I try to maintain calm-assertive energy at all times after reading this book.

No but seriously, Cesar is awesome. I haven't watched more than an episode of Dog Whisperer, but his reputation precedes him. The things he talks about in this books aren't necessarily things I've seen before (not that I've sought out different techniques on dog training before now) but once he says to do something, and why it should be done, it seems so obvious and so common sensical.

Though I haven't had an opportunity to test out his theories on an actual puppy (yet,) I do recommend this book to anyone thinking of getting a puppy -- even if it's not your first dog. It really is for working with a young dog as a clean slate, though -- if you're trying to correct behaviors in an adolescent or older dog, I'd search out one of his other books.