How to Stop Dog Biting — The Right Way, Not the Cesar Millan Way
Cesar Millan Is Wrong: How to Stop Dog Biting the Right Way
If you have a dog that bites, it is very often fear based. Many people are told this is dominance aggression, but in most cases, that is simply not true.
Fear biting comes from panic. Your dog is reacting from a fight or flight response, and when escape does not feel possible, biting becomes the final option. In this article, I want to explain what fear biting really is, why it happens, and exactly what you can do to stop it using calm training methods and natural support.
Dr. Jones’ Complete Canine Calming Chews
What Fear Biting Really Is
When a dog bites out of fear or anxiety, there is a surge of adrenaline in the body. At that moment, your dog is no longer thinking clearly. He is reacting.
Think of a stressful situation in your own life, like being cut off while driving. A calm response is to let it go. A fear-based response is anger, tension, and aggressive driving. A fear biting dog is reacting in much the same way.
This behavior is not about control or dominance. It is about panic.
Fear Biters Are Not Always Abused Dogs
Many people assume fear biting only happens in dogs that were abused. That can happen, but most fear biters are simply shy or nervous dogs by nature.
Just like people, some dogs are more sensitive. If these dogs are not properly socialized, or if they never learn to truly trust their owner, fear aggression can develop. In some cases, even good socialization does not fully prevent it.
In my experience, the biggest underlying issue is lack of trust. These dogs never developed a strong bond with a calm, patient human.
The Warning Signs Most People Miss
Fear biting usually happens when people misunderstand what a fearful dog is communicating.
Common warning signs include:
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Ears pulled back
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Head lowered
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Growling
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Backing away
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Avoiding eye contact
When someone sees this and tries to comfort the dog by moving closer, the dog often becomes more anxious. Getting too close removes the dog’s sense of safety, and a bite can follow.
Why Old School Training Makes It Worse
Fear biting cannot be fixed with force, punishment, or dominance-based training. Those methods increase fear and break trust.
The foundation of helping a fear biting dog is slow, positive behavioral training. The goal is to build confidence and trust over time, with very small steps and low expectations.
The 5-Step Training Method to Build Trust
This is a simple but powerful exercise that helps fearful dogs feel safe and connected to you.
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Say your dog’s name
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Move away slightly
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Establish eye contact
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Praise immediately
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Give a treat
Use a high-value reward like dried liver. Do not show the treat until after your dog gives eye contact.
Say your dog’s name, then move. When your dog looks at you and follows, praise right away and give the treat. This teaches your dog that hearing their name leads to safety, connection, and reward.
Practice this everywhere.
Counter Conditioning Fearful Situations
Counter conditioning helps your dog associate fear triggers with positive experiences.
When your dog begins to act nervous, distract with a favorite squeaky toy or a tasty treat. When your dog relaxes even slightly, offer praise and a reward.
Over time, the fearful trigger becomes linked to something positive instead of panic.
Exercise Is a Powerful Anxiety Tool
Exercise is one of the most overlooked tools for fear-based behavior.
Regular exercise:
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Reduces anxiety
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Releases calming endorphins
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Improves confidence
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Lowers overall stress levels
Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise twice daily. Activities like ball throwing, free running, or toys such as a Chuck It are excellent options.
Therapeutic Touch for Fearful Dogs
Tellington Touch has helped many dogs with anxiety and fear-based behaviors.
The ear technique is especially effective.
Gently hold the ear flap between your thumb and forefinger. Slowly stroke from the base of the ear to the tip. Repeat several times, then make small circular motions at the base of the ear.
Practice this when your dog is calm. If your dog responds well, use it again during anxious moments.
Homeopathic Support for Fear Biting
Two homeopathic remedies have helped some fear biting dogs.
Aconite
Best for very fearful, restless dogs
Dose: 30C, one tablet per 20 pounds, twice daily
Calcarea Carbonica
More helpful for dogs with fear aggression
Dose: 30C, one dose every 3 to 4 days
These remedies are gentle and may support emotional balance when used alongside training.
The Key to Stopping Fear Biting
Fear biting is a serious behavior issue, but it can improve greatly with patience, understanding, and positive methods.
Focus on:
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Building trust
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Using rewards, not punishment
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Consistent training
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Exercise
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Gentle calming techniques
Use the 5-step training method daily. Add in supportive tools like exercise, Tellington Touch, and homeopathic remedies when appropriate.
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Great article… Positive Punishment used by Ceasar Milan is stressful. I know dog trainers that despise his approach and helped me to reinforce what is the correct form in making a dog do through behavior science. Unfortumately many people buy through Milan’s propoganda.
Cesar Milan is a know it all with no knowledge. All his products and everything else should be boycotted, and I tell Canadian Tire, who carries his stuff, that there are Canadian products that are much better and safer. I also told them that if they continue carrying his stuff, I will boycot them.
Dog trainers around the world call him an effing idiot or worse. Oprah made him famous, and we all wonder why.
How interesting your article may be, I think you’ve put the wrong title.
As it is wrong to condemn another without telling your readers why.
I may not be a Cesar’follower, still I would not make these accusations in a title as every dogbehaviouralist does something right.
And in my 30 years as an behaviourobserver I know there are more different cases of aggression than what you commented on here.
I also do use alternative ways to help these dogs.
K.R.
Eva
Isn’t direct eye contact a challenge? That’s what we learn from articles about predator species like bears, cats and humans. And if you’re dealing with an animal you don’t know, then what?
Hi! I don’t agree with all Caesar’s methods, I do agree with many. I think each dog is different, each situation is different, and there is no “Right” or “Wrong” way as long as it is not abusive, neglectful, or endangering. I was a bit saddened when I read the title saying he is wrong. Maybe change it to “An Alternative to Caesar..” or something like that.
I dislike Caesar Milan’s way also! I have had many dogs, some rescued some born here. I have had aggressive dogs and fear biters. Milan’s way is just wrong. I use homeopathic methods more than Western medicines. I use the tapping method and it works as long as I did it twice a day. I have 2 fear biters here, I got them when they were puppies and one is 9 and the other is 7. They turned into fear biters in 2006 when I became sick and was very close to death, I lost control of the pack. I work from my home and am with them constantly. When I was gone for a while, they became “lost”. I will definitely try your ways. I thank you so much for sharing this information. I think Milan likes the notoriety and the money above all else. Just my opinion.
In defense of Cesar as I’ve watched the majority of his shows….. He very definitely approached what he recognized as fear biting in a very different fashion. He even went to great lengths to try to desensitize such dogs based upon their individual fears.
Because many disliked his corrective approach – he clearly toned down his methods over a period of time and sometimes deferred to other trainers to help him in certain types of cases.
There are dogs that do become just plain mean and aggressive (almost always at the hands of humans), and thank goodness someone like Cesar is willing to do the work he does on these dogs to keep them out of a gas chamber. Many of these dogs were already seen by other trainers and their assessments were to give up the dogs or put them down as they were not able to be trusted.
I love the info from Dr. Jones, and I think his method of working with fearful dogs could be effective, but there are too many dogs out there that need someone like Cesar to step in to keep these dogs alive. When the owners are not able to sustain the good results – many times Cesar takes the dogs to his “Center” and trades off a more suitable dog for the people.
I am a Cesar follower. I’ve used alot of his methods before I knew of him. I do believe in some of your advice but not all as well as with Cesar.
No one trainer or vet or behaviorist has it all together either. Sorry that you feel that way but I do diagree. Karen D. said it better than I can. I do not like having to stuff food in dogs for all methods. I like dogs to get to know and not think of me as a place to eat only.
Holy click farming, Batman! The information you’ve put here is okay, and may be helpful. Most animals respond to kind, consistent treatment and patience. However, the article has nothing to do with Milan or his methods. It’s easy enough to take pot shots at somebody who puts himself out there in a very public forum. I appreciate your products and your passion for helping animals, Andrew Jones. It’s a shame you chose to take this sensationalized approach. It only makes you look cheap.
all dogs are deffrent and you can not do the same thing for all dogs i try to do what cesar says and what you say so everyone need to quit bashing cesar
I believe that it is never the dog´s fault. Something went wrong and the dog tries to repair this fear with aggression. All my 10 rescue dogs came with aggression in some form. I am talking about 30+ years of taking rescue dogs into my home.
Way back I did a lot wrong, food, training and most of all my own stress.
I wanted to do it right,learning about rigid training methods, vaccination plans and “obedience training”
These things never worked and it didn’t feel right but that was what dog trainers used and told dog owners to do.
Thank goodness we no longer have to learn about these methods and can treat our dogs with the love and respect they deserve in every situation.
If you are really bonded with your dog it will listen to you in any situation, if not, it needs more time and patience.
There are many wonderful homeopathic treatments and massage oils you can use to help your dog relax, but in the end it all boils down to 100% trust and bonding between you.
Cesar sometimes reminds his audience that he “trains dog owners and reboots their dogs”.
One thing is certain, he has helped many extremely disturbed dogs that would have been euthanized without his help. He has also helped many upset and stressed out dog owners who had no idea how to care for a dog.
No one is perfect and Cesar is a “showman” but he,just like Dr Jones helps lots of people become better dog owners, even if the methods differ.
Personally I am for gentle methods in every aspect of dog care and once I get it right these work perfectly for me and my dogs. It is often trial and error because dogs are individuals, just like humans.
However, I understand that there are people who prefer other methods, but if you and your dog are happy together that is what matters.
I’m an animal intuitive/bodytalk facilitator and have had great success using “BodyTalk” on fearful, abused and neglected animals. Often an animal’s body is reacting to negative emotional issues that take root in the cellular memories in the body’s tissues. The animal is not consciously aware that a trauma, injury or unhappy event years ago is causing them to act out years later. BodyTalk is an alternative healing method that allows the body to “speak for itself” so negative cellular memories can be released. It doesn’t matter what the person or animal thinks the problem is – the body knows! Works great for people too and I don’t have to touch or see an animal to do a BodyTalk session. Regardless, thank you for the training suggestions.
Thank you for all your newsletters. I am a canine nutritionist have a small pracitice – reduced through age -and still do work for a holistic vet. I agree with you over dogs that bite. I wiew Milan and do not care generally for his methods. Dogs fed completely RAW FOOD do not BITE. Once manufactured food is out of their system all different complaints usually disappear. No more room to write. Ros Waltrs.
I’ve used several methods from several different behaviorists and one thing I can say is that none are always 100% right. In my humble opinion, I don’t think that it is right to directly object to another professionals methods directly without substantiating why you are disagreeing with them specifically. There are many high profile dog trainers that may use similar methods, so you might as well name them all or just generalize the trainer types and specify your issue. No need to throw dirt on others.
I am a Cesar Milan fan and have watched endless hours of him dealing with dogs and perhaps you are misinterpreting him. He can tell the difference between fear aggression and other aggression and he never hurts dogs but helps them to become more balanced. I have never hit my dogs but I have used many of Cesar’s techniques because dogs seem to understand them. I use your methods as well and my dogs seem happy to let me think I am the teacher but I think I have learned more from them than they have from me. Everyone who loves dogs and helps others to get the most from their furry friends is all good in my book. Keep up the good work but don’t discourage people from listening to the Dog Whisperer.
@Gail …that´s it!<3
I am also a fan of Cesar and have watched almost every show. I read the article also looking for the statement ‘Cesar Milan is wrong’ to be substantiated but found nothing.
I have never seen the Cesar Milan shows where he allegedly kicks, punches, hangs or shocks animals.
Each show that I have seen was simple, logical, and inspiring.
Each show that I have seen involved humans (mostly female) projecting their neuroses into their dogs with undesirable consequences.
Each show that I have seen involved changing the human’s behaviour and the dog responding positively to the new human behaviour pattern.
I am a non dog owner and have tried some of his (logical) on friends dogs and they work. Amazing stuff Cesar!
I believe in Cesar Milan, and I am sick of all the negative comments made about him. Ignorant people with their own agenda post lies on the internet about him. Seen him in action! If you really watch his shows, you will know that he is a true animal lover and helps dogs all over the world. Stop with the ignorant negative comments and do something with your life instead of spreading poison!
this guy ovbiouslly has to use millan;s name to get more attention to his article. most trainers have problems with millan’s methods because they are more succes full than any other triners it goes to prove how jealousy can make a good guy seem like the devil
way to go Doc but you are obviously a crack pot…wh y is this title Cesar Milan is wrong? ive used his methods without any problem at all ever…but here is exactly what i think your problem is. you have found what works for you and your probably very angry that a border jumper (no offence intended) came over and now makes more money, and is way more respected then you are in this field. the facts remain and lets ignore all the touch this,positive that…what cesar teaches basically boils down too treat a dog like a dog would be treated by his pack leader, and give the dog what he needs and would do in the wild…it works, just maybe not for the good Dr. here
Your article is interesting, but it is only a point of view! Each situation is different, each dog is different and we are all free to analyze, observe, understand or have opinions.
Do not decide for others – the fact that you have a different opinion from Cesar Milan does not make you right!
You should express your opinion without using the popularity of others.
So you have a dog that bites. Let your untrained dog loose and it bites me I will sue you for every dime you have and have your dog put down. Own a dangerous breed that attacks I will own you and send you to prison.
Oh you own a pit bull or other dangerous breeds. Guess what your liability insurance does not cover you in case your dog attacks. Dangerous breeds are excluded from coverage.
Got a 2 million dollar house and 100 million in investments and a 10 million dollar umbrella policy, I own it when your pit bull attacks. Oh and I will own everything you ever earn afterwards as well.
FYI about $100K in liabiltity insurance for a pit bull will cost you $600 annually. You will need a minimum of 10 million in insurance so that will run you about $60K a year. Enjoy your dangerous breed. Also if your dog has already bitten someone, no matter what breed, no insurance company in the country will insure you.
PS to all you Vets out there, if you have ever treat a dangerous dog and it bites me I am going to include you in a massive lawsuit.
Why is Cesar’s name on the title? Cause it attracts attention! For someone who disagrees with him, you give him more popularity. People are sensible enough to choose a method or methods which they feel comfortable with. That you don’t agree doesn’t make the other method wrong!
i don’t know why the Cesar Millan fierceness he never beat the dog and he to be very sad when him Daddy pittbull dog die he make a deprissive state he love dog and never make bad thing of there i don’t understant that title maybe your jealous? the dog need a leader for ther balance of mind like a leader of pack Cesar understand that if you don’t trust him perhaps you don’t love enough your dogs for them balance until they bit one person and you have no chose to euthanasia on the name of law…i said i’m leader of the pack…
Cesar Millan is an excellent dog behaviorist–I don’t believe that anyone in this world knows dogs as well as he does. Dogs in a pack, when disciplining each other, do not use “positive” methods. Millan refuses to “humanize” dogs and he eliminates bad behavior in the same way the pack leader would do it. I think he’s wonderful. I think dog trainers who put him down are just plain jealous.
Every dog and situation is different. I had a chow/german shephard mix bought as a young puppy in Hong Kong to help guard our house in the Phillipines. He didn’t have to have any training to be threatening to people…he was naturally agrrssive and “in his genes” to bite. No amount of punishment/reward/training could “exorcise” this trait in him. He was big enough to do some damage and could not bring him to the US when we left. Another pointer I owned developed an abdominal tumor and no one knew it until it was too late and had to be put down. He would snap when someone touched him on his side and we thought it was due to being “high strung”. No use bashing a trainer over techniques they propose. Some work, some don’t, some never will for all kinds of reasons. Getting combined options from different experts and applying them with common sense is best.
Well, you lost me in homeopathic remedies. Please grab a chemistry book and read dilutions, you are giving some poor dog very expensive distilled water and god knows what else…
And you are a vet??
Many years before I ever heard of Cesar Milan I was told to ‘think like a dog’ to ‘remember that a dog belongs in a pack’ and many of the other tips he uses, including the ‘bite’ – a swift pinch. I have never been able to fault his methods. If you can’t sell your product without deigrating the opposition, get out of the business.
This is an example of a veterinarian with no training in animal behaviour, animal psychology or ethology trying to leverage his status as a veterinarian to tap into the lucrative animal behaviour market. Much of what he says is total rubbish and the cheap shot taken at Cesar Milan, while advocating some of the same methods used by Cesar, demonstrates his poor character mixed with a healthy dose of envy. Shame on Dr. Jones, who it seems felt forced to resign from the College of Veterinarians (British Columbia) after a lengthy battle with his College over his Alternative Pet Health Internet newsletter and business. Dr Jones was fined $30,000, plus a minimum $10,000 in Inquiry Fees, by the College of Veterinarians of B.C. Ironically, one of the charges levelled against him was his “disparaging attitude towards his colleagues and profession.” In defense of Cesar Milan, I can only say I’ve never heard him speak disparagingly of another dog trainer, much less a veterinarian. It seems at least in the matter of professional conduct and ethics, Cesar does indeed have much to offer Dr. Jones.
Cesar Milan has forgotten more about dog behavior than most vets will ever know…if you can’t beat ’em, tear them down…
After reading the comments on this thread I have reached one undeniable conclusion:
It is the PEOPLE that need behavioral therapy..not the dogs.
What a bunch of wackos. Get a life people.
First of all, is César Millán, not Milan.
Why trying to be known by criticizing someone?
I guess there are different ways to teach or train dogs. Anyone has said César is the only one who can help a dog.
I don’t agree with Mr Millan all the time however if you are going to mention him, specifically identify what you are talking about as far as his error. Also, advocating the use of sugar pills (homeopathic) as an effective treatment destroys the credibility of your article for me. What your perceiving with the dogs is your desire, hence interpretation on their behavior as improving. Double blind studies consistently have shown homeopathy does not work. You are in fact giving a sugar pill and expecting results from that…you might just have well have given a dog bone
Along with others here I find your heading to this article tacky and disingenuous.
Like “hey, read this article because I bash Cesar Milan in it!” Then you make
no mention whatsoever about what the method is that he uses, that you disagree with. You have not done yourself any favors here.
hi all,I wanna thank Dr Jones for the article and I want to correct you Jones.what i learned from Cesar millan is DAT people will forget what u did,people will forget what u said but people will never forget how u make them feel.that is Cesar millan number 1 dog psychologist