What do you think of Dr. Ian Dunbar?
By slyvixen42
@slyvixen42 (926)
United States
September 14, 2012 8:02am CST
I just found out about this guy. He's a behaviorist and dog trainer. He has spent a really long time studying dogs and he really seems like he knows what he's talking about. His methods of dog training are so different than lots of other dog trainers. The thing I like the most about his methods is they don't require you to hit or yell at your dog. His methods respect your dog's needs and helps you both get what you want and need. Do you think these methods really work? They almost seem too good to be true.
1 response
@deazil (4730)
• United States
14 Sep 12
What kind of a person would hit or yell at a dog in the first place? I've never heard of that being part of dog training. I have read a little about Dr. Dunbar. I'm sure he's very good at what he does. I'm more familiar with Cesar Millan's work, although his way seems harder to me. He uses psychology rather than lure-reward based training as Dr. Dunbar or positive reinforcement training as Victoria Stilwell use. But he gets quicker results. Dunbar and Millan both grew up on farms. I imagine that's where they got their love for animals, dogs in particular. But I have not heard of or seen any of Dr. Dunbar's work.
1 person likes this
@slyvixen42 (926)
• United States
14 Sep 12
Lots of people hit and yell at their dogs in order to modify their behavior. It seems to be something that lazy people do. It's a quick fix. They don't want to take the time to teach the dog at the speed he or she needs. I'm sure there are others reasons they do it, but that seems to be one of the biggest reasons. I used to do it. I hated myself for it. I used to be lazy. Jesus changed my heart and my life. I'm a kind and patient person now. I'll never do that again! I used Mr. Millan's methods for a while and ended up stressing out my dog. If you want to see Dr. Dunbar in action you can check out DogStarDaily on YouTube. 
@41CombedaleRoad (5955)
• Greece
15 Sep 12
We have a pack of 5 dogs and Cesar Milan's attitude towards being pack leader has certainly helped us. Dr. Dunbar is unknown to me. The trainers I have watched all seem to have the same idea, one of training the humans first and it seems to work.
1 person likes this
@slyvixen42 (926)
• United States
17 Sep 12
So true! Training the humans first is very important. It's a learning process for everyone. 
I try not to blindly agree with everything that any one trainer says anymore. Realizing that each dog has his/her own personality is important. I like to apply only the ideas that I believe would benefit my dog. I agree that Cesar's methods can be good for some dogs. If I had a pack of dogs like you I might use Cesar's methods too. I'm sure your dogs are very happy with the methods you've chosen.
I try not to blindly agree with everything that any one trainer says anymore. Realizing that each dog has his/her own personality is important. I like to apply only the ideas that I believe would benefit my dog. I agree that Cesar's methods can be good for some dogs. If I had a pack of dogs like you I might use Cesar's methods too. I'm sure your dogs are very happy with the methods you've chosen. 