The first half of the show revolved around explanations of dog behavior and around Cesar himself, where he came from, how he developed his handling skills, and how and why he uses the techniques he does use. Having watched every TV show he's done (most of them more than once) I was familiar with the information in the first part of the show - a spritely monologue about the origins of Cesar's "best trainer in the world" dreams. His sense of humor and fun is evident on TV, but I was surprised at how funny he really is - especially so if you are a dog fancier, since his rap is naturally dog related.
When he first stepped onstage, he was accompanied by his take-everywhere dog pack: the blue pit bull, Junior, the brown Chihuahua - Cocoa, and one or two assorted small fluffers. They all tumbled onto the dais behind him, playing and wrestling gently. After a few minutes, Cesar asked the helpers to take the dogs off, which they did by calling them; but - while Junior left with the others - he soon returned and made himself at home on the sofa that stood at stage-rear. So while Cesar talked, Junior was behind him, rolling on the sofa, sticking his head under the pillows, lying back with his legs in the air. Eventually, Cesar released him from the boards as the dog was upstaging the man.
It was funny; but, later on, I began to realize maybe this was "a bit" and the dogs were doing what they had been conditioned to do. Either way: nature or nurture - it was adorable.
Second half of show, post intermission, the problem dogs were brought out. I believe they were all from one adoption center, but they were definitely all rescues. Each dog had its new owner in tow (really - in tow!) And each owner stated the one problem about their new pal which either bugged or confounded them. Not surprisingly, 3 of the 4 dogs were pits or pit mixes. Cesar is working to reshape the image of pit bulls, as you probably know. But they are also the dogs that most often line shelters today due to overbreeding, lack of understanding of what you are getting into when you adopt a pit, and all the large and small irresponsibilities of a small number of pet owners.
The behavior problems included: too focussed on food; pulling on leash; jumping; and over-protective of owner.
It was interesting watching the change as Cesar took one dog at a time, removing the weird gear people get their dogs into (harnesses, flexies, giant prongs on little dogs, etc.) He used his usual "$ store" cotton leash (as he said, "Mexican guys with their rope leashes").
I know the owners were nervous for many reasons: concern for their dogs, yes, but being on stage in front of a packed audience, seeing Cesar have no problem with their dogs (which might make them feel foolish collaterally), and so forth. But it was interesting to see Cesar show and explain the easy changes he made which immediately accomplished a general improvement in the dogs' behavior - and noting that, when he handed back the leash, none of his suggestions were complied with until he repeated and re-demonstrated each activity at least 3 times! The perils of being a "trainer of people"!
In fact, it was watching Cesar's first TV show, "the Dog Whisperer" that made me realize why I stopped group training with dogs. People don't seem to listen. Perhaps they believe the problem is "the bad dog," but we know better: 99% of the time, dog problems are people problems. But Cesar seems to have the understanding, patience and tolerance for this peculiarity of human understanding and behavior that many of us lack.
Also, it is apparent that English is Cesar's third language - Spanish being first, Dog being second! Dogs speak in many ways, mostly via body language and signals. When we learn the rudiments of "Dog" we realize that all dogs are making the same or similar signals, breed aside, and that they have been signaling us, the dog lovers, our entire lives. We say: COME SIT STAY DOWN, but seldom notice their rhythms, never hearing their music. Cesar hears that music, and the boy can tango!
The controversy:
If you want to know about the trainer, look at the dog. When you watch Cesar handling dogs, it is obvious that the rumors about "abusive methods" are unfounded. I have seen too many dogs being trained by inept or brutal trainers, with the resulting timidity and lack of confidence engendered in the dog, or, conversely, the unpredictable jumping and savaging that results. When Cesar handles, you can see that look on the dog's face - the expression in the eyes - as the dog relaxes from the inside out and says: I get it. I know where I am now. All that stress and consequent negative behavior just washes off the dog. Cruelty and abuse cannot accomplish this - ever.
A second controversy is this idea that Cesar "kicks" dogs. He does not. However, he occasionally utilizes a foot tap to get the dog's attention. It is just a light tap, given with the insole of the foot (not the toe or heel).
The foot tap works especially well with dogs that are inured to the collar or dogs that are overstimulated in the moment. The essence of the foot tap is to create a startle response allowing the handler to recapture the dog's focus. It occurs in the "tickle space" right below the short rib and is a sensation dogs are not accustomed to, which makes it quite effective. During the show, we saw it used once or twice and, as a technique, it is significantly less aversive than a leash yank.
Each of the rescue dogs in the show entered stage left, out of control in the hands of their new owners. Within seconds, literally seconds, the dogs behavior altered in Cesar's hands. He took the leash, seemed to settle for a moment, then took each animal through a redirection phase, then let them relax into understanding and acceptance of the new order. Consequently, the dogs acted as if they had been to obedience school and passed with flying colors. It was a real pleasure to watch someone work an animal with such patience and precision.
I enjoyed the show very much and found it well worth the money spent. I would love to add a class with Cesar to my CV, but for now, this small window into his world will have to do.
Take a bow - wow!
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