A Member of the Family: Cesar Millan's Guide to a Lifetime of Fulfillment with Your Dog

This new book is a must for a dog owner to have. It covers where you can go,and how to pick out the new family member,housebreaking,choosing a vet,how to set rules and boundaries,traveling,and more,to saying good-bye to your old friend. Even Cesar's wife Ilusion,and son's Andre,and Calvin have something to say in the book. I recommend this book to anyone getting a new dog as A Member of the Family,its a family book.

Cesar Millan's and Melissa Jo Peltier's latest book continues their line of smash hits in their canine ownership and dog psychology series. Coming out its first week as #8 on the New York Times Best Seller List, Cesar Millan and his faithful sidekick, Daddy, at the Dog Psychology Center of Los Angeles show that there is still so much America - and the rest of the world - have to learn from and about relating to Man's Best Friend: dog.

This book, Millan's and Peltier's third collaboration, is a continuation of the ideas and concepts developed in Millan's other two books: Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems and Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life. However, in this book, each chapter provides a vignette or an insight into a cornerstone of family life, whereas the two prior books sought to lay out Cesar's fundamental theory and philosophies regarding canine psychology, ownership, and human (pack) leadership and how to use the triad of that philosophy to solve basic human-canine behavioral problems, such as pulling on the walk, chasing squirrels, and so forth, this book is wholly different. Here, Millan seeks to show how dogs influence everyday family interactions in both beneficial and detrimental ways, and how to change our human behaviors so our dogs understand that we human are the pack leaders (the building block of his philosophy) and that they must follow us for guidance and direction. This, in turn, thus leads to beneficial interactions with family members.

Other chapters include input from Millan's wife, Ilusion, on encouraging women to become leaders in their own right, and his two sons, on how children should approach and care for dogs (i.e. no screaming around dogs, no pulling tails or ears, etc.). While in no way is Millan's book meant to have political overtones, Millan is the primal feminist who recognizes the strength that women have and that is denied to them, by themselves or society: a power that he seeks to restore to them through his philosophy of "calm-assertiveness."

Albeit, this is a simplistic review of a deep and richly toned book well worth reading and reflecting on.

I highly, highly recommend getting it. Not only will your pet benefit, but so will you. You may not agree with all of Millan's teachings, but it will strengthen you in ways you never imagined possible.

Cesar Millan has done it again! Definitely another "Best Seller" from the Dog Whisperer and family! Cesar's "PUPPY" chapter is by far the best instruction manual a new puppy owner can find anywhere! The entire book is without a doubt one that will be read, re-read and used by dog owners as much---if not more than new parents used "Baby Books."
Illusion Millan's chapter leaves no doubt in the reader's mind this lady has the same devotion and energy to open her heart and home to dogs, dogs, dogs. So nice to have a "role model" so warm and friendly you'd love to invite her for morning coffee. What is a bonus is the chapter by the Millan Boys (Andre and Calvin) that will guide and help children to both understand and be "Pack Leader's".
Cesar's attention to the Senior Dogs who unfortunately can't be with us as long as our human family is one that will help those of us who are faced with helping our dog's make the journey to the Rainbow Bridge. Loving our dogs and having to say good-bye too soon is never easy, but with Cesar's help we can have the strength to make it easier for our dog and other family members.
Cesar Millan (and Family's) contribution is one we will treasure! Thjs is his latest "classic" that will never leave our sight or be borrowed...of that I am very sure. Thank you Cesar, Illusion, Andre, Calvin and Daddy for a beautiful read and your efforts to help us have the relationship with our dog(s) we've always hoped for and couldn't have reached without you.
Elaine and "Cesarized" Alfie

I received Cesar Millan's third book, "A Member of the Family" today. I have both of Cesar's other books, and figured by the third book it probably wouldn't be so great. Boy, was I mistaken!

I turned randomly to the chapter written by Ilusion Wilson Millan, Cesar's beautiful wife. I was instantly hooked, and could not put this book down. I then turned to the chapter Cesar wrote about his beloved sidekick, Daddy, the greatest representative of Pit Bull known to man.

I know there are a lot of people whom I call "anti-Cesareans". These are people who dislike Cesar Millan because a) he doesn't have a degree and b) they (erroneously) believe he is cruel to dogs and c) they (erroneously) believe he is an illegal immigrant. For those anti-Cesareans, I have a message for you. READ THIS BOOK. You will find out about a man who has a deep and abiding love for dogs of all kinds, his family, his friends, and all human beings. Millan is a true specimen of humanity. The definition of "a good guy".

After reading this book, there should be no doubt in ANYONE's mind that Cesar is uniquely qualified to work with problematic dogs as perhaps no one else in popular culture today. But what is most remarkable is his open-arms approach to other dog behaviorists (some of whom have degrees, some who may not), and his understanding that there is room enough in this crazy world of ours for everyone. There is time and space for every method of interaction with canines, as long as it does NOT harm the dog. That is what Cesar Millan stands for.

I cannot stress enough (and for the bazillionth time!) Cesar Millan is not a dog trainer. He understands canine behavior and "what makes a dog tick" (pun, sorry) based on a lifetime of living with, and LOVING dogs (and humans alike).

Do not pass "GO". Get this book, now! I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

And for those anti-Cesareans: life is too short. Stop being so petty and give this guy a chance. If he were standing in a room with you, he would give YOU a chance, of that I am positive.

Happy tails.

K.S. Mueller

As another dog psychologist and an author of the book on Dog Training & Canine Psychology, I like this one the best.

And here's why:

* Cesar actually tells you what to do and even HOW to do it. (His previous books mostly gave you the wisdom, but rarely the how to.) So you'd get all hyped up after reading the book all the way through, but end up scratching your head in the last pages to find out that it definitely takes much more than just your energy and being assertive to get long-term results. So don't worry, this book will take you beyond that element.

* He actually talks about the different breeds of dogs and how you'll be compatible to the breed of your choice, as well as your common expectations from that type of dog.

* He covers how to solve most common canine behavior and problem-solving.

* There are lots of good resources and other useful leads on other organization.

* And of course, he can't just refer it to as just "Dog Psychology." Although he doesn't get into actually teaching obedience aspect of training, he does offer real and practical advice about your day-to-day common problems which your doggie will throw at you.

Bottom line, you will get the whole enchilada in this one. And NO. I don't know Cesar personally. At least not yet. Although I've been told we have a lot in common. The accent, the salt and pepper hair, the two kids, the philosophy... some believe I might become the next Cesar Millan. Of course I will never say that and humbly accept the compliment. But I do have lots of respect for him and am honored to be compared to him. I combine Dog Psychology WITH Dog Training. Getting the best of both worlds!

Hope this helped.

Kevin Salem aka The Dog Prodigy: Author, "Hidden Secrets Behind Dog Training" - Revealing the Best & Worst Ways to Train Your Dog. (Soon-to-Be Available Here on Amazon!)