millanbook By the end of the third season of Cesar Millan’s popular show, “The Dog Whisperer,” the diminutive Mexican-American had professional dog trainers, animal behaviorists, and dog lovers in a tizzy. If you believe the testimonials of some dog experts (get over the names of the publications: “The Woofer Times,” “The Bark,” “Urban Dawgs”), Millan’s training methods are not only cruel and unusual, but they may have set back the science of dog training 20 years. The show is now in its seventh season on the National Geographic channel, and Millan just now seems to be reconciling with the American Humane Association.

So why do I, and so many other people, love to watch Millan’s show? I’m not using any of his training tips. I don’t even have a dog!

I watch “The Dog Whisperer” for the same reason I’ve been known to watch the show “Supernanny” (sub kids for dogs)—for the illusion of order triumphing over chaotic madness. Also, a little bit of “those people are nuts!” and “that would never happen to me!” It’s hard for people without kids or dogs to understand how things could have gotten to the state they’re in by the time Supernanny Jo Frost or Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan are called in—with biting, furniture jumping, and general disobedience by the kids and dogs, and idle threats, lack of attention, and general exhaustion on the part of the parents and dog owners.

How to avoid this insanity? In his newest book, “How to Raise the Perfect Dog: From Puppyhood and Beyond” (Three Rivers Press, $15 paperback), Millan makes a case for prevention from the get-go and he has a few suggestions (and none of them seem very cruel, although for some dog owners they may seem unusual):

1. Realize that dogs are not human. Dogs react differently to stimuli, they use their senses differently, they treat their offspring differently, and when it comes to raising puppies, we can learn a thing or two from them. Dog mothers set limits and discipline their pups when they get out of hand. Supernanny would approve.

2. Know your breeds. We humans have genetically engineered our favorite animals in ways both diverse and occasionally dysfunctional. Terriers dig, greyhounds run fast, huskies run far, border collies herd, hound dogs howl. We made them this way and we need to satisfy their needs and deal. Make sure you and your new dog are a good match.

3. Choose your puppy not only by breed, but by temperament. That means the adorable ball of fluff that jumps right into your lap to play may not be the easiest dog to deal with seventy-five pounds later. Check out the little guy watching from the corner. He’s interested, he’s just cautious. Smart dog!

4. Actually, are you sure you even want a puppy? Wait!What? They are adorable! They are a ton of work! You are going to need a lot of energy! And time! And your stuff will get peed on! For some people, a mellower adult or senior dog is a better choice. There are 85,241 homeless adult dogs available for adoption within 100 miles of Long Beach.

5. Puppy mills: avoid at all costs. Puppy mill puppies, born to stressed and overbred mothers, may have more behavioral and health problems than other puppies. But more importantly, these nightmarish places need to be permanently driven out of business. Avoid buying at pet stores; instead buy from reputable breeders or adopt from rescue organizations. There are 1,527 shelter and rescue puppies available for adoption within 100 miles of Long Beach.

6. Use exercise, discipline, and affection—in that order. If you don’t satisfy your puppy’s exercise and disciplinary needs, you might not be feeling much affection for him when he shreds your couch. Set up a routine right away. Use the walk to dissipate energy. Use play to satisfy mental needs. Set limits and be consistent. Your dog is counting on you to be a leader. Your well-behaved and well-socialized dog will be a lot easier for you and everybody else to love.

In his book, Millan uses four puppies of different breeds as examples and to demonstrate his techniques, but most of the focus is on Angel, an adorable goody-two-shoes miniature schnauzer, and Mr. President, a more dominant but equally adorable English bulldog. Viewers of “The Dog Whisperer” will recognize Millan’s trademark catchphrases throughout the book.  Cesar wants you to use your “calm assertive energy” as “pack leader” to raise a “balanced dog.” He gives specific instructions for housebreaking, walking, feeding, medical care, grooming, and all the other stuff you need to know when you bring a new puppy into your home.

Do any of his instructions or techniques seem cruel? I’d have to say no. You know what’s cruel? Getting a puppy you don’t have the time or inclination to train. Of course, raising kids and dogs are two different things, but Supernanny Jo Frost’s  and Cesar Millan’s ideas about structure, rules, and consistency aren’t that different. It’s a lot harder, though, to ditch your rotten kids than dump your incorrigible dog. When that adorable puppy has grown up without rules or training, he’s going to end up relegated to the yard, the street, or the local shelter. That is cruel.

There are 18,588 dogs and cats available for adoption within 100 miles of Long Beach.  Most are homeless, not because of behavioral issues, but due to neglect, abandonment, overbreeding, or because their owners are no longer able to physically or financially care for them.  Please visit petfinder.com for more information.