5stars
125ratings4stars
13ratings3stars
2ratings2stars
3ratings1star
2ratings
Would recommend100% agree
Good value100% agree
Compelling content100% agree
140 Reviews
Great guide, pretty repetitive
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.Read full review...
Lots of insight, but...
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!Read full review...
Too extreme
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...
A must read for everyone whether you have a dog or not!
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
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...
What everyone who owns a dog needs to know
This book and watching a few shows of the Dog Whisper on National Geographic channel will give you a whole new way of feeling, and looking at your dog's and your reltionship with them. Instead of getting a puppy and going through all the yelling and spankings, and frustration with house breaking. Try it Cesar's way and you and your dog will appreciate the way you feel about each other and this is great. When you have a dog or puppy you don't need to be frustrated, but calm, happy and a much more when you learn how to balance your dog. This book does help everyone from rich to poor understand and correct the problems they are having with their dog. I have three Yorkies and three different personalities which means three different set of problems. I have learned how to keep things calm by following his book. I have been retrained which in turn has made my dogs become who they really are. The best thing is it works. It is simple to follow and this family is glad his book came to our house. I have read lots of books on dog training and none of them really reach the problems or give you solutions to try like this book does.
The thing I didn't like about this book was the beginning telling all about himself and family. I didn't buy this book for a family biography but to use his ways of training that he uses now. Everyone has a history and it didn't need to be part of a book that is to be a guide to understanding and correcting dog problems. The book could have been writen more direct and I think he should do this also now. He could be factual, take experiences from his show. This will sell millions.
All said and done this was a very good book and has saved me lots of time and energy that would have been done in anger and upsetting. I now have only good vibes and learned to move on. ThanksRead full review...
Help for Your Obnoxious Dog
You know it's your fault. You never took the time when he was a puppy, now he's unmanageable. Well, Cesar Millan can help! I became interested in Cesar after watching "The Dog Whisperer" on TV, and especially because we quite unexpectedly adopted a pit bull puppy. Cesar understands the "strong" breeds, and we wanted to make her the best dog possible from the start. His book gives detailed "Dog Whisperer" term definitions and explains of all his basic principles such as "calm-submissive", and so on. If you take the time and all family members apply themselves equally, you can make your dog a better citizen. I found his theories on walking to be the most valuable part of the book. I have two dogs, and his methods work. Much of it is just common sense stuff we never think about. He does a great job of showing how our "spoiling" dogs hurts them emotionally. I love his books! However, I would like to see him address his theories under different conditions: How and when do you walk if you live where it gets COLD? How about older dogs, when do we know how much walking is enough? Too much? What about walking at night? Maybe that's a future book. Like some other reviewers, I don't agree with everything Cesar says. On the other hand, I've seen his methods work with both a ten-year-old dog and a three month old puppy. Try this book, it's the only training book we've been interested in reading in fourteen years of owning dogs. By that I mean it's the first one to present information we didn't feel we've already heard.Read full review...
It's a Dog's Life
I am the owner of 2 collies. One is 8 years old and we decided to get a puppy last year after our other collie had passed on. We didn't know what we were in for ...This lovable little fur fluff was a monster. There were chewing, barking and pooping problems. I had gotten a recommendation from a friend for this book to help with dog and people behavior problems. The seller also included a dvd with the book. The book covers dog psychology, their energy,understanding the "pack", and aggression isssues. ON the human side useful topics include how we screw up our dogs (corrections included), and tips for living happily and getting along with your dog. I liked the last chapter on fulfilling our dogs ad fulfilling ourselves. I got an insight into the dog world. I have been around dogs all my life, I learned a lot from this book and the special bond and devotion with my dog. The book was also easy to read , understand and compaassionate. It was very enjoyable. The dvd was also very helpful as I and my family were at my wit's end with the dog and her behavior....Sincerely A very satisfied dog owner.
'Read full review...
Bad dog? Good book
This is an excellent book for people who are experiencing problems with their dog, just as the description states. However, I would discourage people from buying this book until they are pretty sure that they have a problem dog on their hands. It does not offer advice about dealing with usual puppy problems, only the more serious problems like aggression or fear. I would also offer that people owning sporting dogs should not use this book initially, until they are, again, sure that there is a problem with their dog. Pointers and retrievers have a strong drive to get out and run, not be held back in heeling position 90% of the time. There are fine obedience tactics offered, including basic heel, sit, or stay sort of commands.Read full review...
Want to have a dog? read this book first.
This bloke has been working with dogs for more than 25 years. He definitely knows his way.
Through many examples from his TV show and by telling his personal story, he slowly teaches you a new perspective on having and raising a dog, the right perspective. Some people complain about the fact that he repeats the same thing over and over again using examples and telling very long stories. But, as he points out, perseverance is the key, not only for dogs, but most important, for the owner. If you're once told you are raising your puppy the wrong way, you'd probably ignore it. But if you read it a thousand times, with many different examples of what's to come due to your mistakes, it's very likely that you, like I did, will finally come to senses and say, Damn it! for both our sakes, I'm going to change. at the end of this book you won't learn about tricks or commands. Your Dog will not sit, stay, or roll-over. But you and your dog will FINALLY live happily and in harmony with mother nature.
From personal experiences. Cesar's way Works.Read full review...