Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems

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Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems

by Cesar Millan, Melissa Jo Peltier (Goodreads Author)

3.71 of 5 stars 3.71 · rating details · 4,547 ratings · 826 reviews

“I rehabilitate dogs. I train people.” —Cesar Millan

There are at least 68 million dogs in America, and their owners lavish billions of dollars on them every year. So why do so many pampered pets have problems? In this definitive and accessible guide, Cesar Millan—star of National Geographic Channel’s hit show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan—reveals what dogs truly need to...more

ebook, 304 pages

Published August 8th 2006 by Harmony (first published January 1st 2006)

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Jul 13, 2012 Jessi rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ok so I got this book because much to my chagrin I am not the hot shit dog owner I thought I was and my sweet puppy is becoming a sweet pain in the ass.
Unfortunately this was not as helpful as I had hoped it would be.
This is EverlyBrothers he is my 1 year old Saint.

He is an angel...for me, he seems to dislike my husband, which I did not have a huge problem with but now he wants to be pack leader and protect me and my son from all the evils in the world,he will spend ten minutes barking at a le...more

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Apr 07, 2009 Ilze rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a very interesting book as far as dealing with your dog goes. I was most impressed by the techniques discussed, until I got near the end, where he gives additional tips. Millan seems to have forgotten that not all dogs that are bought are adult/from rescue centres. This means his little idea about taking the dog for an hour long walk before introducing it to your home falls completely flat if you have a puppy. No pup will last for a walk that long! (in fact, you would probably do more ha...more

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Mar 09, 2009 Michelle rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009-book-challenge, library-books, dogs, training-and-behavior

I need to start with a bit of a disclaimer about this one. I read this book as a sort of "know thine enemies" thing. I have seen enough of Cesar's show and read enough about his techniques to know I don't agree with him and I find his ideas about dogs sometimes old and out of date, sometimes simply wrong, and sometimes dangerously wrong. But I opted to read the book to give myself a more complete picture of his techniques and so that I'm more informed when it comes to refuting those techniques I...more

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Aug 08, 2009 oriana rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2009

after reading: Meh. I dunno, this book is fine, but it's really just him repeating the same things over and over. Be the pack leader! Take your dog on more walks! Dogs experience the world with their noses first! Take your dog on more walks! Did I mention how cool my life is? Take your dog on more walks! Etc. I mean, I don't know what I was really expecting; it's not like a very general book like this is really going to tell me what to do with my specific bratty little semi-aggressive dog who on...more

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Aug 06, 2008 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction

Cesar's way is not about dog training. It's about a way of living. I can see how it might not be for everyone, but it's certainly for me. He has taught me that living with and domesticating other species should involve honoring who those beings are. Having a dog isn't just about fulfilling our needs; we must fufill theirs as well.

I know he rubs some people the wrong way. I think that's because we grow up believing that dogs are all love and cuteness, in the face of the fact that they end up run...more

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Apr 29, 2008 Candice rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I decided to read this because we have just become owners of a fabulous 2-year-old Belgian shepherd dog. Dude is close to perfect, but we do need to work on a couple of things - jumping on us when we come home and pulling on the leash when we walk him.

Cesar gave me a lot to think about. I've already tried his technique with the jumping and it seems to work, as Dude is very intelligent. The walking will be harder because I'm such a pushover.

I like Cesar's way of saying that dogs need Exercise, Di...more

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Jun 10, 2008 Rebecca rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2007

I picked up this book after reading a long string of other dog training books. I had great hopes that this book would help solve all my dog woes. The book begins with a description of a morning in the life of a dog at Cesar’s Dog Psychology Center. This powerful opening scene shows Cesar’s talent at it’s greatest: one man harmoniously leading 35 dogs on a mountain trail. Unfortunately the rest of the book falls somewhat short of this morning hike. The book follows Cesar’s childhood and his early...more

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Aug 18, 2007 Christy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I started watching Cesar's show, The Dog Whisperer, last year. It was just before I adopted two small dogs (a chihuahua and a chihuahua/min pin mix), so I was really interested in the topic of controlling dogs' behavior.

I enjoyed the show, and after watching a few, the basic principles of Cesar's philosophy are apparent. Many of his techniques have been useful with my dogs, although some of the advice (like walking your dogs an hour or more a day) is not practical for people who work a 40+ hour...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Missy Sackett added it · review of another edition

For want of a " - " star I could not in good conscience rate this book. My reading of it was arduous at best.....start....get frustrated....stop....start.....get angry.....stop......start.....sigh. Upon finishing it I have removed it from my shelf and did something I ALMOST NEVER do with a book .....I binned it. The first and only other book that ever hit the dumpster was my college Calculus book. And it made better sense than Cesar's. I just couldn't bear the thought of trying to resell or give...more

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Apr 17, 2013 Jennifer Sights rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I grew up with dogs (that were never trained at all) and have had my own dogs as an adult for 8.5 years. When I got my first dog, I read a lot of training books, but they were all strictly positive reinforcement training. Being a softie, I loved this, and bought into the hype, and believed tools such as pinch collars were inhumane. However, I never managed to train my dogs to walk nicely on a leash or to listen to me. They'd sit - usually - and lay down, but that was as far as I got.

Two weeks ag...more I grew up with dogs (that were never trained at all) and have had my own dogs as an adult for 8.5 years. When I got my first dog, I read a lot of training books, but they were all strictly positive reinforcement training. Being a softie, I loved this, and bought into the hype, and believed tools such as pinch collars were inhumane. However, I never managed to train my dogs to walk nicely on a leash or to listen to me. They'd sit - usually - and lay down, but that was as far as I got.

Two weeks ago, I brought a 3rd dog into my house, a 2.5 year old female pit bull I adopted from the shelter at which I volunteer. They said she was good with other dogs. I knew what a sweetheart she was, so didn't worry. When I got her home, she immediately didn't get along with my other 2 dogs and would try to attac them any chance she got. After the first week I called Bo Harrison of Kranky K9, a trainer recommended by the shelter.

It turns out Bo uses many of Cesar's methods, and uses pinch collars. The soft side of me squirmed at this, but I knew I had to open up my mind and try something different. We had our first session just 4 days ago, and already my dogs are walking very nicely on a leash - I ENJOY walking them now, where before it was a miserable experience, so I just didn't do it.

The new dog is currently in the first week of a 3 week board and train session, while I'm doing weekly sessions with Bo and my other 2 dogs. Bo also recommended this book, and I immediately bought it and finished it in 3 days. I am amazed at how much I have learned both from Bo and this book! I knew some of the things you're supposed to do as a dog owner - excuse me, pack leader - such as never allow your dog to walk through a door before you, but I never knew the psychology behind it. Now that I do, I have been a stickler on this. My dogs are already becoming more well behaved and calm.

Positive reinforcement methods are great, when they work. I did learn a lot from Pat Miller's book, The Power of Positive Dog Training, but I hate to think how much more well adjusted my dogs might have been had I kept an open mind to try other methods. I wish I'd read this book 8 years ago. But now that I have, I vow to be a better pack leader going forward.

I highly recommend Cesar's Way to anyone who has a dog, and especially anyone who is just thinking of getting a dog. The methods to smoothly transition a new dog into your home would have been great to know. I've also already downloaded Be the Pack Leader and can't wait to get time to start reading it tonight. (less)

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Feb 04, 2013 Bird marked it as didnt-finish · review of another edition

I don't agree with many of the author's beliefs...

I have no desire to physically assert my dominance over my dog (such as pushing my dog down and forcing him onto his back with his belly exposed to show him he's submissive to me).

I don't believe that affection is the final thing my dog needs from me (after exercise and obedience). To me, my bond with my dog is built on mutual affection and trust. Without those things in place, I don't think my dog would enjoy exercising with me nearly as much,...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Marcello Mastroianni rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: march-s-library

Cesar's Way is the 2nd book published by Cesar Millan, depicting his journey from Mexico to the United States and how he subsequently became the infamous dog trainer that he is today (although he claims he doesn't train dogs, he rehabilitates them and trains humans).

Interesting life story, but not why I picked it up. When it gets into his expertise on dogs, and his advice, that's when the book picks up. Yes, there is a lot of repetition but it's done purposely because Cesar does not want to unde...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Todd Janko rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dog-books

The dog guru opens up on how to train your dog; but the reality of it is you are the one that needs the training. Most people in dog circles know who this man is; he is the infamous pack leader, motivational, dog whisperer. I should do a survey on Cesar Millan and the technics he endorses, and I bet they either love him or hate him.
Being a dog owner is one of the most enjoyable things in the world, it can also be the most frustrating! Cesar, at least on his television show, makes training a dog...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction

In his first book, Cesar shares stories about his childhood in Mexico and his first experiences in America. The book is packed with tips, but it’s also part memoir, which made it easy to dive into. It also helped explain the reason why he trains dogs the way he does. Learning the thought process behind his methods was perhaps the most valuable thing in the book.

Cesar had no money when he came to America and he couldn’t speak a word of English. He worked at a dog grooming salon, and then cleanin...more In his first book, Cesar shares stories about his childhood in Mexico and his first experiences in America. The book is packed with tips, but it’s also part memoir, which made it easy to dive into. It also helped explain the reason why he trains dogs the way he does. Learning the thought process behind his methods was perhaps the most valuable thing in the book.

Cesar had no money when he came to America and he couldn’t speak a word of English. He worked at a dog grooming salon, and then cleaning limos long before he was the “dog whisperer.” One of his very first clients was Jada Pinkett Smith and she helped him grow his business and learn English. Once he established his dog psychology center he was truly able pursue his dream of helping rehabilitate dogs and train people in how to correctly care for their own dogs.

A few things that really helped me:

1) Nose, eyes, ears – If you want your dog to obey you, appeal to their senses in this order. Don’t yell commands at them, use bully sticks and other treats to show them where you want them to go, etc.

2) Calm and assertive behavior – Your attitude affects your dog. It you’re acting crazy, so will they. If they don’t respect your authority, they won’t obey you.

3) You dog is not a human. Simple, right? But it’s not, because we treat our dogs like our babies sometimes. Just remembering that my dog is in fact a dog, makes it much easier to train him and teach him what he is and isn’t allowed to do. He will not get his feelings hurt if you don’t allow him to do something.

4) It you’re trying to overcome a phobia or obsession in your dog, tire them out before attempting anything. When they’re worn out they’re more likely to be relaxed and accept changes.

5) The answer to almost any problem: Walks! If you’re going to try something new/if they’re being destructive/if you’re moving or traveling or going to a dog park, no matter what the problem is, the first answer is always to take them on a long walk.

I would highly recommend reading this BEFORE you get a dog. There are so many important tips that I would have liked to know before we brought out dog home. It turns out we did most things right, but there are some things we would have done differently. The book is incredibly helpful no matter what stage you are in with your dog, but would be most beneficial for soon-to-be owners.(less)

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Jun 30, 2012 demigod 95 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I now truly understand the meaning of the popular saying, " Don't judge a book by its cover." I assumed this was going to be another self-help book about how to properly discipline your dog and how to make common problems less of a burden. What surprised me was that Millan introduced a new style of Animal Non-Fiction, in which, he tries to connect the human to the animal in a refreshing way.

He has so much respect for animals and all their many different qualities, both good and bad. He feels li...more

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May 23, 2012 Bart Breen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A philosophy of Dog Training, not a Manual

I listened to this book in CD form and found it to be both entertaining and excellent.

First, if you're looking for a training manual on how to teach your dog basic obedience, this is not the book for you. Save yourself a lot of time and frustration if that is your expectation.

What this is a very well done presentation of the underlying philosophy used by Cesar Milano, "The Dog Whisperer" as to how Dogs "think" and how the common error made by people in a...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Tammy Dahle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My thoughts:
I have never seen Cesar Millan's TV Show but picked up this book on the recommendation of a couple of friends who have two very well behaved dogs-one of them is a pure breed pit bull. They are huge believers in Cesar's training methods and educating dog owners.
I have a two year old Rottweiler and recently added a toy Poodle to our family. It makes for a lot of double takes at the dog park!
Since reading Cesar's Way I have found that I have more control over my dogs and feel like I'm d...more

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Mar 15, 2012 Barbara Kraemer rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Cesar Millan is synonymous with dog training these days due to his TV show The Dog Whisperer. I think we and our dogs owe him a debt of gratitude for bringing the importance of dog training to the forefront of American's minds, and making it more accessible. His theory of calmness around dogs and having a positive, confident energy around them is an important part of the success of dog training, that he impressed the importance of on the world, and both have made a huge difference in dog trainin...more

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Mar 09, 2012 Chade66 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dogs, read-2012

I grew up with dogs, mostly small dogs, later on my own, I had large dogs, OES and GSD. Currently, I have two medium sized dogs. That said, I'm really glad I had that experience prior to reading this book.

I haven't watched the TV series, which I understand is very popular, so this was my first attempt into Cesar's Way of dog training. Had I read this before getting my first dog, I doubt I would have ever gotten my first dog. While I can see the way he works with dogs as working with what he cal...more

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Mar 07, 2012 Sierra Bohanan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is about a guy named cesar Millan and he helps people who have troublesome dogs. In this book he tells us about his life and how to help your gogs. He will show how to underestand and correct common dog problems. He will teach us how to be a good pack leader for your dogs. He is on the Geographic Channel. His show is called Dog Whisperer. My favorite character would have to be Cesar himself.
Sometime in the future I would like to be like Cesar and I have felt like a pack leader when i...more

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Oct 31, 2011 Pixel Word rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ★★★★☆, animal-related

This book isn’t a “how-to” manual. As I mentioned in the introduction, I’m not here to teach you how to get your dog to recognize voice commands or hand signals; I’m not here to teach you how to properly make your dog “heel” or do tricks. There are plenty of guides and books related to dog training, and many qualified specialists out there who can do that. But although my primary mission is simply to help you understand your dog’s psychology better, I also have some practical advice to offer you...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Knitme23 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This has been the summer of "the Dog Whisperer," and I was interested to see what Cesar's book would be like. It filled in some of the details of how he got started, etc, and also explained (and defended) some of his points about how pack animals like dogs live in the wild, connecting those facts to Cesar's training approach. While there were the vignettes that we all love in these fixer-upper books, the explanations were what made the book most valuable for me. One of his most striking points w...more

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Aug 08, 2011 SwensonBooks rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: jill

My neighbor Cathy lent me her copy of Cesar Millan's book, Cesar's Way: The Natural Everday Guide to Understanding & Correcting Common Dog Problems. She insisted I borrow it. "Lucy owns you. You don't own Lucy," Cathy told me. She described my female Dalmatian's dominant behavior in my "pack", which is Cesar's way of speaking about households with dogs.

A friend years ago recommended watching The Dog Whisperer starring Cesar Millan on the National Geographic Channel. I don't have a televisio...more My neighbor Cathy lent me her copy of Cesar Millan's book, Cesar's Way: The Natural Everday Guide to Understanding & Correcting Common Dog Problems. She insisted I borrow it. "Lucy owns you. You don't own Lucy," Cathy told me. She described my female Dalmatian's dominant behavior in my "pack", which is Cesar's way of speaking about households with dogs.

A friend years ago recommended watching The Dog Whisperer starring Cesar Millan on the National Geographic Channel. I don't have a television and have never seen this charismatic TV character. What I gather now after reading this self-made national dog expert's book is that most of his charisma is derived from his own personality. It doesn't shine through in the book. Yes, it's a New York Times bestseller and it has a million copies sold but it is not very well written. There's too little advice for someone like me who has lived nearly half a century with dogs as part of my everyday experience.

Lucy is an alpha from birth, smart and headstrong. Reading about how to handle such natural born leaders from Cesar Millan described Lucy; how she has needed to be led, challenged, and demands so much more from me. And like many of the famous celebrity clients...from Oprah to Will Smith...Cesar challenges you to be your best pack leader. Get behind Lucy, Cesar.

I didn't get my real diagnosis until almost the end of the book. There on p. 267 is a key sentence for me and Lucy and Scooby and our pack. "There are no strong pack leaders in a home in mourning." Lucy is a daddy's girl and daddy is gone. Mourning is still in process, although I know I am called upon now to be a stronger pack leader.

Cesar's suggestion of walking your dog longer and more often is a good one. Wearing them out and running down their internal batteries is Cesar's way of being the best master of your dogs. I wish I could run or walk four or more hours a day with dogs in the hills of Los Angeles.

With all the common sense advice he packs in his book, those fans who watch his television show have a handy reference. Cesar Millan has built a platform for a book from his viewing audience. It doesn't have to be written all that well.

Melissa Jo Peltier is Cesar's ghostwriter and she's at least given credit on the cover of the book. Yet the voice throughout is that of Cesar's. And he says a lot of the same things over and over again. Did I say this was a quick read? No; not really. It's a long and painful read.

The brand identity of Cesar Millan sells his video tutorials and lesson plans and private sessions. He's not writing books. He's selling leashes and dog toys and has a website and a newsletter. He's building a corporate empire based on the millions of dog owners north of the Mexican border. Cesar's rags to riches story of immigration is a bit sketchy and he waxes over things by name dropping the rich and famous with dog issues. He also pulls the heart strings by his case studies of rescued dogs and their rehabilitation in a pack.

It's not really a book about how to train your dog. But how to let your dog be more of a dog and healthier, happier and more balanced as a result. Ultimately it's not about changing your dog's behavior; it's changing your own. Dogs follow.(less)

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Jun 30, 2011 Janessa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A few weeks before we brought our new puppy home, I spent all my reading time trying to figure out how to care for and raise a happy and healthy dog. By the time I’d finished my stack of books, I was convinced I knew everything about dogs, and would be able to handle any situation we might encounter. You would think four kids would have taught me otherwise. Now that we’ve had the puppy for three weeks, I’m sufficiently humbled. I’m not sure any of the books I read could have totally prepared me,...more A few weeks before we brought our new puppy home, I spent all my reading time trying to figure out how to care for and raise a happy and healthy dog. By the time I’d finished my stack of books, I was convinced I knew everything about dogs, and would be able to handle any situation we might encounter. You would think four kids would have taught me otherwise. Now that we’ve had the puppy for three weeks, I’m sufficiently humbled. I’m not sure any of the books I read could have totally prepared me, but I really enjoyed Cesar’s Way by the renowned “dog whisperer” Cesar Milan.

The first part of the book reads like a personal history. Milan describes his early experiences and connection with dogs on his family’s farm in Mexico, and what it was like for him to immigrate to the United States. The autobiographical portion of the book is relevant to his overall message, because he approaches dog training and his work with dog rehabilitation as an outsider to the American way of perceiving dogs and pets. Milan believes that American dogs often suffer under the care of well-intentioned owners because they are treated like people instead of like dogs, and this can cause anxiety, confusion, and fear.

Milan’s basic premise is that dog’s need strong ‘pack’ leaders to follow, and that dog owners need to exert a certain kind of energy. He calls it “calm-assertive” energy, “relaxed but always confident that he or she is in control.” This is a point he emphasizes again and again throughout the book. He encourages dog owners to transform themselves, if they lack this kind of energy, to visualize it until it becomes natural to them. I can’t refute or validate his premise about pack leaders and “calm-assertive” energy as it pertains to dogs, but the week I spent reading his book I found myself suprisingly calm. I don’t think I raised my voice at my kids a single time. I was channelling the “calm-assertive” energy. It worked so well, that I’m not sure if I should shelf this book in the parenting section of my home library, or put it with the other dog books. (I’m kidding. Kind-of.)

Milan concludes his book by giving readers a simple formula for working and living with their dogs: Exercise, Discipline, and Affection – in that order. According to Milan, dogs need frequent exercise to calm and center them. He calls walking a dog a “primal activity” that puts dogs in tune with their inner canine. It also creates a bond between dog and owner. I’ve tried very hard to follow this step of his formula, though sometimes I feel I’m overdoing it a little when I put my 11 week old puppy on a leash and try and get her to follow me around the park. She’d rather sit and watch the birds fly by. The next step is discipline, which basically means sticking to a routine, and keeping expectations firm and clear. And affection comes last, after the first two steps have been met.

Cesar’s Way gave me a lot to think about, and was a quick and enjoyable read. Milan’s methodology is largely based on intuition and his extensive experience with dogs. It doesn’t always translate into understanding and solving everyday problems you might encounter with your dog. I still don’t know how to keep my puppy from chewing on everyone’s feet, or my four year old from taunting her. I tried coaching my four, six, eight and ten year old into owning their “calm-assertive” energy when they interact with the puppy, but I think that is asking a little much. I’ve resisted calling a trainer because of the impression I received from Milan that dog training amounts to teaching a dog tricks, while his methodology builds strong relationships between dogs and owners, and healthy, balanced, naturally obedient dogs. But with all the biting and nipping around her, I might have to call a trainer anyway.

I just picked up a copy Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You A Better Friend to Your Pet by John Bradshaw. I’m eager to add it to my doggie bibiliography. We’ll see how it compares with Cesar’s Way.

(less)

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Feb 03, 2011 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

No, I did not think I would ever be rating dog books. But that's before I became a dog person. Now that my family includes two labrador littermate puppies, I need all the help I can get and Cesar is a great place to start. I love watching "The Dog Whisperer," his show on National Geographic where he swiftly demonstrates that most dogs in American are miserable, spoiled, and unstable and of course, it's all our fault. The book outlines the same basic principles as the show and gets you comfortabl...more

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Jan 16, 2011 gina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction, dogs

I'm giving this book five stars (something I don't often do) not because I agree with everything Cesar Millan says (I don't, I can't honestly say I'll do everything he says either) but because any book that causes you to stop, to think this much about your behavior, your lifestyle, your connection with your dog is important. And important books should be recognized and recommended. We need people whose ideas challenge our own if for no other reason than to bring into light what we believe in the...more

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Dec 07, 2010 Jeff Connor rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Very nice book and good introduction to Cesar Milan's dog training philosophy. The emphasis is one philosophy. You won't find much specific in here. Sometimes it's frustrating because he will says something like "don't let your dog jump up on you or guests" but he does not give specific ideas on how to do that. What you do get is information on how to set up a dog for good training. It's nothing magical: lots of exercise (much more than your are doing or have time to do), discipline, and affecti...more

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Nov 19, 2010 Madi added it · review of another edition

I picked this book because I have a puppy and a full grown dog at home. The full grown dog is very well trained but the little dog is not potty trained so i decided to read Cesar's way because i wanted to fix some of the little problems that my own dogs face at my home today. Cesar teaches you how to fix each problem that a dog could possibly have. If a dog is too hyper you must do activities that would calm the dog down, like talking it out in the morning and running with it. This will tire th...more

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Oct 12, 2009 Jacqui rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

I love Cesar Millan, so Cesar - I'm very sorry to have to say this - but this book sucked.

"The Natural, Everyday Guide to understanding and correcting Common Dog problems" is not actually an "everyday guide" and it does not help you "correct" problems. This is an informative way to understand the mentality of a dog, but it does no good if you've got a dog that you've already semi-screwed up. There is nothing in this book that explains how to actually DO the things to correct a dog's behavior. I...more

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Jul 29, 2009 Empress5150 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I know there are some people that absolutely LOVE Cesar and his methods and others that find him overly harsh. One thing that everyone agrees with, though, is that, in likely 99% of cases where dogs are behaving badly, it's somehow the owner's fault. Mr. B (who also read the books) is one who is somewhat skeptical of Millan. I have to say, though, being a newbie dog owner, I found his books/methods logical, easy to understand, simple and reassuring. He's also consistent (if, by the time you fini...more I know there are some people that absolutely LOVE Cesar and his methods and others that find him overly harsh. One thing that everyone agrees with, though, is that, in likely 99% of cases where dogs are behaving badly, it's somehow the owner's fault. Mr. B (who also read the books) is one who is somewhat skeptical of Millan. I have to say, though, being a newbie dog owner, I found his books/methods logical, easy to understand, simple and reassuring. He's also consistent (if, by the time you finish reading even one of his books you don't take away "Exercise. Discipline. Affection"; then you were definitely NOT paying attention!) After I finished reading these books, I certainly felt a lot more confident about working with Lucy.
If you have ever watched his show "The Dog Whisperer", then the books won't be anything new to you as, the majority of the dogs he discusses in his books were featured on his show at one point or another. Of course, he does spend quite a bit more time on background and technique in the books than he can manage in a 15 minute episode.
Both books are written in the "as told to" style (although his command of spoken English is very good, I doubt he can write it as well as he speaks it) with the woman who does much of the writing for his show getting credit for the books (Melissa Jo Peliter). They are easy to read and are interesting reading (if you like dogs and/or are trying to train one). Oops! Cesar is not a dog trainer, he's a dog psychologist (or so he says).
The emphasis in both books is on the owner being the pack leader, being calm, being consistent, and providing the all important exercise (Cesar is very big on walks and lots of them), discipline (not to be confused with abuse) and affection (only when the dog is in a calm-submissive state).
I'd definitely recommend these books, especially to someone who is new to dogs. However, I would not take them entirely as gospel because the dude obviously has a special gift with dogs that the rest of us don't. I gave both books *** stars mostly because I liked the first one about *** and the 2nd one was somewhat of a repeat of the first one with a bit more information about different breeds and their specific needs thrown in. If you will only read one, read the first one
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About Cesar Millan

Cesar Millan is a Mexican-American self-taught, professional dog trainer widely known for his television series The Dog Whisperer, now in its sixth season and broadcast in more than eighty countries worldwide, including the US, Canada, Australia, Spain, Chile, Macedonia, Italy and the UK.

Prior to The Dog Whisperer series, Millan had focused on rehabilitating especially aggressive dogs and had foun...more

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Books by Cesar Millan

Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life

How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond

Cesar's Rules: Your Way to Train a Well-Behaved Dog

Cesar Millan's Short Guide to a Happy Dog: 98 Essential Tips and Techniques

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“There is no such thing as a problem breed. However, there is no shortage of 'problem owners'....” — 26 people liked it

“Wolves are disciplined not only when they hunt but also when they travel, when they play, and when they eat. Nature doesn't view discipline as a negative thing. Discipline is DNA. Discipline is survival.” — 13 people liked it

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