Being isolated and cut off from American television here, I’ve never seen any of the Cesar Millan shows. So when I was approached to review his new DVD series called Mastering Leadership, I was quite excited. If you love Cesar or need help with your dog, check out my giveaway at the end of this post!

The DVD series is broken down into steps. The first DVD is sort of like a little lecture where Cesar makes an effort to really explain the different psychologies of humans and dogs, and why we can’t treat dogs like our best friends all the time – unless you like them ruling your house. In the second disc, you get to see some hands on training and learn solutions to problems you may be encountering yourself. The third DVD focuses on people who are going to be adding a dog to their home: how to match a dog to your personality, where to get a dog (shelter, rescue club, breeder)…and some essential things you need to start working on with your dog when you bring him home.

In the first DVD, People Training for Dogs, Cesar points out that humans have made the mistake of over-personalizing dogs, giving them more human characteristics and personality than they actually possess. According to him, dogs don’t feel affection or need it like humans – although I think anyone who owns a Newfie will disagree with you when they come plop their head down in your lap and make those sad, “love me” eyes.

The human must be the Alpha in the pack and the dog needs to work for his food, just like in the wild. You need to set rules, boundaries and limitations for them because the mother dog would do this as well. They should not have free reign of everything. These points are especially true in Newfoundlands and Ayla. She is extremely headstrong when she wants to be and we did a lot of work with her over the last couple years to establish dominance over her. Long ago, I posted about a series of exercises people can do called Mind Games which help you establish yourself as the leader. Or head on to the next DVD in the series.

The second DVD, Becoming a Pack Leader, you get to see three cases with dogs in which the humans needed to regain control. Specific one-on-one examples are shown for learning to walk your dog (not be walked by him), make your dog want to stay in your house or yard and not bolt every time a door or gate opens (we need to work on that one), and the importance of exercise in your dog’s life.

The third and last DVD in the series, Your New Dog: First Day and Beyond, focuses on adding a dog to your home. How do you select a dog, what specifically should you train the dog for from the start, how do you become the pack leader from day one and how do you introduce a dog to a home that already has pets.

I think one gets the most information out of the hands on DVD’s but that’s just my opinion. After watching just the first disk I was wondering where the actual examples were – which I just hadn’t looked far enough for! One may not agree with Cesar’s entire philosophy about dogs but I don’t think there’s any denying that you can learn quite a bit from him.

The Contest

And now the moment you’ve been waiting for: get your own free new copy of Cesar Millan’s Mastering Leadership – Volumes 1-3. Then you can get to work with your own pup…or give the series to someone you know how needs it this Christmas. 🙂

To enter, EITHER:

1) Post on your blog about why you need these DVD’s (for yourself or someone you know) because of some lunatic dog in your life. Then leave me a comment that you have posted evidence for me to come check out.

2) Leave me a comment here about the dog ruling you which is making you need these DVD’s.

Humor, tears and photos are always welcome 🙂 If you only leave a comment here, please be sure to include your email address so I can contact you for mailing info!

Deadline: December 5th.