Cesar Millan is more than just a dog trainer-his tested methods and patient spirit are present on his aptly named “Dog Whisperer” show. Millan also brings his expertise in dog behavior to dog owners via his international live speaking tour.
Dog owners are faced with many challenges, including legislation preventing ownership of certain breeds, selecting the right dog for the family and monitoring a dog’s socialization. Millan shares his expert tips and opinions on these matters.
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Tara M. Clapper: What is the most important thing to consider when selecting a canine companion?
Cesar Millan: When looking to adopt a new dog the most important thing to consider is always the energy of the dog and how the dog will fit in with your lifestyle and your family. I like to share the following four tips with clients looking to adopt a new dog.
- Do your best to leave your emotions at the door and don’t choose a dog based on “cuteness.” You will have plenty of time to bond with your dog once you’ve brought him home and incorporated him into your family.
- Make sure your lifestyle will match with the dog’s needs. Ask yourself: Do you wake up early every morning, pound a power bar and a health shake, and go for a run in the mountains? Or do you take life at a more leisurely pace? If you are a two-career couple with a small apartment, chances are that you shouldn’t purchase a large dog that requires a lot of attention, exercise, and space.
- If you decide to begin looking at shelters and rescues, keep in mind that a dog in a cage at a shelter will be difficult to appraise in terms of its level of energy. Dogs in cages for any significant length of time can be frustrated and edgy. It may help to have a professional or someone with some expertise assist you in gauging your potential dog’s energy levels. The walk is also an excellent litmus test for a new dog – find out from the shelter if you can “test drive” the dog that you’re interested in. Take him out for a spin around the block and see how the two of you get along. Not only will you get an early idea of how you work together in a pack-oriented activity, but you’ll get a better understanding of his underlying temperament once you’ve drained away the frustration and pent-up energy he has from being in his cage.
- Energy level of the dog is a very accurate gauge of whether you and your dog will be compatible mates for life. The most important step is to take some time for self-reflection and to identify what your own energy levels are. When energy levels conflict, resulting frustrations on the part of both human and dog can create tensions and issues with dramatic repercussions. I recommend that people choose a dog with the same energy level or a lower energy level than their own. If they have other dogs in their home, it’s even more important not to choose a dog with an energy level higher than that of the dogs or humans already in the family pack.
TMC: What do you think about breed-specific legislation (BSL) and why?
CM: I am completely against it, it is not the breed but the owner behind the breed. All dogs can become aggressive, but the difference between an aggressive Chihuahua and an aggressive pit bull is that the pit bull can do more damage. That’s why it’s important to make sure you are a hundred percent ready for the responsibility if you own a “power” breed, like a pit bull, German shepherd, or Rottweiler.
Often, we blame the breed, but in my opinion, it’s not the breed; it’s the owner. The owner has to be the pack leader and provide exercise, discipline, then affection. If you do that, you’ll have a sweet, loving, and balanced dog – no matter what breed!
TMC: Are certain breeds truly prone to aggression, shyness or other personality traits?
CM: A dog is energy first, then species (dog), then breed. Meaning a dog’s breed doesn’t necessarily dictate its personality, but some breeds are known for having a certain energy or disposition. When thinking about what might be the right breed for you, you must do your homework ahead of time, especially when considering size and special needs lifestyle choices, environmental compatibility, and factors such as food and exercise requirements.
Read up on every breed you are interested in, paying special attention to the original job it was bred to do. Then ask yourself, can I provide the right environment, the proper amount of time, and the appropriate stimulation to fulfill those inborn breed-related needs?
At the end of the day, however, energy will dictate the dog’s personality. Daddy and Junior, both pit bulls, are two of the most calm and balanced dogs I have ever known, and the only dog to ever put me in the hospital was a Labrador!
TMC: Is it a good idea for owners to take dogs to dog parks? Why or why not?
CM: Dog parks can be a fantastic way to socialize your dog but it’s important for owners to understand that a dog park isn’t exercise and isn’t a substitute for walk. A visit to the dog park is fun, play time. The biggest mistake I see is owners not following the fulfillment formula – Exercise, Discipline then Affection. I recommend if you want to visit the dog park first take your dog for a big long walk to drain his energy and bond – this is exercise, then visit the dog park to play – this is affection.
TMC: I have a sweet and cheerful Boxer who loves to play–but he tends to ignore the social cues and greeting procedures of other dogs. He leaps in to play, seemingly unaware that another dog is standoffish; he ignores dog greetings like sniffing. How can I help him to socialize better and learn dog manners?
CM: Often the best way for a dog to learn how to behave is from another dog. Reach out to a friend or neighbor with a well-socialized dog and ask them to join you and your boxer on walks. Preferably this dog will also have a calmer energy than your own. Take your dogs on long walks together and allow your dog to see the correct behavior from a well socialized dog. If you don’t have a friend or someone to reach out to with a well socialized dog try reaching out to local trainers or rescue groups who may be able to help.
TMC: What should an owner do if he suspects he has a ‘red zone case?’
CM: I have never met a dog I couldn’t help, however I have met humans who weren’t willing to change. If you suspect you have a red zone case the best thing you can do is immediately reach out to a professional to help begin to change both your behavior and the behavior of your dog. If you begin working together you can achieve change and begin to analyze the severity of the case to come up with a plan together to manage the dog moving forward.
TMC: What can someone expect to learn and experience by attending one of your speaking tour events?
CM: The speaking tours are a chance to go deeper and see more hands on the techniques than we ever do in the show. We have a chance to more intimately discuss how my techniques work and I can show them in action. Also in the speaking tours we do not work with so much with ‘red zone’ cases but rather delve deeper into my philosophy on preventing and solving the everyday problems people deal with in their homes.
TMC: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about yourself from working with dogs?
CM: I have learned so much from dogs! The most important lesson though is to live in the present. Dogs don’t harbor resentment or hold on to past trauma. They live in the moment and move on. This is such an important lesson! Dogs have taught me about forgiveness, about being “one” with the universe, and about being humble. Dogs don’t know fame or status or wealth – they just know who is their leader, who they follow, and what needs they have instinctually. And they love unconditionally. That is the true beauty.
Cesar Millan is a best-selling author and star of the hit TV show “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan,” airing on National Geographic WILD and over 110 countries worldwide. He is President of The Millan Foundation, a non-profit organization that is credited with re-homing and rehabilitating thousands of dogs across the world. Learn more about Cesar and read his latest news and tips by visiting his website.
