Parents' Guide to

The Dog Whisperer

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Doggie therapy that's fun for the whole family.

TV NatGeoWild, National Geographic Channel Reality TV 2004
The Dog Whisperer Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Lightflow
Lightflow Parent
June 14, 2013
age 10+

His heart is in the right place, but his methods are too violent and dangerous.

I rated this as 10 and up because the methods used in this program have been connected to increased aggression in dogs, and a higher likelihood of being bitten. Since children are quick to copy what they see on TV this program should not be shown to children too young to understand that what happens on the program is something they SHOULD NOT try to do. I guesstimate this age to be about 10, but each parent should make that decision. Cesar Millan also is bitten several times on the show as well as very aggressive dogs being shown, and methods to confront those aggressive dogs that are not a good way if you want your child to avoid being bitten. Studies and reviews from experts have left them cautioning people to heed the television warning not to try this at home, and that the methods used can increase the chances of an aggressive response from your dog. Some of the violent behaviors on this program include hitting, kicking, and choking dogs, as well as using electric shock collars, prong collars, choke collars, or worse the improvised choke collar where he threads the leash through the handle (this will not release like a normal choke collar will, choking the dog worse than if a normal choke collar was used.) Pushing the dog down, using things like a tennis racket to keep a dog back (ending in the dog bleeding), picking a dog up by the scruff or neck, or just using a choke collar where there is not an immediate release, are all abusive behaviors that you don't want your child to think is right to use on animals. The good is that Cesar Millan shows that pit bulls can be trained and trusted among other dogs, as well as talking about the importance of exercise and training dogs. The bad is that he has no authority or training and uses non-scientific terms he makes up to give himself an air of authority. He also sells everything from books to supplies and food.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much consumerism
doggymom
doggymom Parent
September 30, 2012
age 2+

Need more men like CM

Very nice program for dog owners. Cesar Millan seems so passionate about the special gift he has with dogs. To be able to communicate with dogs on a spiritual and emotional level is very amazing.....and to me, very "attractive" in a man. Why aren't there more men like him????!!!!!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Cesar Millan runs the Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles, where he rehabilitates troubled and dangerous canines. Millan travels to dog owners' homes to find solutions to their various doggie dilemmas. After listening to the owners describe their dog's issues, Millan is able to pinpoint the problem and almost instantly make some impressive changes in the dog's behavior. His philosophy is based on the idea that a dog's behavior problem is really a problem with its owner's behavior.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (4):

The Dog Whisperer is a pleasure to watch for the whole family, and dog owners especially will find helpful information in the series. Millan is charming and highly skilled with both dogs and people, which explains the media's fascination with him. Since his methods are really very simple, and dogs' problems not terribly varied, the show's content can eventually start to feel a little repetitive. But Millan tries to mix it up, and some episodes step outside the framework, as when Millan visits a women's prison and teaches the inmates how to train dogs using his methods.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about pets. Would any of the methods described work for their dogs? What about for other pets? What kinds of changes would your family need to make to change your dog's iffy behaviors? Why do families think Millan is so successful with animals? How can his methods for dealing with dogs translate into dealing with people?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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