Idaho Today spoke with celebrity dog behaviorist Cesar Millan, who is tackling some tough challenges in the fifth season of his Emmy-nominated series, ''Better Human Better Dog.'' He talked with Idaho Today's April Neale about working with dogs for more than 25 years, how to train pet parents, and much more. Disney's National Geographic features the work of Millan, who continues with his mission to create better humans and better dogs through pet parents' tips and tools. In this series, Cesar teaches canines positive habits to help shed their destructive behaviors.
Cesar Millan is back for season five of Better Human, Better Dog. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of his first television appearance, he talks about the most challenging cases of his career.
In season five, he continues his life's work. He matches aspiring pet parents with their perfect canine companions to complete their family pack and further his mission of inspiring a new generation of dog lovers.
One nearly blind and deaf dog made dog expert Cesar break down in a rare emotional display in the new season of Cesar Millan: Better Human Better Dog.
In one episode, rescue dog Brunelo's story shows how the longtime pet behaviorist and trainer is also affected as he helps pet owners across America. Cesar noted that owners need help more than ever and should never lose hope.
In this award-winning series, Cesar takes on his most challenging cases yet demonstrates techniques for restraining human emotions—a more complicated task than you think—at the right times, which can make a difference in your dog's reactions and behaviors.
The setting for production is at Cesar Millan's Dog Psychology Center in Santa Clarita, California, where dogs are rehabilitated by Cesar and his expanding "pack" of dogs, to which Cesar gives credit and salutes their work in our exclusive KTVB interview.
He shows how the other dogs calm the new dog to the pack, unlearning bad habits and hopefully being redirected into new behaviors that will become lifelong behavior patterns.
Cesar also relies on his friend, Dr. Garcia, a veterinarian who helps him diagnose the physical ailments underlying each case, which may also be factors in why a dog is misbehaving.
In Brunelo's case, the boxer mix was determined to be mostly blind and deaf, which fueled his aggression during walks and public outings with his owner. In recounting Brunelo's journey, Cesar said, "A boxer gave me the fight of my life."
Once Dr. Garcia confirmed Cesar's suspicions, Brunelo's eyes and ears were dealt with by goggles and a swaddling technique with a weighted vest. This technique involves wrapping the dog in a snug-fitting garment, similar to a baby's swaddle, and adding a weighted vest to provide a comforting, calming effect. His sense of smell was then relied upon more, and visual cues that triggered him were eventually removed.
But the process took six weeks. Patience, according to Cesar, is the key for people to unravel severe aggression cases that are often exacerbated by physical conditions or past trauma. This emphasis on patience not only underscores the show's educational value but also engages the audience's empathy as they witness the dedication and perseverance required in dog training.
Watch Cesar help owners improve their jobs so all dogs flourish and live their best lives.
Tune in: CESAR MILLAN: BETTER HUMAN BETTER DOG Season 5 premieres Friday, August 16 on National Geographic Channel.