Yep, got to agree with that. I think nickboy has put so eloquently into words, the whole CM phenomenon and why he sparks such extreme comments from some.

I must admit though, I too have cringed at the presenting style of his TV shows. I just hate the Americanism, now unfortunately gaining ground in UK documentary type programmes, of turning every possible situation into a drama.

But as said, this shouldn't cloud anyone's judgement of the guy himself.

I dont think that cesar put the child in danger in this episode and it was a lesson in the child ( we are talking teenager if its the one i am thinking of ) being more assertive with the dog who was being possessive of the mum in the house and the space around her

apologies if ive crossed two episodes here

Im not sure if CM suggested it or whether it was what the owners had tried but couldnt use correctly, either way it was more a display of how if you are going to use an ecollar to do it properly.

Im trying to find the clip of the possesive wee dog on you tube, no luck so far.

I agree with that - the cheese levels could be turned down several notches

ill look tonight again at it god bless SKYplus

Sorry Jess, I don't mean to pick on you.... I find most of your posts brilliant. But I've got to point this out as an example of blatant anthropomorphism.

I doesn't help at all in our understanding of dogs, to attribute human feelings to them.

I have a question, and I promise it's not to "start".

Quite a lot I see CM supporters use the disclaimer on CM's programs as an excuse/reason for people not to follow his methods at home, as if that makes what he teaches on his shows "safe".

If, and this is where I'm trying really hard to word this nicely, people who are his supporters believe that CM's work shouldn't be implemented at home, how come so many of them are reporting that his methods worked on their dogs?

The disclaimer is so often used as a "It's okay, he's not recommending you do it at home, so his program's okay", then how come we have so many followers that aren't professional trainers?

This worries me a bit, to be honest.

I understand your pov.
But I dont think on here we have used the disclaimer as an excuse or to say its "okay" in your context.

Im gonna refer back to Nickyboys post "4) The programme issues warnings every time CM demonstrates his methods that should the viewer wish to emulate these techniques they should consult a professional first - this is very important because it transforms the show into a showcase for his abilities/techniques -THATS ALL - by the way I liked watching Steve Irwin's Crocodile Hunter it shows his methods.
5) Any advice given by anyone is objectional, from raising kids to driving, anyone who blindly follows everything put in front of their eyes should have question marks over the level of responsibility they are allowed to have."

But it certainly seems many non professionals profess to the effect of following his methods. But maybe not the application in practice? To apply CM logic and ethos (for want of a better word) can reap great benifet without having to physically undertake actions the show advises against without a professional.

lol - but I still say they love training, well I see it as 'love' they see it as getting an easy bit of food! Hay they wouldn't do it if it wasn't worth their while, they would say ''no way- I ain't no sucka'' ok there we go with the anthropomorphising again. Damn that's a long word, thank gawd dogs don't have to spell.

Thanks for the reply Callum - I was a bit worried about making sure my wording was okay on that question (phew!).

I do understand where you're coming from, and would agree that to someone who found him inspiring, the *ethos* rather than the methods might be what has inspired, but I do often see people say "We tried what he did and it worked for us", then when the age-old argument arises, placate people with the disclaimer. As if it's only for people other than them *lol*.

Of course I'm not including anyone who has actually employed a trainer to teach them those methods (although personally that's not my cup of tea either).