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Cesar's Way
Pets, Animal Training
299 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 1997
1,079 people are currently reading
3,350 people want to read
About the author
Cesar Millan
81books494followersCesar Millan is a best-selling author, public speaker, and the internationally acclaimed star of “Cesar 911,� as well as the original, Emmy-nominated host of the “Dog Whisperer� program. With “Cesar 911,� he brings more than 25 years of dog experience and his status as the most recognized and sought-after authority in the field of dog care and rehabilitation directly to communities terrorized by unruly hounds.
In December of 1990, 21-year-old Cesar Millan crossed the border from Mexico into California. He lived on the streets of San Diego, landed a job grooming dogs, and soon gained a reputation for his calming effect on even the most difficult cases. With a few dollars in his pocket, he moved north to Los Angeles and took a job washing cars.
With the money he saved, he started a freelance dog rehabilitation service, primarily offering his expertise with extreme cases. This led him to open his first Dog Psychology Center, which eventually became the current 43-acre site in the Santa Clarita Valley, now including a sheep herding area, air conditioned kennels, swimming pool, obstacle course, and hiking trails. The Dog Psychology Center is a featured location in “Cesar 911.�
In addition to co-authoring six books, Cesar has created numerous instructional DVDs and continues to host a popular series of seminars where attendees learn how to apply his extensive knowledge of dog psychology and rehabilitation techniques.
In “Cesar 911,� he continues to apply that knowledge in order to bring balance to relationships, households, and neighborhoods being torn apart by out-of-control dogs. More importantly, he helps the humans who thought their dogs were beyond saving but who learn otherwise as Cesar comes to the rescue and teaches them how to be the Pack Leader.
In December of 1990, 21-year-old Cesar Millan crossed the border from Mexico into California. He lived on the streets of San Diego, landed a job grooming dogs, and soon gained a reputation for his calming effect on even the most difficult cases. With a few dollars in his pocket, he moved north to Los Angeles and took a job washing cars.
With the money he saved, he started a freelance dog rehabilitation service, primarily offering his expertise with extreme cases. This led him to open his first Dog Psychology Center, which eventually became the current 43-acre site in the Santa Clarita Valley, now including a sheep herding area, air conditioned kennels, swimming pool, obstacle course, and hiking trails. The Dog Psychology Center is a featured location in “Cesar 911.�
In addition to co-authoring six books, Cesar has created numerous instructional DVDs and continues to host a popular series of seminars where attendees learn how to apply his extensive knowledge of dog psychology and rehabilitation techniques.
In “Cesar 911,� he continues to apply that knowledge in order to bring balance to relationships, households, and neighborhoods being torn apart by out-of-control dogs. More importantly, he helps the humans who thought their dogs were beyond saving but who learn otherwise as Cesar comes to the rescue and teaches them how to be the Pack Leader.
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March 9, 2009
I need to start with a bit of a disclaimer about this one. I read this book as a sort of "know thine enemies" thing. I have seen enough of Cesar's show and read enough about his techniques to know I don't agree with him and I find his ideas about dogs sometimes old and out of date, sometimes simply wrong, and sometimes dangerously wrong. But I opted to read the book to give myself a more complete picture of his techniques and so that I'm more informed when it comes to refuting those techniques I disagree with. I did, however, approach it with an open mind and made sure to take notes on the things I agreed with, as well as those things I didn't agree with.
So all that being said, here are my thoughts on the book.
The good
One of the major things that Cesar advocates is exercise. Dogs need exercise. They need to walk or run, to explore, to get out of the house. A lot of dog owners seem to forget this, especially during the harsh winter months (I can't tell you how many more dogs I've seen out walking since the weather turned milder the last couple days). So yes. Exercise. But not the way that Cesar seems to want one to. He has this idea that it's "migrating" that dogs need. Dogs do not migrate. Dogs need to explore the world, generally with their nose. He tells people to get out and not let the dog sniff, keep their head up and walking, only allow them to sniff occasionally when YOU want them to. This means the dog is missing out on all the mental stimulation of the walk and leads to the people I once saw who practically choked their dog if it so much as put its nose down to sniff.
He also makes a point of telling people that dogs live in the moment. It's a common theme throughout the book and that is accurate. I wish he went more into it, like mentioning that because they live in the moment, shoving a dog's nose into their pee, shouting at them, and hitting them, when you come home from work to discover it does not do anything except make the dog scared of your coming home.
Dogs are not human beings is another common theme throughout the book and like the last one, it's absolutely accurate. He talks about people who baby their dogs, carrying them everywhere and who treat them like babies with fur. He specifically sites Paris Hilton, which amused me. And he points out that doing such things can create an imbalanced dog. I'm sure many of us have seen the little dog that growls and snaps at people and is picked up by its owner and babied. He's talking about this sort of thing.
Other good points: Dogs need boundaries and rules. A dog without them is out of control, though for different reasons than Cesar cites. Fearful dogs often escalate into aggression which is why people need to nip that fear in the bud before it gets worse. When choosing a dog, people need to pick out a dog that matches their lifestyle and energy otherwise they can create problems for their dog. And he makes a point to tell people to work on getting their dogs used to the sorts of things they'll endure at the vets and groomers. I think if more people did this, there would be less issues at both places.
Also on the good side, he comes out against dog fighting and breed-specific legislation.
The bad
Cesar's entire book and indeed his show and life are based on the idea of dominance. If the person is not the "pack leader" then the dog will become the pack leader and then you have a very unbalanced dog. This was a fairly common theory back about 20 years or so ago after a study on wolves showed that there was an alpha who everyone deferred to and because of this, there was harmony in their pack. Except...the study was flawed. Seriously flawed. It was based on a captive group of wolves who were not from the same pack (a wolf pack is generally made up of relatives -- mom, dad, a few other relatives, and the pups) and who is the leader is very fluid. It changes from one activity to the next, depending on each wolf's strengths. And so the conclusions drawn were simply wrong and later studies show a different pack structure. Unfortunately, Cesar has bought entirely into this.
The other problem with this, of course, is that dogs are not wolves. They're closely related genetically, but they're not the same. Wolves grow and mature into adults. Dogs remain as if they're perpetual puppies. Wolves are wild animals. Dogs are not. They've been domesticated for thousands of years.
Because Cesar believes dogs are always trying to be the dominant one, he labels everything as dominant: when your dog jumps on you when you come home, he's being dominant (or maybe he's just happy to see you and has a lot of pent-up energy from being cooped up for a time); when your dog puts her paw on you, she's being dominant (or maybe she just wants some reassurance or is asking for petting); when your dog wakes you up at 5am to go out, he's being dominant (or maybe, since you've trained him to go outside to pee and he has to pee, he wants to be taken outside because he knows he's not supposed to go in the house). I'm amazed at the amount of things that are labeled as the dog being dominant and unbalanced.
Back on the exercise thing, Cesar talks a lot about "mastering the walk." What he means by this is that you walk at a brisk pace with the dog either at your side or behind you. The dog is not allowed to sniff unless you stop, allow it to for a moment, and then continue on. The dog can never ever be in front of you, even if it does not pull, because that means the dog is, of course, being the dominant one ("the pack leader does not follow"). I find a lot of issues with this. For one, I like to be able to see my dog. If she's behind me, I can't know what she's doing. Is there a chicken bone or a piece of cat poop on the ground that I didn't see (which I wouldn't see because, of course, I'm walking tall with my chest puffed out and looking straight ahead like a good "pack leader" should) that she scooped up to eat as we walked? Is someone coming up behind me that could threaten her in some way? walking along side me is fine, but I never ever want her behind me. I also find a lot wrong with his not allowing the dog to sniff and here's where I think he goes really wrong. Physical exercise is important. There is no doubt of that. But mental exercise is just as important. He doesn't really bring up the idea of mental exercise until page 228 and even then it's glossed over. He looks down on the idea of obedience training (it won't bring balance to your dog/show them who's leader/teach them to be "calm submissive").
Cesar believes that in order to have your dog balanced, you have to give the dog exercise, discipline, and affection. Three very good things, but he believes that it should be 50% exercise, and 25% each of discipline and affection. And to push this even further, he says you should give the dog them in that order. In other words, exercise the dog first, then give it discipline, then finally give the dog affection. He thinks that new owners should not give affection to their dog for the first two weeks they have it, that somehow the exercise is enough for a bond. I really heartily and strongly disagree with this. Affection IS important. The other two are as well, but I think they're all equally important. Giving a dog affection before exercise is not going to create an unbalanced dog. All things in moderation, including exercise.
There are some more minor things that he gets wrong, though some of those are common miconceptions, like the "don't comfort your dog during a storm; it'll make her more fearful" thing (for a good description of why that is wrong, check out by Patricial McConnell).
The ugly
Some of Cesar's techniques are downright dangerous, not just merely irritating or against what is natural. Two of the most controversial are the alpha roll and flooding.
The alpha roll is a technique where you take a dog that is acting "dominant" (or, to put it closer to what he really does, aggressive) and force it down and onto its side or back. The idea here is that a dog showing its belly is submitting to the pack leader and in order to show the dog who's "boss" one has to get it down into that position. If a dog is "too dominant" and will not do it, then it is up to you to force the dog into the position where, Cesar believes, they will then become a "calm submissive" dog and accept your leadership. I saw him do this once on an episode with an aggressive dog. He did it by grabbing the dog by the leash, pulling it up until it was hanging with its front feet in the air, and then shoving it down and onto its side. At the end, he said "see, calm submissive dog, ta da!" Except it wasn't. It was a dog who had shut down out of extreme fear (and who was most likely fearful to begin with). I'd be scared too if someone hung me and then shoved me over. This whole alpha roll idea came, again, from that study of captive wolves and is as flawed as the study was. In nature, a more dominant wolf does not force a dog into submission -- submission is granted (for a good example of what really happens, see of a wolf submitting to a higher member of the pack). The alpha roll is dangerous to the dog's emotional state -- an aggressive dog is likely to become more aggressive. And it's also dangerous to the human attempting it. He claims it should be used only by trained professionals (which, mind you, he is not), but then in the epsidoe referenced above, he teaches the dog's owners to do it as well.
Flooding in a concept wherein if a dog is afraid of something, you flood them with it in order to somehow make them more comfortable with it. In one episode, which he discusses in the book, he forces a Great Dane who is scared of shiny floors across one. He drags the dog onto them and forces him to stay there. Then, when the dog "submits" he calls it cured. Unfortunately for the dog, he had simply shut down out of extreme fear. Flooding is not a technique anyone in psychology would recommend. Imagine if you were afraid of snakes being forced to have a bunch on you. Would that cure your fear? I think it would make mine worse if I were afraid of something. I know it would with my particular phobia. Counter conditioning works much better in these manners than flooding, but Cesar stands by his stance on flooding and on how the dog reacted.
He also advocates the use of a treadmill for exercise if you can't get out and walk the dog enough. Yes. He's talking about putting your DOG on a treadmill. This can work in certain situations and some people use them. But the way he uses them is downright dangerous. First of all, he ties the dog to it with a leash. If one is going to do this, it would be best to put a harness on the dog so that the dog cannot choke if anything happens. Then he says that once the dog is used to it, you can leave him alone on it for short periods of time. No. Never. It's an electrical piece of equipment that your dog is tied to with what could easily turn into a noose. It's a BAD IDEA to leave the dog alone on it. And then there's the issue of this being proper exercise for a dog. Dogs need to sniff and explore and a walk is great for this. Just running in place on a treadmill is not. I'm surprised that he advocates this after he was sued for damages to a dog who was slapped on a treadmill with a choke collar on.
Right in the beginning of the book he talks about how he walks into his dog pack (30-40 dogs he keeps at his "Dog Psychology Center") and shows he is the pack leader by looking away, not meeting their eyes. That meeting their eyes is a sign of weakness. Unfortunately for Cesar this is pretty much the absolute OPPOSITE of how dogs really work. A dog who is dominant is one who is leaning forward on his front legs, ears forward, eyes staring into the eyes of another dog. A dog who is deferential turns his face and eyes away. Cesar is giving off the complete opposite of the signals he claims he is. He also allowed his very young, toddler-aged, kids to walk through the pack all alone. He's very lucky nothing happened to those kids.
Cesar, really, is not a master of reading dog body language. I suppose this is because he believes it's about his energy and so hes never devoted his time to reading dogs. At one point in the book he shows a picture of a very frightened pit bull: tail down, head down, fearful set to the face with the mouth pulled back. The dog IS clearly in a fear position. But I've seen other dogs show that same body language on his show and he calls it "calm submission." Hint: he's right about it in the book, wrong on the show.
The weird
Cesar talks a LOT about "energy" and how dogs can feel your energy. If you're not projecting "pack leader" mentality, the dog will know it. Not by reading your body language, but by your energy. He gets far too New Agey in much of this book and sometimes I kept thinking "is he going to tell me my dog can read my aura next?" Dogs are masters of reading body language, theirs AND yours. It's not about energy. It's about how you move and what the look on your face is or where your hand is positioned.
Cesar: How to Write a Book with So Many Contradictions that No One Should Take it Seriously
It's hard to believe a person could contradict themselves so often in just 320 pages. Here are some of the contradictions I noted:
1. Dogs do not want to be the leader. They do not want to be the dominant one. But they're always looking for weakness in their humans and trying to become the dominant one. Either they want to be leader or they don't. Pick one and stick with it.
2. He says that you cannot blame a dog's breed for the way it is acting, but then goes on to talk about shutting off a dog's "pit bull genes" and talks about how a Siberian husky is not a good city dog because it needs to roam. Either the breed is important or it's not.
3. Dogs must always walk behind the owner or next to the owner, but never in front. But then he goes on to say that he allows the dogs in front sometimes. Does that mean they become the pack leader in those moments?
4. Dogs must always walk behind the owner or next to the owner, but never in front. But then he goes on to say that dogs who are guiding the blind must be out in front, yet the person walking them is in charge and they know it. So why can't a dog who is out in front of a seeing person know the person holding the leash is "in charge"?
5. He talks about a dog being submissive a lot, "calm submissive" (which he touts as being the ultimate state of mind for a balanced dog), but then goes on to says that submissive dogs are weak and have low self-esteem.
6. He talks about wearing your dog out from exercise. He thinks that the ideal amount of exercise is 8-10 hours! I'd be in great shape if I could walk that much, but I think my dog, who loves affection, might not be too happy if we walked THAT much. But then he eventually says that you should walk your dog twice a day, ideally for 30 minutes each time. That's not very long at all and isn't enough to exhaust a dog.
7. You should position your dog's collar high up on their neck, where it's in the most vulnerable place on their neck. Keep their head up on the walk and give a correction when they put it down (I've seen someone doing this before -- it's not pretty). A couple contradictions here: According to him if you just exude the right "calm assertive" energy the dog should naturally follow and a dog should be walking with its head down because that shows a "calm submissive" state instead of a dominant one.
In conclusion
Cesar ends his book with this: I sincerely hope that, with this book, I have helped you find a place to begin in your quest for a better, healthier relationship with the dogs in your life.
I do believe he believes this. I do believe he is sincere. Unfortunately, this book contradicts itself too often and when the advice is clear, it is not anything based on the reality of dogs. It is based on a flawed study about captive wolves. You can get some common sense things out of this book (exercise, boundaries, etc.), but you can get those from any book on dog training or psychology. I really recommend against this book and would suggest, if you want a book that is more positive and gives you some good idea on what to do with dogs, check out Patricia McConnell's The Other End of the Leash.
So all that being said, here are my thoughts on the book.
The good
One of the major things that Cesar advocates is exercise. Dogs need exercise. They need to walk or run, to explore, to get out of the house. A lot of dog owners seem to forget this, especially during the harsh winter months (I can't tell you how many more dogs I've seen out walking since the weather turned milder the last couple days). So yes. Exercise. But not the way that Cesar seems to want one to. He has this idea that it's "migrating" that dogs need. Dogs do not migrate. Dogs need to explore the world, generally with their nose. He tells people to get out and not let the dog sniff, keep their head up and walking, only allow them to sniff occasionally when YOU want them to. This means the dog is missing out on all the mental stimulation of the walk and leads to the people I once saw who practically choked their dog if it so much as put its nose down to sniff.
He also makes a point of telling people that dogs live in the moment. It's a common theme throughout the book and that is accurate. I wish he went more into it, like mentioning that because they live in the moment, shoving a dog's nose into their pee, shouting at them, and hitting them, when you come home from work to discover it does not do anything except make the dog scared of your coming home.
Dogs are not human beings is another common theme throughout the book and like the last one, it's absolutely accurate. He talks about people who baby their dogs, carrying them everywhere and who treat them like babies with fur. He specifically sites Paris Hilton, which amused me. And he points out that doing such things can create an imbalanced dog. I'm sure many of us have seen the little dog that growls and snaps at people and is picked up by its owner and babied. He's talking about this sort of thing.
Other good points: Dogs need boundaries and rules. A dog without them is out of control, though for different reasons than Cesar cites. Fearful dogs often escalate into aggression which is why people need to nip that fear in the bud before it gets worse. When choosing a dog, people need to pick out a dog that matches their lifestyle and energy otherwise they can create problems for their dog. And he makes a point to tell people to work on getting their dogs used to the sorts of things they'll endure at the vets and groomers. I think if more people did this, there would be less issues at both places.
Also on the good side, he comes out against dog fighting and breed-specific legislation.
The bad
Cesar's entire book and indeed his show and life are based on the idea of dominance. If the person is not the "pack leader" then the dog will become the pack leader and then you have a very unbalanced dog. This was a fairly common theory back about 20 years or so ago after a study on wolves showed that there was an alpha who everyone deferred to and because of this, there was harmony in their pack. Except...the study was flawed. Seriously flawed. It was based on a captive group of wolves who were not from the same pack (a wolf pack is generally made up of relatives -- mom, dad, a few other relatives, and the pups) and who is the leader is very fluid. It changes from one activity to the next, depending on each wolf's strengths. And so the conclusions drawn were simply wrong and later studies show a different pack structure. Unfortunately, Cesar has bought entirely into this.
The other problem with this, of course, is that dogs are not wolves. They're closely related genetically, but they're not the same. Wolves grow and mature into adults. Dogs remain as if they're perpetual puppies. Wolves are wild animals. Dogs are not. They've been domesticated for thousands of years.
Because Cesar believes dogs are always trying to be the dominant one, he labels everything as dominant: when your dog jumps on you when you come home, he's being dominant (or maybe he's just happy to see you and has a lot of pent-up energy from being cooped up for a time); when your dog puts her paw on you, she's being dominant (or maybe she just wants some reassurance or is asking for petting); when your dog wakes you up at 5am to go out, he's being dominant (or maybe, since you've trained him to go outside to pee and he has to pee, he wants to be taken outside because he knows he's not supposed to go in the house). I'm amazed at the amount of things that are labeled as the dog being dominant and unbalanced.
Back on the exercise thing, Cesar talks a lot about "mastering the walk." What he means by this is that you walk at a brisk pace with the dog either at your side or behind you. The dog is not allowed to sniff unless you stop, allow it to for a moment, and then continue on. The dog can never ever be in front of you, even if it does not pull, because that means the dog is, of course, being the dominant one ("the pack leader does not follow"). I find a lot of issues with this. For one, I like to be able to see my dog. If she's behind me, I can't know what she's doing. Is there a chicken bone or a piece of cat poop on the ground that I didn't see (which I wouldn't see because, of course, I'm walking tall with my chest puffed out and looking straight ahead like a good "pack leader" should) that she scooped up to eat as we walked? Is someone coming up behind me that could threaten her in some way? walking along side me is fine, but I never ever want her behind me. I also find a lot wrong with his not allowing the dog to sniff and here's where I think he goes really wrong. Physical exercise is important. There is no doubt of that. But mental exercise is just as important. He doesn't really bring up the idea of mental exercise until page 228 and even then it's glossed over. He looks down on the idea of obedience training (it won't bring balance to your dog/show them who's leader/teach them to be "calm submissive").
Cesar believes that in order to have your dog balanced, you have to give the dog exercise, discipline, and affection. Three very good things, but he believes that it should be 50% exercise, and 25% each of discipline and affection. And to push this even further, he says you should give the dog them in that order. In other words, exercise the dog first, then give it discipline, then finally give the dog affection. He thinks that new owners should not give affection to their dog for the first two weeks they have it, that somehow the exercise is enough for a bond. I really heartily and strongly disagree with this. Affection IS important. The other two are as well, but I think they're all equally important. Giving a dog affection before exercise is not going to create an unbalanced dog. All things in moderation, including exercise.
There are some more minor things that he gets wrong, though some of those are common miconceptions, like the "don't comfort your dog during a storm; it'll make her more fearful" thing (for a good description of why that is wrong, check out by Patricial McConnell).
The ugly
Some of Cesar's techniques are downright dangerous, not just merely irritating or against what is natural. Two of the most controversial are the alpha roll and flooding.
The alpha roll is a technique where you take a dog that is acting "dominant" (or, to put it closer to what he really does, aggressive) and force it down and onto its side or back. The idea here is that a dog showing its belly is submitting to the pack leader and in order to show the dog who's "boss" one has to get it down into that position. If a dog is "too dominant" and will not do it, then it is up to you to force the dog into the position where, Cesar believes, they will then become a "calm submissive" dog and accept your leadership. I saw him do this once on an episode with an aggressive dog. He did it by grabbing the dog by the leash, pulling it up until it was hanging with its front feet in the air, and then shoving it down and onto its side. At the end, he said "see, calm submissive dog, ta da!" Except it wasn't. It was a dog who had shut down out of extreme fear (and who was most likely fearful to begin with). I'd be scared too if someone hung me and then shoved me over. This whole alpha roll idea came, again, from that study of captive wolves and is as flawed as the study was. In nature, a more dominant wolf does not force a dog into submission -- submission is granted (for a good example of what really happens, see of a wolf submitting to a higher member of the pack). The alpha roll is dangerous to the dog's emotional state -- an aggressive dog is likely to become more aggressive. And it's also dangerous to the human attempting it. He claims it should be used only by trained professionals (which, mind you, he is not), but then in the epsidoe referenced above, he teaches the dog's owners to do it as well.
Flooding in a concept wherein if a dog is afraid of something, you flood them with it in order to somehow make them more comfortable with it. In one episode, which he discusses in the book, he forces a Great Dane who is scared of shiny floors across one. He drags the dog onto them and forces him to stay there. Then, when the dog "submits" he calls it cured. Unfortunately for the dog, he had simply shut down out of extreme fear. Flooding is not a technique anyone in psychology would recommend. Imagine if you were afraid of snakes being forced to have a bunch on you. Would that cure your fear? I think it would make mine worse if I were afraid of something. I know it would with my particular phobia. Counter conditioning works much better in these manners than flooding, but Cesar stands by his stance on flooding and on how the dog reacted.
He also advocates the use of a treadmill for exercise if you can't get out and walk the dog enough. Yes. He's talking about putting your DOG on a treadmill. This can work in certain situations and some people use them. But the way he uses them is downright dangerous. First of all, he ties the dog to it with a leash. If one is going to do this, it would be best to put a harness on the dog so that the dog cannot choke if anything happens. Then he says that once the dog is used to it, you can leave him alone on it for short periods of time. No. Never. It's an electrical piece of equipment that your dog is tied to with what could easily turn into a noose. It's a BAD IDEA to leave the dog alone on it. And then there's the issue of this being proper exercise for a dog. Dogs need to sniff and explore and a walk is great for this. Just running in place on a treadmill is not. I'm surprised that he advocates this after he was sued for damages to a dog who was slapped on a treadmill with a choke collar on.
Right in the beginning of the book he talks about how he walks into his dog pack (30-40 dogs he keeps at his "Dog Psychology Center") and shows he is the pack leader by looking away, not meeting their eyes. That meeting their eyes is a sign of weakness. Unfortunately for Cesar this is pretty much the absolute OPPOSITE of how dogs really work. A dog who is dominant is one who is leaning forward on his front legs, ears forward, eyes staring into the eyes of another dog. A dog who is deferential turns his face and eyes away. Cesar is giving off the complete opposite of the signals he claims he is. He also allowed his very young, toddler-aged, kids to walk through the pack all alone. He's very lucky nothing happened to those kids.
Cesar, really, is not a master of reading dog body language. I suppose this is because he believes it's about his energy and so hes never devoted his time to reading dogs. At one point in the book he shows a picture of a very frightened pit bull: tail down, head down, fearful set to the face with the mouth pulled back. The dog IS clearly in a fear position. But I've seen other dogs show that same body language on his show and he calls it "calm submission." Hint: he's right about it in the book, wrong on the show.
The weird
Cesar talks a LOT about "energy" and how dogs can feel your energy. If you're not projecting "pack leader" mentality, the dog will know it. Not by reading your body language, but by your energy. He gets far too New Agey in much of this book and sometimes I kept thinking "is he going to tell me my dog can read my aura next?" Dogs are masters of reading body language, theirs AND yours. It's not about energy. It's about how you move and what the look on your face is or where your hand is positioned.
Cesar: How to Write a Book with So Many Contradictions that No One Should Take it Seriously
It's hard to believe a person could contradict themselves so often in just 320 pages. Here are some of the contradictions I noted:
1. Dogs do not want to be the leader. They do not want to be the dominant one. But they're always looking for weakness in their humans and trying to become the dominant one. Either they want to be leader or they don't. Pick one and stick with it.
2. He says that you cannot blame a dog's breed for the way it is acting, but then goes on to talk about shutting off a dog's "pit bull genes" and talks about how a Siberian husky is not a good city dog because it needs to roam. Either the breed is important or it's not.
3. Dogs must always walk behind the owner or next to the owner, but never in front. But then he goes on to say that he allows the dogs in front sometimes. Does that mean they become the pack leader in those moments?
4. Dogs must always walk behind the owner or next to the owner, but never in front. But then he goes on to say that dogs who are guiding the blind must be out in front, yet the person walking them is in charge and they know it. So why can't a dog who is out in front of a seeing person know the person holding the leash is "in charge"?
5. He talks about a dog being submissive a lot, "calm submissive" (which he touts as being the ultimate state of mind for a balanced dog), but then goes on to says that submissive dogs are weak and have low self-esteem.
6. He talks about wearing your dog out from exercise. He thinks that the ideal amount of exercise is 8-10 hours! I'd be in great shape if I could walk that much, but I think my dog, who loves affection, might not be too happy if we walked THAT much. But then he eventually says that you should walk your dog twice a day, ideally for 30 minutes each time. That's not very long at all and isn't enough to exhaust a dog.
7. You should position your dog's collar high up on their neck, where it's in the most vulnerable place on their neck. Keep their head up on the walk and give a correction when they put it down (I've seen someone doing this before -- it's not pretty). A couple contradictions here: According to him if you just exude the right "calm assertive" energy the dog should naturally follow and a dog should be walking with its head down because that shows a "calm submissive" state instead of a dominant one.
In conclusion
Cesar ends his book with this: I sincerely hope that, with this book, I have helped you find a place to begin in your quest for a better, healthier relationship with the dogs in your life.
I do believe he believes this. I do believe he is sincere. Unfortunately, this book contradicts itself too often and when the advice is clear, it is not anything based on the reality of dogs. It is based on a flawed study about captive wolves. You can get some common sense things out of this book (exercise, boundaries, etc.), but you can get those from any book on dog training or psychology. I really recommend against this book and would suggest, if you want a book that is more positive and gives you some good idea on what to do with dogs, check out Patricia McConnell's The Other End of the Leash.
February 26, 2014
Cesar's way is not about dog training. It's about a way of living. I can see how it might not be for everyone, but it's certainly for me. He has taught me that living with and domesticating other species should involve honoring who those beings are. Having a dog isn't just about fulfilling our needs; we must fufill theirs as well.
I know he rubs some people the wrong way. I think that's because we grow up believing that dogs are all love and cuteness, in the face of the fact that they end up running our lives or making our lives more hectic and crazy because we've made them unstable. Yes, WE'VE made them unstable.
Cesar has taught me so much about myself. I used to get frustrated with my dogs when they'd excitedly crowd me, for instance, as I was putting on my running shoes or preparing their food. I didn't realize if I was a balanced, calm pack leader, I could make the boundaries clear--and we'd both be more calm and happy.
My dogs are different beings since I started internalizing Cesar's techniques after watching his shows, reinforced with this book. I'm a different being too. Definitely calmer and more centered. More in the moment. Thank you, Cesar.
I know he rubs some people the wrong way. I think that's because we grow up believing that dogs are all love and cuteness, in the face of the fact that they end up running our lives or making our lives more hectic and crazy because we've made them unstable. Yes, WE'VE made them unstable.
Cesar has taught me so much about myself. I used to get frustrated with my dogs when they'd excitedly crowd me, for instance, as I was putting on my running shoes or preparing their food. I didn't realize if I was a balanced, calm pack leader, I could make the boundaries clear--and we'd both be more calm and happy.
My dogs are different beings since I started internalizing Cesar's techniques after watching his shows, reinforced with this book. I'm a different being too. Definitely calmer and more centered. More in the moment. Thank you, Cesar.
September 26, 2019
Ok so I got this book because much to my chagrin I am not the hot shit dog owner I thought I was and my sweet puppy is becoming a sweet pain in the ass.
Unfortunately this was not as helpful as I had hoped it would be.
This is EverlyBrothers he is my 1 year old Saint.
He is an angel...for me, he seems to dislike my husband, which I did not have a huge problem with but now he wants to be pack leader and protect me and my son from all the evils in the world,he will spend ten minutes barking at a leaf that has had the nerve to blow across are front garden.
Ronan and Everly do everything together
And due to Everly's size I want to make sure he knows we are the boss of him.
This photo was taken after my husband told him to get off the couch 3 times. Everly met him half way.
See sort of an ass right?
So Cesar's book says he can help all of this, he mentions different situations like mine or often worse, but I am never crystal clear on what his recommendation is to fix this.
He has a lot of good points like:
Exercise dog as much as possible (walk)it burns off energy and gives the dog a sense of purpose. Here's the thing I have a lazy dog so we go for walks but when he is tired he lays down and takes a nap,and do you know what does not wake him up, ME BEING CALM. This is Everly after a very busy morning of watching my son paint Easter eggs
He is exhausted.
Also if I say my dogs life lacks purpose I am gonna sound like a bit of a dick.
Cesar's main thing, what the whole book keeps coming back to is to project calm assertive energy, be dominant pack leader. It is just I have no idea what that would be like. I am assertive but no one has said that I am even in the neighborhood of calm, it is a long distance relationship between myself and calm.So maybe if I watched his show I would get an idea of what calm yet assertive is like, but between being a Mum,working 40hrs, dog, housework and books. I kinda want to save my TV time for like.. Colin Farrell movies
and Colin Farrell is not on any episodes of the dog whisperer so....that point is unhelpful to me in book form.
All in all interesting but not the help I was looking for.
Unfortunately this was not as helpful as I had hoped it would be.
This is EverlyBrothers he is my 1 year old Saint.
He is an angel...for me, he seems to dislike my husband, which I did not have a huge problem with but now he wants to be pack leader and protect me and my son from all the evils in the world,he will spend ten minutes barking at a leaf that has had the nerve to blow across are front garden.
Ronan and Everly do everything together
And due to Everly's size I want to make sure he knows we are the boss of him.
This photo was taken after my husband told him to get off the couch 3 times. Everly met him half way.
See sort of an ass right?
So Cesar's book says he can help all of this, he mentions different situations like mine or often worse, but I am never crystal clear on what his recommendation is to fix this.
He has a lot of good points like:
Exercise dog as much as possible (walk)it burns off energy and gives the dog a sense of purpose. Here's the thing I have a lazy dog so we go for walks but when he is tired he lays down and takes a nap,and do you know what does not wake him up, ME BEING CALM. This is Everly after a very busy morning of watching my son paint Easter eggs
He is exhausted.
Also if I say my dogs life lacks purpose I am gonna sound like a bit of a dick.
Cesar's main thing, what the whole book keeps coming back to is to project calm assertive energy, be dominant pack leader. It is just I have no idea what that would be like. I am assertive but no one has said that I am even in the neighborhood of calm, it is a long distance relationship between myself and calm.So maybe if I watched his show I would get an idea of what calm yet assertive is like, but between being a Mum,working 40hrs, dog, housework and books. I kinda want to save my TV time for like.. Colin Farrell movies
and Colin Farrell is not on any episodes of the dog whisperer so....that point is unhelpful to me in book form.
All in all interesting but not the help I was looking for.
July 13, 2009
thought this guy was some full o' shit asshole pop culture phenomenon until i saw him at runyon canyon with about 30 dogs running behind him. cesar turns around and his pack stops dead in their tracks and sits. he points to a random few of them: "you! you! you! you!" and said guys & gals zig-zag out and form their own little group next to the main group and then cesar spins around and continues jogging and everyone runs on in formation. it was heaven, really, and i wished he ran 'em -- native-american/buffalo/edge-of-cliff style -- into a large ditch or empty swimming pool so i could leap in and wallow in jowls and paws and tails and ears. no such luck. but i did read his first book. and it's pretty breezy stuff but also kind of amazing. it's about dogs but can also be read as a self-help book using dogs as a metaphor in that the lessons are applicable to any human's life -- but fuckit, what human is worth even half of a good dog?
jack was getting a bit unruly and also somewhat aggressive with dogs with balls so i applied cesar's methodology and had that obdurate motherfucker wrapped around my finger within weeks. no shit. lotsa cool little bits in here, as well, such as cesar's story of crossing over illegally from mexico or how, in his opinion, the happiest dogs in los angeles are those living with the homeless. i kinda wish cesar had taken the time to write a seriously hardcore book about himself, dogs, and his methods, rather than an easy-to-digest, sure-to-be-a-bestseller. but what the fuck. cesar's a millionaire, i drive a scion. also -- don't buy this book if yer looking for a breakdown of the things to do to train your dog. that info is elsewhere. cesar's way basically describes the attitude you gotta take in order to achieve full on shangri-las-adoring style.
jack was getting a bit unruly and also somewhat aggressive with dogs with balls so i applied cesar's methodology and had that obdurate motherfucker wrapped around my finger within weeks. no shit. lotsa cool little bits in here, as well, such as cesar's story of crossing over illegally from mexico or how, in his opinion, the happiest dogs in los angeles are those living with the homeless. i kinda wish cesar had taken the time to write a seriously hardcore book about himself, dogs, and his methods, rather than an easy-to-digest, sure-to-be-a-bestseller. but what the fuck. cesar's a millionaire, i drive a scion. also -- don't buy this book if yer looking for a breakdown of the things to do to train your dog. that info is elsewhere. cesar's way basically describes the attitude you gotta take in order to achieve full on shangri-las-adoring style.
April 8, 2019
I liked watching Cesar Millan on his show, treating problem dogs; and I liked reading his book also. Didn't know he was an illegal immigrant who had to sleep on the streets for a while.
If you are only interested in the information about treating your dog, it can fit into a sticky note page. However there are interesting things to learn when you read between the lines. Especially about leadership and anxiety, how a calm leader/partner/society can calm others, the instinct about yielding and leading. Very interesting.. One major mistake we all do is letting our dogs go before us. I see it all the time walking at the park, I used to do it with my dog (now in heaven). Apparently this confuses them to the point that they think they are the owner (and leader).
I enjoyed this book and it was very easy to read.
If you are only interested in the information about treating your dog, it can fit into a sticky note page. However there are interesting things to learn when you read between the lines. Especially about leadership and anxiety, how a calm leader/partner/society can calm others, the instinct about yielding and leading. Very interesting.. One major mistake we all do is letting our dogs go before us. I see it all the time walking at the park, I used to do it with my dog (now in heaven). Apparently this confuses them to the point that they think they are the owner (and leader).
I enjoyed this book and it was very easy to read.
October 13, 2012
I really need to stop reading the negative reviews on books I enjoy, because they just make me angry.
I'm not a dog trainer, but my boyfriend and I recently (and unexpectedly) became dog owners. I haven't had a dog since I was a kid, and I wasn't the one responsible for them. We now have a beautiful, 6-year-old border collie depending on us. We would like to provide her with the best life we possibly can. I do what I always do when I feel overwhelmed and not informed enough, I turned to books. I have about twenty titles currently checked out from the library including 'Cesar's way' and 'Be the Pack Leader.' We thought we would try using Cesar's techniques because they seemed simple enough to apply.
Our dog came to us after having pulled two adults to ground after being spooked by loud noises on two separate walks. We knew it was going to be a challenge. Before I read Cesar's books walks were a nightmare. I suffer from Fibromyalgia (a musculoskeletal disease) and trying to take her for a walk was too much for me to bear. She spooked one night when I had her out and she wrenched me so badly I am still suffering the after effects. I was grieving the fact that I may never be able to walk my own dog again.
I started reading 'Be the pack leader' first and thought his theories sounded valid. We got the first season of 'The Dog whisperer' and we started watching it. After reading the 'mastering the walk' appendix in the back of the book, I girded my loins and went to get the leash. And guess what......It FG worked!! First shot, I didn't let her go ahead of me out the door. She stayed by my side and as long as I remained calm and confident she was calm and happy to be right by my side.
I'm not going to say it has all been easy, Rome wasn't built in a day. She has had some backsliding and so have I, but we now go out for our walks and we both enjoy it!
So, I don't imagine any of the negative reviewers will ever read this, but I need to vent my anger.....so here goes:
The repetition is there to get it into your brain. Repetition is proven to work for memorizing. So yes his book is repetitive and so is his T.V. show, and do you know why? Because it is just that simple! There is no need to complicate things, just remember the easy steps.
Don't say you read this book with an open mind, because it is very clear that one of two things is true. Either you had already made up your mind about this book before you opened its cover which is why you glossed over a lot of the pertinent information, and warnings about trying them without a professional on hand, OR you have absolutely no reading comprehension whatsoever, which means none of your opinions can be counted upon, because you don't understand what you have read.
For example one reader mentions the "alpha roll" and how it is unnatural. This reader even posted a link to a youtube video that shows how wolves do it without contact in the wild. May I please submit page 222 in 'Cesar's Way', where he is shown doing the same thing as the alpha wolf, making a dog submit without ever touching the dog. The example this reader stated was of an episode of the show where cesar had to do it manually, That at the end the dog wasn't calm submissive, but shut down with fear. To that I have to say.....nuh-huh! Body language people, I saw that episode too. It was a pit bull that was locked onto a target, in the so called "red zone" which can be very dangerous to anyone in the vicinity! That dog was calm by the end of the "roll" want to see a dog shut down in fear? look up the episode about the dog that was afraid of water.....totally different body language. Similar in many aspects, but hugely different in others. That you can't tell the difference concerns me for your safety around dangerous dogs!
And I will again quote directly from the book. page 223:
"...I caution anyone who isn't a professional-or at least extremely experienced in dog behavior and aggression- never, ever to forcibly put a dog on its side. With a dominant or aggressive dog, someone who is inexperienced could easily be bitten, mauled or attacked. This is serious stuff, life-threatening stuff." Forgive me, but if you feel your dog is dangerous and don't expect to get bitten trying something like this on your own, then you are not responsible enough to look after yourself, so the last thing you should be doing is looking after another living creature!
Oh and I have to say to the people who complained about the amount of walking he suggests. Do you honestly think your dog is happing sitting around the house all day? You think he just chills and watches T.V.? If you can't unselfishly give your dog two hours of your day then find him a different home, and get a house plant, they don't need exercise!
And as to the treadmill comments, he never says to leave the dog alone while it is tied to a leash to the treadmill. That is the training period when he says, "Proper supervision is required," he also says to "hire a professional to teach you the safety basics about putting a dog on the treadmill." After the first two weeks the dog doesn't need the leash it is just happy to be walking.
Oh and one more thing. There was a comment on not wanting to have a dog walk behind or beside the person while they keep good posture because they can't see if the dog is eating stuff off the ground. First, I do that using my peripherals, I can still see what she's up to without slouching, or making direct eye contact. Second, train your dog for cripes sake!!! In less that a month I have stopped that behavior in my dog by using a gentle tug to the side with a regular leash and collar in combination with a stern "No!" No unnecessary yanking or pulling, no choke chain, and my dog knows better than to eat a damn chicken bone off the street! Yeesh!!! Also, if you are truly present on your walk with your dog, and not off in la-la-land, you can feel the second her attention wavers to something other than the walk, regardless of if she is beside or behind you. Also, it is not that he "looks down on obedience training" it's just not what he does. I agree with him, that until you have your dog's trust, obedience training isn't going to help much. Common sense folks, do your dog a favour and get some.
It is very simple. If you don't agree with his methods, don't use them. If you think something is cruel, don't do it. But don't tear down a professional with more than twenty years experience, who gets healthy results and who checks in on his clients to make sure everyone in that family is safe and happy, using his techniques correctly. My dog is happier for it, and all we have done is mastered the walk! We can't afford a professional or a treadmill, but thanks to increased exercise, and some rule enforcement it doesn't look like we will need either.
Finally, Thank you Cesar! Our walks are now an adventure in discovery for us both. She walks with her head proud, sniffing the air and discovering new places, without having to stop every two feet and without pulling. My health has improved for the walking and I believe hers has as well! The arm that her leash is in never goes beyond a relaxed position. Now that we know to be calm-assertive, and she can rely on that from us, she hasn't spooked nearly as often or as badly. Every day I get to do what I thought was beyond me. I now have a bond with her I was worried we would never have. Now that my boyfriend and I have that bond with her we are going to further stimulate her psychologically with obedience training, that is responding to commands. I believe she is truly happy, and she now greets me by being happy to see me...but she does it without jumping all over me! We still have a ways to go, but I am happy with the start we have all made together.
Thanks all for letting me vent!
I'm not a dog trainer, but my boyfriend and I recently (and unexpectedly) became dog owners. I haven't had a dog since I was a kid, and I wasn't the one responsible for them. We now have a beautiful, 6-year-old border collie depending on us. We would like to provide her with the best life we possibly can. I do what I always do when I feel overwhelmed and not informed enough, I turned to books. I have about twenty titles currently checked out from the library including 'Cesar's way' and 'Be the Pack Leader.' We thought we would try using Cesar's techniques because they seemed simple enough to apply.
Our dog came to us after having pulled two adults to ground after being spooked by loud noises on two separate walks. We knew it was going to be a challenge. Before I read Cesar's books walks were a nightmare. I suffer from Fibromyalgia (a musculoskeletal disease) and trying to take her for a walk was too much for me to bear. She spooked one night when I had her out and she wrenched me so badly I am still suffering the after effects. I was grieving the fact that I may never be able to walk my own dog again.
I started reading 'Be the pack leader' first and thought his theories sounded valid. We got the first season of 'The Dog whisperer' and we started watching it. After reading the 'mastering the walk' appendix in the back of the book, I girded my loins and went to get the leash. And guess what......It FG worked!! First shot, I didn't let her go ahead of me out the door. She stayed by my side and as long as I remained calm and confident she was calm and happy to be right by my side.
I'm not going to say it has all been easy, Rome wasn't built in a day. She has had some backsliding and so have I, but we now go out for our walks and we both enjoy it!
So, I don't imagine any of the negative reviewers will ever read this, but I need to vent my anger.....so here goes:
The repetition is there to get it into your brain. Repetition is proven to work for memorizing. So yes his book is repetitive and so is his T.V. show, and do you know why? Because it is just that simple! There is no need to complicate things, just remember the easy steps.
Don't say you read this book with an open mind, because it is very clear that one of two things is true. Either you had already made up your mind about this book before you opened its cover which is why you glossed over a lot of the pertinent information, and warnings about trying them without a professional on hand, OR you have absolutely no reading comprehension whatsoever, which means none of your opinions can be counted upon, because you don't understand what you have read.
For example one reader mentions the "alpha roll" and how it is unnatural. This reader even posted a link to a youtube video that shows how wolves do it without contact in the wild. May I please submit page 222 in 'Cesar's Way', where he is shown doing the same thing as the alpha wolf, making a dog submit without ever touching the dog. The example this reader stated was of an episode of the show where cesar had to do it manually, That at the end the dog wasn't calm submissive, but shut down with fear. To that I have to say.....nuh-huh! Body language people, I saw that episode too. It was a pit bull that was locked onto a target, in the so called "red zone" which can be very dangerous to anyone in the vicinity! That dog was calm by the end of the "roll" want to see a dog shut down in fear? look up the episode about the dog that was afraid of water.....totally different body language. Similar in many aspects, but hugely different in others. That you can't tell the difference concerns me for your safety around dangerous dogs!
And I will again quote directly from the book. page 223:
"...I caution anyone who isn't a professional-or at least extremely experienced in dog behavior and aggression- never, ever to forcibly put a dog on its side. With a dominant or aggressive dog, someone who is inexperienced could easily be bitten, mauled or attacked. This is serious stuff, life-threatening stuff." Forgive me, but if you feel your dog is dangerous and don't expect to get bitten trying something like this on your own, then you are not responsible enough to look after yourself, so the last thing you should be doing is looking after another living creature!
Oh and I have to say to the people who complained about the amount of walking he suggests. Do you honestly think your dog is happing sitting around the house all day? You think he just chills and watches T.V.? If you can't unselfishly give your dog two hours of your day then find him a different home, and get a house plant, they don't need exercise!
And as to the treadmill comments, he never says to leave the dog alone while it is tied to a leash to the treadmill. That is the training period when he says, "Proper supervision is required," he also says to "hire a professional to teach you the safety basics about putting a dog on the treadmill." After the first two weeks the dog doesn't need the leash it is just happy to be walking.
Oh and one more thing. There was a comment on not wanting to have a dog walk behind or beside the person while they keep good posture because they can't see if the dog is eating stuff off the ground. First, I do that using my peripherals, I can still see what she's up to without slouching, or making direct eye contact. Second, train your dog for cripes sake!!! In less that a month I have stopped that behavior in my dog by using a gentle tug to the side with a regular leash and collar in combination with a stern "No!" No unnecessary yanking or pulling, no choke chain, and my dog knows better than to eat a damn chicken bone off the street! Yeesh!!! Also, if you are truly present on your walk with your dog, and not off in la-la-land, you can feel the second her attention wavers to something other than the walk, regardless of if she is beside or behind you. Also, it is not that he "looks down on obedience training" it's just not what he does. I agree with him, that until you have your dog's trust, obedience training isn't going to help much. Common sense folks, do your dog a favour and get some.
It is very simple. If you don't agree with his methods, don't use them. If you think something is cruel, don't do it. But don't tear down a professional with more than twenty years experience, who gets healthy results and who checks in on his clients to make sure everyone in that family is safe and happy, using his techniques correctly. My dog is happier for it, and all we have done is mastered the walk! We can't afford a professional or a treadmill, but thanks to increased exercise, and some rule enforcement it doesn't look like we will need either.
Finally, Thank you Cesar! Our walks are now an adventure in discovery for us both. She walks with her head proud, sniffing the air and discovering new places, without having to stop every two feet and without pulling. My health has improved for the walking and I believe hers has as well! The arm that her leash is in never goes beyond a relaxed position. Now that we know to be calm-assertive, and she can rely on that from us, she hasn't spooked nearly as often or as badly. Every day I get to do what I thought was beyond me. I now have a bond with her I was worried we would never have. Now that my boyfriend and I have that bond with her we are going to further stimulate her psychologically with obedience training, that is responding to commands. I believe she is truly happy, and she now greets me by being happy to see me...but she does it without jumping all over me! We still have a ways to go, but I am happy with the start we have all made together.
Thanks all for letting me vent!
January 16, 2011
I'm giving this book five stars (something I don't often do) not because I agree with everything Cesar Millan says (I don't, I can't honestly say I'll do everything he says either) but because any book that causes you to stop, to think this much about your behavior, your lifestyle, your connection with your dog is important. And important books should be recognized and recommended. We need people whose ideas challenge our own if for no other reason than to bring into light what we believe in the first place.
I'm going to blog/review Merle's Door very soon I hope. At first I kept contrasting the two, thinking they were at odds. In some points they are (for instance Cesar doesn't agree with letting a dog stop and smell everything he wants on a walk because you need to be in charge. Walk him and at the end decide and designate where he'll stop and smell) but then I realized that in a lot of ways they are in more congruence than conflict. Kerasote (Merle's owner and author of the book) advocates for unleashed free willed dogs who can be natural and do what they want. Cesar also advocates for dogs who can be in a natural state and can do what they were born and bred to do but emphasizes our dominance and pack leadership. Kerasote who lives in the middle of a wilderness can take his dog on long uninterrupted all day trips. The dog is tired and well behaved. He is worn out and therefore exhibits few if any behavior problems. There is no reason for a leash. Cesar is dealing with city and suburban dogs who are not allowed much exposure to exercise or the outside world. The dogs have issues that have to be worked out Thru Exercise. Which is exactly what Kerasote unintentionally uses that creates this harmonious environment for his dog. This is just one example where reflection revealed that despite different ways they got to it (unleashed mountain hiking or skiing, vs. inner city strict exercise routines or walking) gives them the same result.
I encourage dog owners to have an open mind and read Cesar's book to expose themselves to a lifestyle, a philosophy of how to interact with and understand your dog. I definitely won't be walking my dog every morning for an hour and a half, but I will be taking away with me a lot of new terminology and ideas that will help me be a better dog owner.
Here are some of the ideas I really liked:
Calm submissive leader and energy. Something for all of us to strive for definitely.
Exercise discipline and affection, in that order.
Fight, flight, avoidance and submission, are the ways dogs deals and his discussion of these behaviors and how they help or hurt a dogs socialization has helped me understand my dogs behavior around other dogs.
Nose, eyes, ears- in that order- are the order in which they perceive the world, far different than us. We should remember this in order to help develop trust with our dog, and to communicate with him.
Humanizing a dog. Bad mistake.
It's the people who need to be trained in most instances, not their dog.
The end of the book is beautiful. Here is a quote to take with you that I can relate to from all of Whiskey's hikes with me. It was a fabulous way to end the book...
"For a moment I’m feeling what they’re feeling: the cool salty sea on my skin, the thousands of coastal scents in my nostrils, the soothing rush of the surf in my ears. I’m feeling all the pure joy of this one fleeting moment and I owe them for that. I owe them everything."
And of course he adds "We’re all exhausted but happy." which is such a great and true statement of being with your dog in outdoor activity. If you haven't ever been to that point of exhaustion with your canine then you should. There's something primal and incredibly bonding about being in the wild with your dog, facing the elements and the wilderness together with your senses and communicating, bonding, and sharing your emotions and time with your dog in this place.
Feel free to read more about Whiskey's and my adventures together at our blog:
I'm going to blog/review Merle's Door very soon I hope. At first I kept contrasting the two, thinking they were at odds. In some points they are (for instance Cesar doesn't agree with letting a dog stop and smell everything he wants on a walk because you need to be in charge. Walk him and at the end decide and designate where he'll stop and smell) but then I realized that in a lot of ways they are in more congruence than conflict. Kerasote (Merle's owner and author of the book) advocates for unleashed free willed dogs who can be natural and do what they want. Cesar also advocates for dogs who can be in a natural state and can do what they were born and bred to do but emphasizes our dominance and pack leadership. Kerasote who lives in the middle of a wilderness can take his dog on long uninterrupted all day trips. The dog is tired and well behaved. He is worn out and therefore exhibits few if any behavior problems. There is no reason for a leash. Cesar is dealing with city and suburban dogs who are not allowed much exposure to exercise or the outside world. The dogs have issues that have to be worked out Thru Exercise. Which is exactly what Kerasote unintentionally uses that creates this harmonious environment for his dog. This is just one example where reflection revealed that despite different ways they got to it (unleashed mountain hiking or skiing, vs. inner city strict exercise routines or walking) gives them the same result.
I encourage dog owners to have an open mind and read Cesar's book to expose themselves to a lifestyle, a philosophy of how to interact with and understand your dog. I definitely won't be walking my dog every morning for an hour and a half, but I will be taking away with me a lot of new terminology and ideas that will help me be a better dog owner.
Here are some of the ideas I really liked:
Calm submissive leader and energy. Something for all of us to strive for definitely.
Exercise discipline and affection, in that order.
Fight, flight, avoidance and submission, are the ways dogs deals and his discussion of these behaviors and how they help or hurt a dogs socialization has helped me understand my dogs behavior around other dogs.
Nose, eyes, ears- in that order- are the order in which they perceive the world, far different than us. We should remember this in order to help develop trust with our dog, and to communicate with him.
Humanizing a dog. Bad mistake.
It's the people who need to be trained in most instances, not their dog.
The end of the book is beautiful. Here is a quote to take with you that I can relate to from all of Whiskey's hikes with me. It was a fabulous way to end the book...
"For a moment I’m feeling what they’re feeling: the cool salty sea on my skin, the thousands of coastal scents in my nostrils, the soothing rush of the surf in my ears. I’m feeling all the pure joy of this one fleeting moment and I owe them for that. I owe them everything."
And of course he adds "We’re all exhausted but happy." which is such a great and true statement of being with your dog in outdoor activity. If you haven't ever been to that point of exhaustion with your canine then you should. There's something primal and incredibly bonding about being in the wild with your dog, facing the elements and the wilderness together with your senses and communicating, bonding, and sharing your emotions and time with your dog in this place.
Feel free to read more about Whiskey's and my adventures together at our blog:
July 19, 2009
There's a lot going on in "Cesar's Way." Part of the book is a Ragged Dick tale of Cesar Millan growing up poor in Mexico (which by Mexican standards may have been upper middle class, as his family seemed to have owned land and been able to send the kids to school), studying dogs both on his family farm and in the city, and then, with nothing more than $100 in his pocket and a dream to become a Hollywood animal trainer in his heart, having a coyote -- and yes, I do get the inadvertent dog-coyote connection -- smuggle him across the border. Within a few years Millan becomes a dog trainer to the stars -- Will and Jada Pinkett Smith and Oprah Winfrey are the among the names that get dropped repeatedly here -- and, of course, ultimately lands his "Dog Whisperer" television show, which every single one of you reading this has seen.
I'm sure there's tons of self-mythologizing in the memoir section of "Cesar's Way" -- and, hey, we all deserve a bit of self-mythologizing, don't we? -- but you've got to admit it's still a pretty incredible story. Not to get all patriotic here or anything, because I'm really not like that, but the U.S. has to be one of the few places on Earth where someone can start out by sneaking into the country illegally, speaking just snatches of the native language, and within a few years become a wealthy, nationally known celebrity -- and, in this case, by doing something no one has ever done before. OK, granted, for every Cesar Millan, there are millions of people living below the poverty line, unable to get the education or training they need to break through, but, still, most places in the world this guy would have had zero chance, and may have ended up dying on the streets. If Republicans want Americans to be patriotic and given to chanting "USA! USA! USA!" all the time, they should just hand out copies of this book. The problem is, of course, that most Republicans would never have let Millan into the country in the first place.
Only the first part of "Cesar's Way" is a memoir, with much of the rest of the book dedicated to Millan's beliefs, backed up as needed by data and scientific studies, on the psychology of domestic dogs -- the same as the psychology of wolves, coyotes and other wild dogs, really -- and how we humans who live with them can best connect with them, both to make them happy (or "balanced" in Millan's parlance) and to make our lives easier. Anyone who has seen at least a couple episodes of "The Dog Whisperer" -- and, again, that's all of you -- will find few surprises in this part of the book. But is is a reasonably well-argued, in-depth discussion of a philosophy that on the TV show is seen only in bits and pieces between commercial breaks and fancy edits.
The book's far from perfect. It's incredibly repetitive in laying out its ideas -- while reading it, I kept thinking of the Talking Heads line, "Say something once, why say it again?" -- but there are worse things to be for what's basically a instructional/self-help book. Millan's trying to pound his ideas on dog psychology into our heads through sheer repetition -- and he's probably justified in doing so, as his ideas are so different from how most American dog-owners treat their dogs. And that brings up another of the book's shortcomings: Millan is so reluctant to offend his readers that every time he criticizes a particular way they treat our dogs, he has to spend a sentence or two soothing them. Screw that, Cesar. Just as you advise us not to baby our dogs, don't baby your readers. Tell us how fucking stupid we are, and correct our behavior with your calm, assertive energy, just as you would with a fearful-aggressive German Shephard.
Millan spends much of the book's pages lauding "the power of the pack," saying that living in a harmonious group with one strong leader and a bunch of other canines is the way dogs are meant to live. (He maintains a pack of his own at his dog-rehabilitation center.) But he never goes balls-out and says what I kept expecting him to: that those people who own just one dog and one or two people in a household -- and that would include this reader -- are never going to have a fully balanced dog. He almost hints at it, but eventually pussies out and starts giving a lot of lip service to packs with only two members (the dog and the owner), an obvious ploy to keep his readers happy with themselves. Come on, Cesar, man up and tell us we suck if you think we do.
As mentioned in his far more succinct and humorous review at . Brian highlights the section of "Cesar's Way" on homeless people's dogs. Most of them, Millan says, are far better balanced and closer to living near their natural states than are dogs with homes, he said, because they migrate daily and receive food at the end as a reward, as they would in the wild. Millan tries to head us down a similar path, advising us to take our dogs on looooong, energetic walks or runs several times a day, particulalry before they eat or are left alone, to try to replicate their natural state as much as possible. But, let's face it, if we really did everything Millan advises to do to keep our dogs well-balanced, we basically would all have to quit our jobs and devote ourselves full time to them. Again, Cesar, if you think most of us don't have enough time to be good dog owners, just say so. Man up!
In the last section of the book, which feels almost like an afterthought, Millan gives readers tips on common dog issues -- how to move houses with a dog, how to deal with them at an off-leash dog park -- but this seems tacked on for those readers who may be annoyed that the book has few step-by-step instructions. Again, Millan should have stuck to his guns, decided that this is indeed a dog-psychology book, and not tried to also make it a how-to manual as well.
Personally, I'm already trying some of Millan's ideas with my dog -- using a calm, assertive energy around him (this is explained pretty well in the book), and telling him what I want from him not with words but with body language and sounds (like the "tschhh" sound you hear Millan make on "The Dog Whisperer," and which his mother used on her children) -- and it does work really well.
So I'm giving "Cesar's Way" four stars. I was tempted to give it three because it's not by any stretch of the imagination great literature, and does suffer from a lot of repetition and coddling of its readers. The celebrity name-dropping grates a bit too. But, ultimately, it does exactly what it sets out to do in changing readers' perceptions of how their dogs' minds work, and what dog owners should do to connect with their pets. And, as a bonus, it gives a kick-ass rags-to-riches story that will have some readers chanting "USA! USA! USA!" -- well, those readers who aren't Lou Dobbs, that is.
I'm sure there's tons of self-mythologizing in the memoir section of "Cesar's Way" -- and, hey, we all deserve a bit of self-mythologizing, don't we? -- but you've got to admit it's still a pretty incredible story. Not to get all patriotic here or anything, because I'm really not like that, but the U.S. has to be one of the few places on Earth where someone can start out by sneaking into the country illegally, speaking just snatches of the native language, and within a few years become a wealthy, nationally known celebrity -- and, in this case, by doing something no one has ever done before. OK, granted, for every Cesar Millan, there are millions of people living below the poverty line, unable to get the education or training they need to break through, but, still, most places in the world this guy would have had zero chance, and may have ended up dying on the streets. If Republicans want Americans to be patriotic and given to chanting "USA! USA! USA!" all the time, they should just hand out copies of this book. The problem is, of course, that most Republicans would never have let Millan into the country in the first place.
Only the first part of "Cesar's Way" is a memoir, with much of the rest of the book dedicated to Millan's beliefs, backed up as needed by data and scientific studies, on the psychology of domestic dogs -- the same as the psychology of wolves, coyotes and other wild dogs, really -- and how we humans who live with them can best connect with them, both to make them happy (or "balanced" in Millan's parlance) and to make our lives easier. Anyone who has seen at least a couple episodes of "The Dog Whisperer" -- and, again, that's all of you -- will find few surprises in this part of the book. But is is a reasonably well-argued, in-depth discussion of a philosophy that on the TV show is seen only in bits and pieces between commercial breaks and fancy edits.
The book's far from perfect. It's incredibly repetitive in laying out its ideas -- while reading it, I kept thinking of the Talking Heads line, "Say something once, why say it again?" -- but there are worse things to be for what's basically a instructional/self-help book. Millan's trying to pound his ideas on dog psychology into our heads through sheer repetition -- and he's probably justified in doing so, as his ideas are so different from how most American dog-owners treat their dogs. And that brings up another of the book's shortcomings: Millan is so reluctant to offend his readers that every time he criticizes a particular way they treat our dogs, he has to spend a sentence or two soothing them. Screw that, Cesar. Just as you advise us not to baby our dogs, don't baby your readers. Tell us how fucking stupid we are, and correct our behavior with your calm, assertive energy, just as you would with a fearful-aggressive German Shephard.
Millan spends much of the book's pages lauding "the power of the pack," saying that living in a harmonious group with one strong leader and a bunch of other canines is the way dogs are meant to live. (He maintains a pack of his own at his dog-rehabilitation center.) But he never goes balls-out and says what I kept expecting him to: that those people who own just one dog and one or two people in a household -- and that would include this reader -- are never going to have a fully balanced dog. He almost hints at it, but eventually pussies out and starts giving a lot of lip service to packs with only two members (the dog and the owner), an obvious ploy to keep his readers happy with themselves. Come on, Cesar, man up and tell us we suck if you think we do.
As mentioned in his far more succinct and humorous review at . Brian highlights the section of "Cesar's Way" on homeless people's dogs. Most of them, Millan says, are far better balanced and closer to living near their natural states than are dogs with homes, he said, because they migrate daily and receive food at the end as a reward, as they would in the wild. Millan tries to head us down a similar path, advising us to take our dogs on looooong, energetic walks or runs several times a day, particulalry before they eat or are left alone, to try to replicate their natural state as much as possible. But, let's face it, if we really did everything Millan advises to do to keep our dogs well-balanced, we basically would all have to quit our jobs and devote ourselves full time to them. Again, Cesar, if you think most of us don't have enough time to be good dog owners, just say so. Man up!
In the last section of the book, which feels almost like an afterthought, Millan gives readers tips on common dog issues -- how to move houses with a dog, how to deal with them at an off-leash dog park -- but this seems tacked on for those readers who may be annoyed that the book has few step-by-step instructions. Again, Millan should have stuck to his guns, decided that this is indeed a dog-psychology book, and not tried to also make it a how-to manual as well.
Personally, I'm already trying some of Millan's ideas with my dog -- using a calm, assertive energy around him (this is explained pretty well in the book), and telling him what I want from him not with words but with body language and sounds (like the "tschhh" sound you hear Millan make on "The Dog Whisperer," and which his mother used on her children) -- and it does work really well.
So I'm giving "Cesar's Way" four stars. I was tempted to give it three because it's not by any stretch of the imagination great literature, and does suffer from a lot of repetition and coddling of its readers. The celebrity name-dropping grates a bit too. But, ultimately, it does exactly what it sets out to do in changing readers' perceptions of how their dogs' minds work, and what dog owners should do to connect with their pets. And, as a bonus, it gives a kick-ass rags-to-riches story that will have some readers chanting "USA! USA! USA!" -- well, those readers who aren't Lou Dobbs, that is.
September 5, 2013
Meh. This book is fine, but it's really just Cesar repeating the same things over and over. Be the pack leader! Take your dog on more walks! Dogs experience the world with their noses! Take your dog on more walks! Did I mention how cool my life is? Take your dog on more walks! Etc.
I mean, I don't know what I was expecting; it's not like a very general book like this is really going to tell me what to do with my specific little Napoleon-complexed terrier who is all sweetness and cuddly light until he sees a pitbull, at which point he transmogrifies into a slavering crazy monster.
I know also that a lot of people violently hate this book because of some of Cesar's more questionable techniques, but like I said, meh. I wasn't going to try "flooding" anyway.
The only thing I really took away from this (other than the fact that I really should be taking Prufrock on more walks) is that I do try to sort of act more leader-y when we're out now. You know: head high, no-nonsense tone of voice, quicker pace, etc.
Is it helping? Well kind of—assuming there are no pitbulls around.
(Sidenote: For those who have been following the gendered pronoun discussion, Cesar [and/or his ghostwriter] have done an interesting thing here: alternating pronoun genders by chapter. So in odd chapters the dog is "him" and the person is "her," and then vice versa in even chapters. This was made further obvious by including a pre-text mention of the fact that they did this. Pretty cool.)
I mean, I don't know what I was expecting; it's not like a very general book like this is really going to tell me what to do with my specific little Napoleon-complexed terrier who is all sweetness and cuddly light until he sees a pitbull, at which point he transmogrifies into a slavering crazy monster.
I know also that a lot of people violently hate this book because of some of Cesar's more questionable techniques, but like I said, meh. I wasn't going to try "flooding" anyway.
The only thing I really took away from this (other than the fact that I really should be taking Prufrock on more walks) is that I do try to sort of act more leader-y when we're out now. You know: head high, no-nonsense tone of voice, quicker pace, etc.
Is it helping? Well kind of—assuming there are no pitbulls around.
(Sidenote: For those who have been following the gendered pronoun discussion, Cesar [and/or his ghostwriter] have done an interesting thing here: alternating pronoun genders by chapter. So in odd chapters the dog is "him" and the person is "her," and then vice versa in even chapters. This was made further obvious by including a pre-text mention of the fact that they did this. Pretty cool.)
August 7, 2017
Lately I've been educating myself on positive reinforcement theory and reading books by dog behavior experts such as Karen Pryor and Patricia McConnell, in the hopes of training my dog to do some new tricks and to better understand him. (He also loves my husband best, so I wanted to bond with him a little more!)
As I researched these books, I remembered that I had read this one a few years back. I feel that it's important for me to say DO NOT READ THIS. Dominance theory in dogs has been out for decades, but sadly popular media hasn't caught up and people still think Millan's style is the way to go. It's not. It's ineffective and just plain wrong. I wish I had known it sooner, but that's why we read, right? To learn.
I will say that Millan had two great points in his book that I still remember:
1) Don't treat your dog like a tiny human. Respect it as the animal that it is.
2) Exercise. Exercise. Exercise your dog.
Other than that, this book is outdated with methods that can be dangerous depending on your dog's personality. Research positive reinforcement, don't listen to Millan just because he had a TV show.
As I researched these books, I remembered that I had read this one a few years back. I feel that it's important for me to say DO NOT READ THIS. Dominance theory in dogs has been out for decades, but sadly popular media hasn't caught up and people still think Millan's style is the way to go. It's not. It's ineffective and just plain wrong. I wish I had known it sooner, but that's why we read, right? To learn.
I will say that Millan had two great points in his book that I still remember:
1) Don't treat your dog like a tiny human. Respect it as the animal that it is.
2) Exercise. Exercise. Exercise your dog.
Other than that, this book is outdated with methods that can be dangerous depending on your dog's personality. Research positive reinforcement, don't listen to Millan just because he had a TV show.
November 2, 2016
Не харесвам кучета. Прекалено любвеобилни са, скачат, лаят и са needy един вид. Ужас. Това си мислех преди да гледам „Говорещия с кучета� � предаването по National Geographic с Цезар Милан, в което той „поправя� агресивни, непослушни, невротични и всякакви други проблемни кучета� буквално за минути.
Не се шегувам � гледайте предаването (isohunt, има го и в замунда на български, но без сезон 1 който е най-готиния). Кучета, които се държат ужасно със стопаните си, хапят, лаят агресивно по всеки, ядат обувки, пишкат в центъра на стаята� при появата на този човек се успокояват, лягат или сядат и го гледат сякаш е техния бог�
В шоуто си, а по-подробно и в първата си книга Cesar’s Way, Цезар Милан обяснява най-базовите принципи на психологията на кучето и как повечето стопани си нямат идея за тях, поради което се държат с кучетата като с играчки или като с глезени деца. Но кучето не е глезено дете, нито играчка � то според Цезар е куче, предците му са вълци и то е резултат от милиони години еволюция, която опитомяването не е успяло да изтрие от гените и инстинктите му. Кучето е умно и има психологически нужди � и когато собствениците му поради незнание не успеят да ги удовлетворят, когато се държат с него не както кучешката му природа има нужда, а както на тях им е приятно � тогава се получават проблемите.
Основите на тази идея са известни на добрите собственици на кучета даже у нас � чувал съм израза за някой който разхожда кучето си „Какъ� стопанин е той, кучето му го води, вместо той да води кучето си�.
И това, вярвате или не, е тайната на Цезар Милан и неговата магия над кучетата. За милиони години, природата е заложила в кучето то да живее в в група, в глутница. Там има само две роли � водач и член на глутницата. Водачът невинаги е най-силния, не е и най-агресивния � той е най-умния, самоуверения, спокойния, уравновесения. Той е този, който взема решенията � къде да се ходи, как да се ловува, кой да яде първи и кой последен. На неговите плещи пада задачата да преценява всяка ситуация � а другите членове на глутницата гледат него, за да знаят как да реагират и какво да правят.
Кучетата имат по-силен от всичко инстинкт към тези две роли � да водят или да следват. За домашните кучета, хората които ги отглеждат са тяхната глутница. Те така виждат нещата. Ако стопанинът им не се държи достатъчно самоуверено с тях, ако не води, а само ги глези като малки деца, те чувстват празнина и се стремят да я запълнят, като се опитват самите те да станат водачи, чувстват се призвани да спасят глутницата по този начин, като поемат водачеството. Такива кучета можете да видите много � те дърпат стопаните си напред при разходка � защото те водят, дори да са дребни пинчерчета. Ръмжат, когато някой се опита да им вземе храната � защото тя е тяхна, а той е по-ниско от тях. Качват се по леглата, защото ТЕ решават къде да спят.
Лошото е обаче, че кучетата живеят в човешки свят, който не разбират напълно. Опитвайки се да бъдат водачи на „глутницата� си, те трябва да вземат всички решения� но не могат и го осъзнават. Телевизор, автомобили, различни правила, различни хора и животни по улицата � кучето не може да знае и познава всички тях� но като водач чувства нуждата да може. Това поражда силен психологичен конфликт у кучето, прави го нервно, агресивно, получават се неврози.
Как Цезар Милан „поправя� такива кучета и как в Cesar’s Way учи собствениците им да го правят? Съвсем просто � в серийките той поема, а в книгата � кара собственикът да поеме водачеството на домашната „глутница�. Да снеме от плещите на кучето си смазващия психологически товар то да е отговорно за вземането на решенията в свят, който не разбира. Ефектът е моментален � успокоено, че има силен лидер, на когото да разчита, кучето заема позицията на член на глутницата и гледа с обожествяващ поглед собственика си, отпуснато, щастливо, с тупаща опашка.
А лидерството се поема лесно� но е постоянна задача. Лидерство � упражнения � ласки. От това се нуждае кучето, но в този ред � и това трябва да дава стопанина, за да е лидер. Винаги върви отпред, а кучето на къса каишка до него или малко зад него. Винаги минава пръв през вратите, кучето след него. Ясни правила за това къде може да ходи кучето в къщи, къде да ляга и къде не � спазвани винаги. Стопанинът решава кога да се излиза, кога да се играе, кога да се яде � не кучето, колкото и мило да гледа.
Кучето няма нужда от съчувствие, от радване � в природата даже майка му не прави това. Хората имат нужда да правят това с кучетата си, но когато не е в подходящото време, то създава неврози и психози у тях, особено съчувствието и гушкането когато са наранени или уплашени и искат да са сами. Балансираните, спокойни кучета не скачат по хората за да „и� се радват�, не ги лигавят, не тичат насам-натам � ние мислим това за признаци на привързаност и радост, но всъщност са симптоми на нервност, неувереност, страх от изоставяне, болезнена нужда от внимание� причинени от неинформирани стопани.
Минимум 1 час разходка дневно с бързо темпо � това е основата на връзката между стопанин и куче. Вълците това правят по цял ден � бягат един до друг. Цезар Милан препоръчва 40 мин. сутрин и 20 след работа разходка с бързо темпо, без спиране за да души кучето или да препикава всяко дърво, без да се пуска обикаля само � кучето има нужда да ходи или бяга до лидера си най-много от всичко. След това идват играта и ласките.
Хора, не кучета
Изобщо, предаването и книгите на Цезар Милан са обучения в лидерство. В тях има съвсем малко готови техники (той и съвсем малко техники ползва), и много обяснения за основни положения в това как да си лидер и да се държиш като такъв. След сесия с него, хората ходят по-изправени, по-горди, по-спокойни и уравновесени� и кучетата им усещат това.
Разбира се, изпадайки в подробности и технически обяснения, може би не успях да изкажа в пълнота истинското си възхищение от Cesar’s Way и изобщо от идеите на Цезар Милан. Те са релевантни далеч не само за кучетата, а и за хората, за отношенията между тях. Той описва различни начини на мислене за определени проблеми, различни ценностни системи и начини за възприемане на света� и защо някои от тях са погрешни, а други � правилни.
Накратко � гледайте предаването и прочетете книгата.
Не се шегувам � гледайте предаването (isohunt, има го и в замунда на български, но без сезон 1 който е най-готиния). Кучета, които се държат ужасно със стопаните си, хапят, лаят агресивно по всеки, ядат обувки, пишкат в центъра на стаята� при появата на този човек се успокояват, лягат или сядат и го гледат сякаш е техния бог�
В шоуто си, а по-подробно и в първата си книга Cesar’s Way, Цезар Милан обяснява най-базовите принципи на психологията на кучето и как повечето стопани си нямат идея за тях, поради което се държат с кучетата като с играчки или като с глезени деца. Но кучето не е глезено дете, нито играчка � то според Цезар е куче, предците му са вълци и то е резултат от милиони години еволюция, която опитомяването не е успяло да изтрие от гените и инстинктите му. Кучето е умно и има психологически нужди � и когато собствениците му поради незнание не успеят да ги удовлетворят, когато се държат с него не както кучешката му природа има нужда, а както на тях им е приятно � тогава се получават проблемите.
Основите на тази идея са известни на добрите собственици на кучета даже у нас � чувал съм израза за някой който разхожда кучето си „Какъ� стопанин е той, кучето му го води, вместо той да води кучето си�.
И това, вярвате или не, е тайната на Цезар Милан и неговата магия над кучетата. За милиони години, природата е заложила в кучето то да живее в в група, в глутница. Там има само две роли � водач и член на глутницата. Водачът невинаги е най-силния, не е и най-агресивния � той е най-умния, самоуверения, спокойния, уравновесения. Той е този, който взема решенията � къде да се ходи, как да се ловува, кой да яде първи и кой последен. На неговите плещи пада задачата да преценява всяка ситуация � а другите членове на глутницата гледат него, за да знаят как да реагират и какво да правят.
Кучетата имат по-силен от всичко инстинкт към тези две роли � да водят или да следват. За домашните кучета, хората които ги отглеждат са тяхната глутница. Те така виждат нещата. Ако стопанинът им не се държи достатъчно самоуверено с тях, ако не води, а само ги глези като малки деца, те чувстват празнина и се стремят да я запълнят, като се опитват самите те да станат водачи, чувстват се призвани да спасят глутницата по този начин, като поемат водачеството. Такива кучета можете да видите много � те дърпат стопаните си напред при разходка � защото те водят, дори да са дребни пинчерчета. Ръмжат, когато някой се опита да им вземе храната � защото тя е тяхна, а той е по-ниско от тях. Качват се по леглата, защото ТЕ решават къде да спят.
Лошото е обаче, че кучетата живеят в човешки свят, който не разбират напълно. Опитвайки се да бъдат водачи на „глутницата� си, те трябва да вземат всички решения� но не могат и го осъзнават. Телевизор, автомобили, различни правила, различни хора и животни по улицата � кучето не може да знае и познава всички тях� но като водач чувства нуждата да може. Това поражда силен психологичен конфликт у кучето, прави го нервно, агресивно, получават се неврози.
Как Цезар Милан „поправя� такива кучета и как в Cesar’s Way учи собствениците им да го правят? Съвсем просто � в серийките той поема, а в книгата � кара собственикът да поеме водачеството на домашната „глутница�. Да снеме от плещите на кучето си смазващия психологически товар то да е отговорно за вземането на решенията в свят, който не разбира. Ефектът е моментален � успокоено, че има силен лидер, на когото да разчита, кучето заема позицията на член на глутницата и гледа с обожествяващ поглед собственика си, отпуснато, щастливо, с тупаща опашка.
А лидерството се поема лесно� но е постоянна задача. Лидерство � упражнения � ласки. От това се нуждае кучето, но в този ред � и това трябва да дава стопанина, за да е лидер. Винаги върви отпред, а кучето на къса каишка до него или малко зад него. Винаги минава пръв през вратите, кучето след него. Ясни правила за това къде може да ходи кучето в къщи, къде да ляга и къде не � спазвани винаги. Стопанинът решава кога да се излиза, кога да се играе, кога да се яде � не кучето, колкото и мило да гледа.
Кучето няма нужда от съчувствие, от радване � в природата даже майка му не прави това. Хората имат нужда да правят това с кучетата си, но когато не е в подходящото време, то създава неврози и психози у тях, особено съчувствието и гушкането когато са наранени или уплашени и искат да са сами. Балансираните, спокойни кучета не скачат по хората за да „и� се радват�, не ги лигавят, не тичат насам-натам � ние мислим това за признаци на привързаност и радост, но всъщност са симптоми на нервност, неувереност, страх от изоставяне, болезнена нужда от внимание� причинени от неинформирани стопани.
Минимум 1 час разходка дневно с бързо темпо � това е основата на връзката между стопанин и куче. Вълците това правят по цял ден � бягат един до друг. Цезар Милан препоръчва 40 мин. сутрин и 20 след работа разходка с бързо темпо, без спиране за да души кучето или да препикава всяко дърво, без да се пуска обикаля само � кучето има нужда да ходи или бяга до лидера си най-много от всичко. След това идват играта и ласките.
Хора, не кучета
Изобщо, предаването и книгите на Цезар Милан са обучения в лидерство. В тях има съвсем малко готови техники (той и съвсем малко техники ползва), и много обяснения за основни положения в това как да си лидер и да се държиш като такъв. След сесия с него, хората ходят по-изправени, по-горди, по-спокойни и уравновесени� и кучетата им усещат това.
Разбира се, изпадайки в подробности и технически обяснения, може би не успях да изкажа в пълнота истинското си възхищение от Cesar’s Way и изобщо от идеите на Цезар Милан. Те са релевантни далеч не само за кучетата, а и за хората, за отношенията между тях. Той описва различни начини на мислене за определени проблеми, различни ценностни системи и начини за възприемане на света� и защо някои от тях са погрешни, а други � правилни.
Накратко � гледайте предаването и прочетете книгата.
April 1, 2008
Self-congratulatory, posturing "novel" about all the dogs he has worked with. Very little actual advice, and most of it is borderline abusive.
Try Karen Pryor's "Don't Shoot the Dog," or Jean Donaldson's "The Culture Clash," or even Bashkim Dibra's "Dog Training" instead.
Try Karen Pryor's "Don't Shoot the Dog," or Jean Donaldson's "The Culture Clash," or even Bashkim Dibra's "Dog Training" instead.
Shelved as 'didnt-finish'
February 4, 2013I don't agree with many of the author's beliefs...
I have no desire to physically assert my dominance over my dog (such as pushing my dog down and forcing him onto his back with his belly exposed to show him he's submissive to me).
I don't believe that affection is the final thing my dog needs from me (after exercise and obedience). To me, my bond with my dog is built on mutual affection and trust. Without those things in place, I don't think my dog would enjoy exercising with me nearly as much, nor would he respond as well to obedience training.
I don't believe that my dog jumping on me when I come home is a sign of dominance. If that were so, why wouldn't he do it at random times throughout the day? Instead, he only does it after he's been alone for a few hours and is suffering from loneliness and/or a desire for some exercise.
I do agree that a well-exercised (and therefore tired) dog is generally a better behaved dog than one who hasn't had any physical activity all day. But I disagree that exercise is the most important part of a dog's life.
Also, the author keeps talking about how his techniques are related to the pack system wolves live in (and that dogs lived in when they were first domesticated). He fails to address how much dogs have changed and evolved over centuries of domestication. Just because dogs acted a certain way a thousand years ago doesn't mean that those principals still apply. While I do think that we need to respect dogs as animals, we also can't ignore the numerous ways living with humans has influenced them.
I have no desire to physically assert my dominance over my dog (such as pushing my dog down and forcing him onto his back with his belly exposed to show him he's submissive to me).
I don't believe that affection is the final thing my dog needs from me (after exercise and obedience). To me, my bond with my dog is built on mutual affection and trust. Without those things in place, I don't think my dog would enjoy exercising with me nearly as much, nor would he respond as well to obedience training.
I don't believe that my dog jumping on me when I come home is a sign of dominance. If that were so, why wouldn't he do it at random times throughout the day? Instead, he only does it after he's been alone for a few hours and is suffering from loneliness and/or a desire for some exercise.
I do agree that a well-exercised (and therefore tired) dog is generally a better behaved dog than one who hasn't had any physical activity all day. But I disagree that exercise is the most important part of a dog's life.
Also, the author keeps talking about how his techniques are related to the pack system wolves live in (and that dogs lived in when they were first domesticated). He fails to address how much dogs have changed and evolved over centuries of domestication. Just because dogs acted a certain way a thousand years ago doesn't mean that those principals still apply. While I do think that we need to respect dogs as animals, we also can't ignore the numerous ways living with humans has influenced them.
July 8, 2018
This book is fantastic (and strangely self-help-y for the human... one of the better “self help� books I’ve read 🤔) HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
My knowledge of Cesar Milan was limited. I knew him by name and that he was the “LA dog trainer to the stars� and had caught bits and pieces of his tv show, but that was it.
His personal story / memoir at the front of the book was unexpected and awe-inspiring. I loved it and wAnted more but that’s not why I bought the book ;)
Cesar is an outstanding teacher. He explains the psychology first so when he presents the “training tip� you understand it fully. He then gives several real-life examples to enhance your understanding and ability to practice.
The most important thing I’ve learned is that I loved my dogs too much, I made them my babies but to truly love them then I need to treat them like dogs and honor their dog-ness. Otherwise I’m being selfish and hurting them. By becoming a “pack leader� the “bad behavior� has disappeared and everyone is happier and thriving. I wish I’d read this book years ago.
We aren’t A+ perfect and some results will take a while to fully appear, but we had many “wins� within a few days. I loved this book and plan to read it again and again. It’s been helpful for my life, too.
It was great fortune I picked it up after reading a book on French parenting. There were solid themes and approaches which I found comforting and reassuring. It’s not the dog or the child, it’s you. Find out what your part is, change that, and change actually happens.
My knowledge of Cesar Milan was limited. I knew him by name and that he was the “LA dog trainer to the stars� and had caught bits and pieces of his tv show, but that was it.
His personal story / memoir at the front of the book was unexpected and awe-inspiring. I loved it and wAnted more but that’s not why I bought the book ;)
Cesar is an outstanding teacher. He explains the psychology first so when he presents the “training tip� you understand it fully. He then gives several real-life examples to enhance your understanding and ability to practice.
The most important thing I’ve learned is that I loved my dogs too much, I made them my babies but to truly love them then I need to treat them like dogs and honor their dog-ness. Otherwise I’m being selfish and hurting them. By becoming a “pack leader� the “bad behavior� has disappeared and everyone is happier and thriving. I wish I’d read this book years ago.
We aren’t A+ perfect and some results will take a while to fully appear, but we had many “wins� within a few days. I loved this book and plan to read it again and again. It’s been helpful for my life, too.
It was great fortune I picked it up after reading a book on French parenting. There were solid themes and approaches which I found comforting and reassuring. It’s not the dog or the child, it’s you. Find out what your part is, change that, and change actually happens.
May 20, 2016
BE WARNED:
This is a very interesting book as far as dealing with your dog goes. I was most impressed by the techniques discussed, until I got near the end, where he gives additional tips. Millan seems to have forgotten that not all dogs that are bought are adult/from rescue centres. This means his little idea about taking the dog for an hour long walk before introducing it to your home falls completely flat if you have a puppy. No pup will last for a walk that long! (in fact, you would probably do more harm to it than good by exercising it so hard)
That said, a truer word has ne'er been spoken when he states (on page 143) The problem is that we are making assumptions based not on what canines need but on what humans need. By humanizing dogs, we damage them psychologically. This book is all about aiding your dog psychologically and this is the area in which it deserves six stars. I've tried being a more calm-assertive pack leader to our pets, and it's working wonders! But, remember, I have a fair amount of dog training knowledge behind me belt, which does help!
This is a very interesting book as far as dealing with your dog goes. I was most impressed by the techniques discussed, until I got near the end, where he gives additional tips. Millan seems to have forgotten that not all dogs that are bought are adult/from rescue centres. This means his little idea about taking the dog for an hour long walk before introducing it to your home falls completely flat if you have a puppy. No pup will last for a walk that long! (in fact, you would probably do more harm to it than good by exercising it so hard)
That said, a truer word has ne'er been spoken when he states (on page 143) The problem is that we are making assumptions based not on what canines need but on what humans need. By humanizing dogs, we damage them psychologically. This book is all about aiding your dog psychologically and this is the area in which it deserves six stars. I've tried being a more calm-assertive pack leader to our pets, and it's working wonders! But, remember, I have a fair amount of dog training knowledge behind me belt, which does help!
June 28, 2014
This is an excellent book on understanding dogs and how to correct their behavior problems. Cesar Millan has a natural gift and rapport with dogs, and his love for them shows throughout the pages of this book. He does a lot of work with problem animals at his Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles, where he shows that by behaving in a calm, assertive manner (you are the pack leader), and by exercise, discipline, and affection, you too can have a dog who is a peaceful, happy member of the family. As I have been applying what I have learned, my dog’s behavior has changed dramatically. For example, before when I took Rocky for a walk, he pulled on the leash. This, I discovered, was because he was trying to be the pack leader. When I kept him on my left side and projected a calm, assertive manner, Rocky trotted beside me during the entire long walk. What a difference! Cesar also has a TV show (The Dog Whisperer) on the National Geographic channel. This book is a must for anyone with a dog or planning to get a dog.
April 29, 2008
I decided to read this because we have just become owners of a fabulous 2-year-old Belgian shepherd dog. Dude is close to perfect, but we do need to work on a couple of things - jumping on us when we come home and pulling on the leash when we walk him.
Cesar gave me a lot to think about. I've already tried his technique with the jumping and it seems to work, as Dude is very intelligent. The walking will be harder because I'm such a pushover.
I like Cesar's way of saying that dogs need Exercise, Discipline and Affection in that order. I think Dude probably gets enough exercise (or nearly enough) but maybe too little discipline and too much affection, but I'm working on it.
This is not strictly speaking a "how to" book. Rather it attempts to change the reader's way of thinking. Think of your dog as a dog and not a human. His emotions and thoughts are different from yours and knowing this and working with this knowledge will produce a happier dog and happier dog owner.
Cesar gave me a lot to think about. I've already tried his technique with the jumping and it seems to work, as Dude is very intelligent. The walking will be harder because I'm such a pushover.
I like Cesar's way of saying that dogs need Exercise, Discipline and Affection in that order. I think Dude probably gets enough exercise (or nearly enough) but maybe too little discipline and too much affection, but I'm working on it.
This is not strictly speaking a "how to" book. Rather it attempts to change the reader's way of thinking. Think of your dog as a dog and not a human. His emotions and thoughts are different from yours and knowing this and working with this knowledge will produce a happier dog and happier dog owner.
August 4, 2008
I love Cesar Millan. He isn't perfect (his section about a woman killed by neighbor's dogs is missing some key information). However, he does have a tremendous understanding of dogs (and following his techniques rather than instinct saved my fiance from being seriously mauled by a pit bull). I strongly recommend this book for anyone that interacts with dogs. Period.
February 11, 2009
This book is just making me angry!! I cannot finish it.
May 18, 2024
Partamos de cinco estrellas y voy a ir explicando por qué las pierde:
-1� > la redacción cambiando el genero neutro de los perros y humanos en cada capítulo. En un capítulo, los dueños son "las dueñas" de forma genérica, y en el siguiente "las perras". Creo que me hubiera molestado menos si fuera siempre igual todo el libro. Realmente dificulta la lectura y molesta...
-1� > rechazo general al método de refuerzo positivo. Mucha demasiada insistencia en que la solución mágica es dar paseos largos. Sus teorías se basan básicamente en la teoría de dominancia y sumisión con las cuales tampoco me siento identificada
-1� > una de las últimas paginas en las que da consejos generales y a sangre fría te aconseja que si esperas un bebé y tu perro te sigue por la casa y es territorial, que mejor le busques otra familia a tu perro antes de que nazca el bebé. Sin palabras.
Enfin, en general hay muchísimas cosas en las que estoy de acuerdo, pero hay grandes diferencias que son importantes. También quiero resaltar que el libro es de 2008 y de las primeras temporadas del programa, no me cabe duda de que Cesar ha debido evolucionar y quizá ya no tenga exactamente las mismas opiniones
No me arrepiento para nada de haberlo leído pero no va a convertirse en mi libro de referencia sobre educación canina 😉
-1� > la redacción cambiando el genero neutro de los perros y humanos en cada capítulo. En un capítulo, los dueños son "las dueñas" de forma genérica, y en el siguiente "las perras". Creo que me hubiera molestado menos si fuera siempre igual todo el libro. Realmente dificulta la lectura y molesta...
-1� > rechazo general al método de refuerzo positivo. Mucha demasiada insistencia en que la solución mágica es dar paseos largos. Sus teorías se basan básicamente en la teoría de dominancia y sumisión con las cuales tampoco me siento identificada
-1� > una de las últimas paginas en las que da consejos generales y a sangre fría te aconseja que si esperas un bebé y tu perro te sigue por la casa y es territorial, que mejor le busques otra familia a tu perro antes de que nazca el bebé. Sin palabras.
Enfin, en general hay muchísimas cosas en las que estoy de acuerdo, pero hay grandes diferencias que son importantes. También quiero resaltar que el libro es de 2008 y de las primeras temporadas del programa, no me cabe duda de que Cesar ha debido evolucionar y quizá ya no tenga exactamente las mismas opiniones
No me arrepiento para nada de haberlo leído pero no va a convertirse en mi libro de referencia sobre educación canina 😉
Shelved as 'to-not-read'
April 22, 2017My favorite behaviorist is the late , a formidable veterination who admited that her helpful book, , will not give you a perfect puppy in a week-- but close to that! She gives you tools that will give you a responsive dog, and tools to fit a rescue dog into your home for a happy life.
As a person in the veterinary industry, I further suggest that you talk to local trainers, get recommendations from the local vet or dog-control officer, and find a trainer who suits your philosophy and needs, and can work with you and your dog so you both get the training you need.
As a person in the veterinary industry, I further suggest that you talk to local trainers, get recommendations from the local vet or dog-control officer, and find a trainer who suits your philosophy and needs, and can work with you and your dog so you both get the training you need.
August 23, 2007
The training tactics Cesar Millan recommends are inhumane, outdated and abusive. Most of the theoretical explanations that Millan gives regarding causes of dogs' behavior problems are wrong. His methods are dangerous to both dogs and their owners, check out "Dog Training for Dummies" or "Don't Shoot the Dog" or "Parenting Your Dog" instead!
March 24, 2017
I've always been a fan of Cesar's. Having rescued a dog recently I thought it might be useful to read this book in case their were any new nuggets. For me, there were none.
I enjoyed learning more about Cesar and his philosophy but I think most folks will learn as much in chapters 7 and 8 as they will in the entire book.
I enjoyed learning more about Cesar and his philosophy but I think most folks will learn as much in chapters 7 and 8 as they will in the entire book.
December 16, 2017
Whether or not you believe in the author’s methods, it is obvious he has a connection to dogs that would make many dog owners envious. If you struggle with a difficult dog, this would be a good book for you. Although, discovering the difficult one may actually be YOU, could be challenging to anyone with a fragile ego.
June 18, 2020
This is one of the FEW books that have induced action in me. It has changed me, and I have a relationship with my GrandDog that is different than any of her predecessors, ever. I trust him, and am thrilled about what I learned from him.
August 7, 2017
Some scary stuff!
September 11, 2021
I picked this up without knowing anything about Cesar Millan � I have been working my way through my library’s collection of books on dog training to learn more about how to best care for my dog. Apparently, he’s a controversial figure in the dog training world.
He makes a few good points, as he highlights the importance of exercise and setting boundaries. He states that many dog owners fail do acknowledge or focus on these ideas, which can be the root of behavioural issues. He also mentions that dogs live in the moment, which is also a key idea when it comes to training � disciplining or scolding too late after an undesirable behaviour is ineffective and will not successfully eliminate the behaviour.
That being said, I don’t agree with a lot of Millan’s methods � forceful training and the idea of the pack leader is outdated. He focuses too much on the idea that (domesticated) dogs are just like their (wild) wolf counterparts. He generalizes with the idea that all dogs are trying to be dominant with certain behaviours (waking their owner(s) up to be let out at obscene hours, walking ahead of their owners, etc.). In my opinion, he misinterprets and problematizes behaviours that can be considered reasonable when considering standard obedience training and the dog’s perspective.
Zak George’s training methods are better and more compassionate that Millan’s adverse and punitive techniques.
He makes a few good points, as he highlights the importance of exercise and setting boundaries. He states that many dog owners fail do acknowledge or focus on these ideas, which can be the root of behavioural issues. He also mentions that dogs live in the moment, which is also a key idea when it comes to training � disciplining or scolding too late after an undesirable behaviour is ineffective and will not successfully eliminate the behaviour.
That being said, I don’t agree with a lot of Millan’s methods � forceful training and the idea of the pack leader is outdated. He focuses too much on the idea that (domesticated) dogs are just like their (wild) wolf counterparts. He generalizes with the idea that all dogs are trying to be dominant with certain behaviours (waking their owner(s) up to be let out at obscene hours, walking ahead of their owners, etc.). In my opinion, he misinterprets and problematizes behaviours that can be considered reasonable when considering standard obedience training and the dog’s perspective.
Zak George’s training methods are better and more compassionate that Millan’s adverse and punitive techniques.
June 11, 2008
I picked up this book after reading a long string of other dog training books. I had great hopes that this book would help solve all my dog woes. The book begins with a description of a morning in the life of a dog at Cesar’s Dog Psychology Center. This powerful opening scene shows Cesar’s talent at it’s greatest: one man harmoniously leading 35 dogs on a mountain trail. Unfortunately the rest of the book falls somewhat short of this morning hike. The book follows Cesar’s childhood and his early days in Southern California as an illegal immigrant and outlines some of the dogs he has rehabilitated. While I found Cesar’s approach to canine (and human) behavior unique and amazing, I found his writing style to be a bit preachy and poor in description. With that said, it seems that some of his case histories a bit lacking in depth but are inspiring nevertheless. Though I did not find it to be a panacea to my current dog troubles, Cesar’s Way does offer an insight into the minds and behavior of dogs. It is a book that any dog owner would enjoy, but perhaps this book serves best as a companion to his television series, The Dog Whisperer.
September 16, 2021
Jako dobra knjiga za sve koje zanimaju psi.
Čovjek je očito velik znalac i još veći talent. I, po svemu sudeći, pravi zaljubljenik u pse.
Korisni, koncizni savjeti. Dobra objašnjenja potkrijepljena primjerima. Zanimljive auto-biografske crtice, ako izuzmem intermitentne bljeskove privatnih sladunjavosti koja kvare štivo.
Svakako ću uzeti i druge njegove knjige u ruke.
Čovjek je očito velik znalac i još veći talent. I, po svemu sudeći, pravi zaljubljenik u pse.
Korisni, koncizni savjeti. Dobra objašnjenja potkrijepljena primjerima. Zanimljive auto-biografske crtice, ako izuzmem intermitentne bljeskove privatnih sladunjavosti koja kvare štivo.
Svakako ću uzeti i druge njegove knjige u ruke.
March 11, 2016
Cesar Millan's dogs, and the way he rehabilitates "problem" dogs who would otherwise be euthanized, are all the proof I need to take his advice seriously. Even though I'm familiar with his training, this book opened my eyes even more. A great read!
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