Cesar Honored with 2010 “Shape Up America” Animal Health Advocate Award

On Sunday, March 14, Cesar Millan was honored as this year’s recipient of the Animal Health Advocate Achievement Award, as part of Operation Fitness’ first “Shape Up America” campaign. The campaign is a 30-city tour that aims to fight the obesity epidemic in this country.

As Cesar is currently touring the UK giving seminars, Dog Whisperer Co-Producer Christina Lublin accepted the award on his behalf.

“The first annual Operation Fitness “Shape Up America” campaign was a success,” Christina said. “It's great to know that people are really taking their dogs' health and fitness seriously. Cesar's message of having a balanced dog includes the mind and body, so this award was a real honor.”

The “Shape Up America” Campaign was created to help adults, children, and pets get healthy for their own benefit and for the lasting benefits that will strengthen the entire nation for generations to come. The goal is to show people how they can create fun, simple ways of working out, along with participating in stimulating activities at home, at the office, in a park, or in the wilderness. Each of the cities visited by the tour will offer free fitness events including health screenings, nutrition lectures, healthy cooking tips, athletic competitions and fitness classes, pet health seminars and fitness demonstrations, and dog obedience training.

“I believe that the pack is a family unit, and every pack leader naturally wants to ensure the vitality and longevity of his or her family members. We want the years we spend together with our packs to be happy and lively ones,” Cesar said in his acceptance speech, which Christina read to the audience.

An estimated 25 to 40% of dogs are overweight, yet many dog owners are unaware their dog has a weight problem. Dogs who suffer from obesity often develop health issues due to the added stress on their heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and joints. Such physical issues, combined with a lack of exercise, often result in behavioral problems, Cesar has said.

One of the big topics at the event was the diabetes epidemic among kids in the U.S., Christina said. It was a topic of particular interest to her as her toy cockapoo Zoey, who she brought with her to the awards ceremony, is a 7-year-old diabetic, diagnosed as a puppy.

“I am humbled every day to help people and their dogs live in a happy, balanced relationship,” Cesar said in his speech, “and I am pleased that "Shape Up America" is including pets in this important campaign.”

Christina Lublin, Co-Producer of Dog Whisperer
with Cesar Millan, accepts the 2010
Animal Health Advocate Achievement Award
on Cesar’s behalf; with Chris DeRose,
founder of Last Chance for Animals (LCA)


For more information, visit www.operationfitness.com

January - Walk Your Pet Month

January is Walk Your Pet Month.

What a great way to start the year! Ceasar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, is a firm believer that many behavior problems can be helped by providing more structured exercise. Walking your dog can actually help you to meet your own fitness goals. A recent study from the University of Missouri found that people who walk with dogs are more consistent in their exercise routine than those who walk with a human -- what could be a better way to burn off those holiday calories?

Throughout the country, people are hosting group walks to show their commitment to Walk Your Pet Month. Is there an event near you? If there is not an event going on in your area, create your own! Get your neighbors together and take a stroll around the block. Or ask some friends -- human and canine -- if they want to meet up with you and your pup for a hike in your favorite spot.

Finding the Right Dog for You

You want a dog. You need a dog. But what you really want (and really need) is the right dog.

Remember: That adorable little puppy you just fell in love with will not stay a puppy for very long. In fact, puppyhood lasts only about eight months. Then, you have almost two years of adolescence. Before you know it, he or she will be a full-grown dog. If the puppy’s not right for you, the grown dog won’t be either—and he’ll be a lot bigger.

So, remember this: When you bring home a puppy, you’re not bringing home a stuffed dog that won’t ever change. You’re bringing home a living, breathing, growing creature. You need to make the right choice at the beginning.

People pick dogs for a multitude of reasons, most of them filtered through their own emotional needs. They think the dog has picked them, or they look into those big eyes and sense some sort of spiritual connection. Some people see a lonely, nervous puppy and feel sorry for it. Or they pick one simply based on how it looks.

But picking a dog—whether a puppy or a grown dog—is a serious affair, something that requires a lot of thought and planning. After all, you’re making a commitment that will last the length of your dog’s life.

It is important to make the right choice. The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, has a new book, Your New Puppy, where you will find everything you need to know for choosing the right dog: From where to buy it to making sure it is compatible with your lifestyle. PLUS a breed by breed guide to dogs’ personalities, health and exercise needs.

A Dog for A Christmas Gift?

The bond between humans and dogs is a beautiful thing, and watching it develop can be almost as satisfying as forging it yourself. So it’s not surprising that dogs are such a popular gift idea.

The person who gives a dog as a gift gets a front row seat to watch those first wonderful moments. But think about the scene in which you present your loved one with their furry gift, and look at it from the other side: the excitement of the holidays can produce a frenzied, almost manic atmosphere, and excited energy like that can be an unhealthy way to begin a new canine relationship.

As Cesar Millan, Dog Whisperer, says dogs need structure and leadership, and shrill cries and cheers from a new pack leader in training don’t fit the bill. He believes that those first key moments should be met with a calm, assertive energy so that puppy can get acclimated to the new family hierarchy – affection should be saved until the dog’s fresh energy has been burned off and he is ready for sleep. Cesar feels that sometimes it is even a good idea to hold that affection until several days into your new relationship; as much as a week is recommended.

Another speed bump along the road to a responsible pet ownership is making sure that you choose a dog that fits with the energy of the person who will be receiving it and with the rest of the family as well. Following through on this may mean involving the gift recipient in the selection process. For this kind of gift, a carefully wrapped IOU can be given in place of the animal itself, to let the person know that their gift is coming (many shelters offer packaged gift certificates for exactly that purpose!) Their face may not be covered with puppy kisses after the big reveal, but you can be sure there will be a broad smile in it for you!

Remember: dogs can make wonderful gifts, but unlike sweaters or socks, they aren’t as easily returnable if the fit isn’t just right. The new owner must be ready to make a commitment for the animal's entire lifetime and be prepared to accept the responsibilities that come with their new family member. The relationship between human and dog must be approached with care and respect – only then will you have a gift truly worth giving!

Tips for Introductions to Canine Relatives

Will your holiday gathering with friends and family include dogs?

If you are visiting family and friends, I hope you are able to bring your dog along for the reunion. He or she will appreciate the warmth and joy that radiates from the gathering.

Cesar Millan, Dog Whisperer, has some tips for introducing your dog to its canine relatives.



If there are other dogs in the household, be sure to take the time to introduce them properly, even if you are exhausted from travel. Cesar suggests that before the meet-up, you drain both dogs' energy with a nice walk around the block. Then you can meet up – be sure they are not face to face – and continue on together. Remember to remain calm and assertive. If you are nervous or tense about the meet up, your dog will pick up on that and worry too!

Enjoy the holidays!

Achieving Balance

Dogs have found themselves in an odd predicament by living with humans. In the wild, dogs don’t need humans to achieve balance. They have a pack leader, work for food, and travel with the pack. But when we bring them into our world, we need to help them achieve balance by fulfilling their needs as nature intended them to be.

Dogs are animals, and they respond to calm-assertive leadership—not emotional arguments or negotiations. If you have a dog in your life, it is important to understand how to allow him/her to live in a balanced way and achieve a healthy state of mind.

Ceasar Millan's, the Dog Whisperer, fulfillment formula is exercise, then discipline, and finally, affection. As the human pack leader, he believes you must set rules, boundaries, and limitations and always project a calm-assertive energy.

According to Ceasar when you fulfill your dog on a primal level as nature intended, you will feel in tune with your dog and connect with your dog in a deeper way. Put your dog's needs first, and take responsibility for our dog's state of mind. Only then will you experience all the love your dog has to give!

Cesar's Dream

Upon approaching his 40th birthday this month, Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, spoke about his dream in this month's newsletter.

I thought it was thoughtful and wanted to share it with you.

Cesar says, "I have a dream that one day every human who has a dog in their family will learn to master the walk. To me, the walk is the foundation for the human-canine relationship and crucial to establishing pack leadership. It's one of the most powerful tools we have for bonding with our dogs.

Many of you have written in to ask what you can do for my birthday. I thought it over and what I would love is for people to master the walk with their dogs - or to start the process - and to influence others to do so as well. That would honor the dog guy in me. And I hope you will send photos of you with your pack behind you or by your side. I'd love to see them!"



His website: http://www.cesarmillaninc.com

Tips For Thunderstorms

A thunderstorm can be a nightmare for dogs that fear loud noises. Thunderstorms can strike with very little warning, at any time of day, and last for hours. The shock from a sudden clap of thunder can be devastating. So how can your fearful dog overcome his anxiety when the weather turns against you?

Here are some tips from Cesar Millan, Dog Whisperer:

Know the Signs - Fear can progress quickly to phobia, and once the problem has escalated, it may become significantly more difficult to rehabilitate. Some symptoms of general fear may include:

Uncontrollable urination
Moderate-to-severe shaking and shivering
Drooling
Submissive posture (head down, ears lowered, tail tucked)
Pacing back and forth
Whining
Attempts to hide

Don't feel sorry! - When a small child is fearful, a soothing voice can reassure them that nothing in a loud sound can hurt them and that it will all be over soon. For a dog, a soothing voice is a reinforcement of his current behavior. By coddling your dog when it is frightened, you are saying that you approve of and encourage this fearful behavior. Instead, remain calm and assertive, and ignore the behavior as best you can.

Exercise! - The most crucial part of the fulfillment formula is also both the most versatile and the most often overlooked! Exercise drains your dog's energy and leaves him relaxed. As the pack leader, you should already have a rigorous walking routine established, but if you know that thunderstorms are common during certain approaching seasons, start upping the ante! A thoroughly engaging workout can leave even the most terrified dog too sleepy to concern himself with loud noises. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's exercise routine.

Make positive associations! - Thunder isn't inherently dangerous, but your dog doesn't know that. You can help him learn by associating the sound of thunder with positive experiences. Find a recording of thunder, and play it back for your dog in the background while engaging him in some enjoyable activity, like a game, receiving treats, or the walk. Begin at a low volume, and gradually increase it as you work. Be patient! This technique may take time and dedication to be successful.

Try ear-plugs! - While you are working with your dog to create positive associations, it may help to soften the effects of loud thunderstorms by using canine-safe earplugs to cut the decibel level. Consult your veterinarian for tips and brand recommendations before purchasing and using earplugs.

Tips For Mealtime Ritual

What is mealtime for your dog at home like?

Feeding your dog is the perfect time to work on the pack dynamic and reinforce positive behavior. Here are some tips from Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, to make mealtime not only about providing sustenance, but also a time to help your dog become happier and more balanced.

Make your dog work - In a natural setting, animals must work for food. Wild dogs and other canines have to track their prey over long distances. Mimic this by taking a long walk with your dog just before mealtime. The physical activity will keep her in tune with her natural instincts.

Create a regular routine - Have your dog sit as you prepare the food. Make sure she maintains calm and submissive energy while she waits. You may find this regimen strict, but it will encourage your dog to maintain a balanced state.

Stay calm and assertive - Humans will sometimes talk and signal in a high energy manner before they feed their dog. The dog becomes excited based on the owner's energy which, if repeated every time the dog is fed, can create lasting behavior problems or make existing problems worse. By remaining calm before mealtime, you will help your dog do the same.

Don't reward negative behavior - Anxiety, territorial behavior, and aggression can all manifest when you feed your dog. The reoccurrence of these behaviors is almost guaranteed when you "reward" your dog by feeding her after she displays any of these habits. Be patient! Wait until your dog is in the balanced state you desire before you give her food.

Tips From Cesar Millan

I enjoy watching Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer, interact with dogs. Have you watched him?

The more you learn about dog psychology, the better you will be able to connect with your canine companion. Here are some basic tips from Cesar Millan:

Dogs are not humans. Before they receive love and affection, they need exercise, clear direction, and leadership. Giving them love alone does not create balance in their lives. Be a pack leader!

Rehabilitating a dog is not about “fixing” it. It’s about you, the owner, creating the intention for what you want, not what you’re feeling. Dogs pick up on feelings of fear, doubt, or worry – and they will move to fill them by attempting to become dominant.

Practice unwavering leadership every day, especially on your walk. The energy you’re projecting internally is the message you’re sending to your dog.

Dedicate at least 45 minutes of time to the dog’s walk in the morning. Let the dog know you have a consistent pattern that you expect it to follow. Utilize your dog’s energy in a positive manner.

Don’t expect more from your dog(s) than your own children. Dogs need discipline, too. Give them rules, boundaries, and limitations as well as love.

Avoid nurturing your dog’s fears or unstable mind. Imagine a successful scenario and hold it in your mind when dealing with your dog.

You are the source of your dog’s energy. You are the role model.

Challenge the dog’s mind – dogs want to know what to do with their lives. Let the dog work for your affection. Once in a calm-submissive state, your love will intensify those qualities in your dog.

Dogs need “on” and “off” time. Engage them fully in structured times together; then they can relax and avoid impatient or destructive behaviors.

Dogs show us how much we can learn – they live in the moment. Try it!

Brinkley Watches Cesar

Cesar Millan is a professional dog trainer. He is best known for his television series, Dog Whisperer, which is currently in its fifth season and airs on the National Geographic Channel in the U.S. In his words, he "rehabilitates dogs, trains people."

Brinkley, a two year old Golden Retriever, brushes up on his dog training by watching Cesar on a regular basis. Here he is getting a few pointers......