Cesar's Way by Cesar Millan, Melissa Jo Peltier (2006, Hardcover)

This is a wonderful reference book and makes for good reading. Cesar is not really teaching you HIS way -- in this fascinating and entertaining book, he is teaching you NATURE's way.
Cesar was born in Culiacan, Mexico, and came here in 1990. He is now applying for U.S. citizenship. He has quite a story to tell about his childhood and his special relationship with dogs from the time he was a small boy. When he came here he noticed with dismay that American dogs had a number of "issues" related primarily to the fact that we Americans view our dogs as "four-legged humans" instead of dogs (animals). Our dogs need us to be calm-assertive pack leaders and to provide them with exercise, discipline and affection in that order. Cesar gives many illustrations of how this concept works and the fact that dogs use smell and the sixth sense of energy to evaluate other dogs and animals, including humans.
I would recomend this book to any and all dog owners!!!

I eagerly finished Cesar’s Way in 2 evenings and I’m not usually much of a reader. I have had dogs all my life and this book opened my eyes that I while I was providing plenty of love, food, toys & regular medical attention, that is not enough to satisfy my dogs natural instinctive need for a calm, assertive Pack Leader, daily walks (exercise) & corrections to their behavior (discipline). Cesar’s Way begins by telling of Cesar Millan’s childhood experiences that help explain why he sees dogs in a more natural balanced way then the average American. Then Cesar goes over many real-life cases in which common dog behavior challenges, are surprisingly more often then not, caused by what the owner is doing, or not doing. Cesar Millan & co-author Melissa Jo Peltier present the information simply, interjecting occasional humor, which make the ideas so easy to understand & remember.
Cesar is very responsible how he presents the information. Although Cesar is experienced with extreme, “red-zone” cases, he encourages readers to seek professional help if their dogs display behavior that is too aggressive. By regularly practicing the recommendations in Cesar’s Way, you’ll have a happy, balanced companion and save your dog from ever coming near that type of extreme frustration. You may also be surprised to see that by adopting these techniques, you’ll see positive results in other parts of your life. Thank you to National Geographic Channel for bringing us the informative, family-friendly Dog Whisperer program.

I thought the main central emphasis of Cesar's book was right - that dogs need consistent, strong leadership to help prevent them from developing behavioral issues. I also realized, in a greater way, how important it is that we lead out ahead of them consistently and not allow charging ahead unless permission is given on approach to the water, sledding etc. If people come away with that concept alone, the book will have accomplished a great deal for dog owners. Also, the idea of giving dogs more exercise is a very important concept and one that is also clearly not fulfilled for many dogs, however, suggesting they be walked 3 or 4 hours a day is very impractical for most people. I also don't think that playing with them is any less valuable for exercising and/or establishing leadership though.

As far as his ‘world view' and premise for which he bases his ‘pack leadership' ideas on, I don't agree with at all. As a Christian (who believes that the Bible is the inspired word of God, giving us everything we need to know from where we came from, why we're here , how to lead our lives and where we're going) I found his evolutionary ideas of mankind being just another ‘animal' leading animals quite repulsive. Mankind was created in the image of God with the ability to reason, create and have a personal relationship with Him. God mandated from the beginning of creation that we have authority over the earth and it's creatures - a stewardship. Obviously we've failed miserably in many areas but he never revoked that principle although many don't' exercise that authority properly and some even go to the other extreme of misusing that power for their own ego and sense of control. As far as leading or having authority over dogs, I don't believe we have to worry about projecting ‘positive or negative energy' but simply walk in the authority that God has already given us. The power or control I believe we are to exercise over dogs (in this case) is not power that comes from ourselves or from being ‘one with nature' but rather being one with ‘the One' who created nature and living out his principles and mandate for fair and proper leadership. I know it's not always that simple - of course various training methods need to be taught and applied , as in anything we do - but it's his whole concept of how we project dominance that I'm really addressing.

There are those who rule their dogs through fear and intimidation like harsh taskmasters, but I believe we can and should be benevolent masters, just as God intended and is towards us. To be just, kind, merciful and administer fair discipline when needed as well as rewards and affection so that our dogs primary motive for following us is not fear but loyalty and trust.

This book was great for me. Before reading this book, my dog would only listen to commands given by my husband. Now that I've applied what I've learn from Cesar, she now listens to me. This book was very informative. It taught me that dogs live in the here and now...they don't live in the past. I now know that I can be an assertive pack leader and it won't hurt my dog's feelings. I know that getting her to become calm-submissive doesn't mean she's a whimp. I'd recommend this book to anyone with a dog, not to just those of us with dogs that have behavior problems.

I am a faithful veiwer of "The Dog Whisperer" program and bought this book to learn more. Even though the book presents much of the same information as the TV program, it makes the points clearer. The information also makes more sense when I watch the TV scenarios.

I now understand why I had to give away a 6-month-old German Shepard that I truly loved. If I had read this book first, she would still be with us.

I'm now using this dog psychology on our new {smaller} puppy, and it WORKS! Even though alot of puppy behavior is cute, and we know she'll outgrown it, some things are very hard to live with. I have now been able to stop these behaviors with my attitude alone. Once she understands that I REALLY MEAN something, she cooperates pleasantly and permanently. Even though she is only 5 months old, she is a joy to live with.

I finally gave this book to my son, who now has our beloved German Shepard, and it has been very helpful to him. Before he read the book, he used to say that Cesar had "laser eyes"--he would just look at a dog and it behaved. Now, I think we both understand how to accomplish this.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone with a dog. This dog psychology is not obedience training, but is the basis for all training and for living with your dog in mutual happiness.

Cesar's Way opened my mind that my dog thinks he's the leader of my pack. I loved learning from Cesar the proper way to be a pack leader to my dog. Of course, I'm not a success just from reading this book, I actually I have to put his techniques into practice every day - minute by minute. His techniques are easy; being calm instead of yelling, knowing when not to give affection, the proper way to walk your dog (who leads), exercising your dog at least an 1 1/2 hours each day walking, rollerblading, or playing. What I liked most about this book was learning a little bit more about Cesar himself. He shared his story in Cesar's Way on how and why he became the Dog Whisperer.

I think that this book should be a required read to all people considering getting a dog!
I learned a lot from this book. I am already seeing changes in myself and my dog as a result of Cesars help.
"Cesars Way" is the back to basic/natural way all dog lovers need to learn about to understand their dogs needs better.

I have known about Cesar Milan for some time now and do watch his TV show so I was excited to learn of his book. It really is well written and easy to follow and will give you much insight into your relationship with your dog. Many people dont agree with Cesar's methods but what they dont take into consideration is he deals with difficult cases that many others will not touch and he always succeeds. He is a very dynamic individual that understands dogs and can project that to any dog. He admits he is not a dog trainer, he is more about psychology. Dogs are not humans and we should not treat them as such. You may be able to get away with it if you own a little fluffy dog but if you have ever rescued a dog or own a big tough breed, it would be wise to read and open your mind to what Cesar is trying to tell you. Bad behavior is caused by bad owners but if you are willing to work at it and make the necessary changes, your dog can be a great dog once again. This is a terrific book and well worth reading for any dog owner. Dont be scared away by the people that simply dont understand the methods. If you have ever owned a dog with issues you know that you just cant give them a doggie cookie and all is fixed.

Cesar brings a fresh new approach to understanding the dog's way of thinking. I've been training dogs for over thirty years in obedience and agility and have found his methods to be very helpful. I just wish he had been around years ago! Thanks for a great book.
P.S. If you don't like the methods don't use them, not everybody gets it, but don't criticize what you don't understand.

This book is the next best thing to having cesar come to your home and help like on his show. I have two rescue pugs who have behavioral issues to put it mildly and a was desperate for help. His show is good but if you need more in depth info like I did this book goes more into each problem and how to handle them. A great guidebook and a must have for anyone with a pet with "issues"!!!!

I've watched Cesar on tv for awhile...but its great to be able to read his guide on being a pack leader. VERY helpful guide! He breaks it down so well - you start to wonder how you never saw it that way before.
I highly recommend this book. Great for a dog owner's library. :)

I like that in the book Millan holds me accountable for my dogs behavior. He gives hope and easy to implement ways to address doggie discipline. I learned about pack behavior in this book! It's great! Bought this book because my 1yr old 4lb puppy was going to fail puppy school if I didn't get help!! Go Get This Book!

Wonderful book. I learned many things reading the book and have realized that Cesar is accurate. Yes, I am one that felt my dogs were my children and yes I was teaching them the most harmful attitudes. Dogs NEED a pack leader and I am trying very hard to go back and be their leader NOT their follower. I highly recommend this book and wish I could have Cesar come to my home and help me more with things I am sure I need work on.
This book describes a man from Tijuana that has definitely made a mark in life coming to the U.S. with his knowledge for dogs.

This is the perfect book for all dog owners offering easy and practical advice for dogs of all ages. The book is written in easy to follow steps combined with specific examples that will help train both dogs and their owners! From puppies to older dogs everyone will benefit from Cesar's suggestions.

Another no nonsense approach to living happily with your dog. Not how to teach him obedience, but how to be his leader that he looks up to. Simple, clear do's and don'ts in your everyday life with your friend. Cesar brings to light much that has been ignored by other writers and you will better understand how he accomplishes so much on his TV show, "The Dog Whisperer" seen on the National Geographic station.

This book is writen in a way that keeps you interested and continually reiterates some very good points. I would recommend this book to anybody who has probalems with their dog. It is especially helpful if you have a compulsive, or over-protective dog, I think. This book doesn't explain how to get your dog to comply with ommands, but takes discipline a step further. It gets your dog to behave through exercise, discipline adn not giving your dog so much affection when it is misbehaving!

How can you not like Cesar??!! Every dog owner should read this book! This book covers so many of the problems we and our dogs experience everyday.

Great book!!! This book gave insight into Cesar and how he became the Dog Whisperer as well as opening my eyes to how I should behave in trying to discipline my new puppy. This is not a how to book, it is one that tells you the best way to get your dog to behave — and it works! My 8-month old is much better since I implemented some of Cesar's theories and she seems to respect both my husband and me more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book – as much as any novel that I've read. I think that one who has children could use some of this psychology as well.

Get it and you'll love it!

Mr. Millan is not highly regarded by the veterinary behavior community, he doesn't appear to practice what he preaches and often on his TV episodes they break for commercial and he comes back with dog bites from aggressive dogs and he is known for using techniques which are controversial. Many things he says are suggested by trained behaviorists, but beware because some are definately NOT. This guy has no credentials and is a TV personality more than a dog trainer, and has raised a lot of concern in the veterinary community.

A concerned credentialed veterinary technician

Cesar Millan is gifted at helping you look into the mind of your dog. He helps you to correct bad behaviors and promote the good in your dog. It sums it down to the basic needs to regain control of your pet and family home. Truly inspiring and genuine! Anyone who owns a dog, or is thinking of getting a dog, or even walks in the company of any dogs should definately read this book! You will gain the knowledge Cesar graciously shares with you. Cesar's Way will be an inspiration to your other relationships as well. He is like one of the pack in his understanding and teaches you to always be the pack leader! This book was on the New York Times Bestseller list for 50 weeks and at #1 for 15 of them!

I decided to buy Cesar's book because I am a big fan of his show. I recommend this book for people who haven't watched the show very much, because the book is basically a reiteration of exactly what he teaches on the show. It serves as a helpful reference for me when I am training my dog, and is very organized in explaining not only how to use Cesar's techniques, but why they work as well. I wish that there was more information regarding how to "untrain" fearful dogs, but the chapter concerning this was a little helpful. I also liked that we learn a little of Cesar's background and how he got to where he is now. I'm just waiting to see if he comes out with any other books soon!

This book was a request by my daughter-in-law for Christmas. She and my son are fostering abandoned dogs. They have found the book very helpful.

My wife is loves watching Cesar's show, so she wanted the book to try and help one of our dogs. She has a habit of barking at other dogs before approaching them. She just bought it from Walmart for $12 because Adam Berry (goodyberry 281) of Florida (admrry@aol.com) never sent the book we bought from him. I recomend the book highly. The tips it gives has helped already.
If you are having troubles with a dog, it is an inexpensive way to improve their behavior.