Cesar Millan’s First Season DVD — A Review
Cesar Millan is one of the most visible dog personalities in recent years. His seminars sell out in days, not weeks. His book has been a best seller for I don’t even know how long. And recently Cesar Millan released the DVD of the first season of his show “The Dog Whisperer” on the “National Geographic Channel.” This is the show and the season that catapulted him out of celebrity homes in Beverly Hills to international fame as the best friends to problem dogs everywhere.
When it comes to Cesar Millan, most dog lovers tend to fall into three camps — Cesar fans, Don’t like Cesar’s methods and people who just haven’t heard about him and “the power of the pack.” Let me say right up front, I am a Cesar fan. Oh there are some things Cesar does that I don’t agree with but overall I appreciate the freshness of his approach to dog behavior. All that said, if you fall into camp one (Cesar fans) or camp three (never heard of Cesar) this is a must have video!
The video includes all the first season shows as well as some golden background and outtake clips. I was on a plane while I was watching the video and laughing out loud. I know people around me must have thought I was a bit nutty because all they could see were dogs on my computer screen but they sure could hear me laughing!
What my plane-mates couldn’t hear was what I was learning from Cesar. I had seen most of the first season when they originally aired on the “National Geographic Channel” but when you’re watching you don’t catch everything. The tapes make it possible to learn a lot more from the various dog interactions and experiences. I’ve been a dog person for about four decades. Most of that time I’ve had big dogs with dominance issues. I even have a family member who was one of the founding members of the original Animal Behavior Association decades ago. With all that, I’ve learned some essential things from watching the first season of “The Dog Whisperer.”
Why is this DVD so different than just watching a regular “how to train your dog” video? Because Cesar’s methds are not something he learned and is passing down in a rote way. Instead, Cesar takes his methods from his own life experiences living with large, powerful dogs. That personal form of learning from the dogs around him gives Cesar insights into dog behavior that many people never noticed. Do I totally agree with him on everything? No but I have gained information which has helped to make my life with four dogs (three of whom are so alpha it has been a constant battle to maintain my alpha position) better with less inter-doggy tension and more peace.
So who needs this DVD?
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People with strong dogs like Rotties, Weims, German Shepherds, Pitts and large hounds
People who have problem dogs of all sizes such as dogs that nip your feet, dogs that continually get out and run away, dogs that are overprotective, and dogs that show aggression to other dogs or humans at the wrong time
People who are making life changes in the way they view or interact with dogs. For example, one of my neighbors grew up in the country where dogs were “just dogs.” He has a new (very dominant) young make puppy and the neighbor is teaching his son better ways to interact with dogs. I heartily recommended this DVD for this family.
People who love dogs and want to get a better understanding of dog psychology in general
People who love dogs like Rotties, Pitts and supposedly “bad” dogs
Here are my caveats.
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Cesar, rethink those pinch collars. I know you’re probably working with what is on hand in many cases but it has long been known that pinch collars can damage spinal cords, causing both bone and nerve damage.
The DVDs emphasize NOT to try these technques without a specialist. Some of these actions could be dangerous to both human and dog if not done appropriately. I’m mainly talking about Cesar’s work with “red zone” dogs or dogs who have already shown definite aggression. If you are dealing with a dog who has shown aggression (notice I didn’t say aggressive dog because I believe in almost every case there is some reason for the aggression and it is NOT a personality trait) make sure you have an experienced behaviorist or dog person with you when you are working on the aggression.
Cesar’s methods may not be necessary for your dogs. Some dogs don’t feel the need to run the show and happily fall into the family ways. (I only have one of those and she’s wonderful to have around). But even if your dog isn’t a problem dog, you can still learn a lot about dogs in general.
Before trying one particular “trick” from an episode watch the whole series. Remember, each episode is edited for time so I have no doubt crucial steps were cut to fit the time constraints.
While watching “The Dog Whisperer,” keep in mind that Cesar is not really talking about a system as such. He is really demonstrating a way to live with and around dogs. And other humans for that matter.
To wrap it up, “The Dog Whisperer” DVD is going to be on a lot of wish lists for this upcoming holiday season. If I had my way it would be a staple in new owner puppy kits. It’s entertaining! It’s informative! It could change the way you look at dogs, other humans and life!
I completely agree with you on all counts regarding this collection. I’ve recently found Cesar and went right out and bought it. It’s currently being circled around the office and with neighbors. I don’t know when I’ll get it back! LOL
Seamus has what I call “Doggy ADD” and I’ve learned alot from the DVDs to keep his mind from moving foward. I do the touching on the shoulder to get his attention and it works. He was so upset by me doing it the first couple of times, he screamed. But, he is incredibly dramatic and gets his feelings hurt easy. (Cesar would slap me for adding human traits but Seamus is still my baby. LOL ) He is much easier to walk on a leash now.
Well worth the watch (Like you said–the WHOLE thing to understand completely.)
We have started to watch The Dog Whisperer and have tried some of the tricks, and they’re working! Bailey is getting better with his barking, not staying, and being a little posessive of his toys. I recommend this!
I have not purchased the DVD’s yet, but plan on buying copies for both of my adult children to help them understand their dogs better. Personally, I have watched most of season one & and two and have exercised some of Ceasar’s “technique’s” on my own dogs and those I come in contact with much success. Or should I say watching them has made me a stonger pack leader!! heehee. Just like children, our pets appreciate a structured environment and discipline ~ they love us even more for it!
It is most important for people to remember that Dog Whisperer is NOT a “How To” show, but true reality TV. What Cesar does, the equipment he uses, how he uses it, all come from his years of knowledge, interaction and instinctual understanding and he knows what he’s doing. What gives him the bad rap is that you have people who don’t know what they’re doing going out and hurting their dogs because they’ve watched DW and then blame it on Cesar when they get bit! That’s like handing a power drill to a 3 year old and blaming DeWalt when he injures himself. C’mon! Accept responsibility here! Cesar’s methods work on Dog Whisperer, because HE knows what he’s doing with the equipment he’s provided. On every show there is a warning to seek professional help, please heed that advice! Trainers and Behaviorists should stand next to Cesar with this stance. Cesar knows what he’s doing, Cesar works with extreme cases in a real, last chance situation where these dogs would otherwise lose their lives! Consult a trainer or behaviorist to keep YOUR puppy or dog from getting to that point!
Thanks 6 Pack Mom for that well-considered comment! A lot of good advice there!
We “discovered” the Dog Whisperer at my brothers house and have been followers ever since. We have a Weimaraner and a Doberman and the tips we have learned from Cesar is creating a happier environment for all. The videos are great and do need to be watched several times. I do agree that “red zone dogs” should be left to someone with more experience. We never realized how essential walking our dogs was - now we do it twice a day for at least 1.5 hours, loose leash at our side. Obedience training by becoming a pack leader is so much easier than endless classes of “sit, stay”. I read Cesar’s newest book and I have ordered the recommended books on dog psychology. Thanks so much.
I love all types of dogs , but i really love one breed the most, Rottweiler, i think it’s the best dog ever, i love your show, i think your great.
I first saw Cesar on Oprah. I have 1 dog named “Buddy”. I thought that because he played out in the yard all day, that he was getting the exercise he needed. Then Cesar pointed out how important it was to walk your dog each and every day. Buddy loved Cesar’s suggestion, I on the other hand did not because he would pull me around the neighbourhood, stopping at every tree, hydro pole and grassy spot he could find. A friend at work told me about the Dog Whisperer Series on the National Geographic Channel. I don’t get this channel so I ordered the 1st Season DVD pack. As soon as I got it, I was glued to my TV for 2 days. Everything I saw about the mistakes people were making while trying to walk their dogs made so much sense and didn’t look too difficult for me to try with Buddy. The very next day after my couch potato days, I took Buddy out and by just moving his leash to the base of his ears and having him walk beside me, I felt like I was walking someone else’s dog. Buddy and I have not missed a walking date yet and as much as I stay calm and assertive, when Buddy isn’t around I get soooooo excited ( like the spastic dogs with their tongues flapping that Cesar describes on some of the DVDs) when telling my friends and family how awesome it is for me to be a better dog owner than I was a week ago and how much more fun we have had walking and playing. Cesar is my HERO and I think Buddy would like him too if he only knew that he inspired our new relationship. Thanks Again - Jocelyn from Canada
Cesar is really the “God” for dogs. Every dog owner should watch the Dog Whisperer to make life safe and happier for them and their dog.
I am in my 50’s and have learned so much this past year from Cesar, behaviorial methods to apply to the dogs and also to my way of life.
I am a board member of an animal shelter and have encouraged our members and staff to follow Cesar’s methods. We hope to impart this information to adopters. Step by step we are becoming successful.
Cesar, Thank You!
I am just curious as to using the pinch collars. i have a very head strong 10 month old german shepherd and lab mixed that walks me until i got a pinch collar. i am afraid it will hurt her. what is your opinion on pinch collars. i picked this collar up at a flea marked for $5.00. i am very limited on my money but what do you suggest? thank you
Scheri
Thanks for asking about pinch collars. I would never use them. I have heard from a number of vets that the pinch collars can damage dog spines.
Also, many dogs never pay any real attention to them because the collars fall to the largest and tougfhest part of their necks. Then you pull harder and have an even better chance of damaging the dogs for life.
Try a gentle leader. I use it with my coonhound and she has gone from being the hardest of my dog’s to walk to being the absolute easiest. They are a little more expensive than a regular collar but they are much safer and usually more effective than other kinds of collars or leads.
There is a British version called a Halti collar. I haven’t tried those types but they seem to work on much the same priniciple of pulling the nose down to discipline the dog.
Good luck with your furfriend!
I agree with Joy about the gentle leader and the Halti collar. I have a 2-1/2 year old german shephard and those collars were a godsend. The gentle leader worked for me, but with the narrow and long snout that a GSD has, the gentle leader would constantly slip for me. No matter how tight you put it. The Halti works much better for a german shephard. It does a 90% change in the way they walk. Definitely go get a halti. You won’t regret it.
We have a 10 month old lab/weimaraner. She is taken to a dog park for 45min.-1 hr. 4-5 times a week, and long walks 4-5 times a week. She loves going to the park and playing with other dogs. She does well on walks, except when someone runs by her, in which case she might try to give a playful nip. She is o.k. with our three kids having friends over, although occasionally tries a playful nip at them if they are running, hyper, loud. She barks at anyone who comes to the door. We keep her on leash when parents pick up their kids and after her initial barking period calms down. She does not however, tolerate any adults staying in our house for any extended stay. My dad stayed with us for several days and each time he came down the stairs she barked at him, and snapped with intent to bite when he tried to pet her if she was lying down. Help! We don’t want our dog to be aggressive towards strangers in our house.
I have a twelve year old english springer spaniel who is the best dog ever. I love my dog dearly, but I am in control and we have a great relationship. I am fascinated by Cesar’s approach to dog psychology. I have learned so much more from watching his shows. I watch them over and over again and I show them to all my friends, because I am amazed at his concept and how well he demonstrates to others how to become a pack leader. When Cesar works with the red zone dogs, I am just amazed at how he changes their (and their owners) psychology for the better. Thank you Cesar and keep sharing your knowledge of pack leader.
I have a 17 month old Cane Corso Italian Mastiff. He is a wonderful dog, however, a bit on the destructive side.
He has loves fluff and is notorious for eating my pillows. One day, he became bold and ate my pillow top mattress!!! I knew then that he clearly did NOT respect me. I started watching the dog whisperer when one of my friends mentioned him to me. I’ve tried several of his methods on Bronx, my pooch, and it works! he is so much easier going! He still has a bit of a chewing problem, but he’s stopped jumping on people and is a joy to walk.
Everyone who gets a dog, should get his video as a ” how to ” guide!
Joy,
I’m not sure where you got your prong collar information but I believe it is incorrect.
A properly fitted and used prong collar will not cause damage to a dog.
If the dog is not responding with light pressure it is either fitted incorrectly or not the right tool for that dog. (likely fitted incorrectly.)
I takes very little movement for a dog to respond to this collar and is (IMHO) much more safe and humane than jerking, pulling and tugging with other kinds of collars.
There are NO studies that indicate that these collars are harmful.
There are the opinions of those who “believe” they are harmful.
The halti actually has the potential to cause more damage.
joanne
Joanne,
Thanks for barking in. I appreciate your comments. You are absolutely right that it is very easy to harm a dog misusing a choke collar of any kind.
My view of prong collars comes from talking with many veterinarians and other professionals who work closely with dogs. While you’re right that it shouldn’t take a lot of force to rein in a dog in one of those collars, that’s not how most people end up using them.
For example, I was out at a PetSmart where I met a very nice woman with a large Golden Retriever. The Retriever was a sweet dog but way out of control. He was leaning into the collar. The woman had a prong collar on him and still had absolutely no control. The dog was paying no attention to her. Fortunately for him, he had a great coat so the collar wasn’t as much of a threat to him. But what if he had been short-coated? Then the prongs would have been forced against his neck bones and upper spine over and over. The hard metal could easily chip a vertabrae or cause nerve damage.
People tend to forget how really easy it is to damage a spine. Just because the dog are big doesn’t mean they can’t be paralyzed through spinal damage.
Moreover, people who use these collars correctly and carefully are in the minority. Most people who buy and use these kinds of collars buy them because they have no or little control over their dogs or understanding of dog behavior. The collars are their only tool and they don’t understand the risks.
As for studies, I can’t quote any of those in regards to prong collars. I would actually be surprized if anyone had conducted studies on this topic simply because there is no money to be made proving that something like a prong collar causes problems. Research, on humans and dogs, tends to be done by agencies funded by groups looking to make money of the findings. Hence, lots of pharmaceutical tests on new products and not a whole lot on things like aspirin.
I think the bottom line is to try to help dog guardians understand their dogs and why they behave the way they do. Then find the proper tool to achieve the desired goal.
Thank you for your excellent discussion of the issue.
I am very pleased with Cesar’s Way; read the book twice and then began watching the DVDs. I have learned so much and reviewed the DVDs over and over for little things I didn’t pick up on the first time.
My dog is responding well on leash now, has become calmer and I can now give her a bath with both of us remaining calm. I cut out all the chatter and baby talk too. Lady is responding with far less nervousness and my confidence level has gone through the roof. Thank you Cesar.
I love your shows
i help a friend walk dogs
he trys to get them adopted
every time I watch your show i think about the dogs
but there is one dog i walk and she as to much energy
you can walk her for an hour and she will still want to play.
she is 3 though.
but since i have been watching your shows she is doing grate
Greetings,
As what i read on this posted article, i found out the informativeness of this
kind of topic. For that reason i opened up an idea and some knowledge in this
field. well, you made just did great job..more power!
sincerely,
Lea Go
Dog Bark Collars
It’s very interesting that so many people still fully support this man. Many of his methods are unorthodox and antiquated in the realm of behavior medicine. Learning through observation and experience is great, but we should also incorporate the research that experts have performed, and learn from their studies too.
Some food for thought for all you supporters:
The American Humane Society has openly disapproved of his methodology by calling them “inhumane, outdated, and improper” and has asked National Geographic to stop airing his shows.
Many leading Universities of Veterinary Medicine (i.e. Tufts University of Veterinary Medicine) also do not approve of his teachings saying that Cesar Millan has set behavior medicine back by 20 years.
Kudo Elle,
I too am stumped at his following.
As he does have good points his methods are confrontational and old school.
Too many people want a quick fix without thinking or caring about the effect it will have on the bond with you and your dog.
If he used his methods on kids there would be an uproar.
His show is edited and not everything that happens is shown. Dogs often are showing signs of stress during his training.
I think that if you are going to show a program on dog training you need to show methods that can be used at home, not warnings about not trying it at home.
I prefer my dogs learn from respect without physical intimidation.
I am a true believer that if you do not want your dog to do something you need to show him what to do instead.
It isn’t about just correcting your dog for the bad behavior. While it may work for a while (what you see on the show), the behavior or a different wrong behavior come back when they are not taught the proper behavior. (instead of yelling and kneeing a dog for jumping, focus on teaching the dog what to do… sit)
It is a shame that someone that is more skilled in marketing then actual animal behavior can sway so many people to listen, without them wanting to question or understand if what he is doing is right for the dog.
I only hope they come out with a reality show that can show how training a dog positively and without physical force (using some of the same physcological pack stuff) can make a difference.
I do give him kudos for helping shelter dogs, and the media attention has hopefully made people more aware of dog behavior. There are things he does say that make alot of sense, it is when he handles the dogs that I cringe.
Hopefully people will take the time to read up on animal behavior from this, learn about how to read when your dog is stressed, and take the time to train without intimidation and physical control.
Cesar has forgotten more than most dog trainers will
ever know. He has an instinct for what will make the
dog a healthy animal. It’s true what he says about what
type of leader a dog will follow. STRONG. Not wishy
washy. Humans try to put “human” characteristics on
a CANINE, and there is the mistake. It’s all about the
dog. We have a responsibility to them to treat them as
such.
For the record, it was the American Humane Association, NOT the Humane Society that condemned Cesar’s methods. However well intentioned, I believe strongly that they were misguided in their attack on him, and that the root of their complaints, though they may not even be aware of it, perhaps lies more in resentment of his success rather than sincere concern. Whether or not people agree with his methods, what he has done for this society’s relationships with their dogs is priceless. His philosophies about selflessness and awareness of the natural world has brought not only new opportunities for human and dog but also introduced spiritual ideas to those who would have never been inclined to learn about them otherwise. He is a teacher in every sense of the word.
Some may speak ill of Cesar, but his actions are more humane than most. After all, he brings understanding and compassion to the types of dogs that many people would rather see put down and forgotten about. He also helps us find solutions to problems that were once thought “unfixable”, which means less abandoned animals and happier, more balanced people.
Thank you, Cesar!
D.S.
I’ve been an avid fan of the Dog Whisperer and of Cesar Millan, but now that I’ve ordered products…I’m not so sure anymore!
Has anyone ordered the gift set from Cesar Millan, Inc. and tried to redeem the “gift certificate” for the illusion collar and leash?
I have tried for over 2 weeks now and it is becoming a joke. I have spoken with 4 different people, all of whom promise it is in stock and being ordered and they will call me with the order number. It never happens.
Now they are just flippant about it and the latest character says that he’ll have to call me in the morning and that HE is going to get to the bottom of this! RIGHT!! He also seemed amused by the process, as though this is a game they play with people. I am beginning to wonder if they intended to ship them in the first place?
I would never have ordered the gift set if I didn’t think it was a good value by including the leash and collar set. It states you can redeem it online, as I ordered the gift set, but when you try…there is no option for inputing the gift number! So, you have to call. I wouldn’t recommend wasting your time trying to redeem any certificates!
My order came within a couple of weeks (which is slow by today’s standards), but trying to get the leash/collar set has been a total fiasco!
If there is anyone from the real Cesar Millan group who cares about this…please look into how this company is processing your orders. You have at least ONE very dissatisfied customer and I venture to guess, there are hundreds more!
I understand why there is concern about how dogs and animals in general are treated. We look at the current news
and cringe. This is precisely why we need someone as dedicated as Cesar. You don’t have to like him(Although
most do) The red zone dogs are those dogs we are hearing about in the news today. If they can’t be placed with a family they will be put to sleep. Yea, its also tv but belief
is still part of the quotient. If I offer you both an orange and a lemon and you choose the lemon you can’t get mad at me coz its sour. Peace.
In response to Jacque, I have had a nearly identical problem with Cesar Millan Inc. in trying to receive the “Illusion Collar” I had ordered on-line back on 7/16/07. Credit Card statement was charged on 7/17/07, I still haven’t received the collar. Have called 9 times and get NO WHERE!! I’ve faxed (twice) copies of initial order, charge statement, accompanied by a letter, nobody calls back (despite their assuring me that they will). 8 weeks later and still nothing to show for the charge. I’m at my wits end. I order quite a bit of stuff on-line and never had this sort of problem. Ridiculous! What crappy customer service. Am a big fan of Cesar’s, but think he obviously has NO business sense having this schlock outfit handling sales.
Any other disgruntled customers out there??
Hello All,
I have 1 small comment to make about Ceasar, dog owners and dogs in general.
If you have a problem dog, and you can fix it’s mental state yourself, good. You have chosen the right dog.
However, if you have brought home a dog on impulse and later realised that the dog has behavioural issues then it is not the dogs fault. More likely, it has not been previously disciplined, or perhaps it has been mistreated.
I do not think any dog is bad and can not be rehabilatated if you are consistent in training, love etc… but mostly, understanding these bad traits and being able to break them.
Dogs are PACK animals. What would the dominant pack leader of a wold pack do to chastise a bad pup? Snarl, and grab it by the throat!
Ceasar uses that method. But he mostly uses his body language and understanding of dogs and packs to beat the issues.
Difference between dog trainers, and Ceasar? Ceasar works on the owners first, finds out what they did wrong, gets a history of the bad behaiviour, and works out a plan to get around this.
I have not yet been upset by a single thing I have seen on DW. I do however not recommend just any old body try the things he does. He is aware of the dogs body language and can gauge what is about to transpire. No NOVICE Owner should try to confront an attack dog! No Novice should try to dump a dog in the middle of a pack it doesnt know.
You know its a bit like Steve Irwin (Australia’s Croc Hunter -may he rest in peace!) rescuing rogue crocodiles and giving them a second chance. Although a bit different. Even though Steve saved the croc’s, they still wanted to eat Steve at every chance… he fed them every day in the crocoseum… but Steve respected them and laughed at them trying to get him. It was all in keeping your eye on the animal and getting the heck out of striking range. But again… Like Ceasar and his dogs, Steve knew his crocs! & may I add though he is dead now… he didnt die by the jaws of a croc, or a snake or anything else that we expected. He died by a Stingray barb!
Keep up the great work Ceasar! I love you.
I’m on my fourth call and second month trying to redeem the certificate for the leash collar set. Ceasar’s techniques have worked for me but because of the customer service I have experienced I would rather have a messed up dog than buy anything else from them.
If enough of us inform the Better Business Bureau maybe something will be done.
I don’t know if this still works or not, but here goes a try….
I just wanted to say I agree with many of Cesar’s techniques, not all, but many…
Keep up the excellent work Cesar…
If you are thinking of buying the Cesar Millan Ilusion Collar, don’t spend the $40. I love Cesar’s show & books, but this collar was way overpriced. It’s really a pain. I have a 65 pound dog who really pulls me on the leash; the collar doesn’t help me that much. I’ve been told by our trainer to get a gentle leader. Cesar’s collar doesn’t stay in place so you can’t get the concept to work. If I put it on really, really tight, which I won’t do, it might stay in place. Just my opinion; don’t waste your money. Good concept; bad design.