Cesar Millan of "Dog Whisperer"

Cesar Millan, aka the Dog Whisperer, is famous for his skill with dogs but it's his keen understanding of human psychology that has enabled him to build a media empire. The Culiacan, México-born Millan has capitalized on his laid-back demeanor, charming personality and remarkable insights to build a hit TV show, a thriving Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles, popular training DVDs and apparel. We hooked up with Millan to chat about training tips, his favorite breed and the difference between Mexican and American dogs.

Some people train German shepherds in German. Do you ever talk to dogs you're training in Spanish?

Sure, sometimes I speak to the dogs in Spanish. I even use some German commands. But most often, I use English, because my clients speak English. It really doesn’t matter what language you use, because dogs communicate through their own language – energy. The key is to stay calm and assertive and to use your body language to get your message across. If you feel more comfortable speaking one language over another, use that one. If it helps you feel more in control of the situation, it’ll help you be a better pack leader!

What should someone do if they see a loose or stray dog on the streets?

No touch, no talk, no eye contact! If the dog is acting aggressively, maintain calm. An aggressive dog wants you under stress before it attacks. If you are calm and in control of yourself, it slows them down and throws them off. Claim your space. Stand firm, and use your body, mind, and energy to “own” the area around you – create an invisible barrier. Then I suggest calling the local animal control or a no-kill rescue or shelter in your area. The dedicated staff and volunteers of these organizations will be able to safely give the dog the help he needs.

What's the biggest difference between dogs in Mexico and dogs in the United States?

In rural Mexico, dogs are allowed to be dogs. They don’t develop psychological problems, because they are working for food and water. They get exercise every day. But of course, these dogs are often strays. They may be scrawny and mangy and suffer from health problems.

In the United States, dogs are often treated like humans. They have clothes, toys, and birthday parties. They have food, water, and medical treatment, but their other needs aren’t being met. They are not receiving exercise, discipline, then affection. In fact, many of them are receiving only affection, affection, affection. This is how problem behaviors develop. They become confused, anxious, fearful, or aggressive. That’s where I come in. I show humans how to become the pack leader. Through "Dog Whisperer" and my website, I hope that we are empowering more and more people to improve their relationships with their dogs.

Some cities are considering banning breeds associated with gangs. What do you think about that?

The gangs will just find another powerful dog breed. If we ban pit bulls, they’ll go out and get Rottweilers. If we ban Rottweilers, they’ll get German Shepherds. It’s not the breed that is the issue – it’s the humans controlling that breed. We shouldn’t punish the dogs. They’re just doing what they are told to do. The problem is that some people who own these power breeds are not properly fulfilling their needs or are actually encouraging negative traits.

Dogs don’t want to be aggressive; they want to be balanced. There are many pit bulls, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers who have responsible owners and are well-behaved, calm-submissive animals. Those dogs and those owners should not be punished. What we need to do is educate people. We need to send a message that dog fighting is wrong, and that dogs are not weapons. They are living creatures that deserve to be respected and honored as such.

What's your favorite breed? Come on, we know you have one.

I don’t have a favorite breed, but I do have a special place in my heart for the power breeds. At the Dog Psychology Center, I have taken in many pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds that have been abused or neglected. Because of this mistreatment, they developed aggression – towards people, towards other dogs, towards everyone. Many of these dogs were “red zone” cases at risk for euthanasia. I fulfilled their needs and gained their trust, and now they are well-behaved and living together in a pack. It’s a wonderful thing, but I’m not the only one reaching out to animals in need.

Rescues and shelters across the nation are helping abused and abandoned dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds to get a second chance at life. My wife Ilusion and I founded the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation to support their hard work. Through the non-profit, we hope to be able to make an impact for dogs across the nation.

Check out Cesar Millan on Dog Whisperer every Friday night on the National Geographic Channel. His new book, A Member of the Family, is in stores now.