Introduction
Cesar Millan is a famous dog behaviorist (“Cesar’s Way: Achieving Balance and Harmony” par. 3). He has featured in different television series and documentaries examining various dog behaviors. The Mexican-American citizen has earned the attention of many dog enthusiasts across the globe. The TV series “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan” has been broadcasted in many nations across the globe. The television program offers numerous concepts that can be used to rehabilitate stressed or aggressive dogs. The dog behaviorist also established the Dog Psychology Center (DSC) in 2002. For around six years, the center delivered adequate support to many clients and community members. This research paper therefore gives a detailed analysis of Millan’s life, career, achievements, and legacy.
Personal Life
Early Childhood
Cesar Millan “was born to Maria Teresa Favela and Felippe Millan on 27th August, 1969” (Millan 6). Millan was born in Sinaloa, Mexico (Millan 8). As a child, Cesar Millan interacted with different animals thus reshaping his future goals. His grandfather owned a big farm in Sinaloa. His grandfather’s farm had different animals such as dogs, cows, goats, and sheep (“Cesar’s Way: Achieving Balance and Harmony” par. 2). Millan earned the nickname “the dog boy” because of his natural ability to interact with dogs (Millan 9). His love for animals gave him the opportunity to study the major behaviors associated with dogs.
Migration to America
Brooks indicates that Millan’s family migrated from Sinaloa to Mazatlan when he was a young boy (36). At the age of 21, Millan managed to cross the United States-Mexican border. During the time, Millan was unable to speak English fluently (Brooks 39). As well, the Mexican did not have a visa at the time. This fact shows clearly that he was an illegal immigrant (Brooks 61). Cesar Millan “became an American citizen in 2009” (“Cesar’s Way: Achieving Balance and Harmony” par. 6). However, he had become a permanent United States’ resident in the year 2000 (“Cesar’s Way: Achieving Balance and Harmony” par. 4). Currently, Millan lives in California’s Santa Clarita and has two children (“Cesar’s Way: Achieving Balance and Harmony” par. 8).
Life in America
After settling in the United States, Millan struggled with life until he finally landed his first job. The “job was at a dog grooming store” (Millan 22). During the time, Millan was able to pursue most of his career goals. He continued to monitor the behaviors and responses of dogs under different circumstances. He managed to acquire new skills that would play a significant role towards supporting his future goals. He also met Jada Smith.
Brooks believes that Jada Smith played a significant role in Millan’s life (62). For instance, he provided a competent tutor of English to him. This new move made it possible for Millan to communicate in English and offer quality services to most of his clients. He eventually founded the Pacific Point Canine Academy (PPCA). The dog behaviorist “attempted suicide in 2010 after his longtime wife and partner, Ilusion Millan, filed for Divorce in March the same year” (Brooks 109)
Cesar Millan’s Career
The establishment of PPCA was a turning point for Cesar Millan. His acquisition of new English skills made it easier for him to focus on his goals. His improved communication skills opened up new opportunities for him. After several years, Millan opened the Dog Psychology Center. This “center was mainly aimed at rehabilitating large dog breeds” (Owens 9). The uniqueness of the center attracted many clients and stakeholders.
Consequently, the dog behaviorist became a celebrity in different parts of the country. His success story and ability to support the needs of troubled dogs attracted many partners. In 2002, Millan won his first contract with a famous entertainment company called MPH Entertainment (Milio, Millan and Peltier 28). The contract was aimed at developing a reality TV series. The purpose of the series was to educate more people about the best dog psychotherapy and rehabilitation processes.
Throughout his early career, Cesar Millan focused on the unique issues characterizing human-dog relationships (Owens 6). He launched his first magazine in 2009. The magazine “Cesar’s Way” is read widely by many people in every corner of the globe. In order to make the magazine informative, Millan offers useful ides that can be used to manage and train dogs. As well, he incorporates different articles addressing the behaviors of dogs.
Career Philosophy
Most of Cesar Millan’s works “promote a technique known as calm-assertive energy” (Millan 29). The behaviorist’s theory explains why dogs should be treated as creatures with conscience. This is the case because dogs have unique needs similar to those of human beings. A proper knowledge and understanding of such needs can make it easier people to address the major issues affecting their dogs. The “unique needs of dogs include exercise, discipline, and affection” (Millan 65).
The dog owner should therefore address these needs in order to get the most desirable outcomes (Milio et al. 63). The first issue is to ensure the energy needs of every dog are addressed in a professional manner. This means that the dogs should be exercised in order to behave well. They should also be guided used the most appropriate rules. The behaviorist also indicates that dogs should receive appropriate affection in order to produce the best results.
Concepts
Cesar Millan’s philosophy for training dogs is characterized by five unique laws or essentials. These laws are natural and should be considered whenever supporting or fulfilling the above three needs. The “first natural law outlined by Millan argues that dogs are instinctual” (Milio et al. 68). The second law states that “energy is everything” (Owen 5). As well, dogs should be treated as pack animals that can interact and associate with others. It is also notable that “dogs sense from the notion of reality” (Millan 92). A proper understanding of such laws can make it easier for dog behaviorists and trainers to produce quality results.
In order to achieve the best outcomes, Millan’s training technique has five unique leadership attributes that must be taken seriously. To begin with, dog trainers should always project assertive and calm energy (Brooks 78). This assertive energy will ensure the targeted dog responds in an effective manner. The technique also guides trainers to provide rigorous exercises to the targeted dogs. Such exercises will improve the level of coordination (Milio et al. 109).
Discipline should also be maintained in order to ensure the dogs behave in a proper manner. Affection is what makes a dog trainable (Milio et al. 109). The behaviorist encourages individuals to show affection to their dogs. Pet owners should also embrace this technique whenever training their dogs.
It is appropriate to provide adequate boundaries and limitations. Effective rules should be used to govern the behaviors portrayed by the targeted dogs. Dogs also portray diverse body signs and languages. Individuals who want to get quality results should master and interpret these body languages (Brooks 47). Such leadership techniques have been observed to deliver quality results.
Dog Care
Millan’s philosophy also embraces the power of effective dog care. According to the dog behaviorist, veterinary experts should consider the basics of appropriate dog care. Such considerations include provision of vaccinations and nutrition (Brooks 28). People should also travel with their dogs in an attempt to fulfill their unique needs. Routine dog care should also be in accordance with different rules of health.
For instance, dog owners should bath their dogs frequently. Special eye and ear care should also be provided in a timely manner. Routine care should also focus on the dog’s skin. Dental care should also be taken seriously whenever supporting the needs of dogs (Millan 40).
The issue of health care and support should also be embraced by dog owners. Dogs should be diagnosed frequently in order to prevent various diseases. Allergies should also be monitored in order to offer the best foods and diets. Wounds and cuts should be nursed by veterinary specialists. De-worming should also be done frequently (Brooks 39). Millan’s model therefore offers appropriate strategies and processes that can support the health needs of many dogs.
Famous Quotes
Americans have learned many things and ideas from the exemplary works of Cesar Millan. The behaviorist focuses on a wider range of issues such as dog communication, hygiene, and training. His dog-training philosophy has been embraced in different parts of the world. Brooks also believes strongly that thousands of dogs have realized their psychological and emotional needs because of Cesar Millan’s contributions (87). These achievements explain why future scholars will benefit a lot from the works of this self-trained dog behaviorist (“7 Great Quotes from Cesar Millan” par. 7).
The dog enthusiast has also presented numerous quotes that continue to encourage and support the needs of many dog owners. One of his favorite quotes states that “discipline is not about showing a dog who is the boss; it is about taking responsibility for a living creature you have brought into your world” (“7 Great Quotes from Cesar Millan” par. 2). The other quote from the behaviorist is: “I believe in integrity. Dogs have it. Humans are sometimes lacking it” (“7 Great Quotes from Cesar Millan” par. 4). These quotes show clearly that Cesar Millan is a great educator whose ideas will transform the field of dog psychology for very many years.
Conclusion
The works and contributions of Cesar Millan have led to new theories that can be used to study animal psychology. The dog specialist informs more people about the importance of treating dogs as instinctual creatures. Such creatures should also be respected and equipped with the three basic needs (Owens 3). Individuals should also be ready to take good care of their dogs. The dog care approach should also address the health needs of the targeted dogs. Millan’s revolutionary ideas have therefore reshaped people’s views regarding the abilities and needs of dogs. People should therefore embrace these issues in order to support the needs of their pets.
Works Cited
7 Great Quotes from Cesar Millan 2016. Web.
Brooks, Michelle. Cesar Millan Doesn’t Live Here: The Comedy and Chaos of Living with Four Dogs. New York: Author House, 2009. Print.
Cesar’s Way: Achieving Balance and Harmony 2016. Web.
Milio, Jim, Cesar Millan and Melissa Peltier. Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan: The Ultimate Episode Guide. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2010. Print.
Millan, Cesar. Cesar Millan’s Short Guide to a Happy Dog: 98 Essential Tips and Techniques. New York: National Geographic Press, 2015. Print.
Owens, Paul. Fast Start Training Tips. 2006. Web.