“The Dog Whisperer” and The Therapeutic Role of AnimalsMany of you have seen The Dog Whisperer on The National Geographic Channel on Friday nights. People vary in their opinions about Cesar Milan’s approach to training. I decided to include his resources here for two reasons: First, I include him on a page about the therapeutic role of pets because Cesar Milan’s philosophy is that dogs come into people’s lives to teach them important truths about themselves. Often, the way they respond to their pets mirrors their social interactions. Sometimes, changing their responses to their animals encourages them to change their responses to people. Talk about therapeutic! Watch some of the online videos to see if you agree. Second, I am grateful to Cesar Milan for what he has taught me. The other day when I was walking BigDog, two German shepherds charged us. Big’s hackles went up, and he was prepared for battle. I started to panic, but then the words “calm, assertive” quieted my mind. I did not give eye contact to the shepherds. Instead, I walked in front of Big, and much to his frustration, put him in a down. When he tried to look at the shepherds, I turned his head back toward me and told him quietly, “No, watch me.” The shepherds stopped their charge but continued to bark a few times. When they stopped barking, I told Big to heel and kept his focus on me. We took a few steps, and the dogs charged again. We went through the same process. It took a few times, but eventually the shepherds stopped trying to engage us and walked away. If I had continued to panic, I hate to think what the outcome might have been. I did not learn these skills from any of the obedience classes I’ve taken. What good would a clicker have done in this situation? No, I learned how dogs view the world from watching Cesar Milan onThe Dog Whisperer.
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Are you ready for a new best friend in your life? If so, try a shelter or rescue organization. Please remember to spay or neuter! If your heart is set on a particular breed that you can’t find through Petfinder.com, make sure you find a reputable breeder. Many “purebred” and “designer” pups sold in pet stores and on the Internet come from puppy mills (Warning: graphic photos 1, photos 2, photos 3, photos 4). Beware also that some unethical puppy mill breeders realize you will look for a “reputable breeder” and advertise themselves as such online. Backyard breeders should also be avoided! Protect yourself from heartbreak and animals from a horrible fate. Do your homework! Visit the kennel and see the sire and dam. |
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This program is one of a growing number that demonstrate how prisoners and dogs can make a difference in each other’s lives. The prisoners train dogs to become pets or service animals. In turn, the dogs give the prisoners acceptance, affection, companionship, and purpose. |
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The research center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine sponsors conferences and produces publications. The authors of Animal Assisted Interventions in Adolescent Mental Health explore the results of animal-assisted programs for teens with emotional and behavioral disorders. |
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Website provides links to national and international research centers on human and animal interactions. |
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This innovative program provides opportunities for students who are at-risk or who have disabilities to experience therapeutic farm-animal interactions. |
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Read about Izzy’s support of hospice patients in an article by Jon Katz. |
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Horseback riding can make a significant difference in physical, occupational, and speech therapy for people with disabilities. |
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The Therapeutic Role of Animals |
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The Delta Society promotes the human-animal bond. Their Pet Partners® program registers and insures handlers and animals to participate in animal-assisted activities/therapy. |