Call number
636.7 MIK
Collection
Publication
Harmony Books (2006), Edition: First Edition, 298 pages
Description
Learn what goes on inside your dog's mind and develop a positive, fulfilling relationship with your best friend. "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan is America's most sought-after dog-behavior expert, but he is not a trainer in the traditional sense--his expertise lies in his ability to comprehend dog psychology. Tracing his own journey from a clay-walled farm in Mexico to the celebrity palaces of Los Angeles, Cesar recounts how he learned what makes dogs tick. Here, he shares this wisdom. Cesar's formula for a contented and balanced dog seems impossibly simple: exercise, discipline, and affection, in that order. Whether you're having issues with your dog or just want to make a good bond even stronger, this book will give you a deeper appreciation of how your dog sees the world, and it will help make your relationship with your beloved pet a richer and more rewarding one.--From publisher description.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Lilac_Lily01
I first learned about Cesar Millan from the National Geographic Channel, where I happened to watch his show the Dog Whisperer. I was amazed at how easily he transformed "Problem Dogs" (meaning: Problem Owners)and I wanted to learn more about him and his methods.
In "Cesar's Way" we learn more about
Cesar also goes over his basic principles of living with a well balanced dog. And what it takes to become a great pack leader. Some of these principles are very basic yet it seems most humans have forgotten them. But as Cesar proves time and time again his method works and it is by no means harmful or even cruel to dogs.
Overall, a fast and entertaining read, with advice that can even be applied towards other areas of life.
In "Cesar's Way" we learn more about
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the author's background and how he developed his passion for helping and working with dogs. I found the part about his childhood in Mexico very interesting. Especially when he outlined the different attitudes that people have towards dogs. Cesar also goes over his basic principles of living with a well balanced dog. And what it takes to become a great pack leader. Some of these principles are very basic yet it seems most humans have forgotten them. But as Cesar proves time and time again his method works and it is by no means harmful or even cruel to dogs.
Overall, a fast and entertaining read, with advice that can even be applied towards other areas of life.
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LibraryThing member anotterchaos
95% theory, 5% tips. 95% "problem" dogs, 5% everyday situations.
There is some good stuff here. The energy information is undeniably valid. The pack psychology is valid. It is true that Americans spoil too much and limit too little, and anthropomorphize WAY too much.
But this book can't decide
I got very frustrated very often with the "don't allow" your dog to jump, bark, whatever. How? He never really says. He addresses "correction" very generally, but without situation specific examples.
And I caught him in a hypocrisy...we are not supposed to interpret dog behavior in human terms, but he claims that "his dogs in Mexico never had nightmares the ways dogs in the US do." Hmmm, how do you know that a dog twitching and barking in his sleep is having a nightmare? Maybe it's a good dream. Maybe it's just a reflex.
Anyway, for good solid practical tips, give me Brian Kilcommons anyday.
There is some good stuff here. The energy information is undeniably valid. The pack psychology is valid. It is true that Americans spoil too much and limit too little, and anthropomorphize WAY too much.
But this book can't decide
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whether it wants to be a rah-rah self promotion book, a memoir, or a solid guide for dog owners. It's way more 1 & 2 than 3.I got very frustrated very often with the "don't allow" your dog to jump, bark, whatever. How? He never really says. He addresses "correction" very generally, but without situation specific examples.
And I caught him in a hypocrisy...we are not supposed to interpret dog behavior in human terms, but he claims that "his dogs in Mexico never had nightmares the ways dogs in the US do." Hmmm, how do you know that a dog twitching and barking in his sleep is having a nightmare? Maybe it's a good dream. Maybe it's just a reflex.
Anyway, for good solid practical tips, give me Brian Kilcommons anyday.
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LibraryThing member Redbud
Cesar is our doggie hero! No one intuits dogs better, and I have to agree that everyone who owns, or is thinking of owning, a dog should read this book.
LibraryThing member nancenwv
I think this book is best to read if you already know Cesar from his TV show. I am a big fan. You can find it on Netflix if you don't get the Nat Geo channel. It's amazing to see his rapport and subtle communication about being the pack leader totally changing the behavior of problem dogs.
If you
He did write a second book which I have not read that is more straight forward and detailed about working with your own dog. I think it's called Be the Pack Leader.
If you
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are also a fan this book is great for finding out more about his life, the background story to his philosophy, and how it evolved when he started working with dogs in CA. The celebrity stuff is fun.He did write a second book which I have not read that is more straight forward and detailed about working with your own dog. I think it's called Be the Pack Leader.
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LibraryThing member vincent1959
I read this book on the recommendation of a friend. I admit that I have never seen the TV show. My impression is that he seems to do a whole lot of celebrity name dropping through out the book. Whether or not his methods work is not really for me to say, however I did not get much out of reading
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this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Sandydog1
Not really well written, redundant and full of brief anecdotes. There are not a lot of specifics about how to stop a behavior. So I've taken a 1/2 a star for that. But the concepts are extremely valuable. The idea of exercise/discipline/affection in that order, is alone worth knowing, and knowing
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well. Anyone who is thinking of buying a dog should read this book. Dogs need a tremendous amount of exercise (time) and this book emphasizes this important fact. Show Less
LibraryThing member EowynA
Part autobiography, part dog book. This is written by the "Dog Whisperer" from the National Geographic channel program. Born in Mexico, and at one time an illegal immigrant to the US, now on track towards citizenship, Cesar Millan knew from a yong age that he would work with animals if at all
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possible. He grew up around dogs, observing them, and learning. He shares his journey to the US, and into his chosen profession -- one that he has pretty much defined. He also shares his vews on keeping a dog, and his pack (which means us) balanced, with the human leaning how to be the pack leader, and the dog the calm submissive follower. It is all about displaying the right energy and following that with good discipline and lots of exercise. Recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member madamejeanie
Have you all ever seen this guy's show on National Geographic TV? He is a sort of dog psychologist/interpreter/trainer. He's pretty incredible if you've ever seen him be able to take a totally out-of-control dog and bring it into line within a couple of weeks. He's a natural born "pack leader" and
Dogs communicate first by energy, then by smell, then sight, then sound. He says that their needs are exercise first, then discipline, then food, then affection. And most pet owners use words and shower affection on our dogs, which is exactly the wrong way to gain control over them. The stuff in this book makes sense, but I don't think I can institute it over Winston and Roxie without knocking them over the head with something first. LOL Never let the dog go through a doorway ahead of you? Never let the dog get ahead of you on a walk? Make the dog sit until he is calm-submissive before you give him food? ROFL!
I should probably point out that I laid the book on the loveseat once while reading it and when I came back, Roxie had chewed the dust cover off it. I don't think this is going to work. The funny thing is she's never tried to approach a book before, only this one. Maybe she didn't want me to read it? LOL Anyway, my critique is that it's not very well written, the first four chapters are this guy's life story (an illegal Mexican alien) and shouldn't have even been included, IMO. There are a few nuggets of wisdom in here but you have to hunt them down. This book gets a 2.
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has written this book to try to enlighten ignorant pet owners (like me!) in how to become the leader of the pack in our own households. He says that dogs (and all animals) communicate mainly through energy. That's true enough. Have you ever seen an entire herd of gazelles or huge flock of birds suddenly move as if they were one animal? He describes the proper energy we, as pack leaders, should be projecting to our dogs 24-7 as "calm-aggressive," and uses as an example the energy that Oprah Winfrey projects to other people. She is always sure of herself and in control of the situation and very seldom gets thrown for a loop. Then he goes on to tell the tale of how Oprah has a cocker Spaniel that walks all over her and is in full control of her entire household.Dogs communicate first by energy, then by smell, then sight, then sound. He says that their needs are exercise first, then discipline, then food, then affection. And most pet owners use words and shower affection on our dogs, which is exactly the wrong way to gain control over them. The stuff in this book makes sense, but I don't think I can institute it over Winston and Roxie without knocking them over the head with something first. LOL Never let the dog go through a doorway ahead of you? Never let the dog get ahead of you on a walk? Make the dog sit until he is calm-submissive before you give him food? ROFL!
I should probably point out that I laid the book on the loveseat once while reading it and when I came back, Roxie had chewed the dust cover off it. I don't think this is going to work. The funny thing is she's never tried to approach a book before, only this one. Maybe she didn't want me to read it? LOL Anyway, my critique is that it's not very well written, the first four chapters are this guy's life story (an illegal Mexican alien) and shouldn't have even been included, IMO. There are a few nuggets of wisdom in here but you have to hunt them down. This book gets a 2.
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LibraryThing member peleluna
Cesar's insights on dog behavior are excellent and have served me well in practical application. However, I could have done without the homage to Jada Pinkett-Smith and there was some personal information about Cesar's life that I could have done without...my purpose in reading this book was dog
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behavior and training, not a biography! Show Less
LibraryThing member sfisk
Not a big fan oh his, more of an Ed Frawley follower
LibraryThing member horomnizon
I know some people freak out because they think Cesar is too rough with some dogs on his TV show, but my guess is that they haven't read the book. Cesar never suggests that an average person deals with a dog that needs professional help. It's also obvious from the book that he really wants the dog
While I didn't implement every suggestion, the book was a great help! I'm making an effort to walk my dog more and I mean walk - not take a few steps and sniff, take a few steps and sniff....we've gotten over that (mostly) - thanks to Cesar!
I think that this book will influence how I deal with new dogs that come into my life in the future as well. It's always best to get started on the right foot.
What's also interesting is that this is not only the story of his dog training philosophy and celebrity's dogs, but it is the story of his life - coming from Mexico with nothing and working his way up to a job he loves.
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to be happy - to live a natural dog life.While I didn't implement every suggestion, the book was a great help! I'm making an effort to walk my dog more and I mean walk - not take a few steps and sniff, take a few steps and sniff....we've gotten over that (mostly) - thanks to Cesar!
I think that this book will influence how I deal with new dogs that come into my life in the future as well. It's always best to get started on the right foot.
What's also interesting is that this is not only the story of his dog training philosophy and celebrity's dogs, but it is the story of his life - coming from Mexico with nothing and working his way up to a job he loves.
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LibraryThing member chrisdat
The best dog trainig book ever. I've bought and read dozens. This book changed my relationship with my two Norweigan Elkhounds
LibraryThing member jeffropeck
Excellent insight into the minds of our pets. This book delves way beyond the practical. Cesar helps us understand the why behind the how and thus form a deeper and lasting pack-leader relationship with our dogs.
LibraryThing member micronoclast
Maybe my dog was getting better anyway-- his advice on keeping the leash higherup on the neck and walking more assertively seems to have made a difference-- no more ropeburn from the leash!
LibraryThing member ManDuke
Overall I thought his theories seemed educational and helpful. Most people would benefit from reading this book and practicing it with their pets. There are few things I had doubts about, but definitely a good read for dog people.
LibraryThing member Morbid_Jenn
This book should be a must to accompany any dog to it's new home once it's been adopted.
Excellent book and full of helpful information.
Excellent book and full of helpful information.
LibraryThing member KoryChase
No tips to try at home, but an interesting read
LibraryThing member DrDan1416
Has a great understanding into animal behavior. Had some disagreements with his view on interaction and connection on a spiritual level with dogs. Overall excellent book. If all pet owners would implement these techniques human and numan pet interaction would be much different.
LibraryThing member la_librarian
Very interesting book on dog behavior and training.
LibraryThing member satyridae
Interesting book about the care and training of dogs with far too many celebrity walk-ons. Some sound advice, but the constant name-dropping annoyed me.
LibraryThing member jengollehon
Anyone who has a dog or is thinking about getting a dog should read this book. Lots of good information about treating a dog like a dog. The writing style was ok, but with so much great info, I had to give it 5 stars!!
LibraryThing member fuzzi
Read "Cesar's Way" today, and found a lot of common sense advice, but also some dog training suggestions that should have occurred to me, especially with my background in reading every bit of information on animals that I could find!
I don't have cable TV, so I appreciated this look into "The Dog
I don't have cable TV, so I appreciated this look into "The Dog
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Whisperer" and his methods. 4 stars (the rating system keeps disappearing on me!) Show Less
LibraryThing member AmyElizabeth
If you know me at all, you know that I have become obsessed with the idea of owning a dog. Growing up, I always had cats, and since I’ve been on my own, I’ve had fish. I’m going to be honest, the fish aren’t doing it for me anymore. I need something fuzzy and cuddly that wags its tail when
So, since I’ve never had a dog but have a deep and burning desire to own one, I thought I should do a little research and reading up on the subject. (What else would you expect from someone with an English degree and who works in a library?) The book that I ran across and decided to try out first was Cesar’s Way, written by the host of National Geographic Channel’s TV show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. I had never seen the show and I knew next to nothing about Cesar Millan, but I dove right in and barely surfaced for air.
This book gave a lot of background information on Cesar, where he grew up and how he always seemed to have a special connection with dogs. He explains how he came to the United States (a very interesting story, I might add – he wasn’t originally a legal immigrant) and how he decided to and eventually became a significant force in the dog business. I was amazed to learn that he has his own Dog Psychology Center, and here he keeps 30 to 40 dogs on a regular basis, all of whom get along and can run next to Cesar without leashes, can eat without showing food aggression, and can even play with one tennis ball and never have a problem! Cesar gives information on dogs in general – their overall psychology and, in relation to that, their physiology. He explains why dogs act out the way they do, and what you, as an owner, need to do to curb that aggressive or unwanted behavior. While I wish he had more direct instructions as to how to train a dog, the insight he gave me as to why a dog needs to be trained and the basic rules on how to keep your dog happy and psychologically healthy (“exercise, discipline, and affection, in that order!”) is invaluable. He also discusses how you can (and should) become the pack leader to your dog, instead of letting your dog rule you.
After reading his book, I happened to stumble across a TV with cable and it just so happened that his show was on. Watching it, I saw what he had tried to explain in his book, and everything that was just a bit hazy in my mind clicked into place. By reading, I understood why Cesar did certain things, but watching the show I got to see how. His website also has a ton of helpful and interesting information.
5 out of 5 stars. This was the absolute best book I could have picked out before owning a dog. It opened my eyes to the amount of responsibility a dog entails (much more than a cat!) but also gave me the tools I needed to succeed as a competent and responsible dog owner. I am currently waiting to get a hold of his second book, Be the Pack Leader, and am looking forward to watching more of his show. While this is not the book for you if you are just hoping to teach your dog to sit and stay, this is definitely required reading for all current and potential dog owners. The information I received is invaluable and I can’t wait to learn more!
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I come home instead of puffs up its gills or ignores me. I’m still considering getting a cat, but I’ve never had a dog and I think it would be a great experience.So, since I’ve never had a dog but have a deep and burning desire to own one, I thought I should do a little research and reading up on the subject. (What else would you expect from someone with an English degree and who works in a library?) The book that I ran across and decided to try out first was Cesar’s Way, written by the host of National Geographic Channel’s TV show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. I had never seen the show and I knew next to nothing about Cesar Millan, but I dove right in and barely surfaced for air.
This book gave a lot of background information on Cesar, where he grew up and how he always seemed to have a special connection with dogs. He explains how he came to the United States (a very interesting story, I might add – he wasn’t originally a legal immigrant) and how he decided to and eventually became a significant force in the dog business. I was amazed to learn that he has his own Dog Psychology Center, and here he keeps 30 to 40 dogs on a regular basis, all of whom get along and can run next to Cesar without leashes, can eat without showing food aggression, and can even play with one tennis ball and never have a problem! Cesar gives information on dogs in general – their overall psychology and, in relation to that, their physiology. He explains why dogs act out the way they do, and what you, as an owner, need to do to curb that aggressive or unwanted behavior. While I wish he had more direct instructions as to how to train a dog, the insight he gave me as to why a dog needs to be trained and the basic rules on how to keep your dog happy and psychologically healthy (“exercise, discipline, and affection, in that order!”) is invaluable. He also discusses how you can (and should) become the pack leader to your dog, instead of letting your dog rule you.
After reading his book, I happened to stumble across a TV with cable and it just so happened that his show was on. Watching it, I saw what he had tried to explain in his book, and everything that was just a bit hazy in my mind clicked into place. By reading, I understood why Cesar did certain things, but watching the show I got to see how. His website also has a ton of helpful and interesting information.
5 out of 5 stars. This was the absolute best book I could have picked out before owning a dog. It opened my eyes to the amount of responsibility a dog entails (much more than a cat!) but also gave me the tools I needed to succeed as a competent and responsible dog owner. I am currently waiting to get a hold of his second book, Be the Pack Leader, and am looking forward to watching more of his show. While this is not the book for you if you are just hoping to teach your dog to sit and stay, this is definitely required reading for all current and potential dog owners. The information I received is invaluable and I can’t wait to learn more!
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LibraryThing member IllanoyGal
Excellent book to get one started in good relationships with a dog. Also a good companion piece for his TV program, "Cesar's Way".
LibraryThing member bookworm12
In his first book, Cesar shares stories about his childhood in Mexico and his first experiences in America. The book is packed with tips, but it’s also part memoir, which made it easy to dive into. It also helped explain the reason why he trains dogs the way he does. Learning the thought process
Cesar had no money when he came to America and he couldn’t speak a word of English. He worked at a dog grooming salon, and then cleaning limos long before he was the “dog whisperer.” One of his very first clients was Jada Pinkett Smith and she helped him grow his business and learn English. Once he established his dog psychology center he was truly able pursue his dream of helping rehabilitate dogs and train people in how to correctly care for their own dogs.
A few things that really helped me:
1) Nose, eyes, ears – If you want your dog to obey you, appeal to their senses in this order. Don’t yell commands at them, use bully sticks and other treats to show them where you want them to go, etc.
2) Calm and assertive behavior – Your attitude affects your dog. It you’re acting crazy, so will they. If they don’t respect your authority, they won’t obey you.
3) You dog is not a human. Simple, right? But it’s not, because we treat our dogs like our babies sometimes. Just remembering that my dog is in fact a dog, makes it much easier to train him and teach him what he is and isn’t allowed to do. He will not get his feelings hurt if you don’t allow him to do something.
4) It you’re trying to overcome a phobia or obsession in your dog, tire them out before attempting anything. When they’re worn out they’re more likely to be relaxed and accept changes.
5) The answer to almost any problem: Walks! If you’re going to try something new/if they’re being destructive/if you’re moving or traveling or going to a dog park, no matter what the problem is, the first answer is always to take them on a long walk.
I would highly recommend reading this BEFORE you get a dog. There are so many important tips that I would have liked to know before we brought out dog home. It turns out we did most things right, but there are some things we would have done differently. The book is incredibly helpful no matter what stage you are in with your dog, but would be most beneficial for soon-to-be owners.
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behind his methods was perhaps the most valuable thing in the book. Cesar had no money when he came to America and he couldn’t speak a word of English. He worked at a dog grooming salon, and then cleaning limos long before he was the “dog whisperer.” One of his very first clients was Jada Pinkett Smith and she helped him grow his business and learn English. Once he established his dog psychology center he was truly able pursue his dream of helping rehabilitate dogs and train people in how to correctly care for their own dogs.
A few things that really helped me:
1) Nose, eyes, ears – If you want your dog to obey you, appeal to their senses in this order. Don’t yell commands at them, use bully sticks and other treats to show them where you want them to go, etc.
2) Calm and assertive behavior – Your attitude affects your dog. It you’re acting crazy, so will they. If they don’t respect your authority, they won’t obey you.
3) You dog is not a human. Simple, right? But it’s not, because we treat our dogs like our babies sometimes. Just remembering that my dog is in fact a dog, makes it much easier to train him and teach him what he is and isn’t allowed to do. He will not get his feelings hurt if you don’t allow him to do something.
4) It you’re trying to overcome a phobia or obsession in your dog, tire them out before attempting anything. When they’re worn out they’re more likely to be relaxed and accept changes.
5) The answer to almost any problem: Walks! If you’re going to try something new/if they’re being destructive/if you’re moving or traveling or going to a dog park, no matter what the problem is, the first answer is always to take them on a long walk.
I would highly recommend reading this BEFORE you get a dog. There are so many important tips that I would have liked to know before we brought out dog home. It turns out we did most things right, but there are some things we would have done differently. The book is incredibly helpful no matter what stage you are in with your dog, but would be most beneficial for soon-to-be owners.
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Pages
298