Cesar Millan’s 4 Biggest Dog Training Myths

In this episode of the USA Dog Behavior Podcast, we’re calling out some of the most persistent, and damaging, dog training myths made popular by Cesar Millan. From the outdated “alpha dog” theory to the idea that a tired dog is a well-behaved dog, we unpack four harmful misconceptions that continue to mislead dog owners. Backed by modern science and decades of behavioral research, this episode challenges the TV drama of dominance-based training and sheds light on what actually works when it comes to building trust and changing behavior.

Whether you've followed Millan’s advice in the past or you're just starting to dig into dog behavior, this episode offers a judgment-free breakdown of what to avoid and what to do instead. You'll walk away with clear, humane, and science-based strategies for helping your dog thrive, without force, fear, or the myth of guilt. Your dog deserves better, and it's never too late to make a change.

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Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

Transcript

Welcome to the USA Dog Behavior podcast! I'm Scott Sheaffer, a certified dog behavior consultant and behaviorist specializing in all types of canine behavior issues. Today’s episode: Cesar Millan’s 4 Biggest Dog Training Myths.

Cesar Millan, it’s time to apologize to dogs. For years, you’ve pushed these four myths, and now, science is calling for a reckoning.

If you’ve ever watched The Dog Whisperer, you’ve seen Cesar Millan in action, calmly walking a pack of dogs, correcting bad behavior with a sharp "tsst," and preaching about "dominance" and "being the pack leader." His methods look effective on TV, but here’s the problem: most of what he promotes isn’t backed by modern dog behavior science. In fact, some of it is downright harmful.

In the dog behavior world, we call that “Made-for-TV dog training.” It portrays real dog behavior work about as accurately as Grey’s Anatomy portrays actual medical practice.

Let’s break down the silliest (and most dangerous) myths Millan has pushed, and why you should ditch them for good.

Myth #1: "Dogs Are Dominant and You Must Be the Alpha"

Millan’s whole philosophy hinges on the idea that dogs are constantly vying for dominance and humans must assert themselves as "alpha." This comes from a decades-old study of captive wolves that was later debunked by the original researcher himself (L. David Mech in his book The Wolf: The Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species).

Dogs aren’t wolves, and even wolves don’t live in rigid "alpha" hierarchies the way we once thought. Modern research shows that dogs see us as social partners, not rivals in a power struggle. Trying to "dominate" your dog with physical corrections or alpha rolls (forcing them onto their back) doesn’t build trust; it creates fear and can lead to aggression.

The Better Way: Focus on positive reinforcement and clear communication, not intimidation.

Myth #2: "A Tired Dog Is a Good Dog”

This one hurts my ears every time I hear it. Millan loves to say that misbehavior stems from a lack of exercise, and while dogs do need physical activity, exhaustion isn’t a cure-all. A dog who’s still bouncing off the walls after a 10-mile run isn’t "untrained,” they might be overstimulated, anxious, fearful, or lacking mental enrichment.

The Better Way: Combine exercise with training, mental enrichment, and relaxation exercises, of which there are a multitude of options. A calm, fulfilled dog is better than a tired, stressed one.

Myth #3: "Correct Bad Behavior with Force"

Jerk the leash. Pinch the neck. Kick the side. Millan’s go-to "corrections" rely on physical punishment, which science has repeatedly shown can backfire. Fear-based training might suppress behavior temporarily, but it doesn’t teach your dog what to do instead, and it can damage your relationship.

Studies confirm that dogs trained with punishment are more likely to show aggression and anxiety. Imagine if every time you made a mistake at work, someone yelled at you or shoved you. Would you trust them? Would you be relaxed? Would you be able to learn?

The Better Way: Redirect unwanted behavior and reward the right choices. Positive reinforcement isn’t "permissive”; it’s effective.

Myth #4: "Dogs Feel Guilty"

Millan often mistakenly interprets a dog’s lowered head or avoidance as "guilt." But dogs don’t experience guilt the way humans do. Those "guilty looks" are actually responses to our body language. Your dog isn’t sorry they chewed the couch; they’re reacting to your angry tone.

The Better Way: Manage the environment (keep shoes out of reach!) and train proactively instead of waiting for "bad" behavior to happen.

Final Thoughts

Cesar Millan’s methods are rooted in outdated ideas from decades ago and reality TV drama, not science. Dogs thrive on patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement, not dominance and punishment.

If you’ve followed Millan’s advice in the past, don’t beat yourself up.

But now you know better, and your dog will thank you for it.

Thanks for tuning in. If you enjoy quick insights into dog behavior, don’t forget to subscribe for more bite-sized episodes and leave a review if you find these episodes helpful. You can find us at USADogBehavior.com or follow us on Facebook by searching for USA Dog Behavior. See you next time, now go love your dog.