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Excellent resource for dog lovers. Helps you understand your dog's mentality so that you can become a better owner and effective "pack leader". I have what I consider to be a great, high-energy lab mix, who has been through obedience school. I thought I had the whole dog management thing down pretty well, but this book gave me a LOT Of pointers and reminders on how to be successful and have a better relationship throughout the dogs life. It's a must read! The only criticism that I have is that he is VERY repetitive. I guess he is trying to bring the point home but he says the same thing over and over again even in the same chapter. Other good points about the book- it is entertaining because it isn't dry- lots of personal stories, pictures, celebrity tales, etc.
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!
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.Read full review
This book was very well written and to the point on the discussed topics. I was impressed with the case studies included in the book describing certain problems. These case studies helped me put thing into a life situation understanding. I have also noticed that it is easier for me to read dogs body language whether it's my own or a strange dog. In addition, I've begun reading people with the same techniques and to my joy have been able to keep situations low key by being calm assertive. Being calm assertive in human situations has also allowed me to steer the conversation (controversy) to a direction in which all participants are receptive, even if we agree to disagree. I have ordered several copies of this same book to give as gifts to those close to me to help them deal with situations with both their dog or human relationships.Read full review
Cesar's Way has changed my whole relationship to our personal family of dogs and to how to raise a happy dog in general. I am now a Cesar's Way believer. The book is easy to read and down to earth in getting you to understand perhaps a different way to raise a happy dog. Millan writes in a clear manner, uses layman's terms and challenges you to try a new way of having dogs in your life. While I felt like our Boston Terrier was a happy dog, my term happy was a human term. With a new puppy in the house, we were placed with new and different situations with both older and young dog. I needed help. With the book, I realize that I needed most of the training and retraining. But I read with ease about methods that have made Millian the dog Whisperer to thousands of happier dog and really happier owners. There is just enough step by step instruction to make you want to practice. I liked the part that established Millan's background and why he gets the results he does with his animals. I bought this book to get help and that is exactly what I got. My family really is enjoying Cesar's Way.Read full review
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