Cesar’s Way
I was brought to this book by chance when I was walking through Chapters, not knowing what to purchase I saw this TV personality I respected staring at me on the cover of his first book, “Cesar’s Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems” by Cesar Millan and Melissa Jo Peltier.
I occasionally watch TV and prefer to watch programs that are educational, one of the best is “The Dog Whisperer” with Cesar Milan. I enjoy watching his training style as he rehabilitates problem dogs AND owners. I say dog and owners because he shows how we interact with the dog and carry ourselves everyday has a huge impact on the pets behavior.
I didn’t know too much about the man himself and how he came about to have such wonderful philosophies/techniques in raising and rehabilitating dogs into obedient members of the family.
Cesar grew up in Mexico and spent much of his youth on a farm. Farms are an amazing place to learn about animals and more importantly gave Cesar the opportunity to observe dogs working and living around the farm. One of his mentors, his grandfather showed him the ropes on how to work with dogs, he never hit them or gave them treats, they simply lived in a symbiotic relationship where the dogs helped herd the animals and catch up stragglers and were rewarded with scraps and the occasional burrito. The dogs were outside dogs, living in their natural environment with their respective packs.
Cesar observed how the dogs acted in their natural setting and learned that there is a “pack leader” who is in charge of the group. He was able to observe how a pack leader gains dominance, maintains it and expressed his/her will on the other pack members. Some of his philosophies in maintaining a healthy relationship with your dog are becoming the “pack leader”, treating your pet like a dog NOT a human, LOTS of exercise and expressing what he calls “calm-assertive energy”.
Another aspect of the book is the journey of Cesar from being an illegal immigrant into USA to one of the most successful dog trainers in North America. It’s a fascinating case study showing when someone is so determined and focused that certain opportunities appear in their life that can spring board them to success. I give him much respect for coming to America with only a handful of money and speaking no English. He was given a job by 2 women grooming dogs and eventually let him stay with them when they found out he was living on the streets. Cesar’s optimism and absolute belief that he would become a successful trainer multiplied by his hard work ethic led him to impress many people who gave him further opportunities. There are many more stories in the book showing how “fate” led him to meet certain people that drove his business to get bigger and better. I buy into what Cesar is talking about, if you are on the right path, working hard and being true to yourself, the universe will put certain people and opportunities in your way to help you but you need to be receptive and willing to acknowledge them.
I highly recommend this book to any dog owner, it is a must read and will heighten the relationship you have with your pet even if you have no obedience problems at all. Not only will you learn how to become a “pack leader” you will learn what your dogs needs to live a fulfilling life which is most important. I have only touched upon a small amount of valuable information in the book, with respect to Cesar and his work please refer to his writings/show for even more knowledge.
Cesar’s Way – 10/10
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