A Member of the Family: Cesar Millan's Guide to a Lifetime of Fulfillment with Your Dog (Hardcover)

by Cesar Millan (Author), Melissa Jo Peltier (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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 one—A Member of the Family is the ultimate resource for integrating your canine companion into the life of your household.

What should you do if you need to leave your dog alone at home while everyone is at work? Are you providing him with the exercise he needs? How can you make sure your children and dog get along well? How do events in the human family—such as birth, marriage, or divorce—affect the family dog? All of these questions and many more are answered by bestselling author Cesar Millan in his new book.

Brimming with practical tips and techniques, A Member of the Family addresses the most common issues and questions that emerge over the course of a person’s lifetime relationship with a dog, explaining what it takes to be a good dog owner. From choosing the right dog for your particular family’s needs to setting the rules of the house (yes, you and your family are in charge) to finding a quality veterinarian and monitoring your dog’s health, Cesar offers essential advice for a harmonious home. No topic is left untouched. With success stories from Cesar’s fans and clients throughout, A Member of the Family includes sections on travel and doggie day care, the needs of an aging dog, and dealing with the death of a pet and its long-lasting effects on a family. A chapter on dogs and children is written from the perspective of Cesar’s sons, Andre and Calvin, and one on the role of the strong female pack leader is by Cesar’s wife, Ilusion.

In his frank, simple, and calm manner, Cesar acts as your personal guide as you build a fulfilling, satisfying relationship with your dog.

About the Author
Founder of the Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles, CESAR MILLAN is the star of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan on the National Geographic Channel. In addition to his educational seminars and work with unstable dogs, he and his wife have founded the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support and rehabilitation expertise to shelters. A native of Culican, Mexico, Cesar lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their two sons, Andre and Calvin.

MELISSA JO PELTIER, an executive producer and writer of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, has been honored for her film and television writing and directing with an Emmy, a Peabody, and more than fifty other awards. She lives in Nyack, New York, with her husband, writer-director John Gray, and stepdaughter, Caitlin.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Harmony (October 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307408914
• ISBN-13: 978-0307408914
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,921 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A Member of the Family" Cesar's best book so far!, October 8, 2008

By	K. S. Mueller (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I received Cesar Millan's third book, "A Member of the Family" today. I have both of Cesar's other books, and figured by the third book it probably wouldn't be so great. Boy, was I mistaken!

I turned randomly to the chapter written by Ilusion Wilson Millan, Cesar's beautiful wife. I was instantly hooked, and could not put this book down. I then turned to the chapter Cesar wrote about his beloved sidekick, Daddy, the greatest representative of Pit Bull known to man.

I know there are a lot of people whom I call "anti-Cesareans". These are people who dislike Cesar Millan because a) he doesn't have a degree and b) they (erroneously) believe he is cruel to dogs and c) they (erroneously) believe he is an illegal immigrant. For those anti-Cesareans, I have a message for you. READ THIS BOOK. You will find out about a man who has a deep and abiding love for dogs of all kinds, his family, his friends, and all human beings. Millan is a true specimen of humanity. The definition of "a good guy".

After reading this book, there should be no doubt in ANYONE's mind that Cesar is uniquely qualified to work with problematic dogs as perhaps no one else in popular culture today. But what is most remarkable is his open-arms approach to other dog behaviorists (some of whom have degrees, some who may not), and his understanding that there is room enough in this crazy world of ours for everyone. There is time and space for every method of interaction with canines, as long as it does NOT harm the dog. That is what Cesar Millan stands for.

I cannot stress enough (and for the bazillionth time!) Cesar Millan is not a dog trainer. He understands canine behavior and "what makes a dog tick" (pun, sorry) based on a lifetime of living with, and LOVING dogs (and humans alike).

Do not pass "GO". Get this book, now! I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

And for those anti-Cesareans: life is too short. Stop being so petty and give this guy a chance. If he were standing in a room with you, he would give YOU a chance, of that I am positive.

Happy tails.

K.S. Mueller

64 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dog Whisperer Getting One More Praise from the Dog Prodigy :-), October 7, 2008

By	Kevin Salem (Sacramento, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As another dog psychologist and author of the book on Dog Training & Canine Psychology, I like this one the best.

Here's why:

* Cesar actually tells you what to do and even HOW to do it. (His previous books mostly gave you the wisdom, but rarely the how to.) So you'd get all hyped up after reading the book all the way through, but end up scratching your head in the last pages to find out that it definitely takes much more than just your energy and being assertive to get long-term results. So don't worry, this book will take you beyond those elements.

* He actually talks about the different breeds of dogs and how you'll be compatible to the breed of your choice, as well as your expectations from that type of dog.

* He covers how to solve most common canine behavior and problem-solving.

* There are lots of good resources and other useful leads on other organization.

* And of course, he can't just refer it to as just "Dog Psychology." Although he doesn't get into actually teaching obedience aspect of training, he does offer real and practical advice about your day-to-day common problems which your doggie will throw at you.

Bottom line, you will get the whole enchilada in this one. Although I've been told by other dog experts that we have a lot in common, I will never say that about myself and humbly accept the compliment. I have lots of respect for Mr. Millan and am honored to be compared to him. I actually combine Dog Psychology WITH Dog Training. Getting the best of both worlds!

Hope this helped.

Kevin "The Dog Prodigy" Author, "Hidden Secrets Behind Dog Training" - Revealing the Best & Worst Ways to Train Your Dog. (Soon-to-Be Available Here on Amazon!)

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cesar Millan: A Member of the Family , October 27, 2008

By	Luchie - See all my reviews

I just finished reading this book: A Member of the Family. It is a great read. You will learn from Cesar what to do and how to do it. You'll get good advice for every day doggie problems. This is one of those books that will be reread and kind of used as a Doggie Bible.
This is a must read for all dog owners. I give this book all five stars. Not only will your dog benefit from what you learn, but yourself and family will benefit from it too.
Lucy and Schroeder