Customer Reviews

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

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This is a wonderful reference book and makes for good reading as well. I bought the book to give as a gift to a young couple whose dog needs some behavior modification. I planned to quickly scan through it to get an idea of its contents, wrap it up, and give it away. However, I ended up reading it word for word and will add it to our library! (I can think of several dog owners and parents who could use the concepts in this book for raising both dogs and children. I'll probably end up buying several copies as gifts.)

I notice that one reviewer complained about the frequent reference to the pack leader concept Cesar writes about. Perhaps that reader is unaware that in a reference book clarification in the form of repetition is needed for those who are looking up only one or two segments at a time, such as "Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations," or "Dominance Aggression." I found Cesar's personal history and anecdotal material about him and others (Oprah Winfrey has a whole section on the relationship between her and her dog, Sophie) very interesting and enlightening. The book is clearly and concisely written. It is easy to see that Melissa Jo Peltier's writing abilities were very helpful to Cesar.

Cesar was born in Culiacan, Mexico, and came here in 1990. He is now applying for U.S. citizenship. He has quite a story to tell about his childhood and his special relationship with dogs from the time he was a small boy. When he came here he noticed with dismay that American dogs had a number of "issues" related primarily to the fact that we Americans view our dogs as "four-legged humans" instead of dogs (animals). Our dogs need us to be calm-assertive pack leaders and to provide them with exercise, discipline and affection in that order. Cesar gives many illustrations of how this concept works and the fact that dogs use smell and the sixth sense of energy to evaluate other dogs and animals, including humans.

I highly recommend this book to dog owners and, as mentioned earlier, to those contemplating having children or who already have children who need help. In a nation with increasing numbers of obese children, I was struck by the #1 need of dogs as stated by Cesar: EXERCISE. Perhaps, we might consider the same order of needs for our children: exercise, discipline, and affection in order to grow happy, healthy, productive human adults.

Carolyn Rowe Hill

I have read the negative reviews of all the "spoiled-sports" who disagree with Cesar Millan's philosophy of the dog-human relationship. I feel they are merely jealous of the fact that he has become a "media idol" in the dog-training arena and is now pulling in the big bucks.

As a dog rescuer who has taken in and re-homed over a thousand dogs over the past 10 years, I just wish Cesar had been around back when I first became so deeply involved in "pack mentality." I'm sure that I could have made some better decisions, saved even more dogs' lives, and dealt more effectively with some behavior issues.

Of course, time breeds experience, and by the time I first saw Cesar on the National Geographic Channel last year, I realized to my great pleasure that many of the things I had learned and was now utilizing myself were based on the very premise Cesar promotes.

Cesar's philosophy is based on common sense: humans are human and dogs are dogs. Most dog owners become oblivious to any common sense they may have possessed prior to adding a dog to the household when they bring their "new baby" home.

There is nothing wrong with a "calm and assertive" approach with dogs, and nothing equally wrong with the dog being "calm and submissive." This does not mean that you will have a frightened dog that will submissively urinate, cower in the corner or become a fear-biter.

As the supposedly more intelligent and sensitive being, you have to approach your relationship with your dog in a common sense manner and tempered with consideration for the natural temperament of the particular dog. But I do share and support the premise that dogs are much happier when they know that their human is the one "in charge." They are relaxed, content and much more prone to "be good."

I'm sure there are many other well-qualified dog trainers across the country, some of whom have written good dog-training books, utilizing equally-effective methods of training. There is and never will be "one" form only, but to trash Cesar Millan's methods is to me nothing more than an undeserved "cheap shot."

I have owned purebred field Springer Spaniels and a pure bred Border Collie. I didn't believe in yelling or punishment myself. I found that my dogs paid more attention to my talking quietly and to a quiet rebuke than yelling ever did. It worked well for me in the past and some arrogance on my part assumed that I knew it all. I didn't.

When the last of my dogs died this year, I decided I wanted to have another Border Collie as my last dog before I died. This dog I would find, would be my ultimate challenge though. At 12 weeks of age I excused his behavior because I'm told he is a Taurus. A few months later he began to attack his food dish in what I can only describe as "rabid". Shortly after that he bit me when I walked by him while he was eating.

I was at a loss to what to do. He was a puppy. ...But a puppy like this you don't want to grow into a dog I thought. Then I saw a show called the Dog Whisperer. It made sense to me (hell I was brought up English! - if not for me why not the dog?) I was really worried that I might have to put this dog down until then.

I tried it Cesar's way. I started walking and running the dog in my backfield for at least 45 minutes. What a charmer he became! I added some new rules "no couch" and he got even better. If my husband would stop letting him into his lap he would be much better I am sure!

Finally, I would like to add that as much as I worried about my dog (which I no longer worry about) at least one dog owner I know gave up on his once. He regretted his decision. Thanks to Cesar I don't have to make that same decision.

I've had dogs all my life, but this book gave me a whole new perspective.

Cesar Millan's methods are based on the behavior of dogs living within packs. Packs are organised to the extent that there are pack leaders and followers. Instinctively, dogs need packs for survival, so they naturally follow the strongest and most stable dog and weed out weak, unstable dogs who threaten the effectiveness of the pack. When dogs are removed from their natural state, their pack instincts must be compensated or they become unstable.

The root of most dog problems that Millan is asked to correct originate not with the dogs, but with their owners who often view their dogs as furry little people. Even those dog owners who recognise that dogs are not people, use human psychology on their dogs. This often takes the form of affection and is often given to soothe the dog when it is acting stressed. But, affection given at the wrong time, when the dog is stressed, rewards the dog's behavior and makes matters worse.

Millan has several formulas that he applies to different situations. If you accept that dogs are pack animals, it all makes sense. If you want to control your dog, you have to become the pack leader. As pack leader, you cannot be unstable. You must be calm and assertive or the dog will dismiss you as the leader, though he might be fearful. As pack leader, you need to give the dog what he needs: exercise (dogs roam all day), discipline (packs are organised and the leader sets the rules, boundaries, and limitations) and affection, in that order. People often mess-up their dogs by giving affection and not much else. This results in the dog assuming, in it's mind, the role of pack leader. Every pack needs a leader and if you are not it, the dog will be.

Millan says that he rehabilitates dogs and trains people. Many of the situations he encounters are amusing, because some neuroses can be funny. But, once you get it (understand what you're seeing and why it's happening), the causes of the neuroses, along with the cures, become clear. Much of the cure for dog problems is in understanding what your dog's movements are telling you and immediately acting to short circuit escalating behaviors. They telegraph virtually everything if you are attentive and understand the signals. Bad behavior can by stopped immediately by snapping them out of a state of mind that will lead, often within a second or two, to unwanted behavior.

I think Millan's book is a practical and useful how-to guide and it gives you a basic understanding for building a mutually rewarding relationship with our flop-eared, furry friends.

Four and half years ago, before Cesar had a book or a show, and after I had been told by numerous dog trainers in LA that my dog would never be social with other dogs, I contacted Cesar Milan. It was the best thing I could have ever done for me and my beloved but extremely dog-aggressive 85lb male pit bull. 6 years before this, I had rescued/stole this full grown, abused, fighting pit bull and made him my pet. He had been starved, fought over and over, fed hot sauce and gun powder to make him mean and was a mess. With my care, he turned out to be the best behaved, sweetest, most loving dog except for one major problem.....he could not be near another dog without trying to kill it. He listened and obeyed everthing else I wanted him to do except control his urge to maul other dogs. I was told over and over that I would never be able to change his "pit bull" behavior. Cesar was the only person that told me that he could rehabilitate my dog so I could take him to dog parks and not have to walk him with a muzzle in fear that around the corner we would run into another dog and disaster would strike. He kept my dog at his facility in South Central for 5 weeks and allowed me to be a part of his pack walks and trips to the beach. I learned so much from him and so did my dog. Is Cesar rough? Yes, somewhat. But I would never allow my dog to be hurt or abused and when you are dealing with dominant aggressive pit bulls that can kill another dog in a matter of seconds, I think you need to be a little rough. No other trainers would touch my dog, and Cesar did without hesitation. He taught me so much with his persistant calmness and extreme kindness and that will always be appreciated by me. My beloved pit bull recently passed away at a ripe old age of 14. His last 4 years were spent socializing with other dogs and enjoying being at the off leash park in Runyon Canyon. Cesar rehabilitated my 8 year old pit bull and made it possible for me live peacefully in a dog-friendly apartment complex. I can tell you from my experience that Cesar's methods work. His help made my dog and me alot happier and able to enjoy our last years together in a much richer way than if I had never met him. Kudos to Cesar!

I have been a dog parent for years and have consistently had a pack of dogs (3, 4, 5 at a time). I have tried positive reinforcement alone and it doesn't work with dogs that have any tendency towards being stubborn, willful, or independent. When you have a pack of dogs you have to be the pack leader otherwise chaos will reign in your household. Before I began using Cesar's methods my dogs tended to misbehave. They are much happier and better behaved with me being the pack leader.

No Cesar's methods are not new, but that doesn't mean they aren't the correct methods. Just as our society has coddled our children to the point they have become spoiled brats, we have coddled our pets so they run a muck in our houses. Dogs are not humans, and we need to work with their innate behavior. Treating them as if they think like humans is a waste of time and is deterimental to their happiness.

People who critize Cesar's methods really don't undertand them. They are not about fear or pain. Tapping your dog with your foot, correcting it with a collar, getting its attention with a unique noise is not about fear or pain. Dogs, like children, must have "boundaries and limitations" and dogs are much happier when their human is in charge and makes them feel calm, secure, and safe.

Cesar does not say that you cannot use positive reinforcement for training. Cesar's methods are not for training, they are for creating a foundation for a stong and peaceful relationship with your dog(s).

We adopted a dog from an abusive home that was destined to be put to sleep. Thinking that we knew how to handle her we struggled for weeks, without success, using 'tried and true' methods of other trainers. While we made some progress her behavior was still unsatisfactory. Then, we bought this book and started watching Dog Whisperer. What a change.

Within two weeks we were able to change her into a very different animal. Now she walks by our side - doesn't lunge or pull, and she's a much happier dog than we've seen before. I can't believe the change in this dog. Her behavior at home is greatly improved also - she's quieter, more affectionate, and pays attention when we speak to her.

While she still has many of the 'fears' aquired in her previous abusive home, one by one we're working through those also.

The basis of Cesar's training is three-fold. Exercise, discipline and affection - in that order. He teaches that a dog is a pack animal that needs a leader. If you're not the pack leader then the dog will take on that role with the disasterous results you're probably seeing in your own dog. This is the key and that's where most dog-owners run into trouble.

Before ANY training can start the dog needs to be exercised. 30-45 minutes, twice a day. Cesar details HOW to walk a dog. It's amazing how few owners know how to walk their dog. In a pack the leader is always in front, and your dog should always be next to you or at heel - never in front.

Once the dog has expended that excess energy he's ready to accept training. It's so simple that it was hard for us to accept at first. And after the exercise and training, the dog needs affection - Cesar recommends quiet massage. The sequence of these three leaves the dog quiet, submissive and happy. At your next training session he will have retained that memory of a pleasurable experience, and will respond even better.

The book gives details about how you, as the pack leader, must present yourself to the dog; not weak, intimidated, excited or angry, but assertive and strong. If you really pay attention to what he's saying and follow his guidance, you will have a much happier household.

Cesar's Way is a wonderful book that will yield amazing results - provided you read it carefully and pay attention to what he's saying.

For 7 years I've dealt with a standard poodle with issues. Having had this breed for over 40 years, I certainly thought they were perfect. Living in Texas, I flew to CA to get that perfect puppy from a well known breeder. Well, believe me, she was unlike any poodles I'd ever owned before...right from the beginning. It was a shock to me as from my young years, I'd been able to befriend & work with any dog...aggressive or not.

Finally, exasperated, I had a trainer come to my home and she spent weeks working with my dog. She told me she'd only ever worked with one more difficult or stubborn than mine & he was half wolf. She did what she could & it seemed that was all I could do.

I'd groomed my own poodles in the past but there was no way I could with this girl.

We moved to a new state 3 months ago & I suddenly had the National Geographic channel & luckily spotted the show "Dog Whisperer" on my new tv lineup. That was the beginning of learning a whole new way of dealing with aggression in my dog & for the first time in years, I'm seeing much success.

I'm making progress bathing and grooming & the worst issue of nail trimming is bettering. By applying the methods I've learned (and learning), it's working!!

Cesar's methods while authoratative, are most certainly humane and some criticisms I read are ridiculous. Certainly others have a right to disagree with his methods...but to deliberately use abusive terms to describe those methods is not only false, but in my estimation, totally unfair!!!

Cesar's Way is a good basic book that can be used often...and it helps me to better understand the dog mind and how to deal with many issues.

Incidentally, I've shared my findings of Mr. Millan's methods with family & friends & they're finding answers to their own dog issues...which has been invaluable to them & changed forever the lives of their animals. One daughter kept her puppy kenneled constantly because he was so uncontrollable & tho she felt badly to do so, she felt she had no choice. After learning of Cesar Millan's methods, that's a thing of the past & she is able to deal with the issues in a way that is good for her and provides a "real" life for her puppy.

I hope those who read all feedback will be open to the honest appraisals that are included. Aggression, for one, is not pleasant to live with & for the first time, we're moving in the right direction & I hope others might find some solutions as well.

I just love this book and, in fact, love all of Cesar Milan's work. He shows again and again how a seemingly small shift in perspective can have an extraordinary impact on our relationship with our dogs, with ourselves, and with the world around us. Milan's real work is with people - and the dogs simply benefit. He teaches us to be calm, assertive pack leaders to help our dogs achieve balance, and in the process teaches his clients how to be in the moment and become leaders in their own lives. He explains that dogs live in the present with little or no concept of past or future, suggesting that we can create a completely new possibility by just being here, now, with our dog. Milan asserts that with a simple shift in your energy, you can completely transform how your dog responds to you - and incidentally how you respond to your own life. He helps people discover personal responsibility as a way to become pack leaders for their dogs.
Milan's work is of course focused on dogs, but I find his ideas are perhaps as pertinent and applicable to human beings. If you enjoy Milan's books as much as I do, check out some of my favorite books: Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation and Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment by authors Ariel and Shya Kane - they have nothing to do with dogs! but share his passion for being in the present and show that a small shift in perspective can radically transform your life, as well as your dog's.

My wife and I rescued a two year old Weimaraner in December. A handsome, good natured, athletic dog but like any dog that has had multiple homes and lacked leadership and discipline, he came with several issues.

In an effort to be the best pack leader I could be, I took to reading several books: Second Hand Dog, How To Behave So Your Dog Behaves, So Your Dog's Not Lassie, Parenting Your Dog, and How To Speak Dog. All of these books had some worthwhile thoughts and techniques to share but all left me feeling that they didn't provide "the way".

There was either too much human type psychology, too much reliance on food and treats, or too much 21st century politically correct (foo-foo) content which just didn't ring true or work for me. (The proof was on the other end of the leash.)

Several weeks ago I came across The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan on the National Geographic channel. I began watching and taping the old episodes and catching up on the current ones. Ah, what a breath of fresh air and at just the right time.

Finally, a practical, no-nonsense, no b.s. approach that rung true with my sensibilities. (I am a twenty plus year veteran of federal law enforcement so I very much understand the pack leader mentality as well as the various assertive and sumbissive personalities, whether calm, passive or aggressive.)

Cesar's techniques are straightforward and to the point. They don't require an advanced degree in psychology or sociology and most importantly, they work (without the use of treats, entreaties, threats or harsh discipline).

In just the few weeks I have been employing Cesar's mantra of exercise, discipline (consisting of rules, boundaries and limitations) followed by affection, I have found my dog to have become calmer, more attentive/obedient and happier. Some of the (apparently) neurotic behavior I had been observing earlier has melted away leaving a calmer more self assured dog in its wake.

Don't get me wrong, there are still some issues to be worked on and hopefully resolved, however everyone that meets our dog is always commenting on his physical beauty, warm personality and attentiveness.

Okay, there are some areas where I don't necessarily agree with Cesar...(but they don't have to do with dogs, thankfully). I can't say that I share Cesar's (seeming) celebrity worship of TV personalities Oprah, Dr. Phil, Tony Robbins and the like, but I didn't let that get in the way of the simple truth of the message that Cesar is sharing via his television show, and now, his book.

Overall, I'd say that nothing can replace watching the National Geographic Dog Whisperer shows with Cesar Millan since you get to see him interact with the dogs (and their owners) which is priceless.

However, once you have learned to interact with your dog employing "Cesar's Way", you'll find that this book is both an excellent companion and refresher to the television show. Plus you'll have the added benefit of getting to know more about Cesar the man, his family and history. I am very happy to see the success that has come to him through his dedication.

A very worthwhile, enjoyable and (most importantly) useful read.

Buy it.