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| Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems (Unabridged) | 
 enlarge | Author: Peltier, Cesar, Melissa Jo Millan
Publisher: audible.com
Category: Book
List Price: $39.95
Buy New: $20.97
You Save: $18.98 (48%)
Avg. Customer Rating:  680 reviews
Sales Rank: 5732108
Media: Audio Download
ASIN: B000FI4882
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Amazon.com Review
Fans of the National Geographic Channel's The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan will be grateful for Cesar's Way, an accessible guide to help new and current dog owners better understand the needs of their beloved pets. If you are not yet a fan, try to catch a couple of episodes of the remarkable show--you will be amazed, impressed, and motivated to create a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with your dog. In Cesar's Way, Cesar explains that dogs are not complicated, and despite what various owners think--not human. They rely on three key elements in their lives: exercise, discipline, and affection (in that order). "Problem dogs" can be attributed to "problem owners," owners who don't understand and misinterpret their dog's behavior. Cesar's Way is really a training program for dog owners, with chapters devoted to understanding the "power of the pack," taking responsibility for "how we screw up our dogs," and learning how to manage aggression. Cesar's book (a must-have for new and old dog owners) moves beyond basic obedience school techniques, and teaches owners how to change unwanted behavior by better understanding their "best friends." --Daphne Durham
Exclusive Video from Cesar Millan
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Watch a Clip from the Show
 Watch Cesar in action in this clip of The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, courtesy of the National Geographic Channel. Or, tune in on Friday nights, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Cesar Millan's Top 5 Tips for Going to the Dog Park
 1. Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered, has all her shots, and is in good health. Under no circumstances should you bring a sick dog to a dog park!
2. Do not use the dog park as a substitute for the walk! If you drive to the park, leave your car a block away and take your dog on a vigorous walk of at least thirty-five minutes to drain some of her energy. Never take an over-excited dog to the park.
3. While at the park, don't "punch out" on your calm-assertive leadership. Be aware of your dog at all times, and take responsibility for her behavior.
4. A calm-submissive dog will not attract another dog's aggression--but an excited dog, a weak, timid dog, or an aggressive dog can become a fight-magnet.
5. Know your dog! If your dog has poor social skills, is overly fearful or is dog aggressive, or if you have not yet established your calm-assertive leadership with your dog, find a more controlled way to introduce her to the company of other dogs, such as "play dates" with one or two other dog owners.
Product Description
“I rehabilitate dogs. I train people.” —Cesar Millan
There are at least 68 million dogs in America, and their owners lavish billions of dollars on them every year. So why do so many pampered pets have problems? In this definitive and accessible guide, Cesar Millan—star of National Geographic Channel’s hit show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan—reveals what dogs truly need to live a happy and fulfilled life.
From his appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show to his roster of celebrity clients to his reality television series, Cesar Millan is America’s most sought-after dog-behavior expert. But Cesar is not a trainer in the traditional sense—his expertise lies in his unique ability to comprehend dog psychology. Tracing his own amazing journey from a clay-walled farm in Mexico to the celebrity palaces of Los Angeles, Cesar recounts how he learned what makes dogs tick. In Cesar’s Way, he shares this wisdom, laying the groundwork for you to have stronger, more satisfying relationships with your canine companions.
Cesar’s formula for a contented and balanced dog seems impossibly simple: exercise, discipline, and affection, in that order. Taking readers through the basics of dog psychology and behavior, Cesar shares the inside details of some of his most fascinating cases, using them to illustrate how common behavior issues develop and, more important, how they can be corrected.
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.
Learn what goes on inside your dog’s mind and develop a positive, fulfilling relationship with your best friend
In Cesar’s Way, Cesar Millan—nationally recognized dog expert and star of National Geographic Channel’s hit show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan—helps you see the world through the eyes of your dog so you can finally eliminate problem behaviors. You’ll learn:
• What your dog really needs may not be what you’re giving him
• Why a dog’s natural pack instincts are the key to your happy relationship
• How to relate to your dog on a canine level
• There are no “problem breeds,” just problem owners
• Why every dog needs a job
• How to choose a dog who’s right for you and your family
• The difference between discipline and punishment
• And much more!
Filled with fascinating anecdotes about Cesar’s longtime clients, and including forewords by the president of the International Association of Canine Professionals and Jada Pinkett Smith, this is the only book you’ll need to forge a new, more rewarding connection with your four-legged companion.
Also available as a Random House AudioBook
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| Customer Reviews: Read 675 more reviews...
 It just works April 5, 2006
518 out of 601 found this review helpful
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.
Cesar says dogs need exercise, discipline and affection in that order! Read and you'll know why. April 12, 2006
464 out of 525 found this review helpful
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
 Disappointing April 24, 2006
159 out of 216 found this review helpful
I had never heard of "The Dog Whisperer" until Cesar Millan made an appearance on Martha Stewart's show to promote this book. I was intrigued by his approach to rehabilitating an overactive dog by "giving it a job" during its daily walks. He strapped a backpack on the dog, and it was magically more cooperative. I thought, "Hmm. Maybe there's something to this guy." Maybe there is, but you won't learn any of it from this book.
At least one-third of the book is Cesar's biography. It explains in complete detail his life on his grandfather's farm, his miserable move to a big city in Mexico, how he illegally crossed into the United States and became a dog groomer, et cetera, et cetera, blah blah blah. Are you bored reading this paragraph? Try reading it spread out over about 100 pages.
Finally, the book gets to his actual method... sort of. Cesar shares anecdotes about some of his favorite problem dogs and tells us that he easily gained control over the animal. All he had to do was project his "calm-assertive energy" and the dog was putty in his hands. Yeah, right. He actually wants us to believe that all he had to do was project his energy at an aggressive, snarling, growling pit bull and everything was great? Sorry, but for mere mortals, that kind of method is not possible, and could very easily become dangerous.
My biggest problem with the book is that it goes into excruciating detail in places where the reader really doesn't care, and just glosses over the points that are most important. When he finally does tell the reader what to do with the dog, he never says how to do it. Yes, I realize he is not a dog trainer, but neither are most people. That's why we buy the book - to use it as a "Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems." Cesar says to prevent your dog from doing this, or correct him when he does that, but he NEVER SAYS HOW. These are the details that matter most! I don't care about how great the salty sea air smells when he is out on off-leash walks with his dogs on the beach. (No, I'm not exaggerating. There really are several long, drawn-out descriptions of the joyous time he spends walking the dogs.)
Overall, I am highly disappointed, and will most likely seek a refund. These days, everyone with a TV show apparently has to have a book, but if you're looking for a book that will actually tell you how to solve your dog's problems, I recommend that you not waste your money on this one.
5 WAGS OF THE TAIL FOR THIS ONE April 17, 2006
85 out of 102 found this review helpful
We've long heard that a dog is man's best friend, now many are discovering that a canine's best pal may very well be Cesar Millan. Last year he received the National Humane Society Genesis Award for the work he did in rehabilitating sheltered animals. Oprah brought him to the public eye as did his program on the National Geographic Channel. A book wasn't far behind.
Millan isn't a dog trainer, but rather an expert when it comes to them (and we learn that the estimated canine count in the U.S. is some 68 million.) Shopping centers boast sophisticated pet shops, and veterinarians abound. It's obvious that we care about our pets and want them to live long, healthy lives. According to Millan the secret to that is actually quite simple - exercise, discipline and affection. But, you have to listen to Millan himself explain the importance of these three elements and how to utilize them.
"Cesar's Way" is peppered with anecdotes about Millan's experiences with his four-legged friends plus down to earth advice about how to create a satisfying, strong bond with your pet.
Five wags of the tail for this one!
- Gail Cooke
 Cesar's Way: Definitely NOT a Whisper December 5, 2006
74 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.
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