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Product Description

Bestselling author Cesar Millan takes his principles of dog psychology a step further, showing you how to develop the calm-assertive energy of a successful pack leader and use it to improve your dog’s life–and your own.

Filled with practical tips and techniques as well as real-life success stories from his clients (including the Grogan family, owners of Marley from Marley & Me) and his popular television show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, Cesar helps you understand and read your dog’s energy as well as your own so that you can move beyond just correcting behavioral issues and take your connection with your dog to the next level.

The principles of calm-assertive energy will help you become a better pack leader in every area of your life, improving your relationships with friends, family, and coworkers.

In addition, Cesar addresses several important issues for the first time, including what you need to know about the major dog behavior tools available and the difference between “personality” and “instability.”

Ultimately, what emerges from Be the Pack Leader are both happier dogs and happier, more centered owners.


From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

• big disappointment
  I had really been looking forward to reading this book. When I read it I was very disappointed. Cesar Milan doesn't offer anything new, he reiterates the whole energy thing yet doesn't provide step by step instructions on dealing with difficult behaviors like aggression, leash pulling, nipping etc. There's also too much filler, for example stories and testimonials from his show and an entire chapter devoted to breed types. That info can be found over the internet for free. I've found better information on the web and it didn't cost me twenty five bucks. The book is just too abstract and doesn't offer any remedies. I'd advise anyone who wants to read this book to wait until they have it at their local library, don't spend good money on it....more info
• Caesar Millan.
  I thoroughly enjoyed this book but it did not contain specific training for problems. I found it to be too generalized. ...more info
• Have a dog? Read this book!
  I've owned dogs for over 50 years and never felt my dog needed any training beyond what I could provide, and I certainly never felt I needed any training... until I accepted an orphaned Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler). Along with the first professional training a dog and I have had, this book made a WORLD of difference in the happiness and contentment of my dog as well as me, her pack leader. For me, the book was a necessity to augment the professional instruction, which was done in a group without enough time to fully explain the dog (and human) psychology that underlies our relationship. Cesar Millan does a wonderful job of explaining the inherited behaviors and needs of dogs as pack animals. And he does an exceptional job of helping those who read the book, the human members of their dog's "domestic pack", understand their role and responsibilities in the pack for the safety, security and happiness of their dog(s) and other dogs and humans with which they interact....more info
• A Great Read for Anyone
  Wether you own a dog or just want to brush up on your skills as a leader in society, this book offers inspiration and great tools....more info
• Cesar is the man!!
  I can't thank Cesar enough for teaching me about my dog and how to communicate with him in a way that is so simple! Thank you Cesar - You're the man!!...more info
• New Agey Approach to Dog Behavior Mod ..
  Cesar Millan is now almost a cult figure and one-man industry with the popularity of his show, "The Dog Whisperer." In this his second book, he expounds further on his approach and philosophy of dog behavior. Millan takes pains to insist he is NOT a "dog trainer." Rather, he rehabs dogs with issues and problematic behavior.
  
  More often than not, this really means dealing with HUMAN issues and behavior. It is clear that Cesar almost always sees the problem as being the human's, not the dog's. The book is sprinkled with real-life case studies. The Appendix of the book is worth the money alone, as it offers practical tips on various aspects of dog care - how to walk the dog, meal time rituals, introducing them to a new person, etc.
  
  Millan clearly anticipates the criticism that his core idea of "calm assertive energy" will be branded as New Age whoo-whoo mysticism. He spends a good amount of time anticipating and refuting this. I must confess that this was a reservation I had when I approached the work of the Dog Whisperer. This was one criticism.
  
  The other two are that, in Cesar's world:
  * The problem seems to ALWAYS lie with the human, not the dog, and
  * He only publicizes his success stories, it seems.
  
  Well, at least I've never seen one vignette or case study where the dog was incorrigible.
  
  "My goal in life is to be the man that my dog thinks I am ..." A worthy aim. "Be the Pack Leader" gently reminds us that our dogs are not kids or surrogate children. They are not humans. Without being domineering, we need to show them who's boss in order to have a fulfilling relationship with them.
  
  Anyone who owns a dog owes it to themselves (and Rover) to read this book!
  ...more info
• Cesar Reads Dogs' Minds
  Cesar Millan is the "Dog Whisperer" -- watch his show on the National Geographic channel to see him in action. His book is just as brilliant. His understanding of how dogs think, what makes them do the things they do, and how to get them to change their behavior (for the better) can change your life, and not only where your dog is concerned. Cesar explains in clear language how our behavior can (and should) control our dogs' behavior. And by extension, many of these same principles can be applied to our interactions with other pets and even other people. He offers nearly as many insights into human behavior as he does about dogs. All his techniques come from his love of dogs and the understanding that grows from that. He has a unique ability to share that genius with others. If you have a "problem dog", Cesar can help you cure the problem. And if your dog doesn't have problem behaviors, Cesar's techniques will show you how to improve your relationship and make your dog truly Man's Best Friend....more info
• Superb book
  This is a superb book about you and your dog. The things he writes about really work. It takes a lot of effort and time. My 1 year old B.T. has a long way to go. My trainer suggested this book.
  I would love Cesar to come and help us -
  [...]...more info
• Cesar Once Again Amazes Me
  Cesar Millan once again amazes me with his book, Be the Pack Leader. He is not only instinctively insightful with his canine relationships, but perceptively aware of human behavior as well. I learned just as much about my dogs' behavior as I did about myself.
  
  The writing includes many personal reflections and success stories, which makes the book an interesting read. I am not a huge fan of non-fiction, but the personal stories kept the book from being too dry and informational. I found myself laughing out loud several times and began reading selected parts to my husband.
  
  Cesar's voice is present throughout the book. Fans of The Dog Whisperer will not be disappointed. In addition, he allows the reader to take a glimpse at his relationship with his wife, Ilusion, which reveals a different side of Cesar that we don't often get to see on the show.
  
  I recommend this book for anyone with a dog or is planning to adopt a dog. Even if your dog is well-behaved, you will enjoy reading the personal and success stories. People with "behaviorally-challenged" dogs will realize how the human is often the culprit for the unwanted behaviors. Those that are considering adopting a dog will have a head start on training.
  
  I have not yet read Cesar's Way, but I plan to pick it up immediately after finishing this book.
  ...more info
• Dogs are family too!
  Wonderful book for those with canine children. Ceasar at his best. His advice really works! I give this book a thumbsup....more info
• Let Cesar Show You How To Have A Great Dog!
  While I grew up around dogs, I did not realize I knew so little about them until I read Cesar's books and watched his show. My dogs were often ill-mannered or sometimes out of control because I employed silly training techniques that had been handed down, but made no sense. Cesar puts you in control of your pet by making you realize how your pet thinks. Once you understand the concept of "being a pack leader" it transforms your relationship with your dog and allows you to have a terrific relationship that will make both of you happy. Also recommended - the three DVD "Mastering Leadership Series"....more info
• Calm Assertive Energy Works in the Office Too!
  Recently, I was required to attend intensely cognitive, masters level leadership coursework. I happened to find "Be the Pack Leader" after the first week and it helped me sort out what's really important to me in leadership, no matter the situation, namely: calm assertive energy. I am calm assertive with my dog. I like calm assertive leaders and I prefer to be in a work environment led with calm assertive energy. The research for "Be the Pack Leader" was well done and was an effective antidote to an overly cognitive, jangling approach to leading groups. If you've had to deal with management that prefers dissonant rather than resonant leadership you'll get new insight from "Be the Pack Leader" that helps you find the more balanced path for you. If you have had encounters with individual leaders who leave you "feeling slimed", Cesar's (and Melissa's) insights into "energy" especially the effects of others' "negative energy" not only validate what an energy-sucking lousy experience an encounter with one of these individuals can be like, but also helps you understand such individuals make choices to stay in the negative, it's not about you and ultimately it's only something they, not you, can change....more info
• Let Dogs Be Dogs
  This book is a really good reminder to all dog owners that dogs are NOT people with fur! If you own a dog it's got to be a balanced relationship between the dog meeting your needs and you meeting your dog's needs. Very easy to read and very good info. I recently adopted a second dog from the shelter. I used Cesar's approach to help Lucky blend into our family, and to help him overcome his fear of strangers and strange dogs. He's not 100% confident yet, but he is acting a lot more like a normal dog. ...more info
• Another disappointment?
  After reading "Cesar's Way" it looks like I'm in for more of the same thing. I haven't quite finished the book, but I'm afraid I'm going to get tired of reading the same thing over and over. I learn more from the videos and the show so I've decided to just order those. However, I firmly believe Cesar is right and you have to 'train' the people, not the dog. If the owner is a true pack leader, the dog will naturally follow along!...more info
• On Par for Cesar
  Cesar is so insightful into the life of dogs and how to live a fulfilling life with dogs in a positive way while being a calm assertive pack leader. I have already listened to this twice. He has done a lot of reading in human physiology and uses quotes and references from some of the best physiologist from the human world,and uses these bits of knowledge effectively to explain his theory's. If you live what he preaches, life with your dog will forever be changed for the better. Your dog will be thankful you made the effort. ...more info
• Another step back in training
  Millan's methods are both outdated and dangerous, the alpha roll being one of the better known and more dangerous of them. The term was first coined by the Monks of New Skete, who (as well as Millan) base the technique on wolf research. However that research has since been disproved, and even the Monks of New Skete have retracted this method and discourage people from doing it. Yet Millan continues, in spite of current research on behavior and learning processes in animals. An alpha roll is a very good method for getting your face bit off by a dog. That and scaring a dog.
  
  His dominance centered methods sound great, but fall far short of reality. Dogs do not live in rigid structures, but rather dominance is fluid and highly situational. Again, current wolf research from the last several years supports this and debunks previous beliefs of how wolf society works. In addition, its problematic when you attempt to take wolf society and apply it to a human-dog pack - its not a cookie cutter mold that can be applied everywhere.
  
  Millan does get some things right, because he is accurate that you do need to be a leader to your dog. Its his methods that are dangerous and harmful. You need not dominate your dog in order to lead. For more information on methods that work better and without the pitfalls of dominance and punishment based training, refer to trainers and actual PhD behaviorists such as Patricia McConnell, Pat Miller, Ian Dunbar, Karen Pryor, Victoria Stilwell (who has a show on Animal Planet,) Nicholas Dodman, and so many more who advance both science based training, and methods that foster cooperation and respect as well as joy between your dog and you. ...more info
• Great book!
  This book thus far has been helpful with understanding how to treat my dogs more like a dog rather than babies. It is hard to realize that mabye your dog is not the one who wants the babying, but you need to do it. I have definetely become a better leader for them and they are a happier for it. I will definetely start paying attention to other peoples dogs, because they really tell on you, the real you....more info
• great book!
  I had a hard time deciding between Be the Pack Leader and A Member of the Family, so I bought both. A Member of the Family is wonderful for those who haven't bought a dog yet, but are considering one, and especially for first time dog owners. Personally, though, I found Be the Pack Leader more helpful. I've had dogs since I was a kid, for nearly 35 years, but yet have never ever considered being the pack leader! We all know dogs are pack animals, but for some reason don't think to use that knowledge to raise them. Instead we treat them as children, and spoiled children with no boundaries at that! I've been following Cesar's advice for about a month now--walking my dog EVERY day (always once, but trying to do it twice), and I can attest that this WORKS! I also am firm with who goes out the door first, having my dog calm/submissive before I treat him to a walk or food. I can tell that my dog for the first time really trusts me and treats me with respect. We have NO trouble on walks now--even passing squirrels, birds, other dogs, children. In fact, I can now ride my bike with my dog heeling beside me (and even turn left!--no crashes yet!!) We still have some issues to work through, but I feel I am well on the way to rehabilitating my dog through MY own training--Cesar's way. I am a huge fan of Cesars. Get this book! ...more info
• Yeah
  This has changed my life not only as a pet owner but also as a leader in society, business, and in my family....more info
• Be The Packleader
  A very good book to help people be more responsible for their energy. I was impressed by what Cesar had to say and I appreciate him as a person more because of reading this book....more info
• Be The Pack Leader
  I don't have satellite, and so I rely on the season DVDs to watch Cesar Millan. I am always impressed and inspired. Watching and listening to him has carried over into my relationship with my horses. I have enjoyed hearing an expanded version of his philosophy on this audio book, Be The Pack Leader. I suspect most fans of Cesar have carried his concepts over into their relationship with the human species also. I have appreciated him because he confirmed so many things that animals have taught me. My only complaint about this CD is that it is abridged, and I would have preferred the full, 9 hour edition....more info
• Cesar Milan - the man who set dog training back 20 years
  There is nothing new in Milan's training methods. He has just rehashed the outdated stuff of the '80s and earlier. Truly modern dog training seeks to form a relationship between dog and human, one based on mutual respect.
  
  Yes, one can get results with his methods, but response based on fear is shallow and fleeting at best. That is, unless one keeps the poor dog terrorized. He appeals to people because of his emphasis on human dominance over dogs. There are dozens--make that hundreds--of trainers with more worthwhile advice to offer. I suggest that the person who wants a friend and companion instead of a cringing syncophant listen to them....more info
• Great reading
  This is a very valuable book. It is very easy and fun to read. I really hope I can do what they suggest to help with our rat terrier.
  I would recommend it to everyone that owns a dog or is thinking of owning one. Read this book first....more info
• Cesar's Way and The Other Way
  Cesar's method of training is called Dominance Training. It is based on flawed wolf research from the 1940's. There where three majors flaws and they were:
  A) Very little time was spent observing wolves and what was watched was mostly hunting
  B) The researchers misinterpreted rituals such as alpha rolling. They thought that the dominate wolf would physically roll the other in reality a lower wolf would offer his muzzle and when the alpha mouthed it the subordinate would willingly roll.
  C) The researchers made a huge leap from wolf-wolf to wolf-dog to dog-human.
  
  Wolves are not dogs and dogs should not be treated as a wolf. Treating a dog like a wolf is akin to treating a child like a Chimp. Sure they are similar but there are enough differences that it is not a good idea to treat them the same.
  
  I have three dogs. One was trained using only positive training and two that started out being trained with dominance training then were switched to positive. The one that was comply positively trained is possibly the best worker I have ever seen who will do anything he is asked. One of my other dogs' dog aggression was cured via the positive training method after years of dominance training tactics.
  
  I would recommenced that people read Patricia McConnell's book "The Other End Of The Leash" and try out the suggested techniques in that instead of using out date ideas in Cesar's books. ...more info
• Okay but nothing new
  I was looking forward to something new in animal training and came away disappointed. After all the glow over Cesar Millan I had hoped for more....more info
• Great information!
  This book has given me a lot of insight. I recently adopted a rescued 4 year old mini schnauzer and although he's very well behaved I still have a lot to learn about what makes him tick! Cesar is amazing and a great teacher and I've really become a better pet parent after reading this book. I've also watched and enjoyed his TV show....more info
• A gifted man's gift to the world... Excellent Job
  I like Cesar Millan and am addicted to his show on National Geographic channel. He's a very gifted man and this book (and his other books and dvds) are really his gifts to the world around him. He is a DOG himself and he understands dogs and nature very well. I have found that you can sometimes apply some of his guidelines to the world of humans too. Basically one can use his Exercise, Discipline, Affection line to kids. Sounds silly but it really works to a great extend. This book won't disappoint you. It has many pictures as to how train your pet friend and be a pack leader. I am forever grateful for what Mr. Millan has done. Job well done....more info
• Be The Pack Leader
  Excellent read! Cesar can really help...... AND DID!!!!!!!! Everything I tried, worked. Pet owners everywhere, this book is for you!...more info
• Get "Cesar's Way" Instead and save your money
  Reading "ceasar's way" proved to be more informative than this book. While it gave the reader more case examples it basically re-iterated what was said in the prior book. I am a little dissapointed. Its not that I wanted to learn everything he does but some tips other than what was in the first book would have been helpful. ...more info
• again the perfect gift for any cesar fan
  again cesar proves that it is not the dogs that have the problems it is the humans that cause them through our lack of information and experience and also our actions of assuming we can treat a dog like a human and it still behave like a dog and picking the wrong breed of dog for our own lifestyle. excellent read a must buy...more info
• Rescue Greyhounds need an Alpha dog
  My son & daughter in law have a new rescued greyhound so I gave them this book. Colby the greyhound now has a fully trained alpha leader to obey and so does my son - hehe. My daughter in law loves the book & we all love Cesar! Worth every penny if you love your dog like family....more info
• Very insightful!
  A MUST HAVE FOR ALL DOG OWNERS, ESPECIALLY IF YOUR DOG HAS BEHAVIOR OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES. IT'S THE OWNER THAT NEEDS THE TRAINING. CESAR IS THE BEST!...more info