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A Member of the Family: Cesar Millan's Guide to a Lifetime of Fulfillment with Your Dog
Many of us think of our dogs not as pets but as full-fledged members of our families. If you own a dog—or are thinking about getting one—A Member of the Family is the ultimate resource for integrating your canine companion into the life of your household.
What should you do if you need to leave your dog alone at home while everyone is at work? Are you providing him with the exercise he needs? How can you make sure your children and dog get along well? How do events in the human family—such as birth, marriage, or divorce—affect the family dog? All of these questions and many more are answered by bestselling author Cesar Millan in his new book.
Brimming with practical tips and techniques, A Member of the Family addresses the most common issues and questions that emerge over the course of a person’s lifetime relationship with a dog, explaining what it takes to be a good dog owner. From choosing the right dog for your particular family’s needs to setting the rules of the house (yes, you and your family are in charge) to finding a quality veterinarian and monitoring your dog’s health, Cesar offers essential advice for a harmonious home. No topic is left untouched. With success stories from Cesar’s fans and clients throughout, A Member of the Family includes sections on travel and doggie day care, the needs of an aging dog, and dealing with the death of a pet and its long-lasting effects on a family. A chapter on dogs and children is written from the perspective of Cesar’s sons, Andre and Calvin, and one on the role of the strong female pack leader is by Cesar’s wife, Ilusion.
In his frank, simple, and calm manner, Cesar acts as your personal guide as you build a fulfilling, satisfying relationship with your dog.
From the Hardcover edition.
What should you do if you need to leave your dog alone at home while everyone is at work? Are you providing him with the exercise he needs? How can you make sure your children and dog get along well? How do events in the human family—such as birth, marriage, or divorce—affect the family dog? All of these questions and many more are answered by bestselling author Cesar Millan in his new book.
Brimming with practical tips and techniques, A Member of the Family addresses the most common issues and questions that emerge over the course of a person’s lifetime relationship with a dog, explaining what it takes to be a good dog owner. From choosing the right dog for your particular family’s needs to setting the rules of the house (yes, you and your family are in charge) to finding a quality veterinarian and monitoring your dog’s health, Cesar offers essential advice for a harmonious home. No topic is left untouched. With success stories from Cesar’s fans and clients throughout, A Member of the Family includes sections on travel and doggie day care, the needs of an aging dog, and dealing with the death of a pet and its long-lasting effects on a family. A chapter on dogs and children is written from the perspective of Cesar’s sons, Andre and Calvin, and one on the role of the strong female pack leader is by Cesar’s wife, Ilusion.
In his frank, simple, and calm manner, Cesar acts as your personal guide as you build a fulfilling, satisfying relationship with your dog.
From the Hardcover edition.
302 pages, Audiobook
First published January 1, 2008
82 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Cesar Millan
73 books497 followersCesar Millan is a best-selling author, public speaker, and the internationally acclaimed star of “Cesar 911,” as well as the original, Emmy-nominated host of the “Dog Whisperer” program. With “Cesar 911,” he brings more than 25 years of dog experience and his status as the most recognized and sought-after authority in the field of dog care and rehabilitation directly to communities terrorized by unruly hounds.
In December of 1990, 21-year-old Cesar Millan crossed the border from Mexico into California. He lived on the streets of San Diego, landed a job grooming dogs, and soon gained a reputation for his calming effect on even the most difficult cases. With a few dollars in his pocket, he moved north to Los Angeles and took a job washing cars.
With the money he saved, he started a freelance dog rehabilitation service, primarily offering his expertise with extreme cases. This led him to open his first Dog Psychology Center, which eventually became the current 43-acre site in the Santa Clarita Valley, now including a sheep herding area, air conditioned kennels, swimming pool, obstacle course, and hiking trails. The Dog Psychology Center is a featured location in “Cesar 911.”
In addition to co-authoring six books, Cesar has created numerous instructional DVDs and continues to host a popular series of seminars where attendees learn how to apply his extensive knowledge of dog psychology and rehabilitation techniques.
In “Cesar 911,” he continues to apply that knowledge in order to bring balance to relationships, households, and neighborhoods being torn apart by out-of-control dogs. More importantly, he helps the humans who thought their dogs were beyond saving but who learn otherwise as Cesar comes to the rescue and teaches them how to be the Pack Leader.
In December of 1990, 21-year-old Cesar Millan crossed the border from Mexico into California. He lived on the streets of San Diego, landed a job grooming dogs, and soon gained a reputation for his calming effect on even the most difficult cases. With a few dollars in his pocket, he moved north to Los Angeles and took a job washing cars.
With the money he saved, he started a freelance dog rehabilitation service, primarily offering his expertise with extreme cases. This led him to open his first Dog Psychology Center, which eventually became the current 43-acre site in the Santa Clarita Valley, now including a sheep herding area, air conditioned kennels, swimming pool, obstacle course, and hiking trails. The Dog Psychology Center is a featured location in “Cesar 911.”
In addition to co-authoring six books, Cesar has created numerous instructional DVDs and continues to host a popular series of seminars where attendees learn how to apply his extensive knowledge of dog psychology and rehabilitation techniques.
In “Cesar 911,” he continues to apply that knowledge in order to bring balance to relationships, households, and neighborhoods being torn apart by out-of-control dogs. More importantly, he helps the humans who thought their dogs were beyond saving but who learn otherwise as Cesar comes to the rescue and teaches them how to be the Pack Leader.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
January 24, 2012
One of my favorite parts of this book is the advice Cesar's wife Ilusion gives on being a strong woman.
She says, "Women are the pack leaders of the world...women are the ones who are driven by our natures to fight to the death to hold the pack together...This determination to fight for the pack is our strength, but it can also be our weakness...you can't love a person...our of their problem or out of their issues. You have to find...the calm-assertive energy within yourself first. You need to love yourself enough to create boundaries and limits for yourself, because if you can't do it for yourself, how can you create them in a relationship that will help you flourish? Relationships are supposed to make us stronger and happier, but we can't become happier by loving someone who's not stable.
"Certain loving emotions that we share with our dogs can be perceived by them as "soft energy" or weakness. What happens then is the dogs feel they have to compensate and take care of us. They actually have to overextend who they are as a dog, to try to make sense of what they perceive as imbalance. I've seen on so many occasions how dogs end up taking the place of a leader when they really don't want to lead.
"To be fully present for my pack, I learned that I must set my own rules, boundaries, and limitations and hold firm to my own personal power. I'm no good to anyone--husband, kids, or dogs--when I let it go.
She says, "Women are the pack leaders of the world...women are the ones who are driven by our natures to fight to the death to hold the pack together...This determination to fight for the pack is our strength, but it can also be our weakness...you can't love a person...our of their problem or out of their issues. You have to find...the calm-assertive energy within yourself first. You need to love yourself enough to create boundaries and limits for yourself, because if you can't do it for yourself, how can you create them in a relationship that will help you flourish? Relationships are supposed to make us stronger and happier, but we can't become happier by loving someone who's not stable.
"Certain loving emotions that we share with our dogs can be perceived by them as "soft energy" or weakness. What happens then is the dogs feel they have to compensate and take care of us. They actually have to overextend who they are as a dog, to try to make sense of what they perceive as imbalance. I've seen on so many occasions how dogs end up taking the place of a leader when they really don't want to lead.
"To be fully present for my pack, I learned that I must set my own rules, boundaries, and limitations and hold firm to my own personal power. I'm no good to anyone--husband, kids, or dogs--when I let it go.
September 5, 2014
I am revising my earlier, below review to downgrade my rating to 1-star. Mr. Millan, a charismatic, self-styled "Dog Psychologist" who has no formal background in dog training, animal behavior or psychology, relies on dominance and fear-based techniques that are both disregarded within the larger dog-training community (http://www.4pawsu.com/dogpsychology.htm) and even considered detrimental by some. So, while I can thank Mr. Millan for introducing me to the concepts of training and behavioral modification, as well as hours of entertainment (NuNu The Demon Chihuahua will be permanently branded into my memories. What a riot!), further reading, discussions with vets, and work with trainers have convinced me that the core to his approach is outdated, damaging to the human-dog bond, and potentially harmful.
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Written in an anecdotal, easy-to-read style, and using examples from Cesar Millan's show, A Member of the Family, guides readers through the process of incorporating dogs into their families. Cesar gives tips on how to interact with dogs, communicating pack leadership and good dog manners, and what to look for from the beginning, prior to adoption. He also provides instruction on how to begin healthy pack life with your new dog before ever entering the front door for the first time, helping to get your new family configuration off to a good start. He gives further guidance on vet care, traveling with your dog, minimizing the impact of changing family dynamics on your dog, and letting your dog go when it's time.
______
Written in an anecdotal, easy-to-read style, and using examples from Cesar Millan's show, A Member of the Family, guides readers through the process of incorporating dogs into their families. Cesar gives tips on how to interact with dogs, communicating pack leadership and good dog manners, and what to look for from the beginning, prior to adoption. He also provides instruction on how to begin healthy pack life with your new dog before ever entering the front door for the first time, helping to get your new family configuration off to a good start. He gives further guidance on vet care, traveling with your dog, minimizing the impact of changing family dynamics on your dog, and letting your dog go when it's time.
June 26, 2016
özet olarak; bir köpek beslemek aslında kendinizi geliştirmektir , köpekle kurulan müthiş bağ da cabası.
July 10, 2021
A friend lent this piece in hope it would help me deal with the loss of my lifelong companion.
Death isn’t an easy subject, each person finds comfort in their own form of grieving and might find little ailment in something that helped another.
Unexpectedly this book served quite a different purpose, not quite as a source of comfort, definitely as a distraction though since it provoked a huge rant, which might turn out to be a valid pick me up, just definitely not the one I expected.
Cesar clearly has a lot of experience and I share some ideas with him, like not rushing into a new adoption, never trying to substitute a pet with another and just generally on the intelligence of dogs. However, I don’t really agree with his methods. His experience is not universal and can’t shift onto every other family, not even many, this is the first thing we should clear.
Furthermore his approach supports the old belief that dog training must work through punishment and fear. Thankfully, ethology has shon new light since Pavlov’s time and opened new and effective ways that employ positive reinforcements and ignoring instead.
As a veterinary medicine student I find it really damaging that someone with so much visibility still to this day relies on these methods. They might prove to be effective but solely due to a dynamic of dominance than can be more harmful than else, since phobia and trauma may result in pets that are exposed to flooding and other forceful training techniques.
Hopefully he’ll come to learn how toxic his teachings may be, until then I just really wanted to put my own grain of salt out and offer dog owners an alternative view.
Death isn’t an easy subject, each person finds comfort in their own form of grieving and might find little ailment in something that helped another.
Unexpectedly this book served quite a different purpose, not quite as a source of comfort, definitely as a distraction though since it provoked a huge rant, which might turn out to be a valid pick me up, just definitely not the one I expected.
Cesar clearly has a lot of experience and I share some ideas with him, like not rushing into a new adoption, never trying to substitute a pet with another and just generally on the intelligence of dogs. However, I don’t really agree with his methods. His experience is not universal and can’t shift onto every other family, not even many, this is the first thing we should clear.
Furthermore his approach supports the old belief that dog training must work through punishment and fear. Thankfully, ethology has shon new light since Pavlov’s time and opened new and effective ways that employ positive reinforcements and ignoring instead.
As a veterinary medicine student I find it really damaging that someone with so much visibility still to this day relies on these methods. They might prove to be effective but solely due to a dynamic of dominance than can be more harmful than else, since phobia and trauma may result in pets that are exposed to flooding and other forceful training techniques.
Hopefully he’ll come to learn how toxic his teachings may be, until then I just really wanted to put my own grain of salt out and offer dog owners an alternative view.
March 22, 2009
Even after having dogs most of my life, I learned a lot from this book and wish I had read it years ago. As we're planning to add a new dog to our family soon, I found it really helpful to read BEFORE selecting a dog. Cesar talks about being honest with what kind of energy level your household has, as the best matches happen when a family gets a dog with equal (or less) energy. He also talks about how to approach a dog in a cage at a shelter or rescue, which to be honest, I hadn't really thought about before. Good information!
January 15, 2013
Cesar Millan's no-nonsense approach to dog ownership is a tonic for those of us who recoil in horror from such excesses as dressing dogs in baby clothes, putting dogs above spouses, family and friends, and tolerating unacceptable behavior. Millan's premise is that dogs think and act like dogs, not like furry, four-legged human beings, and owners (not "dog parents"!) must treat them accordingly. I love dogs and plan to adopt one soon. Millan's book has helped me understand that being a calm and assertive "pack leader" is the key to enjoying a canine companion.
April 25, 2020
Lehet nem leszek népszerű a véleményemmel, de egyszerűen nem tetszett. Nagy izgalommal fogtam hozzá. Gyereknek sokat néztem a TV-ben a műsorait, és imádtam, így nem volt kérdés, hogy most, hogy érkezik hozzánk egy (még) kis négylábú (9 hetes), leveszem a polcról és a párommal átnyálazzuk. Sok hasznos dolgot ír, viszont a vége felé elkezdett idegesíteni, hogy igazából 2-3 dolgot ismétel az összes fejezetében. Az egyik az SSS módszer, már olvasás közben is csak SSS-eztem (sem érintés, sem beszéd, sem szemkontaktus) plusz ez az állandó energiaszintezés.. nyugodt energiájú kutya, nyugodt energiájú gazda, minden voltam a könyv végére csak nyugodt nem :D kb. 3 oldalanként találkoztam valamelyikkel… ha nem így lett volna, akkor az jó lett volna :D
Pedig sajnálom, mert egyébként nagyon sok dologgal egyetértek, akár ezekkel is, csak ez a szájbarágás nekünk „too much” volt. Megvan még két másik könyve, de most picit ha őszinte akarok lenni, akkor nem biztos, hogy szívesen nyitom ki őket. Talán egy kis idő múlva majd.
Pedig sajnálom, mert egyébként nagyon sok dologgal egyetértek, akár ezekkel is, csak ez a szájbarágás nekünk „too much” volt. Megvan még két másik könyve, de most picit ha őszinte akarok lenni, akkor nem biztos, hogy szívesen nyitom ki őket. Talán egy kis idő múlva majd.
September 22, 2021
I enjoyed this in-depth book on choosing a new dog for the family. In a conversational, friendly tone, the Millans offered excellent advice on choosing the best dog for your family, including easily forgotten attributes like the flow of the family and the energy of the dog. They offer tips on how to deal with some of the most common problems, like puppy training, adding a dog to a home with other dogs or cats, and training dogs and children to live together well. While it may not cover specific problems fully, it is an excellent primer for new dog owners or those who haven't had a puppy in a while.
May 22, 2023
Highly recommend this book: well written with real life examples, easy to read, lots of useful information. Loved the chapter written by Illusion Millan, “ You have to find the calm-assertive energy within yourselves first. You need to love yourself enough to create boundaries and limits for yourself, because if you can’t do it for yourself: how can you create them in a relationship that will help you flourish?” Thanks.
February 18, 2024
Cesar Millan does add a lot of good information and personal stories.
His wifes chapter was interesting too.
Thinking of getting a new puppy after years without a pet in the home is a little daunting.
The worry about getting things right and can I really be calm and assertive, I hope so.
The most important thing I feel I re-learned was his mantra "no touch, no talk, no eye contact"
but come on a new lab puppy, can I do it??? we shall see.
His wifes chapter was interesting too.
Thinking of getting a new puppy after years without a pet in the home is a little daunting.
The worry about getting things right and can I really be calm and assertive, I hope so.
The most important thing I feel I re-learned was his mantra "no touch, no talk, no eye contact"
but come on a new lab puppy, can I do it??? we shall see.
January 12, 2018
Very good read. Definitely helped to bring sense to raising my dogs and appreciate their characters better. A book that still holds up very well over a decade later. Helps to bring thoughtfulness to dealing with the dogs. I recommend this book for those who still need inspiration and are looking for hope. Also opens up knowledge and resources that can be used to compliment raising your dog.
July 7, 2019
This is an excellent resource for every dog owner (And also a refresher for me....I read Cesar's Way several years ago). I know there are some who disagree with Cesar's methods and philosophy, but it just all makes a lot of sense to me. Dogs are spiritual beings and they absolutely do respond to our energy. I love the work he is doing to help people understand dog psychology -- how to be calm-assertive leaders and to raise balanced and happy dogs.
May 28, 2023
The title of this book says it all, everything you need to know to make your dog a member of your family. This has great tips on adding a dog to your already existing pack, moving with your dog, anything related to family. Cesar's family members even get their own chapters on how they relate to the dogs in their lives. Another great book for the dog book shelf!
February 7, 2020
The first half of this book is about the family commitments for a dog, adopting a dog into your family and introducing it into your household. Lots of useful stuff here and some great bits and pieces about having a dog in your family throughout the book.
January 11, 2018
Best of him, love it!
January 3, 2020
"For a dog, there are only two positions in any situation: leader or follower."
"The pack leader doesn´t chase after anyone; followers always come to the pack leader!"
"The pack leader doesn´t chase after anyone; followers always come to the pack leader!"
January 7, 2020
No nonsense dog training avoiding the pitfalls of chosing the wrong dog, inconsistencies in training and letting dogs rule the roost.
November 29, 2020
only okay. Cesar goes a bit of piste here with some of his ideas about dog training
June 25, 2023
As a dog owner-to-be I have found interesting and hopefully useful things here, which I definitely try to remember throughout the journey and will try out. I liked it.
November 30, 2020
Audiobook
November 2, 2012
First, I have to confess I had to skip the very end chapters. I was having a really hard time with the 'losing your pet' section. My review is based on the book up to that point.
I find I both really like Cesar Milan and... don't really like him at all. This, perhaps, reflects either a.) my own dog experience. Or b.) my own arrogance as a dog lover and chronic dog observer. It isn't that I think he's wrong, just that at times I find his theories a bit too simplistic. Example: he constantly talks about dogs as 'Mother Nature' but, if I'm honest, I consider domestic dogs largely a manmade product. Second example: his assumption that all dogs work from one basic blueprint. Makes sense, but just not true... due to the first example. Dogs were so bred for different purposes that many have lost instincts and behaviors that classify the very identity of other breeds. Dogs, although all are canines, are as individual as fingerprints (with a few very hard and fast rules), and we need to treat them that way. A small, odd example from my own dog life: I once made the mistake of picking up our current puppy (a BC) by the scruff of his neck when he was about 8weeks old. I had picked up innumerable puppies that way before, and frankly didn't even think about it. However, that mistake left too many bloody tooth scratches on my hands and arms to ever repeat again, as my new pup panicked. For him, it was FAR from the relaxing experience that Cesar mentions it is. (As of this review, our puppy is currently 10mos old and he is shaping into a wonderful, non-reactive family pet).
Since this is about his book, not about my own personal theories, I'll refrain from offering my opinion on anything else here. Again, it isn't that he's wrong, just that I respectfully disagree with a few very specific points.
I do think Cesar has a method that absolutely works, that honors dogs AS dogs, and I found his stories (even when I had seen them on the show) to be interesting. I still maintain that dogs work on a hierarchy, and if we do not prove ourselves strong capable leaders, plenty of dogs are ready to fill that role. Politics seem to be pulling away from what our own observations tell us, and I'm glad that Cesar is still relying on his own common sense and wisdom to explain dogs and dog behavior.
I loved the parts by Illusion in this book. It was wonderful to hear this story from her perspective. I also enjoyed the tidbits in this book from the Milan children. I thought it was wonderful that he endorsed older pets as adoptive considerations, and discusses how difficult it is to imagine losing a pet but that it shouldn't deter us from checking the older dogs. The entire family obviously loves dogs, and lives a very dog-related lifestyle. If only more of us could be that lucky!
I didn't find much in this book that was different than his others, although I do think this is a much better book that his puppy book (because this one has a more realistic view of dogs in a household instead of in a giant pack). I like the Monks of New Skete better, but this one is still head and shoulders above a lot of the garbage currently on the market.
I find I both really like Cesar Milan and... don't really like him at all. This, perhaps, reflects either a.) my own dog experience. Or b.) my own arrogance as a dog lover and chronic dog observer. It isn't that I think he's wrong, just that at times I find his theories a bit too simplistic. Example: he constantly talks about dogs as 'Mother Nature' but, if I'm honest, I consider domestic dogs largely a manmade product. Second example: his assumption that all dogs work from one basic blueprint. Makes sense, but just not true... due to the first example. Dogs were so bred for different purposes that many have lost instincts and behaviors that classify the very identity of other breeds. Dogs, although all are canines, are as individual as fingerprints (with a few very hard and fast rules), and we need to treat them that way. A small, odd example from my own dog life: I once made the mistake of picking up our current puppy (a BC) by the scruff of his neck when he was about 8weeks old. I had picked up innumerable puppies that way before, and frankly didn't even think about it. However, that mistake left too many bloody tooth scratches on my hands and arms to ever repeat again, as my new pup panicked. For him, it was FAR from the relaxing experience that Cesar mentions it is. (As of this review, our puppy is currently 10mos old and he is shaping into a wonderful, non-reactive family pet).
Since this is about his book, not about my own personal theories, I'll refrain from offering my opinion on anything else here. Again, it isn't that he's wrong, just that I respectfully disagree with a few very specific points.
I do think Cesar has a method that absolutely works, that honors dogs AS dogs, and I found his stories (even when I had seen them on the show) to be interesting. I still maintain that dogs work on a hierarchy, and if we do not prove ourselves strong capable leaders, plenty of dogs are ready to fill that role. Politics seem to be pulling away from what our own observations tell us, and I'm glad that Cesar is still relying on his own common sense and wisdom to explain dogs and dog behavior.
I loved the parts by Illusion in this book. It was wonderful to hear this story from her perspective. I also enjoyed the tidbits in this book from the Milan children. I thought it was wonderful that he endorsed older pets as adoptive considerations, and discusses how difficult it is to imagine losing a pet but that it shouldn't deter us from checking the older dogs. The entire family obviously loves dogs, and lives a very dog-related lifestyle. If only more of us could be that lucky!
I didn't find much in this book that was different than his others, although I do think this is a much better book that his puppy book (because this one has a more realistic view of dogs in a household instead of in a giant pack). I like the Monks of New Skete better, but this one is still head and shoulders above a lot of the garbage currently on the market.
October 16, 2008
Well-written and clearly stated.
Almost every professional in Dogs has written (or will write) a book that covers, in general, how to select the right dog for you, what to do with it once you get one, how to handle training and behavioral issues, how to select veterinary care, covers a myriad of basic health issues and even also always touches on "what to do when the time comes to say goodbye."
This one is probably the most entertaining book of same that I've read, and I promise you, I have many. The standard advice becomes something you skim or skip when you have read as many versions as I have. But I always read them all, start-to-finish, just to see who has something extra or an interesting and different outlook to add.
Because of the subject matter, such books flow smoothly and read very quickly. This one cites several examples that fans of the show will recognize from actual episodes from the most recent season-to-dvd (which I've noticed is becoming common practice- release a new book following the dvd release of the previous season). And that's fine. It's helpful to have visual examples to relate back to.
Personally, I enjoyed reading it and seeing, in writing every issue any naysayer within the profession ever nitpicked and/or publicly voiced criticism about handled in just the manner same persons were lamenting a lack of. You know all of those "well if it were me, I would..." Well, if you would, then don't you imagine the professional you're finding fault with would and did, as well? Give the benefit of the doubt much? Didn't think so.
I hate it when professionals in any industry bitch about some peer within same industry- it only makes the industry as a whole look bad. Who's to say the things someone else takes issue with haven't been conscientiously and thoroughly addressed by the person they're attacking? They don't know, how do they know what has/hasn't been covered, discussed or ruled out? In order to be informed, one has to be willing and open to readingviewing all materials with an open mind. At least... that's the fair way to go about taking oppositional stances on controversial methods.
So, for all of the anti-Cesar people in the dog world, there you go. Anything you ever had a question about, the answers are right here. Do you dare?
Fans and readers will also enjoy chapters included in the book written by Millan's wife, Illusion, and his sons, Andre and Calvin. Illusion's chapter provides a very insightful and wise bit of guidance for women- whether you are running a company, a household or forging a relationship with a canine companion. The boys' chapters are genuine and written with the youthful exuberance and mind-blowing clarity that only children and young people are capable of. Each of these contributions only completes the sense of warmth and stability that one feel when reading the book.
Almost every professional in Dogs has written (or will write) a book that covers, in general, how to select the right dog for you, what to do with it once you get one, how to handle training and behavioral issues, how to select veterinary care, covers a myriad of basic health issues and even also always touches on "what to do when the time comes to say goodbye."
This one is probably the most entertaining book of same that I've read, and I promise you, I have many. The standard advice becomes something you skim or skip when you have read as many versions as I have. But I always read them all, start-to-finish, just to see who has something extra or an interesting and different outlook to add.
Because of the subject matter, such books flow smoothly and read very quickly. This one cites several examples that fans of the show will recognize from actual episodes from the most recent season-to-dvd (which I've noticed is becoming common practice- release a new book following the dvd release of the previous season). And that's fine. It's helpful to have visual examples to relate back to.
Personally, I enjoyed reading it and seeing, in writing every issue any naysayer within the profession ever nitpicked and/or publicly voiced criticism about handled in just the manner same persons were lamenting a lack of. You know all of those "well if it were me, I would..." Well, if you would, then don't you imagine the professional you're finding fault with would and did, as well? Give the benefit of the doubt much? Didn't think so.
I hate it when professionals in any industry bitch about some peer within same industry- it only makes the industry as a whole look bad. Who's to say the things someone else takes issue with haven't been conscientiously and thoroughly addressed by the person they're attacking? They don't know, how do they know what has/hasn't been covered, discussed or ruled out? In order to be informed, one has to be willing and open to readingviewing all materials with an open mind. At least... that's the fair way to go about taking oppositional stances on controversial methods.
So, for all of the anti-Cesar people in the dog world, there you go. Anything you ever had a question about, the answers are right here. Do you dare?
Fans and readers will also enjoy chapters included in the book written by Millan's wife, Illusion, and his sons, Andre and Calvin. Illusion's chapter provides a very insightful and wise bit of guidance for women- whether you are running a company, a household or forging a relationship with a canine companion. The boys' chapters are genuine and written with the youthful exuberance and mind-blowing clarity that only children and young people are capable of. Each of these contributions only completes the sense of warmth and stability that one feel when reading the book.
September 30, 2019
Very informative.
January 18, 2015
We just got our first family dog two months ago and had a difficult time house-training him. Even though his previous owner claimed he was house broken, the dog soiled on my carpets nearly every day. We would take him out 5-6 times a day and still the dog would soil on the carpet, sometimes right AFTER a walk. I was at my wits end and finally decided to read one of Cesar Millan's books. After a few chapters, I realized I did every single thing wrong when we first brought the dog into our house. I had given him free run of the house, responded poorly when he had an accident, and confused him by taking him to a different place each time we went outside. This book helped me realize dogs do not think like humans, but more importantly, it made me realize that aside from the indoor potty problem, our dog was actually a very well-behaved dog in every other way. He is very calm-submissive, walks at my heel automatically, behaves politely when meeting a new human or dog, and doesn't chew on or destroy my possessions. So I focused on setting up a routine, confined the dog to small areas until I was ready to play with him or walk with him, and in a few days he was 10x better. So far, no accidents. I realize Millan's methods are controversial, but this book didn't get into training methods at all. In fact, there's really no training suggestions in it. It's more about understanding the differences between dogs and people, and learning how to fit them into a family unit. There are checklists for how to introduce a new dog to your home, what to except at veterinary visits, how to travel with your dog, etc.
June 10, 2011
So we got a puppy about a month ago, and I feel like I've been slowly losing control of the situation and the last thing I need is another little terror running around the house :) This book was recommended and I'm glad a read it, there were some good tips and information about dogs that I didn't know. Like - exercise. I figured that dogs need exercise for the same reason that humans need exercise - to stay physically fit. But according to Cesar it's THE MOST IMPORTANT factor. Without enough exercise dogs become dominant, aggressive, destructive to your home and disruptive to neighbors... from what I read, not getting enough exercise was the root of most problems. That was good to know, I hadn't been walking our puppy NEARLY enough and I think it will solve some of her issues. I didn't read the book cover to cover because some of the chapters just didn't apply. Like the chapter about how to select a dog - oops, already did that (and not in the way he suggested... too late now, but I feel like we made a good decision regardless). I also was starting to feel a little overwhelmed with all the information. It's all very psychological and complicated. I'm glad I read what I read, got some good information, and if I ever have any other specific questions about what to do with our dog I'll definitely refer back to Cesar Millan.
October 21, 2008
In anticipation of getting another dog, I've been watching "The Dog Whisperer" on TV, and decided to give Cesar Millan's new book a try. For those of you not familar with Millan, he is a dog trainer who solves behavior problems in dogs by teaching the humans involved how to understand a dog's pack mentality and use it to elicit the behavior desired.
I liked the book. He describes many common errors we humans make in relating to dogs, talks about how to observe a dog at the shelter or kennel and assess it's energy level, how to assert yourself as pack leader from the beginning of your relationship, and how to avoid many common nuisance behaviors.
My only complaint is that I would appreciate a little more specifics on how to get your dog to do things, for example, drop something you don't want it to have. It may be that Millan's many other books cover this type of detail.
He includes chapters from his wife and kids that give the reader a womans or childs viewpoint in dog training.
I liked the book. He describes many common errors we humans make in relating to dogs, talks about how to observe a dog at the shelter or kennel and assess it's energy level, how to assert yourself as pack leader from the beginning of your relationship, and how to avoid many common nuisance behaviors.
My only complaint is that I would appreciate a little more specifics on how to get your dog to do things, for example, drop something you don't want it to have. It may be that Millan's many other books cover this type of detail.
He includes chapters from his wife and kids that give the reader a womans or childs viewpoint in dog training.
September 15, 2010
A Member of the Family: The Ultimate Guide to Living with a Happy, Healthy Dog by Cesar Millan describes Millan's formula for raising a dog who is well-adjusted and well-behaved. Millan starts at the beginning with choosing the right dog for the family based on lifestyle, energy levels, etc. He discusses every aspect of dog ownership and incorporating a dog into the family in the best interest of the dog. When the dog's best interests are met, the entire family benefits. He uses examples of his work, many from his show, The Dog Whisperer, to illustrate his points. A chapter by his wife, Ilusion, examines the woman's role in the pack and provides insight into Millan's evolution as a human being. A chapter by his sons, Andre and Calvin, delves into the child's role in the pack told by their point of view. A Member of the Family is a well-written, interesting book every dog owner should own because it provides the potential to lead to not only a balanced dog but a balanced family, or as Cesar would say, a balanced pack.
September 12, 2016
I picked this book as the beginning of my research into acquiring a family dog and I choose Cesar Millan to begin with because even I have heard of his reputation as the Dog Whisperer. It is very clear from reading it that he has a gift with dogs and so it is always a pleasure to see a natural at work, though I have to admit that I found a lot of the information daunting (pet insurance, exercise schedules, alternative medicine.)
I appreciate his philosophy that a dog needs excercise, discipline, and affection -- in that order. I also love the idea of the family as a pack, and the need for a strong pack leader (and that should not be the dog.) I think the first three chapters were the most informative for me:
A Match Made in Heaven: Determing the right dog for you and your family
Gimme Shelter: Navigating shelters, rescue organizations, and breeders
The Homecoming: Welcoming your new dog into the family
I'll have to do some more reading in this dog genre to really determine how to rate this book. Any recommendation out there for my next book?
I appreciate his philosophy that a dog needs excercise, discipline, and affection -- in that order. I also love the idea of the family as a pack, and the need for a strong pack leader (and that should not be the dog.) I think the first three chapters were the most informative for me:
A Match Made in Heaven: Determing the right dog for you and your family
Gimme Shelter: Navigating shelters, rescue organizations, and breeders
The Homecoming: Welcoming your new dog into the family
I'll have to do some more reading in this dog genre to really determine how to rate this book. Any recommendation out there for my next book?
October 3, 2014
I was fascinated by the wealth of material included in this volume. I watch the show, however, the philosophy followed by Cesar and those who work with him is explained in very clear terms in this book. I enjoy the use of anecdotal material to support the interventions. Including all points of view in the Millan family is a great illustration of the power of a pack, in whatever form it occurs. Particularly striking to me is the humane quality of the volume for all participants - dogs, humans, cats, and so forth, and the respect for all creatures. I love the story of Rosemary, the pit bull who survived being burned to emerge as a puppy nanny, nurturing to fellow creatures despite suffering horrific damage by humans. It is beyond my understanding how such deep cruelties can occur. Cesar softens the psychological blow of these occurrences when relating the stories of new life merging out of the ashes.
July 30, 2009
We got a puppy in early May, and I did a LOT of reading before and after. Still am. I'm the completely committed type of person, who needs to know EVERYTHING about anything I do. To it, I will bring in my own feelings & intellect. The library the books by C Millan. I was not taken by him at all. The approach & understanding, while claiming inclusion (family), also uses control & domination as tools. The title is a good one, and he is successful at his work. But if you want to have a direct 'whisperer' connection to your dog, like that of a parent and child, look at good dog behaviour books. I highly recommend understanding dog signals (along with other behaviour) & using signals ourselves to them (books for this). It is essential to understand your dog is an equal (or better) being first (with rights to live on this planet), and things do slip into place.
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