Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 9/8/2008 + 902 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 9

I have never watched Cesar Millan's television show, but my petsitter talks about him a lot so I was curious about this book.

This book is a fun read for dog lovers, especially the early chapters in which the author describes his life and how he came to be the famed dog trainer that he is today. It is also fun to read about the celebrities he has worked with (Oprah, Jada Pinkett Smith) and how their dogs walk all over them.

However, do not choose this book if you are looking for detailed advice about dog training or correcting problem behavior. Although the title may imply otherwise, all the solutions here are very vague and generally fall into one of the following categories: you (the pack leader) need to work on "calm-assertive energy," you need to take your dog for a half hour walk, or you (still) need to work on "calm-assertive energy" so that your dog will have "calm-submissive energy." Unfortunately, Millan doesn't really tell the reader HOW to obtain that kind of energy, other than perhaps by emulating Oprah.

Although the stories of dogs rehabilitated by the author are heartwarming, ultimately the novelty wears thin because not much insight is given into how the dogs' behaviors are turned around (other than by the author's "calm-assertive energy.") This book would have been much more interesting had the author spoken more specifically about fewer cases, or made the book shorter.

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