Cesar Millan's Short Guide to a Happy Dog: 98 Essential Tips and Techniques

For the most part this book is a fresh overview of Cesar's most basic principles. But it's also a book that is shared through the prism of Cesar's own life and take on life. Cesar reflects on dogs and their relationships with mankind and places deeper meaning in many of his methods. What most of the five critics Cesar has seem to fail to understand is that Cesar is not a dog trainer. And he's more than a behaviorist. Cesar's approach is a spiritual approach as silly a that may sound. He wants to teach people how to connect with their dogs and tune into what's ailing them and be able to communicate with them. From there everything else flows and so many people don't seem to appreciate that approach. I see Cesar evolving as a person in his books. He's grown greatly judging from this latest book. As far as I'm concerned, Cesar is a god to the cause of dogs. Cesar has done more for the cause of the animal welfare and enlightenment of America's approach to dogs than anybody else and no one can take that away from Cesar. I myself have been askance at times because of Cesar has approach has sometimes involved a certain level of cocky preachyness. But judging from this book, I'd say Cesar has grown greatly and become a greatly enlightened person. I love you Cesar!! And so does my well balanced pack. I could never have had four dogs before you. I could never have walked four dogs and I could never EVER have taken in a pit bull rescue dog. I also would not be a foot soldier in several local dog rescue groups. Thank you for what you've done for my life Cesar!!!!! I dream of taking your class one day.

He is an outstanding person with psychological techniques that really work. I dog sit for a young pit bull in NJ and have tried to train the dog while on my watch. She is doing beautifully, but more time is needed to get the animal to be the best it can be. His tips on how to be a good trainer is the most important thing I have learned. Clearing your mind of anxiety, doubt and frustration are the most important ways to start, as well as picturing in your mind what you want to accomplish. Don't treat the dog as a person. Reward only when the dog is calm and submissive. Cesar Millan knows not only what dogs think, but also he can tell what they are about to do by the look on the animals face, its position of its ears, tail, stance, etc. Without even speaking words, the dogs respond to his positive, calm thoughts. It takes reading and rereading his techniques, then putting them into practice, his way. We, as animal owners and lovers, must change our way of thinking in order to be rewarded with an exemplary pet and friend. He is a compassionate person who loves his work. He is the best of all trainers that I have seen. I and my pit bull would love to meet him in person. I continue to watch all episodes on TV. Keep up the good work Cesar!

If you've watched his TV show you probably already know the vast majority of this stuff. I did pick up a few new things. For instance, there is a very detailed explanation of EXACTLY how to walk your dog which is one of the most critical aspects of training. There is a chapter on misbehaving which was particularly useful in which he addresses overexcitment, aggression, anxiety, fear of loud noises, running away, obsession, hoarding, excessive barking, separation anxiety, and unwanted chewing. Short case studies are also presented. The training methods are SIMPLE but not necessarily EASY to implement because (as with any dog training method) it requires consistency on the part of the human. There are some personal stories from Cesar's life woven throughout the book which some reviewers apparently found unnecessary. I didn't mind. In fact, I think they help illustrate Cesar's overall philosophy of dog training - that a stable, well-balanced human is the best pack leader. I would recommend this book, especially if you have not watched ALL of Cesar's shows.

I really was impressed by this book. Cesar goes through various breeds and behaviors. He goes into detail with his methods for making a happy dog. Everyone can benefit from this book, even those of us who've had dogs throughout our lives. There is always something new and simple. It helped me identify some behaviors that I wasn't even aware of. He gives simple, direct instructions to help your dog out. They work the first time. I have a 6 month old puppy who jumps on people when they arrive in our home. We used his method of no eye contact, keeping our voices even and it works every time. I feel a stronger connection with them than before.

Some people criticize him for being too harsh. What they forget is that he is rehabilitating dogs with serious behavior problems. Obedience training is very different than changing destructive behavior. The methods he uses on a dangerous pit bull are very different that what you'd use to train your puppy to sit, stay, come etc. He is more than just a dog trainer, he is a behaviorist. I don't care how many degrees or letters he doesn't have behind his name. I've watched his show and he is simply amazing. I'm glad he shares his knowledge with all of us. Too many naive owners think if they never mistreat their dog, it will never become agressive. That is simply not true. They need socialization, exercise, discipline and affection as well as food, water and shelter.

I think this is as much a self help book for people as it is about tips and techniques for living with dogs. Cesar's rules and guidance are here and repeated regularly and reinforced numerous times. The rules are also shown to be applied by various people in the latter sections. For me, there are some good things here but I felt there was a little too much general story telling and not enough practical tips and techniques in the book.

We got this book along with his video on mastering leadership. Both are great. We've always had dogs, but they were mostly spoiled and undisciplined (which was totally our fault). We just got a new young dog from a rescue group and wanted to do things differently this time. We've only had her for two weeks, but we are so happy with the way things are going. Using his methods have greatly reduced the normal puppy stress on us and on her. I just keep remembering "calm, assertive". It makes all the difference. We are enjoying our new companion and she is settling in nicely. This is the sort of book you can read and re-read as needed. I didn't know Cesar's personal story until I read this book. It just makes all that he does even more amazing. He is truly dedicated to making life better for dogs and their owners.

I was not sure about this book at first, but I saw several of Cesar's shows and downloaded the book. All I can say is amazing! Our little dog was totally uncontrollable. When walking her, she was all over the place, often getting me tangled in her leash. Several times she even got out of her collar and ran loose. Within the very first week of trying the methods in the book, she came to the door when I called her, laid down while I out her leash on and stopped at the door until I gave her permission to follow me out. She never leaves my side during our walks anymore and never attempts to run off. When we come home, she waits at the front door until I invite her in. I'm only in week 2 of trying her and I'm completely satisfied and sold of Cesar's methods. Love him! And yes, I'm using his methods on myself as well.

Excelente libro, cumplió con lo esperado, tiene muy buenos tips, se los recomiendo mucho. César Millán tiene mucha experiencia en el manejo de perros

I Colonel Vakada Lakshman have raised 04 dogs in my 20 years of professional growth as a pet lover without knowing the energy intricacies build in the dog species and breeds in particular.My first dog was a German shepherd followed by a Labrador mix, a Beagle and a Dachshund.The behavioral problems were very different with each dog that I owned and treated them on human emotions rather than dog instincts. I have seen the set of DVDs and also read your books A Member of the family,Short Guide to a Happy Dog and How to raise the Perfect Dog.I own a set of the DVDs and also the books mentioned above.They have been a revelation and a great eye opener making me understand dog psychology much better now.Presently I have an 16 weeks old Labrador - Buddy who is shaping up nice and am enjoying my journey bringing him up like a canine first and then as a companion.

As far as I'm concerned a dog owner can't go wrong reading Cesar Millan's guide. Excellent tips and techniques go a long way to help both dog owners and dogs.

Well, as a Cesar Millan's fan, I can't but recommend this book. Cesar's tips work. I have always used them with my dogs and the results are astonishing ... these tips not only help you having a more balanced dog, but will give you the added benefit of creating a relation with your dog based on trust, respect (for each other), obedience (of the rules set to protect your dog's life) and healthy friendship. The important thing to note about "Cesar' way" is that, contrary to his opponents, he always maintains that "what works for your dog is good for your dog", and has never diminished other dog behaviourists / trainers. This alone shows his superiority, in my opinion. His methods do work, but you will never hear him say that his methods are the only one that work ... Cesar is great, both from the dog behaviourist point of view and the human one. It is true that if you have already read other books from him a lot of the concepts are repeated. But I find that, obvious as these concepts seem, they are difficult to put in practice "24/7", so it is helpful to "refresh them" and seldom people read a book a second time! For example, I have watchedat the "dog Whisperer" episodes many times. Each time I notice something different: the dog attitude, Cesar's "energy", how the dog's enery changes, how Cesar can detect a dog's change in behaviour, avoiding an attack on another dog. Behind a simple "Tschh" there is a lot of work, observation. Timing is critical. Learning how to do these corrections in the right way is the key to understanding Cesar's way and to see his tips work.

As an owner of four rescued dogs it is A must read for any owner or potential owner. It's like listening to Cesar speak to you