Cesar Millan-The Dog Whisperer

Ever since the hubby and I adopted Leo we have been watching the Dog Whisperer and reading his books. Cesar has an understanding and intuitive nature with the canine world. His methods work and I have seen it with many of the unruly dogs in our neighbourhood, except for one dog that lives down the block from us. His owner seems to think that there is nothing to be done to help his dog. He is a beautiful dog, a black lab/rottweiler mix. He has broken through the wooden fence in the back of the property, leading to the back alley.  I can see his frustration as well as his pent up energy...not sure if he even gets walked. I was working with Leo using Cesar's methods and it just wasn't working. He was yelling at me to quit and just to leave the dog alone. This is difficult as my walking route runs along his house. So this is my project to overcome the issues with this dog.

We have some of Cesar's books. Listed below are the ones I totally recommend.

Cesar's Way

1) Cesar's Way was written in 2007. I love this book as it gives history to how the Dog Whisperer came about. from the website:

In Cesar's Way, Cesar Milan-nationally recognized dog expert and star of National Geographic Channel's hit show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan-helps you see the world through the eyes of your dog so you can finally eliminate problem behaviors. You'll learn:

• What your dog really needs may not be what you're giving him
• Why a dog's natural pack instincts are the key to your happy relationship
• How to relate to your dog on a canine level
• There are no "problem breeds," just problem owners
• Why every dog needs a job
• How to choose a dog who's right for you and your family
• The difference between discipline and punishment
• And much more!

You also learn Cesar's background and how he came to be in America.  Great story and a must have for the dog owner and the dog lover.

Be The Pack Leader

2) Next on the list is Be The Pack Leader, which was also published 2007. This one is more of a how to book, How to look at your energy, what tools are available along with pros and cons of those tools. Cesar also talks about the different breeds and what their specific needs are. Some of the other things that Cesar talks about is the true "Red Zone" cases and what the other issues that dogs are dealing with. It is a great book.

A Member of the Family

3) A Member of the Family is the next book, published in 2009. This book is very helpful in interacting with the whole family.

From the publisher:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Cesar's Way and Be the Pack Leader comes the ultimate guide for living together with a healthy, happy dog. In A Member of the Family, Cesar Milan coaches you on everything you need to know about raising a dog-from the moment you first think about getting a dog-including information on:

• Selecting the right breed for your family's lifestyle
• Establishing-and enforcing-household rules from day one
• What to look for in a veterinarian
• Proper nutrition
• Familiarizing a dog with another pet in the family (including cats)
• Setting up exercise, discipline, and affection plans for your family and your dog
• Introducing your dog to a new significant other or baby

Packed with practical tips and techniques-plus advice from the unique perspectives of Cesar's wife and sons-A Member of the Family addresses the most common issues and questions for dog owners.

How To Raise The Perfect Dog

One we haven't purchased is How To Raise The Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood And Beyond, published in as we adopted Leo while he was a senior.  We may pick this one up at some point, especially if we decide to adopt another dog as a puppy. We aren't planning on it but then we were planning on adopting a dog either as we love our cats.

From the Publisher:

Packed with new information aimed specifically at the particular needs of puppies and adolescents, and written in Cesar''s friendly, accessible style, How to Raise the Perfect Dog answers all the most commonly asked questions and guides you towards a loving, satisfying life-long relationship with your best friend.

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Cesar Millan shows you how to raise the perfect dog and prevent behavior issues before they start, including:
• what to expect from each stage of your puppy''s development
• quick and easy housebreaking
• the essentials of proper nutrition
• the importance of vaccinating-and of not over-vaccinating
• creating perfect obedience from day one through rules, boundaries, and calm-assertive leadership
• how to avoid the most common mistakes owners make raising puppies and young dogs
• how to correct any issue before it becomes a problem
• unique exercises and play to bring out the best in every breed

Cesar's Rules

Now Cesar has written a new book due out October 5, 2010 called Cesar's Rules: Your Way To Train A Well-behaved Dog.

From the Publisher:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Cesar Millan shows you how to communicate well with your dog and shares the most effective and humane methods for teaching your dog how to be a happy, well-behaved member of your household. In Cesar's Rules, he'll address:

* The most popular training techniques, including positive reinforcement and using a clicker
* Ways to teach basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, and come
* The importance of balance, and why a well-trained dog does not necessarily mean a balanced one
* How to use your dog's own natural inclinations to create better behavior
* The methods and theories from a variety of renowned trainers, including Bob Bailey, Ian Dunbar, Joel Silverman, and Mark Harden
* Encouraging and honoring your dog's instincts

I for one plan on getting this book.  Don't forget that Cesar is coming to Canada, here is the information...

Canada, Your Wish Has Come True.

You’ve been asking. We heard you! And now, Canada, you’ll be able to witness Cesar Millan talents first hand, as he brings his enlightening and hugely entertaining live show to Canada for the first time.

To participate in the pre-sale and purchase tickets, visit www.CesarMillanLive.ca.

Tour dates

Dog Whisper Fans in Winnipeg are trying to get the show to go there. There is a Facebook Page in regards to this. I am hoping that we go sounds like it would be fun!

Cora