How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond

The ideas presented in this book are based on debunked science theories, and proven to lead to more stress from your dog per canine behaviorists at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). Dominance theory has been debunked and dogs are not wolves. Caesar Milan has no background in behavior science, unfortunately the dog training industry is completely unregulated. Try Victoria Stilwell if you are looking for behavior science backed training techniques.

This book is great--very informative, positive, and practical. I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about getting a puppy. As an experienced animal handler, I feel that this book is a great guide for the beginner and experienced alike. Among the things that I find particularly useful are the careful, step-by-step instructions, specific examples from puppies that Millan raised while working on this book, discussions from experienced breeders and dog trainers, and an extensive appendix of suggestions for further reading. The only thing not in the book that I would have loved would be a more thorough discussion of integrating the new puppy into a home that has older dogs already. While there is some discussion of this, it is not enough to provide the guidance I really would like. While some dog trainers will denounce Millan's methods as archaic and harsh, I would encourage readers to keep an open mind. While Millan does not employ a positive-reinforcement-only approach--which is what many of his detractors prefer--his methods are gentle and concerned only with the well-being of the dog. His methods have made a huge difference in my life and in my dog's life. She is happier and more balanced when I follow Millan's formula. Everyone who meets her comments on how well-behaved she is and takes great pleasure in petting and playing with her--even people who are typically frightened of dogs or just uncomfortable around them. As a high-energy, alpha-type dog, I don't believe that would be the case if I had not followed Millan's methods; for my strong-willed dog, positive reinforcement is only sometimes a strong enough motivation to encourage the behaviors I want, but discipline coupled with positive reinforcement is exactly what she needs.

Cesar Millan's latest creation is the perfect "Hands on" & "How to" book. A MUST read for every dog owner. Excellent for anybody who is considering getting their first puppy, or adding on to their existing pack. He is clear and concise, with instructions regarding keeping the "energy" level balanced, while maintaining control. There is a list of the most common dog issues, such as: house breaking, barking, jumping, mouthing, separation anxiety, etc., along with preventative measures on how to deal with each situation. This may be Cesar's best book yet! I am grateful that he is so generous in sharing his professional knowledge with the rest of us. Arlene Millman, author of: "Boomerang -- A Miracle Trilogy (The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier)" and "Forever Love and More, Encore"

Her name is Piper ... she's a Miniature Pincer and she is the unparalleled love of my life. I bought her from my sister when she was 6 weeks old and even when I walked into the living room and found her tugging vigorously on the corner of the carpet which she'd pulled back all the way from the kitchen to the sofa ... I forced myself to remember the mantra "What would Cesar Do?" Now she's a big girl (well, big for a mini pin) and everywhere I go I am complimented on what a truly great dog she is. Every home or apartment I've rented since I bought her has agreed to write a letter of recommendation about what a great and non-destructive dog she is. Every roomie I've had has fallen so madly in love with her that some of them have actually wanted to visit her after I've moved. My brother bought her brother and constantly insists that I must have gotten the best dog of the litter because she is so much more well behaved than his dog ... I haven't the heart to tell him it's because of how differently they were raised. I can tell her to stop begging for food and she walks away, I can point to a spot and she goes there and sits down, I can tell her to go to her room and she'll open her kennel door with her nose, go inside and lay down. But she's a happy, energetic, full of life, healthy dog! At the dog park people are constantly asking me how I get her to listen so well, how she can be the only dog walking around smelling the ground and minding her own business without bugging every other dog and owner in the park. She never gets in fights, her tail is always up, her body language is comfortable, she's friendly to everyone who approaches her and her breed standard she doesn't yap, in fact she hardly barks at all and when I say stop, she stops immediately. I have the Perfect Dog thanks to Cesar.

This book was a great read, I finished it in less than 5 days and started re-reading it already! Great practical advice on everything from how to pick out your dog (I certainly recommend adopting through a shelter or rescue!), bringing your pup home, setting up sleeping arrangements to minimize seperation anxiety, exercise, feeding, play time, training and everything in between! A gentle, natural approach to raising a dog so they know how to be relaxed, happy, and A DOG!!

I definitely recommend reading this book before bringing a new puppy into your life. There are so many puppies out there waiting for adoption. The problem is, they're so cute and hard to resist that when we bring them home we feel sorry for them, don't want to be "hard on them" so we let them get away with murder. Well....that cuteness doesn't last long when that puppy grows up and develops bad habits. That's right about the time people give up and many times wind up dropping their "new puppy" off at the shelter. This step can be prevented if we know how and this book gives us the knowledge. How to Raise the Perfect Dog teaches us which puppy is best for our energy level and what to do from the minute we bring it home in order to become the proper leader. It teaches us how to breed respect within the family (pack) so that new puppy feels secure and confident. It is our responsibility to give our dog the best life from beginning to end. This is just one of several of Cesar's books that tells us how to do just that. Cesar and Melissa Jo make a great team!