve a continuing misperception, evident in the literature, that wolf packs are led by a single alpha wolf, the dominant male (Holekamp et al. 2000). Rather, a high-ranking male and female typically form the primary breeding pair and provide most leadership."

DOMINANCE THEORY: DOGS

Dogs are not tame wolves. The domestic dog is a separate species that evolved from wolves approximately 14,000 years ago and exhibit behaviors that wolves do not. They also do not display behaviors that wolves do, such as regurgitating food for their young.

In Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin Behavior & Evolution, Ray and Lorna Coppinger write:

"Today, the popular dog press seems to feel that if dogs descended from wolves, they would have wolf qualities. But the natural selection model points out that the wolf qualities are severely modified. Dogs do not think like wolves, nor do they behave like them."

Observations of free-roaming dogs throughout the world reveal that while dogs are social animals, it is primarily the displays of submission that keep the peace, not displays of dominance. These dogs, sometimes referred to as pariah dogs, are more scavengers than predators, and therefore live much more solitary lives than wolves, since it does not benefit a scavenger to share limited resources with a large group of other animals. These dogs rarely form packs, and when they do, the packs are loosely structured with animals joining and leaving randomly and frequently, a trait not seen in wolf packs.

Further, the domesticated forms of wild species will, as a general rule, revert back to their original form after being feral (wild) for a few generations. Dogs, of which there are many feral types throughout the world, have not reverted back to wolves either in appearance or behavior.

All of this evidence strongly discredits the romantic notion that dogs are watered-down versions of the wolf.

The star of the show has claimed:

"If you study a pack of dogs, the first authority figure is the mom, and the mom does pin the puppies down."

If one truly studies a "pack" of dogs, assuming the above statement is referring to a bitch with a litter of puppies, one would see that the mother actually uses very little contact with the puppies to discipline them. The more physical the mother gets, the more risk of injuring her pups. Instead, she will get up and walk away, removing her attention and the chance to nurse. When the puppies get older and more mobile, she may use displays of teeth and vocalizations to stop a puppy's undesireable behavior, but as soon as the puppy stops, so does the "correction".

Leaders in all animals control assets more often than they control individuals through the use of force. As stated by Myrna Milani, DVM, author and veterinary ethologist:

"...the mark of a true leader is the ability to control without force. And, in fact, wild animals who rely on brute force to maintain their status typically get eliminated from the gene pool because this approach requires so much energy."

Power struggles with dogs communicate no more leadership than an adult human in a physical struggle with a small child or an armed bank robber and his hostages.

Here's the reality, through a stroke of evolutionary luck, we were blessed with opposable thumbs which give us priority access to most, if not all, of the resources that dogs want. By maintaining control of those assets, including food, access and attention, and not giving them away for free or on demand, it is not necessary to get into power struggles with our dogs. We already have everything the dog wants. We are already "dominant."

Dominance Hierarchies in Wolves

"The concept, nature, and importance of the dominance hierarchy or pecking order ...itself in many species are in dispute. Similarly, in a natural wolf pack, dominance is not manifested as a pecking order and seems to have much less significance than the results of studies of captive packs had implied. In a natural wolf pack, the dominance rules bear no resemblance to those of the pecking order, that of a group of similar individuals competing for rank."

-L. David Mech
Senior Scientist
Biological Resources Division
U.S. Geological Survey

Dominance-based training methods are very energy-intensive for the human. They require that the human constantly react to the actions of the dog, such as a leash correction for growling, which still initially puts the dog in the lead. This is not how the "dominant" individuals behave - it is, however, how insecure individuals behave. So, in effect, these methods communicate insecurity, rather than leadership.

Humans are neither dogs nor wolves. So when we try to replicate the behavior of either, we are genetically doomed to fail. We lack the proper physiology, timing and accuracy with which to deliver the same types of signals and corrections that wolves or dogs use with one another to maintain peace.

We're not dogs and our dogs know it. We are not wolves and our dogs know it. Exerting excessive amounts of energy attempting to be something we're not doesn't communicate leadership. At best, it amuses our dogs. At worst, it makes us dangerous and unpredictable in the eyes of our dogs, which does not communicate leadership at all.

Those who work with wolves, including hand-raised wolves, and wolf-dog mixes know that wolves will not tolerate forceful handling by humans. If the reason we have used these methods on dogs is because of wolf behavior and it elicits aggressive responses in wolves, why then do we continue to use these methods on dogs? Because they let us.

There are non-adversarial ways to set rules and boundaries for your dog that don't involve force or intimidation. Most dogs willingly cede control, requiring nothing more than a few simple boundaries, such as are found in Nothing In Life is Free programs, especially if there have been few to no rules in place to begin with.

Additional Reading

Advanced Reading

Recommended Books

EXERCISE

On the television show, a great deal of importance is placed on exercise as a dog's primary need. Dogs do need exercise. The following is not an attempt to minimize the importance of regular exercise. However, most dog breeds were developed for particular work which requires both mental and physical exercise. Dogs need mental stimulation as much, and in some cases even more, than they need physical exercise.

Mental stimulation, through obedience, tricks, agility or other working activities satisfies a dog's need for both mental and physical exercise. Walking a dog on a short leash may is more enjoyable for the human, but gives the dog little exercise (since dogs walk at a much faster pace than we do) and does not allow the dog to gain the mental stimulation from exploring his environment with off-leash activities.

Mental stimulation exercises also satisfy the needs of dogs physically incapable of exercise due to arthritis, hip dysplasia or other health problems.

Forced Exercise, such as running a dog on a treadmill might satisfy a physical need to run, but does not give the dog the option to run, nor does it provide mental stimulation, socialization or interaction with the owner. In the Federal Animal Welfare Act, treadmills are labeled as forced exercise and are not permitted as as a means of satisfying the exercise requirements for dogs in clinics or other kennel facilities.

Treadmills still require time on the part of the owner, as a dog on a treadmill must be constantly supervised to prevent injury. If the owner must be present, more satisfying activities such as walks, training and sports such as agility, Rally-O, herding, tracking or lure coursing (most communities have dog training clubs that offer these activities) are available.

Behavioral Fallout. You've just had the worst week ever. Which would reduce your stress and give you a greater sense of well-being? A long run on the beach or a long run from a bear?

Dogs that are reactive to dogs, people or other stimulus commonly found on walks can actually get worse with continued exposure. The dog's stress levels, including cortisol and adrenaline, are elevated with each walk and exposure to the triggering person, animal or object. Not only do elevated levels of these hormones lead to behavior problems, but increased cortisol levels undermine the immune response, leaving the dog more susceptible to illness.

This is why effective behavior modification programs start with teaching self-control exercises in low-stress environments, before slowly introducing the dog to increased levels of the triggering stimulus.

A Primary Need? A dog's primary need for survival is not, in fact, exercise. If a dog were to spend all of its time and energy exercising, it would have nothing left for establishing and protecting territory, hunting/scavenging, or raising young. Exercise is accomplished through these actions, not instead of.

Ethological studies of wild animals have revealed that when all physiological criteria are met through food abundance, shelter and there is absence of predation animals will not "exercise". The conservation of energy is of utmost importance in wild animals and unnecessary expenditure is not a viable strategy. Therefore exercise happens as a result of animals satisfying other behavioral and physiological activities (e.g. foraging for food, socializing or seeking shelter

"Canine behavior." M.W. Fox. 1989 pp. 21-31

Further, walking a dog on a short leash, at the owner's pace (which is much slower than the dog's natural pace) and without the ability to sniff and explore the environment, provides the dog with very little in the way of exercise. Even if a dog's primary need were, in fact, exercise, this sort of walk doesn't provide enough to satisfy their needs.

Training and other activities provide dogs with both the mental and physical stimulation necessary for their complete well-being. Well-trained dogs are also able to enjoy off-leash activities much more often, which provides them with adequate mental and physical exercise.

Additional Reading
Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Fetch?
Lowering Arousal PDF
Play and Exercise In Dogs PDF
Animal Welfare Act: 9CFR3.8

Book Recommendation: The Only Dog Tricks Book You'll Ever Need

DISCIPLINE AND AFFECTION: POSITIVE DOES NOT MEAN PERMISSIVE

With a greater understanding of behavior, today's behaviorists and trainers are now using positive methods to modify even the most extreme behaviors in dogs with great results. This includes dogs with severe aggression problems that may be facing euthanasia, or "red zone" dogs.

This does not mean, however, that the dog is not given boundaries, firm rules or is only responsive when treats are present. Positive training and behavior modification methods start with setting clear boundaries and controlling the resources in the dog's life, including affection and play, which are not given to the dog for free or on demand. This is done in a way that sets the owner up to succeed, so that they can control their attention, but still enjoy their dog's company and affection.

Additional Reading
Are You the Alpha?
Leadership Basics
Nothing In Life is Free
Work to Earn

STRESS IN DOGS

One of the biggest concerns that the experts have with the television show is that many of the dogs show signs of significant stress, some even go to the point of biting the star of the show. While most people are able to recognize overt signs of stress such as barking, growling and baring teeth, dogs give numerous other subtle signals of stress before they resort to more impressive displays. Some of these subtle signals include:

Yawning
Increased respiration after little to no physical activity
Low or backward ear carriage
Repeated licking of the lips or nose
Increased and sudden shedding or dandruff
Low tail and body carriage
Tense and slow movement

If a dog is repeatedly exhibiting these signs during training, it is time to re-evaluate either the training methods, the environment, or the owner/trainer's behavior. Is the environment too stressful? Are the methods or equipment causing the dog pain? Is too much being demanded of the dog too soon?

We all need some stress to survive. Hunger is a form of stress. If we didn't feel hunger, we wouldn't eat. However, humane and dog-friendly methods don't just mean the absence of pain, it also means absence of undue stress. A dog that is stressed to the point of aggression, fear, or shutdown (learned helplessness) is physically unable to learn and any training attempted while the dog is in this state will be wasted.

Additional Reading
Canine Body Language PDF
Canine Stress Signs
Canine Calming Signals
Calming Signals Gallery

REHABILITATION OR SUPPRESSION?

Behavior Modification is the process of changing a dog's underlying emotions by gradually exposing a dog (desensitization) to the triggering stimulus (dog, person, car, etc), then teaching an alternate behavior (counter-conditioning). This process keeps the dog below the level at which they react (commonly referred to as the threshold) and gradually teaches the dog a more desirable response under stressful situations. There is a difference between suppressing a behavior and modifying a behavior.

Suppression is typically done through the use of force or flooding. Suppression of behavior stops the behavior in the moment, but requires the dog owner to constantly repeat the steps necessary over and over. Because so many dog owners want to know "What do I do when my dog..." this feels like a solution. However, it is not actually changing the underlying cause of the behavior.

A dog with modified behavior willingly offers the alternate behavior, such as looking at the owner instead of lunging toward a strange dog, without a tight leash or physical restraint, allowing the owner to reward the more desirable behavior, rather than "correct" the undesired behavior.

Force includes punishment such as verbal corrections, leash corrections or jabbing a dog in the neck with your fingers. It can also include forcing a dog on its side or back. While techniques such as this may immediately suppress the symptoms of the problem behavior (if it does not ellicit an aggressive response), the use of force can often make problems worse as the dog forms an association between the punishment and the trigger (the person, place or thing) that incites the aggressive or undesired behavior. In many cases, the frequency or form of punishment must be increased to maintain the suppression.

While there are types of punishment that can be used humanely and effectively to modify low-level training problems, the use of aversives as seen on the show suppress the symptoms of the behavior in the short-term. The long-term behavioral fallout may take months or years to surface.

Flooding. If you are afraid of spiders, will it lessen your fear if I give you a massage with a pair of tarantulas? Flooding is prolonged and forced exposure to something that is or has become unpleasant. It includes pulling a fearful dog into a swimming pool or immersing a dog-reactive dog in an environment with numerous other dogs. When a dog is flooded, they can "shut down" from stress and won't exhibit any of the problem behaviors. This is not fixing the behavior, although it appears to because the dog does not show overt signs of aggression, in fact that dog is not doing anything at all.

While true behavior modification is not a fast process, and while it certainly doesn't make for exciting television, the effects are more permanent than those gained by suppressing a behavior through the use of force or flooding.

Additional Reading

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Statement on Punishment
Lessons From the Masters: Learning About Punishment From Dogs Themselves
Punishment
Punishment: How Not To Do It

MEDICAL CAUSES FOR BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

Not all behavior problems are the result of a lack of training, exercise, leadership or discipline. There are many medical causes for behavior problems, as well. House training issues can be due to urinary tract infections and aggression can be a reaction to pain caused by injury or illness. Aggression could be triggered by injury or illness such as hypothyroidism.

On a recent episode of It's Me or the Dog, an American Bulldog that was exhibiting aggressive behavior towards visitors was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after the trainer recommended a vet check. The owners were previously unaware that the dog had a medical condition which was contributing to his behavior.

There are also some behaviors which do not have physical causes, but mental, such as compulsive disorders. A popular internet video shows a dog attacking its own foot. This is a very good example of an compulsive behavior problem. Problems such as this would not be modified through exercise - in fact the dog in the video exhibited this behavior after returning from walks - leadership or discipline.

A qualified professional will recognize when a behavior problem may have a medical cause and will make appropriate referrals before attempting to modify the behavior through training.

Any sudden change in behavior should always be discussed with a veterinarian.

Additional Reading
Vet Diagnoses Dogs With Compulsive Disorder

CONCLUSION

Is exercise important? Absolutely! Do dogs need boundaries? Certainly! Do humans need to stop treating their dogs like humans and take more of a leadership role at home? Definitely! But how these goals are accomplished are of equal importance.

A basic understanding of canine behavior can give dog owners the knowledge they need to determine the right training methods for their dog and avoid those methods that are not based in the science of learning and behavior and use trendy catchphrases to sell old and potentially dangerous methods in a new package.

Part II: Frequently Asked Questions

RECOMMENDED READING

We recommend these books and videos as an alternative to Cesar's Way.

THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH
When humans communicate with dogs, a lot can get lost in the translation. Focusing on human behavior, Dr. McConnell teaches readers how to retrain themselves to speak consistently in a language dogs understand and avoid sending conflicting and confusing messages.

4Paws University highly recommends this book to anyone wanting a better understanding of their dog! We also recommend Dr. McConnell's excellent booklets on individual behavior problems.

CULTURE CLASH
Understand the role of conditioning on a dog's intelligence & morality; predatory & social behavior; socialization, conflict resolution, fear & aggression; behavior problems & solutions.

This book is a staple in the 4Paws University library and is a must-read for any dog owner seeking to improve their knowledge of dog training and behavior.

PARENTING YOUR DOG
Finally, popular trainer Trish King has written a book! Analyzes each stage of a dog's physical, mental, and emotional development in great detail; includes sections on puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood and aging, plus problem behavior. Sets forth numerous similarities between child parenting and dog parenting, with an emphasis on understanding the canine psyche and positive, reward-based learning. Offers numerous tips and guidelines detailing how dogs can adjust to and become part of the family dynamic. Formatted for quick reference.

POWER OF POSITIVE DOG TRAINING
Demonstrates how you can train your dog, have fun, and build a lasting relationship at the same time. Walk away from punishment-based training methods and learn how you can reward your dog to obtain and reinforce the behaviors you could only dream about achieving. When you apply the training methods in this book and follow the unique six-week training program, your dog will learn to think and to choose proper behavior. You and your dog can become an unbeatable team, capable of addressing any challenge you may encounter.

HOW DOGS LEARN
Explains the science of operant conditioning, the psychological principle upon which almost all animal training is based. Operant conditioning is the place where science and dog training meet, and the authors bring you there in terms anyone can easily grasp. Every scientific concept is explained clearly and precisely, and its relevance to your dog is laid out.

This book is the science of dog psychology!

ON TALKING TERMS WITH DOGS: CALMING SIGNALS (2nd Ed)
From Terry Ryan's introduction: Dogs have a language for communication with each other, consisting of a large variety of signals using body, face, ears, tail, sounds, movement and expression. If we study the signals dogs use with each other and use them ourselves, we increase our ability to communicate with our dogs. Most noteworthy are the calming signals, which are used to maintain a healthy social hierarchy and resolve conflict within the pack. If we can carry these skills over to our own interactions with dogs, we can greatly improve our relationships with dogs. A practical, down-to-earth, logical understanding and use of the body language of dogs.

Video/DVD

THE LANGUAGE OF DOGS DVD
What is your dog saying to you and to other dogs? How can you tell when play turns to aggression? How do dogs show friendliness, fear, or stress? This educational video features a presentation and extensive footage of a variety of breeds showing hundreds of examples of canine behavior and body language. Behaviorist Sarah Kalnajs teaches you how to read these signals so that you can develop a better understanding of what's really going on in the canine world. Perfect for dog owners or anyone who handles dogs or encounters them regularly while on the job.

CALMING SIGNALS: WHAT YOUR DOG TELLS YOU DVD
Presents Turid Rugaas working on her own home turf, doing what she does best, communicating with dogs. She shows footage of many calming signals, and how dogs use them. She also shows us how people can use calming signals in their own interactions with dogs. You'll enjoy visiting Turid's own dogs and those of her clients, while seeing her in action on her beautiful farm in the fjords of Norway. This is the DVD format and companion to the popular book, "On Talking Terms with Dogs."

Last Updated 5/6/08

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