Cesar Millan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids César Millán
Millan during an interview in March 2018
Born	(1969-08-27) August 27, 1969 (age 55) Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Citizenship	Mexico United States
Occupation	Dog trainer
Years active	2004 (2004)–present
Television	Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, Dog Nation, Cesar 911, Cesar Millan: Better Human Better Dog
Spouse(s)	Ilusión Wilson ​ ​ (m. 1994; div. 2010)​
Partner(s)	Jahira Dar (2010–present)
Children	2

César Millán, born on August 27, 1969, is a famous dog trainer from Mexico who also became an American citizen. He is best known for his TV show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, which was on air from 2004 to 2012. This show was watched in more than 80 countries around the world.

Before his TV show, César worked with dogs that had serious behavior problems. He even started a special place called the Dog Psychology Center to help these dogs. He also co-founded a group, now called the Cesar Millan PACK Project. This group helps animal shelters and organizations that rescue and care for animals that have been hurt or left alone. They also support programs to help control pet populations.

César Millán has written several books about dogs, and his first three books became New York Times best sellers. Millions of copies have been sold, and his books are available in many different countries. He also has his own line of dog products and helpful DVDs.

Early Life and Journey

César Millán was born in a small town in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, on August 27, 1969. He grew up on a farm where his grandfather worked, and he spent a lot of time with animals, especially dogs. People noticed his natural talent with dogs and called him "el Perrero," which means "the dog herder." Later, his family moved to a city called Mazatlán.

When César was 21, he traveled to the United States. He didn't speak English and only had about $100 with him. He has shared stories about his difficult journey. He learned to be careful of dangers along the border. Sometimes, he would let border patrol agents catch him because they would give him food, which was a big help.

Soon after arriving in Los Angeles, César met actress Jada Pinkett Smith. He told her about his dream of working with dogs on TV. Jada encouraged him to learn English and even arranged for a friend to teach him. César says, "Because of Jada, I speak English."

César's Career with Dogs

César Millán's first job in the United States was at a dog grooming shop. He then started his own dog training business called Pacific Point Canine Academy. Jada Pinkett Smith became one of his first clients and supporters, even when he was working as a limousine driver.

Later, César created the Dog Psychology Center, a large place in South Los Angeles where he worked with big dog breeds. In 2009, this center moved to Santa Clarita, California. He also opened another center in Florida.

In 2002, after a newspaper article featured him, César worked on a TV show idea called Dog Whisperer. This show followed him as he helped dogs with their behavior problems. It first aired on September 13, 2004, on the National Geographic Channel. The show quickly became very popular and was shown in over eighty countries. The last episode aired in the U.S. on September 15, 2012.

César also launched a magazine called Cesar's Way, which offered advice about dogs and the special bond between humans and dogs. He has appeared in other TV shows too, like Cesar Millan's Leader of the Pack, Cesar 911 (also known as Cesar to the Rescue), and Cesar Millan: Better Human Better Dog. He even worked on a preschool TV show called Mutt & Stuff for Nickelodeon, where his son Calvin was a star. In 2017, César and his older son Andre appeared in Cesar Millan's Dog Nation.

César also travels around the world with his "Cesar Millan Live!" show. In these shows, he shares his dog training ideas and shows how he works with local shelter dogs to help them with their behavior.

Dog Training Philosophy

César Millán's way of training dogs focuses on what he calls "calm-assertive energy." He believes that dog owners should act like calm and confident leaders for their dogs. According to César, dogs need three main things in a specific order: first, exercise; second, discipline (clear rules); and third, affection.

This means that owners should make sure their dogs get enough exercise to use up their energy. Then, they need to set clear rules and boundaries for their dogs. Finally, they should show their dogs love and affection. César often says that many dog owners give too much affection without enough exercise or clear rules.

He teaches owners that their own feelings, body language, and attitude can greatly affect how their dog behaves. He encourages owners to stand tall and project a calm, confident energy.

César's TV shows are all about helping dogs, but they also teach dog owners how to understand and work with their pets. He often talks about how dogs need strong "pack leadership" from their owners. He shows owners how to become and stay leaders for their dogs.

Sometimes, dogs with very serious problems go to his Dog Psychology Center for more intense help. It's important to remember that his TV shows are not meant to be a step-by-step guide for everyone. Each episode warns viewers not to try the techniques at home without help from a professional.

When César works with a dog, he often uses sounds, hand signals, and body language instead of just talking or calling the dog's name. He believes dogs understand a person's energy more easily than their words. He wants owners to find their own special sounds that work for them.

César has said that his main goal is to create happy and balanced relationships between people and dogs.

One of César's most famous dogs was Daddy, an American Pit Bull Terrier. Daddy was a very important part of César's work and his TV show. Later, César chose another pit bull puppy named Junior to learn from Daddy and eventually take over his role. Daddy passed away in 2010 at 16 years old. After that, Junior continued Daddy's work, helping César with dogs using his calm, assertive energy.

Personal Life

César Millán became a permanent resident of the United States in 2000 and officially became a United States citizen in 2009. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

He married Ilusión Wilson in 1994, and they had two sons. They later divorced in 2010. In August 2010, he started a relationship with Jahira Dar, an actress. They announced their engagement in 2016.

Film and TV Appearances

Images for kids

• 

  Cesar Millan during an interview in March 2018

See also

In Spanish: César Millán para niños