Millan's methods are both outdated and dangerous, the alpha roll being one of the better known and more dangerous of them.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.

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!

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.

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.

Have been watching Cesar's show on N. Geographic for 2 years now and after buying this book have truly realized the dedication and discipline necessary one needs to having the dogs live a more comfortable and purposeful life. Not only do my 2 Rottweilers listen to me more as a pack leader, my wife actually says I have changed as a person especially in temperament! Thanks to Cesar, its never too late to change one's old ways. I highly recommend this book to those who want to improve their relationship approach with their canines.

This man is a Godsend to those of us with dogs we don't know how to handle!! I have all of his tapes and re-watch them often, it has made a huge difference in how I relate to my dogs, calm and assertive, and how they relate to me. Can't say enough about Cesar's teachings. Buy the books and tapes to make life better for you and your dogs

I have only recently seen episodes of Cesar's shows and I think they're far more helpful than the books. I liked this book and the first one but it still all comes down to your energy, posture, command of your pooch that seems to be best demonstrated through the visual medium of TV.

I have read Cesars books and learned a lot from them but hearing him speak and explain his methods makes it so much more enjoyable as well as memorable. I can listen to it over and over and learn more each time.

the book (especially at the end ) gives very specific instruction on taking action in situation where your dog may want to step into pack leader's shoes (walks, exiting, entering, feeding, vet visit etc). Still lots of stories (like in Cesar's Way) of solved problems but good specific remedies. Important book to read if you have a dog- just like watching Cesar's "Dog Whisperer" on Nat'l Geographic channel.

This man is just amazing... I watch every episode and am always just so pleased. His books are terrific - I recommend the books and the show to everyone.

Occasionally, I see something on the Internet about how he is "cruel" or some other such rubbish. Hardly! It's cruel to persist in keeping a dog from being what he was made to be... a DOG. Cesar shows you how to help your dog become a balanced, good, canine citizen. He's brilliant and his techniques work.

I highly recommend this book. It's well written, well organized, and very enjoyable.

Many books have been recommended on dog training, but Cesar's is by far #1 on our list. His approach in helping us understand the canine view of life makes so much sense. Even after a few pages the reader can start implementing his ideas and THEY WORK!!! He talks to us in a language that we can understand and apply. He addresses how to communicate with your dog, not teach him how to do tricks. His advice works!! The "tricks" come so much easier when you can properly communicate. He addresses consistency in living with your dog. It sounds so simple and makes so much sense that one might wonder if that is important. IT IS!!! Thank you Cesar. The canine/human world is better for having you in it and sharing your wise advice. You are truly the Dog Whisperer.

My German Shepherd Dogs thank you too. They really appreciated it when they could finally understand us a little more!! ;-) They are most grateful that we have finally addressed the necessity of "consistency". We are all much happier as a result.

Watched Cesar on TV, enjoyed his program. The book is good, but a lot of repeating of his shows.

I had never even heard of this guy before I got this book. So i wan't expecting much at first, I just wanted to find a good dog training book and the ratings were high. When i first started reading the book I was a little skeptical and the mother hold on the neck took a while to get used to. But I kept with the book and finished it in 2 days. It really helped me understand how dogs see things and gave me a different prespective on being dominat towards a dog. You don't have to be mean to be dominant or be the pack leader. This was a great read and now im actually interested in seeing the dog whiperer.

I enjoyed the fist Cesar book "Cesar's Way" and was looking forward to this book being more practical instruction, which he says it is in the beginning. Well it is a repeat of the first book with new stories of how other people have amazing dogs now. He doesn't explain how to be calm assertive, or what that looks like. He just tells you to "be calm assertive". I was looking for more practical application. And when to use it. I like his ideas but I need to know how to apply them to my life. So I recommend the first book for some eye opening philosophy. But you can skip this one.

I bought this as a gift for my neice at Christmas. I'm sure she loved it.

This book should be a must read for any person who has a dog or is thinking of getting a dog. As an obedience instructor I find 99% of the problems are human related not dog related and all becuase there has been no pack structure established in the household. This book outlines some very simple solutions to everyday problems and how to establish the respect required to live in harmony with our dogs.

I love the Babying Bandit first line where he states that there haven't been any cases on "Dog Whisperer" where he thought he couldn't help the dog but there have been a handful of cases where he could not help the owner. I still laugh about this line as it is very very true.
A great book for any dog person.
Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life

Nice read. Very philosophical, but a little challenging to apply to my particular dog/puppy situation.

This book is not a dog training book.
There is nothing new in here. There are really no explicit instructions on how to train a dog and to prevent the behaviors.

Vinny

I am very taken with Cesar. His books are well though out and excellent.

This book is excellent.

This book should be required reading for every dog lover in the U.S. Once you read and use the information, you will be happier, your dog will be happier, and all the visitors to your home will be happier...
Give this book as a gift to a new dog owner, and you will bring wonderful, common sense knowledge to their home and their dog owning experience....

Little correct or accurate information on why dogs behave as they do. More ridiculous information that continues to mislead and misinform. I don't know where he picked up this silly notion that our dogs need to walk behind us or to go through doors after us. So much research has been done, so much has been learned about dog behavior and how to change and improve our dogs' behavior and what to we end up with on tv? Out dated, potentially dangerous myths and old wives tales. When will we get to see a real behaviorist on tv?

I have had dogs all my life and we have never really had any problems with our dogs. Because I have found out that we send out the calm-assertive energy (90% of the time) when we are with our dogs. They are polite, though good security dogs, and loving with all animals and children, though we take them hunting. We are the positive-force, the role models for them and Cesar has helped show us other ways in which we can truely bring our dogs in balance.
I dont like dog trainers. They recommend unescessary stress, agrression, and "tools" that can cause pain to the animal (i absolutely see no reason for pinch collars). I see nothing wrong with "alpha" rolling. They are submitting to me, I am the master, the leader. I give them permission to hunt ahead of me since that is their job (when I tell them to do it). To many "trainers" out there, they either cuddle the dog or they are too harsh to them. Dogs are NOT HUMAN they dont think like us nor react like us. So we need to quit expecting them to be like us.
I recommend everyone who owns a dog, problematic or not, to read Cesar and watch his shows. He doesn't train your dog- he trains YOU! to help you understand that your dog.. well IS a dog! And he can be your best buddy, but he is still a dog. He will never think or act like us just as we will never think and act like dogs. I sure dont plan on going to sniff any butts, I like a typically human handshake!

Wonderful information source, as well as interesting stories that describe these methods. I enjoyed this volume very much.

I loved reading more about the client cases and actual situation. I know the theory, but sometimes it just "takes" doing it to REALLY realize how easy, simple and reliable Cesar's method always works! It's wonderful to go to the park and "walk" my Greyhound & my husband "walking" his Rottie, and our dogs are the BEST behaved & managed dogs in the entire park! Even though, the sight of my husband's Rottie sends fear through most of the people, in time, I'm sure they'll begin to SEE that they are making a big deal out of absolutely nothing! Thanks again Cesar for another excellent book to inspire me even more to become all my dogs Leader!

I highly reccommend this book and any other ones he's
written for people who have hard to train animals. He
is very excellent animal trainer.

Linda McCollum

This is the 2nd book I have read of his. It does explain that dogs see, hear, smell and understand the world differently than we humans do. What a great start for any dog owner!

I watch as many "Dog Whisperer" episodes as I can. I seem to always learn something new. He refers to a lot of the episodes in the book and it's nice to have, in writing, what you can try. Cesar also explains more of the general psychology with dogs and it's very helpful. I'm not done with the book yet, but it's hard to put down when I get a chance to read some of it.

Having read Cesar's Way, I have to say that Be The Pack Leader is the better of the two books. It gives great examples of his work and offers some interesting academic and research insights into the principles of dog psychology.

I do have to say that some areas of the book drag a bit and being an avid watcher of his show, many of the case studies are just repeats of the lessons learned from the show. I think fewer recaps of the show and more follow-ups to some of the stories introduced to the show would have made this book better for me. For non-viewers of the show, the case studies are perfect.

Personally, the best thing about this book is the Appendix at the back. It offers a "cliff notes" version of his tips which makes it easily digestible and can become a quick reference for dealing with specific problems that you are facing. It is a better alternative than thumbing through 250 pages to find what you are looking for.

I've loved everything! Watching his show, reading his books, now I want to buy his DVD's! He's amazing and I could watch him for hours! It's a wonderful thing that Cesar does with animals and it works!

Cesar manages to explain succinctly how to solve issues with your dog. Near the end, he breaks down methods to help you with particular breeds, which is helpful in understanding certain needs of your dog. At the very end is a comprehensive list of all the major points of the book, like a quick reference guide. This book helped me to recognise all the things I do to confuse my dog!!

Really, the book emphasizes all the points he makes in his show. It goes into more depth and detail, which may put you in the right direction to better communicating with your pup.

Having read Cesar's first book then I immediatley bought this one and unfortunately there is a bit of repetition. From watching the Dog Whisperer series one can go away thinking that miraculous changes permanently take place as seen on TV!, but I would've appreciated reinforcement through the book that dog's (and owners) dont change overnight. Having said that, this book has been great for giving me confidence to change the way I was handling my schnauzer, he's still a work in progress but we both have five years of bad habits to break. The pictures and appendix are very helpful.

I think "Be the Pack Leader" is an awesome book. I am not a dog owner but Casar Millan's look at an owner's emotional story and its effect on his/her dog(s) is very powerful. When I am out walking in my neighborhood, I now look at dogs and how they behave around their owners.

The book talks a lot about calm-assertiveness with your dog. I find that it is just as important with associates, friends and family. People (and dogs) want to be around strong leaders who exhibit that trait and they are moved to do some wonderful things with and for them.

I can not say enough, I highly recommend it for people who want to look at themselves and how they affect other people (and dogs) around them.

All I really want to do is walk my dogs without them pulling on their leashes. Cesar makes it look so easy and, unfortunately, his book does not give me the magic, step-by-step formula that will instantly transform my dogs into perfect little walking machines. Alas!

On the positive side (and surely more realistic), the book gives wonderful insights into how to communicate so that your dog understands what you want. His threefold formula of exercise, discipline, and affection is simple and effective. My two little dogs (1 yr. old puppies actually) are happy to get a morning and evening walk, have boundaries at mealtimes and limits on where they can go in the house and what they can do, and , of course, get lots of affection.

If you want a step-by-step manual don't buy the book. Milan states up front that he is NOT a dog trainer. However, if you want an interesting read that helps you understand how your dog learns best, I'd recommend buying it.

This book reinforces the show. And the book is very positive. I never thought I could get my alpha male dog to be calm submissive but this book and the show has helped tremendously.

Best book yet by America's leading expert on dealing with dog behavior! We have 15 dogs who have pretty darn good manners thanks to Cesar! We have all his books, and use his methods as best we can, and as a result have a great pack of man's best friends who thank us every day for letting Cesar train "us"!! OUTSTANDING BOOK!! Well done Cesar; thank you for changing our lives.

What a cracker - this is a truly excellent piece of work. Cesar Millan is innovative and fresh in his philosophy, and if you want to know more about yourself and your relationship with your pet then you would be ill advised to pass it over.

I study psychology and I always wondered why we use human psychology to train our dogs. Now I know why - because we thought they were human!!

Blessings to Cesar for much forthcoming information. I am still reading my way to much knowledge and simple common sense. I know that when I am finished, I will be transform.

Very interesting book, I love how what Cesar teaches ties into your own psychology as well as a dogs.

Wonderful book for you to learn more about your dogs and yourself.Helps you understand why they do,what they do, and how to give them more of what they need to be healthy ,happy, and balanced.I have both of his books,love them both. So, do my dogs,if you love your dogs, you owe it to them to read this book :)

This is the second book by Cesar Milian and is a must read for all dog lovers and owners. We all need to learn how to make our dogs live a happier "dog" life and be stable and balanced.

I was pleasantly surprised how easy this book is to read. Millan lines out things that are actually easy to try and helps you understand the background about why it works. Empowering and encouraging.

We have acquired a 14 month old rescue white lab (Buddy)--stubborn, intelligent, a counter surfer and spoiled by his previous owners. He had never been walked, had never seen a body of water and ran the household of his previous owner. You get the picture.
We tried all the techniques we had used in previous dogs. Not much changed. We been using Cesar's approach now for two weeks and Buddy is beginning to become the dog he should be. The techniques taught by this talented and dedicated man work on Buddy (and us!). Period. Great stuff.

This book was extremely insightful and informative. While I do not agree with some of Cesar's more abstract philosophical views, when it comes down to dogs, their behavior, and rehabilitation I must say that his methods seem second to none, this coming from my own personal experiences and applications of methods described in this book.

I'm a slow reader, so I haven't finished the book. However, Cesar's logic and consistency lead the reader (or viewer of his TV show) to examine one's own life and behaviors to see if there is something that is messing up one's own relationships, whether with dogs or with people. God bless Cesar, and bless God for Cesar's decent sensibility.

I bought for my sister so she can be the pack leader of an english mastiff. She has read Cesar Millan before and swears by him, so she was happy to get this book. If I didn't buy it, she would have.

I am hoping that with this book I can have a turn at being the pack leader. Up to now the dog has been winning! I am making good progress to that end with the help of Cesar Millan's books.

When the Dog Whisperer appeared on tv I was a skeptic. Two years and a well behaved dog later, I am a believer. His technique is simple and straightforward - he trains people and lets them dictate the dog's behavior. I recommend this one. Now if I could teach my dog to go out and bring in the morning newspaper I would really be happy.

The major criticism of Millan is that his methods are too "harsh". What people fail to realize is that 1) the technique of "flooding" (forcing the dog to face/experience the things he fears (giving him praise and positive reinforcement each time) until he realizes there is nothing to be anxious about, while not often appropriate for humans is EXACTLY the way to approach animal/dog behavior; 2) touching the dog with an approximation of a mother dog's mouth (hand open, fingers apart like teeth) is not hurting the dog; neither is touching it with your foot while the dog isn't looking; 3)this man LOVES and RESPECTS dogs and would NEVER hurt them. AND he is not training dogs; he is rehabililtating them from being out of balance with their natures.

Get a grip, folks. There's always a critic out there, especially when someone has made a name for him/herself.

I've lived with/trained dogs since I was 5 years old and this man has taught/reminded me of many things that have improved my Doberman's behavior. He is now even happier than he was and I am trying to train myself to stop the behaviors that keep my dog unstable. If people don't like some of his methods then use only the ones you like. If you don't like any of them then go back to your own life and leave him alone.

This book, even more than his other one, is invaluable. Unless, of course, you don't want to look at your own dysfunctional behavior.

I am so awe struck by this book. I am learning so much information that not only is making me take a look at myself and how I can improve my life but helps with understanding my dogs and how I can make their life better for them and myself. A must read even if you don't own a pet.

I adopted a 6 month old male mastiff mix. From the time we brought him home he was a little nervous and he became more and more fear aggresive. By the time he was a year and a half I had paid two dog behaviorists, one dog trainer and one dog psychologists and no one came close to helping. Some behaviorists and trainers refused to take on the challenge, one in particular even said I should put him down because he would end up attacking someone. Then a friend told me about Cesar Milan's show and I was hooked from the first show. I bought the book, took notes from the shows, and I used the techniques. I have a completely differrent dog now, we work consistently with him and he's finally a great, well adjusted member of the family.
I've read reviews from trainers that say that Cesar's techniques are improper but those are the same kind of trainers that suggested that I give up and put my boy to sleep. Sargeant(my dog) had to trust that I was strong enough to lead him so he wouldn't feel the need to fear. Cesar Milan is a miracle worker!