‘The Dog Whisperer’- What You Didn’t Know About Cesar Millan

In 2017, it was recorded that 89.7 million households in the United States reported owning dogs…it is safe to say that dog really is man’s best friend! Imagine having a career that’s all about dogs; all day, every day? Sounds like a dream, right? Lucky for Cesar Millan, owning a dog psychology center and starring in a TV show about dog training has him spending 24/7 with adorable pups! As dreamy as it does sound, Cesar has run into his fair share of nightmare situations, it isn’t all paw-fect in Hollywood!

Cesar Millan is a typical “rags to riches” story, coming from Mexico with barely anything, to becoming an extremely successful dog trainer in Hollywood. Cesar knew at a young age that he wanted to work with dogs for the rest of his life. He felt a strong connection to canines that he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He felt that he could understand dogs better than most people, and knew he had to put his unique talents to good use. Cesar has been at the center of many TV shows over the years, becoming extremely famous on the big screen. You can see him work his magic on the National Geographic Channel where he is known as ‘The Dog Whisperer’.

Cesar is also known as one of the most famous dog trainers out there. His unique style of training is both effective and legendary, earning him this coveted title. For anyone who owns a dog, you known how crucial it is that your dog is well-behaved and disciplined. A dog that pees in the house, or barks non-stop during the night, is no fun. This is why dog trainers are so coveted and sought-after. Dog owners also want to feel confident that their pets will behave around people. No one wants to experience a situation where their dog bites someone and sends them to the hospital. There are even laws in place stating that the dog must be put-down if the bite is bad enough. As a dog owner with a pup who isn’t the most well-behaved, it is extremely stressful when he is around other dogs, and young kids…I just don’t know how he’s going to react. It is safe to say, me and many dog-owners need Cesar Millan in our lives!

Young Love

Cesar Millan was born and raised in Mexico, in a northwestern town called Sinaloa. He grew up on his grandpa’s farm, accustomed to daily life surrounded by animals. This early exposure to different livestock set the stage for his love of animals. Although there were plenty of cows, chickens, horses and lambs running about, he preferred the dogs his grandpa owned the most. If you had asked his family 40 years ago what young Cesar would be doing today, we doubt they would have guessed correctly! This young farm boy surely made a name for himself.

His Neighborhood Pack

Cesar’s love for canines wasn’t one-sided either, the dogs loved him just as much as he loved them. He felt a certain comfort around them, and they felt it too. A pack of neighborhood dogs began following Cesar around the farm and around the town of Sinaloa. They became his family, and he became theirs. People in Sinaloa began to take notice, mean kids especially. They began to call Cesar “El Perro” meaning “Dirty Dog Boy”.

At Just 13 Years Old

He brushed these bored kids off, sticking to what made him happiest, being with his pups. He wasn’t going to let other people and their opinions dictate the way he lived his life. At the young age of 13, Cesar decided he would become a dog trainer, and not only that, but he strived to be the best in the entire world…big goals for a teen! After watching Lassie and The Adventures of Tin Tin, he fell in love with how well-trained and well-behaved the dogs in the movies were. They served as his inspiration, and he decided to make this his life’s mission.

Hollywood, Here He Comes

But, Cesar wanted to take his dreams elsewhere, far far away from Mexico…well not too far…Hollywood! He knew that in order to truly succeed in the industry, he needed to be where careers were made. It would be hard to leave his family and everything he knew, but it would be the best move for his career and his success. Hollywood, Cesar Millan is coming for you!

$100 & A Blessing

December 23 was a very special day for Cesar. On this day in the year 1992, Cesar confronted his mother and told her the news; he was leaving to go to the USA. His parents realized how serious and committed their son was to achieving his dreams, so they gave him all that they had. With $100 and his parent’s blessing to turn his dream into a reality, young 21-year-old Cesar was off to the United States. He began his trek to Tijuana, where he started his search for a way across the border.

Coyote Friends

Once a dog lover, always a dog lover. Cesar’s secret to crossing the border was coyotes…yup, you read that right! He began to follow coyotes, also known as specialized smugglers, because of their ability to help lead Mexicans into the U.S. Just as Cesar had found his “pack” and had finally felt like he wasn’t alone, some fellow travelers were swept away by a flooded canal, leading to their deaths. The loss of Cesar’s newfound friends meant he was alone once again.

His First Steps

Cesar continued traveling along the border for a total of 2 weeks, until he finally found his entrance. He spotted a hole in the border fence, but there was one issue…it was guarded! The man standing guard demanded $100 for Cesar’s entrance, he obliged, the only money he had, gone before he even stepped foot into the U.S. Cesar finally took his first steps on United States soil, with no money, no job, no plan and no friends.

Trying To Stay Hopeful

From the border, he made his way to San Diego, California, where he lived under a freeway, homeless and hopeless. He survived off of hot dogs, 2 for $1. His goal each day was to make at least $1, giving him the ability to eat, and somehow survive. Cesar tried to stay hopeful during these times, but it proved to be extremely difficult. All of a sudden, an opportunity presented itself, he would be living on the streets no more.

Hidden Talents

Although he didn’t know English, Cesar made the effort to learn a few useful English phrases before coming to the U.S. One being, “do you have an application for work?” He used this line wherever and whenever he could, attempting to score his first job in the land of freedom. His hard work had finally paid off…he was hired as a part-time dog groomer! After just a few days on the job, the owners noticed his amazing ability to handle all types of dogs, even the most unruly and aggressive ones. They were very impressed and surprised by their new hire’s talent.

Another Move

Aware of his own talent, Cesar decided to take his earnings and move to Inglewood, California, where he started his own dog-walking business. The new establishment was a hit, very popular among locals, and even celebrities! Will and Jada Pinkett Smith were one of his first clients, the famous pair even paid for him to have a year of English lessons!

Almost Famous

Cesar’s new business and his talent with pups made him very popular among the people of LA. The demanding schedules of Hollywood stars, and the extra cash in their pockets, made them the perfect candidates for Cesar’s dog walking business. His hard work paid off, and he finally amounted enough money to open his very own Dog Psychology Center in South Central Los Angeles. Cesar truly had a gift when it came to dogs, especially with rehabilitation. He really shot to fame after being interviewed in the 2002 edition of The Los Angeles Times.

National Geographic

The Los Angeles Times article proved to really work some magic…TV producers began contacting Cesar left and right! Most of the TV moguls were infatuated with the dog guru, interested in creating a television show focused on Cesar and his magical abilities with dogs. Cesar was thrilled, signing with the channel National Geographic to create the show: The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan.

Decisions, Decisions

Since many TV producers had contacted Cesar, requesting him for a show, he had a few options for TV channels. The dog guru wasn’t sure whether he wanted his show to air on Animal Planet or National Geographic. His decision to go with National Geographic occurred because they offered a contract of 26 episodes, while Animal Planet only promised a Pilot episode.

A Two-Man Show

Cesar was now a TV regular in his show The Dog Whisperer. Fans fell in love with Cesar, and his co-star, his American pit bull, Daddy. Cesar proved to viewers that even pit bulls, known as a temperamental breed, can be great dogs with the proper training. Daddy was not only Cesar’s best friend, but also his helper on the show, serving as an example for other dogs on the proper way to act.

From Babysitter To Owner

Cesar’s dog Daddy didn’t come from just any old dog shelter, Cesar actually rescued him from a famous celebrity. Before Cesar came along, Daddy belonged to rapper, Redman. Unfortunately, the New Jersey native’s busy schedule hindered him from taking proper care of Daddy. Cesar started out babysitting Daddy, but after Redman saw the bond the two shared, he decided to let Cesar keep Daddy.

Legal Trouble

Everything seemed to be going great for Cesar right? A thriving business, a TV show and a pit bull as a best friend…what could be better? But, things aren’t always as they seem. In 2006, Cesar found himself at the center of two lawsuits… in just one week! His publicist Makeda Smith and her partner Foster Corder both sued Cesar, claiming they came up with the name ‘The Dog Whisperer’, owning the rights to the name.

5 Million Dollars, Please

The couple were understandably mad…they didn’t receive any credit for the name when the show aired! Both Cesar Millan and the National Geographic Channel, were sued for $5 million in damages. This lawsuit was only the beginning for Cesar and his legal troubles. The worst was yet to come…

Just 72 Hours Later

72 hours later and Cesar was at the center of another lawsuit! Talk about timing. But, this time, the claims were way worse. Producer of the show 8 Simple Rules, Flody Suarez sued Cesar for reckless endangerment. Suarez claimed that while his his five-year-old Labrador retriever was in Cesar’s care, he was abused, leaving the pup with bruises and difficulty breathing.

Animal Cruelty

Suarez’ dog was forced by Cesar and his staff to run on a treadmill for an extended period of time. If that’s not bad enough, the dog was also choked by a choke chain, damaging the dog’s esophagus. The poor pup needed immediate surgery, the vet bills amounting to a whopping $25,000. Sadly enough, this wasn’t Cesar’s first run-in with complaints of animal cruelty.

A Letter To National Geographic

Flody Suarez’ Labrador wasn’t the only dog suffering abuse, Cesar faced numerous other claims as well.  The American Humane Society, one of the oldest and most well-known animal protection organizations sent National Geographic a letter, worried that some of Cesar’s techniques on the show were “inhumane” and “potentially harmful.” The non-profit organization cited many instances of animal abuse on The Dog Whisperer.

Shocked Fans

There was one episode in particular that shocked fans, in addition to the American Humane Society. Millan can be seen holding a dog up by a choke chain before pinning it to the ground in an act of dominance. The director of the Tufts University: Animal Behavior Unit claimed that the improper training techniques used by Cesar on his show set dog training back 20 years.

Under Speculation

A number of people have spoken out against Cesar Millan, questioning his treatment of animals.  Flody Suarez, The American Humane Society, and other experts, are just to name a few. Certified animal behavior consultant and pet journalist, Steve Dale, refers to Cesar as the “Dog Screamer”. Dale also claims that “millions of people thought they had a new and uniquely insightful understanding of dogs and dealing with problem behavior. The fact is that he uses antiquated and made-up methods.”

The Worst Is Yet To Come

Those in the animal world weren’t the only ones noticing Cesar’s unjust practices either. British talk show host, Alan Titchmarsh spoke about his suspicions with Cesar’s training methods. Think that’s the worst? The worst is yet to come for Cesar Millan.

A Hard Year To Say The Least

2010 was a tough year indeed for the Dog Whisperer. Not only was the television star being targeted for his rough training tactics, he also lost a near and dear friend to cancer. His long-time friend, Daddy, unfortunately passed away at 16 years old. Daddy was Cesar’s first real friend and his only family in this country, he was there to witness Cesar make something of himself, so the loss was extremely tragic. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Cesar was also notified that his wife of 16 years was filing for divorce…poor guy!

Comfortable? Think Again.

When a divorce suit comes, so does the conversation about finances. With his thriving business and TV show, Cesar was sure he had enough money in the bank. But, poor business decisions left him with less money in the bank than he had thought. Being famous had nothing to do with it, Cesar had made some bad choices along the way, and he was now paying for them. Cesar also learned that he only owned the rights to the Dog Whisperer t-shirts and tours, and nothing more. This came as a complete shock.

Overcome With Sadness

In 2010, Cesar opened up to the world and declared that this was the lowest point in his entire life. But, it wasn’t until 2 years later in 2012 that he opened up to the public about how desperate he really was. During the tough times in 2010, Cesar was overcome with sadness, propelling him to try and take his own life. He confessed to fans that everything he had worked for had suddenly fallen apart, sending him into a deep depression.

Rehabilitation

Cesar was motivated to get his life, and his happiness back. Doctors offered him anti-depressant medications, but he refused, and chose to follow his own teachings in order to achieve recovery. When a dog he is treating enters rehab, he creates a rehabilitation schedule for them while relying on exercise, discipline, and affection to nurse them back to life. Taking notes from his training, he did the same for himself, overcoming his depression.

A Bright Light

Things seemed to be turning a corner for Cesar. He met someone who he considers to have been an extremely positive influence on him during his rehab, Jahira Dar. Not only that, but, a new TV deal also presented itself. He found himself starring in two new shows, Leader of the Pack and Cesar 911. He also joined his son Calvin on the Nickelodeon series Mutt and Stuff. It seems the darkness in Cesar’s life has retreated, replaced by a bright light of success and happiness.

Uh, Oh…

Uh, oh…Cesar found himself in trouble…once again! In 2015, just 6 days after being released early from Cesar’s Dog Psychology Center, a pit bull named Gus attacked Alison Bitney. Alison suffered “disfiguring open wounds, and deep muscle and tendon lacerations”, suing Cesar for the attack. She claimed the center was to blame because they released Gus too early after the owner fell behind on payments.

In The Clear

But, lucky for Cesar, it wasn’t his fault this time. The Dog Psychology Center stated “the owner pulled the dog out of the program early, against the staff’s recommendations”. Luckily for Cesar, he was in the clear this time.

Victorious

Although it is safe to say that Cesar has been through the ringer more than a few times, we think (and hope!) that he is in the clear from here on out. He currently stars in the show Cesar Millan’s Dog Nation, co-hosted by his son Andre. The show focuses on organizations that assist dogs in need, Cesar and his son travel the country in their RV, paying tribute and highlighting these heroes. He also tours around the country, giving demos on how to work with dogs, and train them properly. This Hollywood star shows us that when adversity hits, we must rise above the issue, and with hard work and healing, we can come out on the other side, victorious.