Wolfdogs Don’t Need Whispering!

The first "wolfdog" in this article is in fact an Alaskan Malamute, i know this because i have a Malamute myself and i paid special attention to this episode.

Episode summary from his webpage:
"4x18 Shadow; Norton; Jake & Riley
Grouchy Malamute Shadow gets a soothing visit from Cesar. Also in this episode: Cesar drops in on The Happy Dog dog walking service to offer owner Suzy Godsey some practical advice on calming her canine charges."

On the other episode where they were ACTUALLY wolfdogs, the issue was not "fixed" right there, the owners need to keep working on it. If you could rely your observations on the whole episode instead of only the tiny linked video, then you would be able to see the food guarding at the beginning of the episode (the video the owners provided themselves).

The fact that Millan uses flooding does not mean he uses it every single time with every single dog (or wolfdog), he does not use the same techniques with a fearful dog and a confident dominant one. He works differently depending on the problem.

I dont think National Geographic will pay attention to your petition after having all these facts wrong.

Hi I completely agree with your article. The best way to get across the message to the channel is by finding out who their head of production or programming is and e-mailing them directly as well. The contact info that is given on sites is usually filtered through a lot of people before it reaches someone in charge. The other bit of advise I have is to DM or tweet at the channel so that your message shows up publicly. The person who runs the twitter accounts at cable channels is usually someone in marketing or communication. I've felt strongly about a program on another channel and I received a response more quickly after finding out the right people to contact. Good luck!!

Hi Nicole,

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I have sent an email to National Geographic and I hope many more do. The more emails we send out the more likely they are to take notice. Here's hoping...

Agree with you 100%, Nicole. Sadly, letters to National Geographic will accomplish nothing. I have a file filled with letters from highly respected veterinarians, behavorists and trainers asking NG to pull Milan's show. And, of course, he is still on the air. Now the pharmaceutical company Merial (they make Heartguard and Frontline)have partnered with Milan. Check out Dr. Patricia McConnell's blog at
www.theotherendoftheleash.com for more on that subject. And, yes, I wrote a letter to Merial objecting to their teaming up with Milan. It won't change a thing but at least I tried.

Nicole, have you written any articles regarding "content" in wolfdogs? I would like to understand the genetics when I hear 50-50 or 15-85 tossed around.

Donna
Put a springer in your step!

It's nice that you have a malamute. Great dogs. However, having a malamute does not make you an expert on wolfdogs, or on malamutes for that matter. The producers may have portrayed that particular dog as a malamute but it appears to be a low content wolfdog. The owners may not have wanted the dog labeled as a wolfdog for legal reasons, which is a common practice, as they are illegal to own in many areas. Really it's almost beside the point, as using behavior modification methods with ANY dog that are rooted in science and carried out properly do not result in being bitten up and down the arm.

Regarding the food guarding (with the wolfdogs), I'm not sure what you're getting at, as I did see the resource guarding at the beginning of the episode. So? My point was that nothing was actually resolved. The owner was able to stand up and let the dog eat intermittent mouthfuls of food from the dish as the owner held it. I have no problem with the owners having to do more work, that would be more realistic than thinking a problem was actually "solved" in one episode. But there was nothing said about how that was to transfer to the dog having possession of the food in the bowl and then the owner being able to approach, which is the actual problem (unless we are to believe the owner will feed the dog that way forever, which seems unlikely and not very convenient).

You are correct that C. Millan does not use flooding with every dog. I never said he did. But he does have one bag of tricks, period. Every dog is dominant, according to what I have seen--and I have watched more of the show than you might think, from the first season through this one. Just because you are a fan of CM does not mean that his techniques--ANY of them-- are appropriate for working with wolfdogs. You are probably correct that National Geographic will not do a thing about it. Why should they, it's sensationalistic and no doubt will keep the money rolling in. Too bad for the dogs who will be hurt by it, and too bad more people can't see what the dogs are really going through when it's right there in front of them. And it's going to be devastating for those wolfdogs that people go out and buy after seeing the show, once the people realize they're a lot more of a handful than doggy-dogs. Rescues are perpetually full, and what ends up happening to those animals is heartbreaking.

...who clearly see this situation for what it is. Thank you for the thoughts about direct contact, Solitude. Martina, thanks for sending the email, and Chiluv, I know you're probably right that it will accomplish nothing (and I am aware of the Merial situation as well), but this is something I cannot sit back and watch happen without trying.

I don't have any online articles re content that I can remember, it's mostly in the books...but Wolf Park has pages on wolfdogs that talk about content, generation, etc. And of course their info is excellent.

The detail here and your passion Nicole is great. I have passed on these details in an attempt to raise awareness and get people thinking about this issues (and the Merial one too).
I saw on another list where you posted 3 perfect points that could be used in correspondece with NG (and i have passed on these concerns with your permission on list message) - maybe you could post those points (or any others!) here for a wide audience to have some concise info to send to NG. What you have written here is great too!
This is a good one for twitter too, me thinks!

Anne Rogers
Pet Central, Ireland

Here are the three points excerpted from the email correspondence. Thank you for asking and for spreading the word.

1. Wolves are naturally afraid of humans, and many wolfdogs are extremely sensitive. Using anything but extremely gentle training methods could have a lifelong detrimental effect on the animal.

2. Wolfdogs are illegal to own in many areas, and should someone whose wolfdog was used on the program then find themselves visited by animal control, the wolfdog could be euthanized.

3. Some people may see the program and think wow, wolfdogs are cool, let's get one! This of course is terrible, as so many of us have been trying to educate the public for many years that wolfdogs are NOT the perfect pet for the average person.

Hey Nicole,

In your orginal post, you state that the issue is wolf/dogs not Cesar.

Then in your reply to Espencer, you state it's not the point these may be wolf/dogs, but all dogs and his methods.

Which is it? It seems there is an awful lot of activity around Cesar right now for giving free DVDs to the public, while most would think it's a good thing for someone who loves and is concerned about dogs to do. Has anyone here seen the DVD, realize that there is a clicker training and P+ segment, and that there are several other trainers showing Cesar procedures on it. So I don't even think it's the content of these that you are concerned about, I believe you may be using the wolf/dog thing, about which I know nothing, as a springboard for yet another attack.

Maurice Peaches
All Good Doggies

Your quote: "I did see the resource guarding at the beginning of the episode. So?"

Quote from the initial article:"nothing was ever shown of the wolfdog being in possession of the food and then someone trying to approach."

As you can see i am lost here

Quote: "unless we are to believe the owner will feed the dog that way forever, which seems unlikely and not very convenient"

Question: Do you have to give treats to the dog to seat every time forever? Of course not, once he is reliable you stop the treats, once the dog is not possesive you stop the exercise.

Even when he uses flooding you are assuming that he might use it with a wolf dog, we dont know that yet, maybe he already knows wolfdogs are skittish and he should not use flooding with them. We dont even know what the problem will be. I have found 62 youtube videos of him and his techniques, not all of them are about dominance.

Finally, we cant help ignorant people who will want to copy what he does. I have seen dangerous stunts on TV but that does not mean i will do them myself, some crazy people actually do. Cesar can not be blaimed for the people's lack of common sense out there.

Thank you for taking the time to answer your blog and i am not here to fight like an internet troll. I say let's wait to see what the problem will be, what he did about it and then discuss, he has not hurt any wolfdog so far and until he does we can't blame him on something that has not happened yet.

You're correct that in the original post I did state that the issue has to do with Cesar's methods not being appropriate for wolfdogs.

The part of my reply to Espencer you're referring to was due to his questioning whether the animal in the first clip was even a wolfdog. My point (after asserting that it certainly appeared to be one) was that arguing about whether a dog was a wolfdog or not almost seemed besides the point given that a man got bit up and down the arm while training a dog.

To be perfectly clear, I am not "using the wolfdog thing...as a springboard for yet another attack". I happen to care deeply about wolfdogs, having dedicated the past 20 years of my life to their welfare. It's no secret that I'm not a fan of Cesar's training methods, but I'm also not someone who flat out "attacks" him the way some others do. If you want to dissect my post, you might also want to focus on my urge that people not "write a diatribe against Cesar Millan-that's not what this is about". And it's not. Had I wanted to say something about CM or his training methods, I have no problem doing so directly. Once more, this is about the unsuitability of those types of training methods, with which I am very familiar, as applied to training wolfdogs. Hope that clears things up.

Sorry if that first part was unclear regarding the resource guarding. What I meant (in the original reply to you) was that nothing was shown at the end of the episode (or as a final "result" we are left with) that shows that the owners can now approach the wolfdog while the wolfdog is in possession of the food/bowl, without being bitten or threatened.

Of course you are correct that once a dog learns a behavior, food treats are phased out. But that's different than the situation we're discussing. Let's forget that we're talking about CM or wolfdogs for a moment, just to take the emotion out of it. So you've got a dog who guards his food once it's in the bowl on the ground. Owner approaches, dog growls/threatens, may bite if owner continues to approach. Trainer suggests holding food in bowl and dipping it down to dog to take mouthful, then pulling bowl back up. Not a bad approach, dog is learning that owner controls the food. But does that in and of itself translate to the owner then being able to approach in the original troublesome situation? Nope. There have to be steps in-between. No trainer would walk away at that point and assume the problem was solved. On the program, had there been some advice about how to get from point A to point B, I would have said great, the problem has a chance of being solved, assuming the owner follows through.

I appreciate that you're not here to fight and neither am I. Unfortunately, I have a hard time believing that CM is going to suddenly do a complete turnaround with his methods to the point that they would be appropriate to wolfdogs, and that's one part of my concern about the show, as stated in my "3 points" above. The rest don't even have to do with CM, but about the exposure wolfdogs will get because of it. Thanks for your comments.

Quite a few of the episodes don't have an "and then" step. On the other hand, no one is advised to use these techniques without a trainer, so I think the message is "if you have this problem, please see a professional dog trainer".

Often, you do not start at the end of an exercise. For instance, you would not let a resource guarder with the "resource in question" without equipment on, and then go walk up to him. He may even come after you just for being in the area. That is a recipe for failure and very possible injury.

You start by desenitizing the dog to the experience, and also making it clear that this is yours. Of course, some people overly concerned that their dog MIGHT become food aggressive actually cause the aggression by constanting convincing the dog that you are REALLY interested in taking away the food:)

As for Cesar getting bit, I have seen episodes of Stillwell's too where passing public gets bit!! It always concerns me when an tv training program does not go over the proper use of tools. I believe there is a story on here about Nicole being bit.

I commend National Geographic for showing these things. It is an important message to the public that this can and does indeed happen sometimes SO BE CAREFUL!!

Maurice Peaches
All Good Doggies

LOL of course you wouldn't start with a resource guarder by going up to him and trying to take the valued object. I think we all realize that. And I agree, some people definitely cause aggression issues by constantly taking things away to prove they can. But there's the fact that quite a few of the episodes, as you said, don't have an "and then" step. Regardless of the show, the "trainer" or the methods, if you're going to present a dog problem and a way to solve it, IMO you should show how it's actually going to be solved so the people can then live with the dog.

Regarding being bitten, CM gets bitten a whole lot more often on his show than any trainer I've seen. That's what happens when you push dogs over threshold like he does. As for me, I don't know whether you're talking about the wolf testing that was mentioned, that was not a training circumstance. But in 20 years I can count the times I've been bitten on one hand. And I have worked with many, many dogs that were every bit as aggressive as the dogs portrayed on the DW show. Anyway, please let's stick to the original topic, I really don't want to go off on a discussion about CM, that wasn't the original point and it still isn't my intention.

Nicole,

I think you are missing an opportunity here. I do agree that we don't want to (for goodness sake) encourage the public to go get a wolf/dog mix.

Two, you are probably one of a few experts on this. Why not see if you can cohost the show with Milan, and be able to bring some of this information to the light of day? The other way, you are just alienating yourself and others, and most likely will never be consulted on. In the meantime, NG will continue to use Milan.

Maurice Peaches
All Good Doggies

Maurice,

It's not my intention to alienate anyone, but to make my opinion known in a way that states the facts and avoids personal attack, which there is no need for, because again, that's not what this is about.

I appreciate the thought regarding co-hosting. But being quite familiar with the industry, I can tell you one does not simply "see if they can co-host" a television show, especially DW. All I can say publicly at this time is that the producers of the show are quite aware that there are wolfdog experts available to go on-camera, myself included.

Here is a link to that info.
http://www.wolfpark.org/wolfdogs/Identification.html
Hi Nic
totally agree with all you said here. I also wrote and said my peace.
Lin

Hi Lin,

Nice to see you here. (Lin and I used to hang out about what, 15-20 years ago with a pack of 4 wolfdogs together--well, two pures and two high contents, she was their godmother. Nakai was the biggest wolf I've EVER seen.) Thanks for posting the link and for writing in. Hope your beauroooootiful mal is doing well. :)

Nic

Thank for the reply Nicole
Happy to see your doing so well. Yep it was about 16 years ago and believe it or not Konah is doing ok, at age 16.
Your blog came to me though our rescue person and I have passed it along to all the mal folks to write in. Lets hope we cans stop this from happening. We are all doing great. Keep up the great work your doing.
Lin
http://kenomalamutes.homestead.com/

for the link to Wolfdog percentages.
When Nicole and CC were in Vancouver BC this spring, I had a chance to share with them my visit to Mission Wolf in Colorado. It is a fond memory to be kissed by a wolf. To be able to relive the memory by speaking with someone who understands the animal, was very special.

Donna
Put a springer in your step!

Donna your right, it is amazing to even be able to not only be kissed by a wolf, but to learn about them with hands on was a great learning experince for me. I would not take any of it back, but at the same time, knowing what I know now, I would not promote private ownership of these animals either. They are not pets in any way,shape or forum.
Lin
http://kenomalamutes.homestead.com/contact.html <-Tundrasong Pack

This definitely gave me another perspective on how I feel about National Geographic airing a show on wolves. I think it would be in the best interest of wolves in general if they sought to do a show based on the training techniques of someone who has worked very specifically with this exotic creature-- but Cesar Millan already has the public's hearts and trust-- I doubt much effort will be made on Nat.Geo's part to stretch any further for dog expertise. That being said-- though I agree that it really would be better if an actual WOLF expert could be seen working with these special animals, maybe we could at least fight to win a smaller battle: That Cesar Millan puts MUCH MORE EMPHASIS than he usually does on the fact that this is not the pet for everyone-- and really, shouldn't even be viewed as a "pet" anyway. That's how I plan on appealing to National Geographic-- thanks again for taking the time to write this and voice your opinions. I'm a new reader of yours and loving the wisdom you have to offer. I wrote about this post in my blog as well-- hope the word to contact Nat.Geo will be spread and utilized appropriately. http://weblogofweeds.wordpress.com/2009/06/28/wildewolfdog/

I do have to agree with the misleading links here, though. Cesar Millan is commonly stereotyped as a bit of a nutjob trainer for reasons just like this-- taking his training out of context and manipulating the presentation of his methods in such a way that it completely misrepresents the entire lesson.

As I said before, I agree that the harm of increased wolfdog purchases is a worry here-- but fighting potential problems with inaccurate information isn't the most proactive way to win this one. National Geographic obviously loves the guy and he's making them a fortune, so to get a compromise with their network here, subtle attacks on their main man really need to be avoided, and the idea to increase the flow of emails requesting more wolfdog ownership warnings, etc, will have a much greater effect, if any.

http://weblogofweeds.wordpress.com/2009/06/28/wildewolfdog/

I think this is a great idea---- cohosting may not be a go--- but asking Cesar's producers and NG to have clips of Cesar at least consulting a wolf expert would definitely help to affirm the differences between family pets and exotic animals.

You know Cesar has been taking advice and consulting trainers that have contacted him and forged a relationship. While something "simply is not done", think of all the things and glass ceilings others have shattered by doing things that are "simply not done" in their industry.

I know that there are areas that I have tested and made progress in. I am not sure just throwing up ones hands as hopeless, and continuing on a route that is bound for failure is the answer.

JMHO.

Maurice Peaches
All Good Doggies

There are a lot of people who follow this man, they live by his methods and idolize him. I have a good friend who keeps throwing him down my throat. I don't get the National Geo channel so I do not make a habit of watching him. I have seen video of his training methods and didn't like what I saw from the beginning. What people do not understand is he is making a lot of money for National Geo. and himself. He is on there for name and fame and doing quite well at it all. There was that program awhile back called Wolf Man on Animal Planet and I don't see that anymore, I do believe enough folks wrote in telling AP that his program was an accident waiting to happen so they took it off or at least I think that was the reason, maybe the wolves ate him. grin. Most people do not like aggressive dog training and we all know that positive training is the way to go. Nicole would not be where she is today if that was not the way to go. I feel in the long run any letters we can write to National Geo. about Ceaer is good, the more pressure we put on them, maybe they will take him off the air. If not, you don't have to watch him. Just my 02cents

And so the world goes, not everything is always going to be the world according to XYZ. HOwever, if you can slant a message and get info out there on an already viable venue, you are only doing yourself a disservice if that venue would cooperate.

We all do things differently, but me personally, I would not allow a potential opportunity to pass me by. Nor have I. I have some people who ar friend that I disagree on things on, somehow we still work together and all get along (and remain friends at the end of the day).

If it was a choice between getting your message out there in this venue, or you message being lost forever, I wonder which you would choose?

I don't like a lot of people out there making a lot of money. And so what? It's not up to me. I do "understand that", however I work first and foremost for my goals not to make myself feel good.

Maurice Peaches
All Good Doggies

Although I don't think writing to the Nat. Geo channel is "bound for failure" as AllGoodDoggies suggests, in an attempt to be productive in a positive manner, I have also sent a private email to one of the show's executive producers. Shared below.

As a canine behavior specialist and author who has worked with wolfdogs (a.k.a. wolf hybrids) for the past 20 years in rescue, training, and education, I would like to express my concern regarding the casting call for these animals for upcoming episodes. Although the Dog Whisperer program has increased public awareness of the need for training and plenty of exercise for dogs (a great benefit), the potential inclusion of wolfdogs in the training segments is troublesome.

First, the style of training typically used on the show is unsuitable and inadvisable for this particular type of animal. Wolfdogs are by nature very delicately balanced emotionally and can be quite skittish and reactive. Beyond that, the bigger issue is bringing the awareness of wolfdogs to the public in this way. Many of us have been working tirelessly for the past 20 years or more to educate potential owners that wolfdogs are not appropriate pets for the average person. The "problem behaviors" that dogs display are often hugely amplified (and potentially dangerous) in wolfdogs; proper containment can be challenging; wolfdogs can cause extreme destruction; and the list goes on. Wolfdogs are more animal than most people can handle, and are illegal to own in many areas (another fact of which most people are not aware). Of course, once these things are discovered it's too late and the animal goes to a rescue center if lucky (most are perpetually full up), or is euthanized. Despite any voiceover disclaimers you may include, once people see these beautiful, exotic animals on the show, many will want to go out and purchase one. And the cycle will begin again--more demand, more people breeding wolfdogs. More wolfdogs euthanized.

Despite differences in my own and Cesar Millan's training methods, I believe we both have the best interest of dogs at heart. Perhaps you might reconsider including wolfdogs on the program, or if you are moving forward, to include a brief clip of an interview with a wolfdog expert who can explain about their nature and why they are not generally well-suited to be "pets". That could at least prevent some of the potential damage. In the Los Angeles area alone you have two media-experienced wolfdog experts, myself and Tia Torres, owner of Villalobos Rescue Center. There is also Monty Sloan, behavior specialist at Wolf Park (Battleground, IN), and Leyton Cougar of Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in New Mexico, to name a few. I would be happy to provide contact information for any of these individuals if you would like.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Nicole Wilde

Since I shared with you the email I sent to one of the executive producers of the Dog Whisperer show, I wanted to let you know that I received a reply. He stated that in the upcoming programs, Cesar will meet and work with several wolf experts who have also dealt with wolfdogs, with the goal being to show why wolfdogs should not be considered as pets.

None of the wolf experts I know of has been contacted, but hopefully they found someone who really does know their stuff on wolf and wolfdog behavior. And hopefully people will really get it that these are not good potential pets. I did advise him that wolfdogs have lightning-fast reflexes and to please be sure everyone who will be working with them is aware, as they could cause a huge amount of physical damage (to Cesar or to other dogs) in a very short amount of time.

Of course my wish would still be that wolfdogs not appear on the show at all, but if it's to be, at least they will have someone explaining more about wolfdogs and hopefully dissuading people from getting them as pets.

Hopefully they have sensible wolf-dog people on board. Like you I wish this wasn't happening but I am still worried about what will happen.

Anne Rogers
Pet Central, Ireland

I am glad you reached out. And also so that we all could know that NG was being responsible by reaching out to other wolf experts.

I find communication within the dog community to be hugely helpful, rather than assuming something is not being done.

Maurice Peaches
All Good Doggies

Well at least you got a reply. I too wish they would not even do this segment, it is just going to cause more wolfdogs into rescue down the road. Sigh
Since I don't get this program, you will have to let me know who the experts were They sure don't want this man to go away do they. $$$$ oh well we tried.
Lin

Well it will depends on who the wolfdog experts are. There are so many of them now a days that are not experts at all and can't tell a wolf from a coyote. If something happens, it will be their own fault, enough of us wrote in to tell them not to do the segment. Im not claiming to be an expert but I have been involved with these animals for about 20 years or so, and I can tell the difference between a wolfdog and a dog if the wolfdog has enough wolf in it. I know dog rescuers who deem all dogs that have behavour problems to be High content. Very confusing to say the least, we have one who does malamute rescue that does this, and when I asked her why she is saying some of these dogs are high contents, she said due to their behavours, even though she knows they do not have wolf in them, she would rather deem them high contents which make them look like part wolf, then put down they have behavior problems. I had a AKC German Shepherd many years ago who acted more like a wolf then the wolves themselves. You can't tell by looks only, there are many ways to tell besides how they look or act. Low contents are somewhat different due to them being mostly dogs, they probably will act like a dog but could have some wolf looks. Very hard to explain on paper.

Both that you reached out and that the producer responded. Will be interesting to see what they do with the episode.

Kelly Gorman Dunbar
Editor, Dog Star Daily

Dear Nicole,

YOu are doing a wonderful job to help people realise the responsibility that they take on when they get a Wolf or Wolfdog. I am interested to hear people discussing whether or not the dog in question was choking. Regardless of whether you can see a range of signs to determine that the dog is unconscious, the fact is that the dog was without open airways, whilst in a state of extreme stress for several minutes. This will produce semi-consciousness. The unfortunate dog tried desperately to free himself, just as wolves in the wild will bite their own legs off to free themselves from a trap. No person or dog would lie down in a relaxed and sleepy state after being in such distress for such a length of time. Having seen a dog die from choking on a ball, I recognise the symptoms of asphyxiation.

Please continue to calmly state the reasons why this approach to unwanted behaviour does not help any animal. Nor does it encourage a respectful and kind attitude in the owner.

thanks,

Nina

Nina Bondarenko,BA, SAC, the Dog Guru from Oz - author of "Hearts, Minds and Paws", a book on dogs with unusual jobs, published by Aeneas Press and available from www.caninepartners.co.uk. Nina is featured in the BBC 1 documentary series "Doghouse".

espencer - Yes the first dog was indeed an Alaskan Malamute you are correct there but while you are getting on the band wagon of exposing incorrct facts maybe you should have a look at your own.
I have seen CM use flooding techniques on fearful dogs - thats the whole point of flooding - getting over a fear. One episode particularly comes to mind, which I found distressing was of a dog who was so scared it wouldn't come out from under a desk. CM's technique was to force the dog out and force it to remain out, flooding it with it's fears. The distress and stress on the animal's face would have been clear to even a non doggie person.
I am not trying to knock CM, some of his shows, particularly the ones that are common sensual, are quite good and I am pleased to see he appears to be moving away from the more controversial ways of dealing with things or at the very least not televising them as it should be.

Hi Nicole
Pity we don't know what their definition of an "expert" is ocnsidering the they believe CM is an expert.
But well done Nicole. from what I understand from other blogs NG are pretty hard to get any sort of comment out of when it comes to their star.
I am glad to see they at least seem to be toning down some of the shows, mainly showing the stuf that is common sense.
I don't know if any of you have picked it or not but the latest shows I have been seeing of CM, watching his body language, the spark seems to have gone from his eyes, is he loosing the love for the show, is he sick of the critisicm he gets. I feel I have even notice a bit of impatience settling in with him.........maybe the show is running it's natural course.
The comment made earlier about CM cannot be responsible for idiots (I don't think that was the wording used but it was along those lines) following his methods despite the warnings - well I think even CM had to reconsider that though when one day a lovely young girl with cerebral paulsy (not sure if that is the correct spelling) told him she followed everything he said on the program and was still having problems with her dog.

Good luck

Well, if what I have heard is true (and I'm not posting details because for all I know it might not be) this "expert" isn't a wolf expert at all, but someone who has spent some time volunteering at a wolf center. I'm sure she'll look good on camera and be entertaining. What can I say, it's the media. I just hope there won't be too much misinformation or recommendations for inappropriate training methods. It's a shame, because there are so many people who have spent years and years working with wolves and wolfdogs and are quite knowledgeable and articulate.

And it's that same media culture that makes excuses like "but we post a disclaimer not to try this at home." Really? Do you think a show about making bombs at home would fly if only we posted a "don't try this at home" warning? (Not comparing CM's methods to the potential devastation wreaked by a bomb, making a point.) It's frustrating, but all we can do is continue to put the education out there.

I did see the CM show. I am glad he desensitized the dog so that the dog was not trapped in fear, as he obviously already was.

If a cookie had been shown, do you think that would have changed how you view the show? Of course, a dog does not immediately snap out of it whether a cookie is shown or not. A professional could immediately see the dog taking the situation in and becoming less fearful.

Thank goodness he has an owner, and the owner has the work environment to help this dog over his/her fears quickly. One of the cruelest things you can do to a dog IMHO is to trap them within their fear.

Maurice Peaches
All Good Doggies

Hi Nicole,

I became the unwitting owner of someone's (probably a backyard breeder's) dumped WD. I agree with everything you have posted here.

IMO, NG and DW have run out of ideas and it'a all about the almighty dollar. I've only seen one episode of DW which was the episode last winter featuring the couple with the two wolfdogs. Personally, I found that episode worthless and felt dismayed that CM didn't stress how different WDs are from domesticated dogs and how that one episode probably contributed to countless people going out and purchasing wds for the Wow factor.

I share your concerns; the media exposure will lead to more demand for wds followed by more suffering and more needing rescue.

MsGold

Nicole-I would like to commend you on your concern with the upcoming DW episode and WDs. I have a very low content Alaskan Husky/WD who has very wolfie characteristics. I also have Border Collies raised from pups and BC x rescued and rehabbed. Lyra my LC is nothing like any dog I have ever owned. She is skittish, somewhat fearful of people and highly dog reactive. Her prey drive is of a single focus that I have never experienced before. I have raised this dog from a young pup. She is now 2 years old. Lyra has come a long way from her extremely fearful state as a young pup. I was a fan of CM at one time and some of what he says is ok ie exercise, however his flooding techniques and overpowering techniques do not work on a WD. I watched the 'Storm' episode and grew saddened at the harm done to Storm’s trust in people. I purchased your books 'Fearful Dog' and 'Living with Wolfdogs' at week one w/ Lyra and have stayed true to the slow, long term training techniques you have written about. Can any person own a WD? Well yes they can buy one but I am living proof to the long hard road a person has ahead of them for these very special animals. And my girl is a low content. Yes they are beautiful creatures that live to learn to trust in a human but this trust is so easily broken.

Toni

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
--Ghandi

What is really needed is to watch this segment without sound. Then you will notice that when he is done the dog is gasping for air, his tongue is blue and when he finally gets the dog up he has urinated. Not only is this inappropriate for wolf-dog hybrids, this is inappropriate for any dog. There is no reason to hang a dog until he cannot breathe, that is not training it is abuse. Oh, and did I mention that at the beginning of the segment he kicks the dog to get him started? NG must be made aware that his techniques are abusive and I am so upset that they support him.

Debbie

You are correct - that dog was choked to the point of almost losing consciousness. I don't care if CM did get bitten, his 'training method' was abusive. If I had been the owner I would have gone ballistic on CM. His staff should have intervened when he was bitten and gotten the dog away from him instead of him hanging it to the point of him almost killing it. Sickening. I had a hard time watching him getting bitten but had a harder time seeing the dog being hung.
MsGold

yeah, what the heck did he DO to the dog to make it lay there like that? It looked too fast to just be choked (unless they cut some time out)I always wondered if by setting the choke collar way up high he puts it on a pressure point or something? Unfortunately my dog anatomy knowledge is pretty lacking but I'd sure like to know how a man the size of Ceasar can completely disable a dog that quickly, I've never choked a dog to find out... is that really all he did was choke it for 15 seconds?

After watching the clip of the Wolfdog being handled by CM I am truly heartbroken. The WD was clearly in distress!! The fact that NG does not see this as abuse is a double heartbreak. It is wonderful people like yourself Nicole that at least have the guts to expose this stuff for what it is....ABUSE, whether it is dog or WD or any living being for that matter. You have my whole hearted support!!