Cesar Millan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
César Millán
|
|
|---|---|
Millan during an interview in March 2018
|
|
| Born | August 27, 1969 |
| Citizenship |
|
| Occupation | Dog trainer |
| Years active | 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) |
| Children | 2 |
César Millán is a famous Mexican-American dog trainer. He is best known for his TV show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. This show was on TV from 2004 to 2012. It was shown in more than 80 countries around the world.
Before his TV show, César Millán worked with dogs that had serious behavior problems. He started a special place called the Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles in 2002. This center helped dogs learn better behaviors.
César Millán also started a foundation, now called the Cesar Millan PACK Project. This group helps animal shelters and organizations. They work to rescue, help, and find new homes for animals that have been hurt or left alone. They also help fund programs to spay and neuter animals.
César Millán has written several books about dogs. His first three books, including Cesar's Way, became very popular. They sold millions of copies in the United States. His books are also available in many other countries. He also has his own line of dog products and helpful DVDs.
Contents
Early Life and Journey
César Millán was born on August 27, 1969, in a small town in Sinaloa, Mexico. He grew up on a farm where his grandfather worked with animals. Because he was so good with dogs, people called him "el Perrero," which means "the dog herder." His family later moved to a city called Mazatlán.
In 1990, when he was 21, César Millán traveled to the United States. He crossed the border without permission. He spoke no English and had only $100 with him. He has described this journey as very difficult. Soon after arriving in Los Angeles, he met actress Jada Pinkett Smith. She helped him find a friend who taught him English.
César Millán's Career
César Millán's first job in the U.S. was at a dog grooming shop. Later, he started his own business called Pacific Point Canine Academy. Jada Pinkett Smith was one of his first clients and supporters. She even paid for an English tutor for him for a year.
The Dog Psychology Center
After this, Millán created the Dog Psychology Center. This was a large area in South Los Angeles where he worked with big dog breeds. In 2009, the center moved to Santa Clarita, California. He also opened another center in Davie, Florida.
Becoming a TV Star
In 2002, a newspaper wrote an article about César Millán. This led to him working with a TV company to create a show. The show was called Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. It showed Millán helping dogs with their behavior. The show first aired on September 13, 2004, on the National Geographic Channel. It later moved to the Nat Geo Wild channel.
Dog Whisperer became the most popular show on National Geographic during its first year. It was shown in over eighty countries. The last episode aired in the U.S. on September 15, 2012.
Other Projects and Shows
In 2009, César Millán launched a monthly magazine called Cesar's Way. This magazine offered advice from Millán and articles about dogs and humans. The magazine stopped being published in late 2014.
He also had other TV shows. Cesar Millan's Leader of the Pack aired in 2013. In 2014, his new series Cesar 911 premiered. This show is known as Cesar to the Rescue in other countries. In 2015, he worked with famous children's TV creators Sid and Marty Krofft. They made a preschool show for Nickelodeon called Mutt & Stuff. César Millán's son, Calvin, starred in this show. In 2017, César and his older son, Andre, appeared in a new series called Cesar Millan's Dog Nation.
César Millán also travels around the world with his show "Cesar Millan Live!". In this show, he shares his ideas and techniques from his TV shows and books. He demonstrates his methods with local shelter dogs.
Dog Training Philosophy
César Millán's training style focuses on what he calls "calm-assertive energy." He believes that dog owners should act as calm and confident leaders for their dogs. According to Millán, dogs need three main things in this order: exercise, discipline, and affection.
This means owners should first make sure their dog gets enough exercise to use up its energy. Then, they should set clear rules and boundaries. Finally, they should give their dog love and attention.
Millan often says that many dog owners give too much affection without enough exercise or rules. He teaches owners that their own feelings and body language affect their dog's behavior. He advises owners to stand tall and project a calm, confident energy.
His TV shows focus on helping dogs and teaching their owners. He shows owners how to become strong "pack leaders" for their dogs. Sometimes, dogs with very big problems go to his Dog Psychology Center for more intense help. The shows always warn viewers not to try these methods at home without a professional.
When working with a dog, Millán often uses sounds, hand signals, and body language. He believes dogs understand a person's energy better than their words. He wants to help people and dogs have balanced relationships.
Daddy and Junior
One of César Millán's most famous dogs was Daddy, an American Pit Bull Terrier. Daddy was a very important part of Millán's work and his TV show. Millán later chose another pit bull puppy named Junior to learn from Daddy. Junior was meant to take over Daddy's role. Daddy passed away in February 2010 at 16 years old. After Daddy's death, Junior took on his role, helping Millán with dogs using his calm, confident energy.
Different Views on His Methods
Some dog trainers and animal experts have different opinions about César Millán's methods. They believe some of his techniques are outdated or too harsh. They say that what Millán calls "calm submission" might actually be a dog feeling helpless or scared.
In 2012, when Millán was on a TV show, the host called some of his methods "cruel." The RSPCA (a large animal welfare organization) also stated that some of his techniques could cause pain and fear for dogs. They said these methods might even make behavior problems worse.
In 2016, the American Humane Association looked into an episode of one of his shows. They said the way animals were treated did not meet their safety guidelines. Also in 2016, a group of animal behavior experts said that trying to make a dog act badly just to "correct" it is not good. They said it puts other animals at risk.
Legal Challenges
César Millán has faced some legal challenges. In 2006, a TV producer sued him, claiming his dog was hurt at Millán's center. In 2015, a nurse sued him after she was attacked by a dog that Millán had worked with.
In 2021, a gymnast sued Millán, saying his dog Junior had attacked her. She claimed Millán should have known Junior was dangerous because Junior had previously hurt another dog. Millán denied these claims, and the lawsuit was later settled outside of court.
Personal Life
César Millán became a permanent resident of the United States in 2000. He became a United States citizen in 2009. He lives in Los Angeles, California.
He married Ilusión Wilson in 1994, and they had two sons. In 2010, after his dog Daddy passed away and he learned his wife wanted a divorce, Millán went through a very difficult time. In June 2010, Ilusión Millán filed for divorce.
In August 2016, César Millán announced he was engaged to Jahira Dar.
TV Shows and Movies
César Millán has appeared in several movies and TV shows, often playing himself.
- In movies, he was in Beethoven's Big Break (2008), The Back-up Plan (2010), and voiced a character in Trouble (2019).
- On TV, besides his main shows like Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, he has been on Ghost Whisperer, Bones, The Girls Next Door, The Apprentice, and Jeopardy!. He also hosted shows like Cesar 911 and Cesar Millan: Better Human Better Dog. He was also an executive producer for some of his shows.
Images for kids
-
Millan during an interview in March 2018
See also
In Spanish: César Millán para niños
