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| Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems | 
 enlarge | Authors: Cesar Millan, Melissa Jo Peltier
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Category: Book
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Avg. Customer Rating:  687 reviews
Sales Rank: 321
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 320
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.9
ISBN: 0307337979
Dewey Decimal Number: 636.70887
EAN: 9780307337979
ASIN: 0307337979
Publication Date: September 18, 2007
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| Customer Reviews:
 Cesar's Way: Definitely NOT a Whisper December 5, 2006
76 out of 117 found this review helpful
Although the jacket claims that the book offers a "natural, everyday guide to understanding & correcting common dog problems," Cesar's Way, by Cesar Millan (aka the Dog Whisperer) delivers very little usable information for dog owners. The book is aptly named, as its main focus is Cesar, not the dogs. Instead of providing revolutionary insight into dog psyche, Cesar's Way largely describes Cesar's own interpretation of various problem dog behaviors and his methods of treating. The typical dog owner can't use these methods, as they involve 4 or 5 hours of vigorous exercise a day, time with a pack of 40 to 50 dogs, and physical corrections and intimidation to achieve submission. Cesar's various and sometimes peculiar philosophies and beliefs are woven throughout the book, making it more a treatise on his views of how dogs and owners (and even men and women) should construct their relationships rather than a useful guidebook to promote a harmonious life for dog and owner.
The most glaring faults of the book are not so much what is included, but what is not. First, there is no acknowledgement of the dog's ability to quickly and easily learn dozens of words to create a common vocabulary between dog and owner. This is otherwise known as training...something that has been very helpful over the thousands of years of human/dog interactions. Communication in this way has allowed dogs to be trained for very complex, useful behaviors in their complex lives as 21st century pets in a developed country. Cesar, however, strives for a "primal" relationship between dogs and their owners, epitomized in his view by homeless people and their dogs. In this primitive construct, Cesar uses no words to communicate with his dogs. Instead, the only sound he will issue is a harsh hiss, which will generally cause dogs to display submission when he is displeased. So, instead of teaching a dog to sit or down/stay and then asking the dog to remain calm so it can "earn" its dinner, Cesar expects the dog to just "figure it out," regardless of how confused, hungry, and frustrated the dog becomes. Likewise, the poor fearful dogs Cesar "rehabilitates" could be easily taught to sit and stay while desensitized to his approach rather than being subjected to forceful, terrifying intimidation tactics described in the book. Cesar states that he will repeat these techniques "a thousand times" if necessary with fearful dogs.
Also related to training, or lack thereof, is Cesar's method of "discipline." The book doesn't specifically advise owners on how to stop their dogs from doing what Cesar feels should be forbidden. Other than taking the dog on long marches on the end of a short lead with a noose around the most sensitive area of the neck and projecting calm, assertive energy, the reader is at a loss as to how he or she is to change her dog's behavior. Based on his "Dog Whisperer Show," the method of discipline appears to involve punishment delivered verbally (his "hiss") or through tightening of the choke collar to the point of shutting off the airway. Cesar does discuss the "alpha roll," in his book, but wisely cautions owners from doing it on their own dogs except under the guidance of a trained professional. I suspect the advantage to this is that the trainer will end up in the emergency room rather than the owner. The purpose of discipline is to educate the dog, and the approaches alluded to in this book do not instruct the owner to show the dog what the owner would like him or her to do instead of the undesirable behavior.
In addition to the above-mentioned omissions, there are no recommendations made for simple environmental manipulations that could minimize or even solve many problems. For example, Cesar mentioned a dog that bit mail carriers to the point that the USPS would not deliver mail for the entire neighborhood. This case was featured on a Dog Whisperer episode, which I did review. Not once did Cesar advise the owner to keep her dog under control by not allowing it to run at large, unsupervised, in the neighborhood. Although Cesar's appearance dressed up in a postal uniform was perfect TV schmaltz, it's unlikely this one-time encounter will affect that dog's future behavior toward the real mail carriers. Another case described in the book involved a dog that walked in perfect submission, unleashed down a city street to its owner's photography studio. However, at the studio, the dog began to display aggression toward clients. Cesar dramatically described the horrible outcomes, including euthanasia, if this behavior could not be stopped! However, he did not mention simply leaving the dog at home or using a leash, gate, or crate at the studio until adequate training could be achieved. More to the point, he didn't even describe how the owner was to stop behavior. Cesar simply advised him to act like a leader. Sadly, Cesar not only missed opportunities to easily direct the reader to successful strategies, but glamorized the walking of a dog off-lead in a busy city, which is unlawful in many jurisdictions and could prove fatal for a dog.
While Cesar's opening autobiography in the book provides a touching "rags to riches" story, it is of no particular help to the dog owner. However, it does provide great insight into Cesar's perception of the perfect life for a dog. His ideas were clearly formed during his childhood, where he observed the behavior his grandfather's nearly feral farm dogs. The dogs lived outdoors, were not regularly fed, and received no health care, save hosing for severe infestation of external parasites. The dogs were not trained, but just "naturally" knew what to do. This construct of the perfect life for a dog reappears later in the book, when Cesar declares that the happiest dogs in America are those owned by homeless people, as they engage in the proper following behavior required of all dogs if they view their owners as "dominant".
As Cesar goes on to describe various types of aggression he treats, he uses terms such as "unbalanced" and "negative energy." These vague terms do little to help advance our understanding or aid owners in preventing or treating problems. His rehabilitation techniques, while interesting, are simply descriptions of what he, himself, does at his facility. In general, it involves heavy exercise to induce a "calm, submissive state," exposure to the pack of dogs, and a feeding process where only the calmest dogs are given their food. As previously noted, these techniques do not easily transfer to the typical dog owner.
Throughout the book, much is made of popular "dominance theory" and its application to dog training. Cesar maintains that a dog that jumps up during greeting, pulls on a leash, or walks through the door first is dominating the owner. These assertions are patently false. Many dogs jump during greeting while displaying obvious submissive behaviors. They are whining and licking! The reason they jump is to sniff the owner's face, which is simply vertically oriented rather than horizontally oriented, like other dogs. Likewise, pulling on the lead or going through the door first usually relates to a simple lack of training and the dog's ability to move much faster than its human companion. Cesar's description of wolf pack behavior is not supported by the latest research. There is no constant scrabbling to be top wolf. The pack structure is simply a family, with mother and father at the top and several years' worth of maturing offspring. Placement in the hierarchy is based on sex and age.
In the final section of the book, Cesar offers up the closest thing to advice for owners in the book. I do agree with many of his questions prospective owners should ask themselves prior to taking on a puppy. However, while I agree exercise is important, his recommendations for exercise in excess of 1.5 hours of walking per day, are not practical for most people. I am particularly concerned about the potential for injuries to dogs worked out on the treadmill, and joint damage to dogs under the age of two who may be asked to wear a backpack full of filled water bottles, as he suggests. Under the discipline section, Cesar repeatedly will advise owners what not to let their dogs do, such as wake them up in the morning or greet them too enthusiastically upon their return. As noted above, he doesn't tell owners how to stop the behavior or what alternate behavior the dog should be taught! The most concrete advice I could find was for owners to always behave in a calm assertive way. I do endorse this concept but it would be much more helpful for Cesar to instruct readers on exactly what they should do with the dog while being calm and assertive.
"Cesar's Way" will make a fine read for you if you want to learn about Cesar and how he claims to dramatically rehabilitates dogs to live in his pack. His is an impressive story of human ambition and resolve, which makes a nice marketing package for simplistic, outdated, and sometimes downright dangerous techniques. However, if you are a dog owner looking to deepen your relationship with your dog and/or improve your dog's behavior, I would direct you to authors such as Patricia McConnell, Jean Donaldson, Ian Dunbar, and Sophia Yin. By using more advanced, humane techniques of true dog training, you will surely improve the quality of life for both you and your dog. And the book won't be centered on the messenger; it will be centered on the message.
UGH. There are so many other, better, trainers and books. July 7, 2007
67 out of 97 found this review helpful
While I'm glad that more folks are aware that they can influence and modify their dogs' behavior and this means fewer dogs getting dumped at shelters for "behavioral problems" (really training issues), Millan is far from the best, dog-friendliest, trainer out there. There are better choices by far. I wish every dog owner would read Jean Donaldson's The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs. Where Millan relies on slick and careful editing to appear successful on his TV show, and unfortunately promotes a grossly oversimplified (and highly inaccurate) version of dominance theory in dealing with dogs, Donaldson *truly* understands the canine mind and (as the woman who trains some of the best dog trainers in the country, as well) also understands how best to help humans learn about dogs.
TV and the big publishing houses will produce and market their fad trainer of the moment, and thankfully, most of them fade away before they do too much damage. The *real* trainers, those actually respected by their peers, even if they aren't as glitzy and television-friendly as the fad ones, endure.
Please consider Jean Donaldson's Culture Clash (I've been a professional dog trainer for almost 20 years and tell people if they only plan on reading one book on dogs, dog behavior and dog training, it should be this one), Pam Dennison's books The Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training, 2nd Edition and How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong: A Road Map for Rehabilitating Aggressive Dogs, Ian Dunbar's books and videos How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks, Sirius Puppy Training, anything by Patricia McConnell, especially her really inexpensive booklets: How to be the Leader of the Pack...And have Your Dog Love You For It, The Cautious Canine, Suzanne Clothier , and, if you want a real step-by-step, how to train your dog, absolute gem of a little book, try The Only Dog Tricks Book You'll Ever Need: Impress Friends, Family--and Other Dogs! (despite the title, it's not just tricks, but does cover the Big Five commands of sit, down, stay, heel, come).
All of these are far better, effective, honest choices for you *and* your dog than Cesar's Way.
 Want a Happier Dog? May 5, 2006
63 out of 77 found this review helpful
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.
Nothing new or useful May 7, 2006
56 out of 104 found this review helpful
Millan's methods may seem new and revolutionary to anyone who has no experience in the world of dogs, but they are not. In fact, most have long-since been deserted by dog trainers, owners and rehabilitators who understand learning and dogs.
It is as if someone had achieved great popularity pushing a fabulous new invention called the typewriter, embracing the long-dead theory that "cold" mothers cause autism in their children, or advocating smacking kindergarten kids over the knuckles with a ruler as a magical way to teach them the alphabet. It may not seem so horrible, and it may seem necessary, to someone who is innocent of the subject at hand. And it is neatly packaged to seem like a method.
But a little knowledge easily shows that what is good about it is "old news," easily found elsewhere. It also shows the gaping flaws in it.
His calm, controlled demeanor is common sense to anyone who works with animals, or, for that matter, anyone who teaches anything. You'd see it in a good local trainer, parent or elementary school teacher.
"Training the person" is also nothing new. Most good trainers consider it their mandate to teach the human.
And, many trainers agree that exercise is good for dogs -- that's hardly revolutionary. However, it is not a magical cure-all for difficult dogs -- in fact, too much can create stress. And very few people could exercise their dogs for the many hours a day that Millan does, even if it was magically effective in changing behavior for the better.
The rest of what he advocates, although it may seem to have a philosophy and some organization, is just a mish-mash of techniques with little logic behind them. He has his set routines, and does not seem to notice, or perhaps doesn't care, that things like "flooding" -- forcing a dog into a situation that it fears -- is shutting it down with stress, not calming it down and easing its fear.
Domination is not rehabilitation, and playing on our guilt about "spoiling" our dogs is manipulation.
The dog-human relationship need not include dominance rituals -- dogs know we are not dogs. The "be alpha" stuff came from a small bit of research on wolves, decades ago, that has long since been supplanted, and has little bearing on pet dogs.
Life has made us the leaders -- we have control of the doors, the food, the car, the toys, and everything else a dog wants -- it is quite easy to change dogs' behavior, as long as we use those things.
Our brains and some patience are the best tools to train or rehabilitate a dog. Controlling the environment to keep a dog out of trouble, figuring out what it finds rewarding, and reinforcing behaviors you do want, are far more effective, pleasant, and likely to build a good relationship than Millan's techniques.
Check out the works of Karen Pryor, Pat Miller or Melissa Alexander for better ideas about teaching, and Suzanne Clothier, Ray and Lorna Coppinger, Jean Donaldson, or Patricia McConnell for better insight into dogs. For free advice, try the Clickersolutions.com site.
Dogs can learn self-control and voluntary compliance with our wishes -- they need not be dominated, just taught. I want my dogs actions to say "I'll do that!" not "I give up."
A sad day in dog land... May 8, 2006
51 out of 105 found this review helpful
If you want to take a ride to the 70s in a time machine, this is the vehicle for you. Do your dog a favor, though, and leave him right where he is, since Millan's 'philosophy' of dog/human relationship management really won't be doing him much good.
If you're a big fan of the old school's outmoded alpha rolls, or truly believe your dog is trying to dominate you while he's cruising the counter looking for cookies, then you'll probably enjoy this book a great deal. If you do choose to buy this, you'll get a lot of the author's biography and his own personal 'science' (that bears little or no resemblance to any accepted science in the realms of learning theory, dog training or behavior). What you WON'T get is much information on dog training, or much useful advice on how to fix any kind of dog behavior or dog/human relationship problems.
Complex issues like separation anxiety rate a couple of paragraphs, heavily vested in making sure the dog is exercised to exhaustion at all times. While I'm sure a dog that's physically depleted all the time is much easier to handle, I'm not sure how many of us actually have the ability to incorporate 6 hours of daily strenuous dog exercise into our already crowded lives. And besides, what role does an exhausted, 4-legged zombie fill in your family circle?
The human/dog bond has evolved for thousands of years as a richly textured relationship deserving of a great deal more consideration than Millan's 'fast-food' analysis would suggest. Your money would be better spent elsewhere...
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