by
3.75 of 5 stars
Many of us think of our dogs not as pets but as full-fledged members of our families. If you own a dog—or are thinking about getting one̵... read full description

reviews

Jan 24, 2012
Andrea rated it: 3 of 5 stars
One of my favorite parts of this book is the advice Cesar's wife Ilusion gives on being a strong woman.

She says, "Women are the pack leaders of the world...women are the ones who are driven by our natures to fight to the death to hold the pack together...This determination to fight for the pack is our strength, but it can also be our weakness...you can't love a person...our of their problem or out of their issues. You have to find...the calm-assertive energy within yourself fir More...
Jun 10, 2011
Andrea rated it: 3 of 5 stars
So we got a puppy about a month ago, and I feel like I've been slowly losing control of the situation and the last thing I need is another little terror running around the house :) This book was recommended and I'm glad a read it, there were some good tips and information about dogs that I didn't know. Like - exercise. I figured that dogs need exercise for the same reason that humans need exercise - to stay physically fit. But according to Cesar it's THE MOST IMPORTANT factor. Without enoug More...
Sep 15, 2010
T.L. rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A Member of the Family: The Ultimate Guide to Living with a Happy, Healthy Dog by Cesar Millan describes Millan's formula for raising a dog who is well-adjusted and well-behaved. Millan starts at the beginning with choosing the right dog for the family based on lifestyle, energy levels, etc. He discusses every aspect of dog ownership and incorporating a dog into the family in the best interest of the dog. When the dog's best interests are met, the entire family benefits. He uses examples of h More...
Jan 08, 2010
Janet rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Written in an anecdotal, easy-to-read style, and using examples from Cesar Millan's show, A Member of the Family, guides readers through the process of incorporating dogs into their families. Cesar gives great tips on how to interact with dogs, communicating pack leadership and good dog manners, and what to look for from the beginning, prior to adoption. He also provides instruction on how to begin healthy pack life with your new dog before ever entering the front door for the first time, helpin More...
Jul 30, 2009
Madhulika rated it: 2 of 5 stars
We got a puppy in early May, and I did a LOT of reading before and after. Still am. I'm the completely committed type of person, who needs to know EVERYTHING about anything I do. To it, I will bring in my own feelings & intellect. The library the books by C Millan. I was not taken by him at all. The approach & understanding, while claiming inclusion (family), also uses control & domination as tools. The title is a good one, and he is successful at his work. But if you want to have a direct More...
Jan 28, 2010
Linda rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This book introduces you to the basic philosophy behind Cesar's methods. It's an excellent book if you haven't religiously watched his Natgeo shows. However, if you're a veteran of The Dog Whisperer, the book's a bit repetitive because, for every page of "concepts" and "philosophies", you have about three or four sample stories from the show.

The reading goes down smooth and easy. They give you allegories and anecdotes galore, but very little practical advice or More...
Jul 24, 2011
Rachel rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I have never owned a dog. I may never own a dog. However, I still think this book will help me interact more easily and less fearfully with the increasing number of dogs that I come in contact with. I think the author covered pretty much every dog related topic and usually with some good examples and details. His approach is a little um...Californian, but I think if the reader can ignore the sillier aspects of the culture, it is highly instructive and the guy certainly seems to know a lot.

More...
Mar 21, 2009
Rachel rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Even after having dogs most of my life, I learned a lot from this book and wish I had read it years ago. As we're planning to add a new dog to our family soon, I found it really helpful to read BEFORE selecting a dog. Cesar talks about being honest with what kind of energy level your household has, as the best matches happen when a family gets a dog with equal (or less) energy. He also talks about how to approach a dog in a cage at a shelter or rescue, which to be honest, I hadn't really thought More...
Jul 29, 2011
Grace rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I didn't enjoy the one or two episodes of The Dog Whisperer that I saw, but this book made more sense to me than the shows did. It's a bit heavy on new age-y terminology for my taste, but Millan's philosophy is basically common-sense-based dog training. This book is a nice intro for first-time dog owners and a fun, easy read for more experienced owners.

I wish Millan had explained in the book why he makes that weird hissing noise at dogs when he works with them. Maybe I'll have to rea More...
Oct 21, 2008
Katy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
In anticipation of getting another dog, I've been watching "The Dog Whisperer" on TV, and decided to give Cesar Millan's new book a try. For those of you not familar with Millan, he is a dog trainer who solves behavior problems in dogs by teaching the humans involved how to understand a dog's pack mentality and use it to elicit the behavior desired.

I liked the book. He describes many common errors we humans make in relating to dogs, talks about how to observe a dog at the More...
Oct 16, 2008
Jennifer rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Well-written and clearly stated.
Almost every professional in Dogs has written (or will write) a book that covers, in general, how to select the right dog for you, what to do with it once you get one, how to handle training and behavioral issues, how to select veterinary care, covers a myriad of basic health issues and even also always touches on "what to do when the time comes to say goodbye."

This one is probably the most entertaining book of same that I've read, and More...
Nov 28, 2008
LuAnn rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a must if you're planning to get a new puppy or dog! Cesar's easy style of story-telling not only introduces to you to things to do as you work with your dog, but also provides case studies that you can learn from. The chapter by his wife and one by his children provided an interesting shift in point of view. I highly recomend this book series and the television shows to anyone who loves dogs and would like to have their own dog perform better as a pet.
Apr 19, 2009
Kimberly rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I give this book just as many stars as I can. I am getting a new puppy very soon and this book was just the book I needed. Mr. Millan covers everything from axiety to potty training all in clear, easy to understand detail. I have watched many a season of The Dog Whisperer and after reading this, His latest book, I feel confident I now have the knowledge to be a good "Pack Leader". Thanks Ceasar
Sep 30, 2011
Lisa rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great book to read as a first time dog owner. And I'm doing pretty well, I think partly b/c I never developed any bad dog habbits, so I'm a clean slate for Cesar to do his worst. My two new (old?) doggies are eleven and eight, so the older one, Jeter, may never really learn all these new "tricks" (I sometimes feel like everday is a blessing!), but Jilly has been doing really well, she knows who's "pack leader"! I'm totally in love with J&J, and Cesar's book real More...
Jan 08, 2010
Deborah added it
I have a new dog, Trixie, and well she was recently integrated into our family--she is a former shelter dog. Well, we love Trixie but as it is well-known, the real personality of a dog comes out two months after you have them. Instead of pulling my hair our or hers, we bought this book with solutions. If you currently have one dog and want to increase your brood, be sure to read.
Jun 13, 2011
Courtney rated it: 2 of 5 stars
The book was really was not as instructional as I had hoped. His theories are based on asserting your dominance and projecting your energy. While I don't dispute that works, I guess if I was the type to have thoses natural leadership tendencies I would not have needed the book in the first place. I guess Dog Training For Dummies is more my speed.
Jun 30, 2009
Melissa rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A vet that a friend of mine knows recommended that everyone should read this book before getting a dog. So I read it even if we don't have a dog. It was really worth reading. I look back on my family dogs growing up and wish we had understood some of these techniques and psychology. It was a very easy read with good illustrations.
Feb 26, 2009
Sarah rated it: 4 of 5 stars
With every book that Mr. Milan writes, you can see his comfort with it increase and his skill. This book touchs on having dogs in families and being a female dog owner. The story of Mr. Milan is interesting...a fairly poor man in Mexico having a dream and working towards it. It's inspiring and I love reading his books.
Nov 30, 2009
Angie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Ok, if you have a dog, this is a MUST read. I’m not going to become one of those ANNOYING people telling you how to treat YOUR dog. Partly, because I know I’m inconsistent. But, I must recommend this book. The thought process will continue to be a challenge for me but it will make a ton of difference on how my dogs (and my future dogs) enjoy their lives.

The book addresses specific needs that people may face with their dogs as well as overall rules that we can all use. I know for a More...
Aug 17, 2009
Mllec rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Okay, most people who know me realize I'm slightly obsessed with the Dog Whisperer, which is particularly weird since I haven't had a dog since I was 16. But I love Cesar's practical, natural approach to dog ownership... and yeah, it works on students too. (No lie!)
Jan 01, 2009
Melissa rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Okay, most people who know me realize I'm slightly obsessed with the Dog Whisperer, which is particularly weird since I haven't had a dog since I was 16. But I love Cesar's practical, natural approach to dog ownership... and yeah, it works on students too. (No lie!)
Oct 26, 2009
Holly rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I read this book in preparation for our new puppy and it was AWESOME. It helped me know how to select a puppy, where to buy from, how to introduce him to his new environment, etc. I'd recommend it to anyone considering buying a new puppy. Our little guy is doing great.
Jan 14, 2012
Becca rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Good overall point about the value of exercise in training, but I disagree that positive reinforcement belongs at the bottom of the priority list. Not a big fan of Cesar Millan or his methods in general, but I'll read any dog book. :-)
Jun 12, 2011
Kathy is currently reading it
we are thinking of adding to our family by way of another dog. We didn't want to adopt a dog for the wrong reasons or choose the wrong dog. This book is fantastic and we have learned alot and I'm only on chapter three. a must read!!!!
Nov 25, 2008
Inder marked it as to-read
I'm a huge fan of Cesar's, but this time I think I'll hold off till this shows up at the library or comes out in paperback. After all, I've already bought his other two books in hardback. Budget, Inder, budget.
Apr 29, 2010
Tracy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I already have a great respect for Cesar. This book just reconfirmed it. As someone ready for a new puppy or someone already with a dog in your family...I highly recommend reading this book!
Oct 24, 2009
jody rated it: 4 of 5 stars
The reader annoyed me, but another great book by Cesar. Great for someone about to get a puppy. Includes section by Illusion & kids that reminds us that all relationships take work.
Jul 26, 2010
Karl rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Typical of Cesar's books. A bit of filler but for someone about to adopt a new puppy an essential book. "Cesar's Way" helped my last dog when no other obedience training would.
Oct 02, 2011
Njalla rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Tästä kirjasta sai kyllä ihan hyvin uusia ajatuksia noiden omien karvanaamojen käyttäytymisen korjaamiseen. Ei meillä mitään isoja ongelmia ole, mutta ne pienetkin korjaantui kun otti opikseen tästä ja aiemmista Millanin kirjoista.
Dec 23, 2008
Alison rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Though I won't be getting a puppy for over nearly 2 years, I am doing my homework. I do like Cesar and his whole "exercise, boundaries, affection, in that order" spiel.