Cesar's Rules: Your Way to Train a Well-Behaved Dog

by Cesar Millan, Melissa Jo Peltier

The training book you’ve been waiting for from the bestselling author and star of National Geographic Channel’s Dog Whisperer
 
Your dog just doesn’t seem to listen . You’ve been through obedience training, but he still can’t seem to master the most basic commands. And nothing you do seems to prevent him from misbehaving. “Clients usually come to me when their dogs are ruining their lives, not when they won’t sit,” says Cesar. “But everywhere I go, people are telling me they are confused about the wide variety of training options and theories out there, and they feel paralyzed because they don’t know which to choose.”

Now, in his usual straightforward, confident manner, Cesar takes on the topic of training for the first time, by explaining the importance of balance as the foundation for a healthy relationship between you and your dog. In order to provide a variety of training options, he calls upon some of the foremost experts in the field to offer their advice so that you can find the perfect approach that works for you and your dog through a variety of methods.

Filled with practical advice, anecdotes, tips, and trouble-shooting techniques from Cesar and his colleagues, this is the ultimate guide to a well-behaved and well-balanced dog—from a new puppy to an old dog who can still learn new tricks. 

The Only Training Book You’ll Ever Need
 
#1 New York Times bestselling author Cesar Millan shows you how to communicate well with your dog and shares the most effective and humane methods for teaching your dog how to be a happy, well-behaved member of your household. In Cesar’s Rules, he’ll

* The most popular training techniques, including positive reinforcement and using a clicker
* Ways to teach basic obedience commands sucha as sit, stay, and come
* The importance of balance, and why a well-trained dog does not necessarily mean a balanced one
* How to use your dog’s own natural inclinations to create better behavior
* The methods and theories from a variety of renowned trainers, including Bob Bailey, Ian Dunbar, Joel Silverman, Martin Deeley, and Mark Harden
* Encouraging and honoring your dog’s instincts
* And much more . . .

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Animals, Ebooks, How To, Unfinished, Science

320 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

Cesar 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.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read other Cesar Milan books, there's the usual amount of back story and self congratulation. This book differs from previous Dog Whisperer books in two ways. First, Cesar consults several other dog trainers about their methods and reasoning, even a few who have publicly disagreed with his training style. That made this book significantly richer. Second, instead of over-broad generalizations that make previous books frustrating, there are hands-on techniques described in such a way that you can put them into action.

[Tamar · Rating 3 out of 5]

My dog can now sit, lay down, and pee outside. Success.

[Antonella Gramola-Sands · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful manual. You need a bit of time to put the advice into practice but good anyway. The only not fiction book this year.

[Matt Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seemed to give a good idea on the attitude that would help get a dog to be a good boy.


I do not have a dog so I cannot say whether or not good boy status is achieved.

[Viviana Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently discovered Cesar Millan on YouTube. I didn’t have a pet dog back when The Dog Whisperer show was popular, so I wasn’t familiar with his work. I liked that this book included the opinions and methods of other dog experts, even ones who disagree with him on certain topics. I felt inspired to teach my dog the sit and down command. It was quick and easy!

[AmberBug com* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, I picked this up in preparation for adopting two puppy-teen dogs. I picked up some great information but also had to wade through a giant mess of stuff to get to it. As much as I can admire Cesar, I was under the impression that this was his second book and wouldn't be too heavy handed with his backstory. That wasn't the case. This is heavy full of stories from his own background and those of the other trainers he lists. Entertaining read but I don't know if I would recommend it - he basically gives you a breakdown of the tips in the show which will take 1/2 the time and be more entertaining (in my opinion). AND this is coming from a girl who enjoys the book over the TV/Movie 9x/10.

[Caroline Christoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to read it after I finish my current cesar book. He is probably the best dog trainer in the world!I recommend any book he wrote.I am excited to read it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this for a brush up because it's been many years since I have had to raise a puppy. Most of it is...reading. Interesting but not too much to put into practice for the first 2/3. I do respect Cesar for including multiple types of training, including some from people that are opposed to his type of training, and confessing that his dog training doesn't go much pass teaching your dog to be a respectful, well balanced dog. Cesar doesn't really believe in training for a lot of 'tricks' because if you have a well behaved dog, you don't really need the 'tricks,' which is fair. He wants his dogs to be a dog. Cool, respect.

I'd say the last 1/3 of the book is where we finally get some practical advice that you can actually apply to your life. It's the basics. Walking on a leash (big one), stay, sit, etc. It's not a lot, because they cover basic commands from multiple teaching disciplines (ex: clicker training, on leash, off leash). It's good to see some opinions for training I just wish there were a few more tricks/commands in there. My pup has the basics already.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Cesar Millan talks to many different dog trainers with different approaches and discusses training techniques. I love that the book has a very holistic view on things, it doesn't take sides or concludes that Cesar's methods are the best. He openly admits when other trainers know better and gives detailed account and explanations on techniques he's often criticized for. Also, he describes in detail techniques he doesn't necessarily agree with, and does this is a very impartial way.
Anyone disliking Cesar Millan without having really read anything from him before, should read this book before criticizing him in general.
Also, his other books are often criticized for not including any tips on training dogs - which is true, as they are about dog psychology and leadership, not training. If you're looking for training tips, this books really is full of them.

[Amberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less about raising/training dogs than about his life story, the anecdotes are interesting, but don't teach me much about my actual situation. The training sections later on do a good job of showing several ways (clicker, Cesar's, etc) to accomplish the same commands. I like the comparisons of several methods and the clear descriptions of types of leashes/collars and their pro's and con's. I will likely read the rest of his books, as I am interested in Dog behavior, but this one was less helpful than I hoped. I'd read it before you adopt a dog.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dog psychology portions of the book were helpful to me. I didn't realized, for example, that giving affection to a dog when it's stressed or anxious may actually increase that stress and anxiety. I couldn't give the book 5 stars because I found the last portion of the book, the training portion, very confusing. It uses first person "I," without identifying whose perspective, and there are several trainers weighing in. I couldn't follow this section. I skimmed some of the first section of the book where it goes over the trainers' backgrounds.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on dog training. Caesar spends times discussing the nature of a dog and tapping into that “mindset” instead of overriding it. He makes the point about clear messages as well. It takes time to train a dog and the suggestions he provides, such as leash pulling, we’re very helpful. The parts about dog service made me think about what kind of “jobs” could the dog do around the house. I liked the part where he discussed some differences he had w another trainer, Dunbar, and how his dog responded differently, depending on the stimulation/reward.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cesar's books are a variation on his theme: Nature's Laws are real, and we're wise to obey them. Train the person and the dog will follow. I don't mind that each one I've read resembles every one of his videos that I've watched, because they're chock full of the details that are so easily missed in the moment. I've lost count of how many "eureka" moments I've had as I learn to communicate the behavoirs I want.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that Cesar is an open minded person. In this book, other training methods are presented and examined with respect and appreciation. There are some great tips for dog training, and overall you get the feeling that no matter what methods you choose, the important part is to honor the fact that your dog is a DOG.

[Buck Wilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cesar's usual dog philosophy interspersed with lengthy hang-out interviews with professional Hollywood animal trainers and a nuts-and-bolts breakdown of five or six different methods to use to teach your dogs sit-down-stand-stay-fetch, then extended into how these principles can teach them to be little murder machines or cancer detectors.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that in the last half of the book, he gave practical advice on how to actually train your dog. And, since he interviewed lots of different trainers, there were different approaches to the training, so you could find what works best with your dog and you. I took some notes and plan on using them soon to get started seriously training my Frenchie.

[Shaunese Rowland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. This book was okay. It certainly was informative in some aspects but I don’t agree with everything he suggests. I’ll take away what I can use and move on. I have a Yorkie and his tips aren’t exactly user friendly the way he portrays when dealing with a four pound dog.

[Piper Pringle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cesar Millan, thank you for sharing your knowledge!


This book is just what I needed at the moment, since my dog is just about to hit puberty. I want to make sure he turns out to be a happy, balanced, and well-behaved dog.

[Andi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful book! As much as I love Cesar I hated this book! Twice I tried to read it and the second time made it past halfway but it is a slog! By this time my puppy was 12 month old as I have it up and passed it back to the person I borrowed it from... Definitely watch Cesar not read in my opinion.

[Jessica (readitandquip) H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with Cesar’s show and mannerisms. I am always amazed when watching him turn dogs around in such short time. Since we got our new pup I’ve been trying to be a better dog owner to my first fur baby and to our newest. Calm Assertive it is Cesar!

[Ms. Arca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the other books of his I read. I like hearing the differing opinions from other trainers, the ‘rules’ and the end part was most useful with its options of how to teach/ prevent specific behaviors as described by different trainers.

[Rohit · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the uninitiated, a great book to know about dogs. Cesar shows you how to train dogs, and what are some of the other methods people follow in training dogs. But the most I got was love and respect for dogs as individuals.

[M.C. Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Cesar does 'rule'. While there are other trainers, none are as astute as Cesar Milan. We are putting his rules to work and enjoying the success with our new puppy. This book offers a variety of other options from trainers and dog psychologists. I highly recommend it.

[Christopher Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few good tips here and there, a few entertaining anecdotes, but largely a bit of slick marketing disguised as a book. It was clearly written with the intention of dispelling rumors and innuendo about some of his techniques and his reputation.

[Grace Coyne · Rating 2 out of 5]

cesar i love u but if i wanted to know ur fucking life story i'd buy a biography. just answer my goddamn questions dog whisperer i did not have time to speed read this all day literally did not help at all

[Brian Selle]

Differing Viewpoints Compiled

The book was interesting to me as it presented numerous different approaches to working with dogs. It appears a bit Ad-hoc at times, but overall holds a significant amount of knowledge I found very helpful.

[Sydney Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good starting point. Provided a lot of guidance for me as someone who really doesn’t know much about training dogs at all. Really helped me hone in on what I can do with my dog and gave many helpful tips and work around to getting the behaviors (and manners) I want to see in my girl.

[Maura Muller · Rating 2 out of 5]

More philosophical than practical and poorly laid out. Disappointing.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good intro to understanding dog behavior and why different training methods can be successful. A bit heavy on the psychology/theory- could have used more how-to.

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Lots of stuff to get to the fairly little info, but it was good info.