As an ex-dog trainer I've always been unhappy with the popularity of The Dog Whisperer. The training methods used in that show are often based on outdated methodology that has been out of favor - frequently for safety reasons and always because the assumptions they were based on are simply wrong - for nearly 20 years. It's Me or the Dog on Animal Planet has been amazing but it's not a widely watched cable channel so getting people on board - without the marketing hype that The Dog Whisperer has - has been difficult.
When I heard about Dogs in the City I was sure it was going to be just like that. Or it was going to be one of those reality shows with an unlikable expert in their field. Imagine my surprise when the show was not only full of accurate information but a pleasant viewing experience. It's not often you can find a trainer who actually knows how to put all the scientific jargon from the dog community in words everyone can understand. Justin Silver is amazing with both dogs and with people, he says right up front that the best way to be a successful trainer is to be able to communicate with both species and, essentially, translate for them. His methods are completely in line with modern dog training, he uses positive reinforcement and positive punishment expertly. At no point did I find myself disagreeing with a single method he employed, even if it wasn't the suggestion I would have given it was one I knew would work.
This is a great example of the sort of work trainers have to do. Ceasar Millan is set up as a hero in his show, stress and tension is played up, and a large, long part of his training period is cut out of the show. But Dogs in the City? If someone looking into this career were to ask me what they could expect I would point to this series and tell them to watch. Of course some of the time training takes has to be edited out but a surprisingly small amount. Social drama never takes center stage, it's all about the dogs. I'm not sure if that will hurt or help the show - that might be what the pubic wants - but I really like it, it's a good change of pace.
Whether you are a casual dog fan or a CPDT this show is worth checking out. I sincerely hope it stays on the air for quite some time, that it gains traction, and that it reaches a great many pet owners. We've needed exactly this for a long time.
