Cesar Millan (and his host channel, National Geographic) is apparently seeking wolf-dogs (hybrids that are part wolf, part dog) to appear on his show, according to news sources.
Many wolf and wolf-dog experts are outraged that he be allowed to use his overly-harsh and outdated techniques on such animals, whose psyches are incredibly complex.
Nicole Wilde, CPDT, and author of several books, is a recognized expert in the world of wolf hybrids. She wrote a letter to National Geopgraphic and has given permission to crosspost it here:
As the author of two books about wolfdogs (the correct term for wolf hybrids), and someone who has spent the last 20 years working with them in rescue and rehabilitation, I was appalled to see the notice seeking wolfdogs for
the DW show. Wolves are naturally afraid of people, and wolfdogs are known to have fear issues that can manifest as fear-reactive, outwardly aggressive-appearing behavior if they feel threatened. Many members of the professional dog training community and veterinary associations have already protested many of Cesar’s techniques. But to inflict those techniques upon wolfdogs is unthinkable. I understand the “wow” factor of CM being able to “tame” an animal that is part wolf, but you do not understand the damage that would be done
to these animals. It’s one thing for a dog to be subjected to methods which cause him to stop the behavior immediately, but the techniques employed by CM are very likely to cause permanent damage to the psyches of these sensitive animals. Please, I urge you to reconsider.
Sincerely,
Nicole Wilde, CPDT