Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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

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

A Member of the Family: Cesar Millan's Guide to a Lifetime of Fulfillment with Your Dog First off, let me start by saying that I think Cesar is one in a million. I"ve read his books and watch his show religiously. That being said, I would rate this book as an interesting read-somewhat more informative than his previous titles yet still something of a tease. I still feel that he doesn't lead you step by step in the solving of problems. Reading about his TV cases gets somewhat tiring -mainly because I watch the show. I can't help but feel that someone is suggesting that he not reveal too many concrete solutions. A tease. I know that I am not the only one that feels this way about his books and I guess it's frustrating thinking that you will get more answers than you actually do. Oh well. I still love this guy!

This is my favorite thus far and I've read them all. Cesar and Melissa Jo make a great team once again! I really love Ilusion's chapter. I started with that one and once I opened it I sat in my car reading, unable to put it down.
Cesar's books motivate dog owners and non dog owners alike learn to become more balanced. His energy jumps off the pages and you can't help but take it in. In this book he talks about adoption (really important to me), preparing for a visit to the vet, how the family energy as a whole effects your dog, healing and energy.....SOO much more. This is a must read!

Cesar Millan's and Melissa Jo Peltier's latest book continues their line of smash hits in their canine ownership and dog psychology series. Coming out its first week as #8 on the New York Times Best Seller List, Cesar Millan and his faithful sidekick, Daddy, at the Dog Psychology Center of Los Angeles show that there is still so much America - and the rest of the world - have to learn from and about relating to Man's Best Friend: dog.

This book, Millan's and Peltier's third collaboration, is a continuation of the ideas and concepts developed in Millan's other two books: Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems and Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life. However, in this book, each chapter provides a vignette or an insight into a cornerstone of family life, whereas the two prior books sought to lay out Cesar's fundamental theory and philosophies regarding canine psychology, ownership, and human (pack) leadership and how to use the triad of that philosophy to solve basic human-canine behavioral problems, such as pulling on the walk, chasing squirrels, and so forth, this book is wholly different. Here, Millan seeks to show how dogs influence everyday family interactions in both beneficial and detrimental ways, and how to change our human behaviors so our dogs understand that we human are the pack leaders (the building block of his philosophy) and that they must follow us for guidance and direction. This, in turn, thus leads to beneficial interactions with family members.

Other chapters include input from Millan's wife, Ilusion, on encouraging women to become leaders in their own right, and his two sons, on how children should approach and care for dogs (i.e. no screaming around dogs, no pulling tails or ears, etc.). While in no way is Millan's book meant to have political overtones, Millan is the primal feminist who recognizes the strength that women have and that is denied to them, by themselves or society: a power that he seeks to restore to them through his philosophy of "calm-assertiveness."

Albeit, this is a simplistic review of a deep and richly toned book well worth reading and reflecting on.

I highly, highly recommend getting it. Not only will your pet benefit, but so will you. You may not agree with all of Millan's teachings, but it will strengthen you in ways you never imagined possible.

(3.75 stars) Cesar Millan's books have shown a progression both in his ideas and in the ease with which he presents those ideas. This book is the easiest of the three to use as a guide for life with your canine companion(s).

MAJOR kudos for Mr. Millan's chapters on choosing the right fit for your entire family (other pets included!) and for how to evaluate a shelter dog. These chapters are the best of their kind I have read. Continued kudos for not shying away from the hot topics of food quality and vaccination shedules.

Other chapters that present his ideas for creating a balanced home and a balanced dog are easy to follow and contain sound reasoning, though he was still somewhat vague IMO. In particular, he fails to outline his concept of "corrections." He on occassion is explicit (I was especially pleased with the advice to withhold attention from a dog that jumps up, since jumping is usually an attention-seeking bevahior, and his caution that a pinch collar can simulate a bite and further arouse an aggressing dog). In other instances, he merely said "correct the dog." This vagueness leaves too much open to interpretation - is he talking vocal interruption, collar correction (which is what most people will assume), body blocking, what? Although I haven't gotten the impression from his books that he relies heavily upon collar corrections, because this subject causes him the most grief within the profession, he needs to be more specific.

There is a letter in this book from a couple who adopted an 85lb dog and, a mere one month into their relationship, put her into a down and held her there until she showed "submission." Earlier, Cesar acknowledged (hooray!) that submission is an offered behavior, not something one canine forces upon another. Does he still support a forced down? And for heavens sake, even on an 85lb dog that you barely know? His inclusion of this letter suggests he might, and that's unsettling. ("Surrender" is a more appropriate term in this context than "submission." Pinning is done in fights, not in ritualized dominance displays or disciplinary actions.)

Much as I enjoyed most of this book, I had the nagging feeling something was missing. It wasn't until Ilusion's chapter that I understood what - affection! Cesar focuses so much on excercise and discipline that - ironically, as he did with his wife so long ago - he neglected affection! By leaving out this third part of the equation, Millan has unfortunately created an "unbalanced" book.

Nonetheless, it is his best offering to date and a sound, comprehensive guide to provide dogs a balanced life (just don't forget the affection!).

p.s. For a more detailed and helpful discussion of body blocking ("claiming space,") Patricia McConnell's The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs can't be beat.

p.s.s. This is a book review only. If you care at all what I think of his Web site and show, read the comment.

I think this book has too many stories about Cesar's interactions with dogs and families. And how he controls his dogs with positive energy, etc. But in real life we don't have a Cesar at our door and his books need to be more instructional in ways to show and teach the reader how to handle bad behavior and correct it. All the talk about calm energy is great but what if you have a household of kids who don't have that calm enegery! In my opinion, this book and 3 others I have bought are all pretty much the same all about Cesar and his dogs and not enough substance on real life training, family dynamics and how to control and correct behavior issues in the average home.
A friend gave me a book to read "Puppy Primer" by Brenda Scidmore & Patricia B. MCConnell, Ph.D. and I would highly recommend it! In 63 pages she manages to address all types of issues and give a solution for the pet owner that is concise and easy to follow. Cesar has a wonderful relationship with dogs but not all us are Cesar's we need and want help to specific issues for everyday families, with kids, to live in harmony with the pets we've chosen to grow up and old with.

This is a wonderful book for both first time dog owners and experienced owners. This gives a step by step direction from the moment you bring home your dog/puppy up to the sad day that we must face when our dogs reach the end.

Cesar Millan shares many of his own life experiences which are wonderful to learn about. Also his wife and sons share some of their thoughts. This book is truly about family.

This is an excellent book for people to read BEFORE getting a dog and also for those of us who have had dogs for years as there are many insights that we can overlook.

Cesar Millan understands dogs from the dog's view and helps us to understand in an easy way how to have a fulfilling life for both dog and human.

I highly recommend this book. I will read it many times over and keep it close by for future reference.

Carol from Canada

Cesar Millan has done it again! Definitely another "Best Seller" from the Dog Whisperer and family! Cesar's "PUPPY" chapter is by far the best instruction manual a new puppy owner can find anywhere! The entire book is without a doubt one that will be read, re-read and used by dog owners as much---if not more than new parents used "Baby Books."
Illusion Millan's chapter leaves no doubt in the reader's mind this lady has the same devotion and energy to open her heart and home to dogs, dogs, dogs. So nice to have a "role model" so warm and friendly you'd love to invite her for morning coffee. What is a bonus is the chapter by the Millan Boys (Andre and Calvin) that will guide and help children to both understand and be "Pack Leader's".
Cesar's attention to the Senior Dogs who unfortunately can't be with us as long as our human family is one that will help those of us who are faced with helping our dog's make the journey to the Rainbow Bridge. Loving our dogs and having to say good-bye too soon is never easy, but with Cesar's help we can have the strength to make it easier for our dog and other family members.
Cesar Millan (and Family's) contribution is one we will treasure! Thjs is his latest "classic" that will never leave our sight or be borrowed...of that I am very sure. Thank you Cesar, Illusion, Andre, Calvin and Daddy for a beautiful read and your efforts to help us have the relationship with our dog(s) we've always hoped for and couldn't have reached without you.
Elaine and "Cesarized" Alfie

If you are considering getting a dog, even if you have had a dog before, get this book FIRST...it is fantastic! That being said, there was a lot of information in this book that was after-the-fact since I have a dog who is 2 years old. Even though I have found very helpful advice in this book, I will probably purchase another one of his books to continue to teach me to be a better leader.