Cesar's Rules

1. Cesar's Evolution: From Dog Trainer to People Trainer

I rehabilitate dogs; I train people.

Early fascination. Growing up in rural Mexico, Cesar was captivated by the natural pack behavior of farm dogs, observing their effortless communication and problem-solving. Seeing Lassie and Rin Tin Tin on television sparked a dream of working with "magical" American dogs, initially believing they were born with these abilities. Disillusioning experiences with early trainers who used force or were unethical solidified his desire to find a better way, one based on understanding the dog's nature.

Shift in focus. Working at a professional training facility in Los Angeles revealed that traditional obedience training often failed to address underlying behavioral issues, especially for fearful or aggressive dogs. He realized many dogs were trained but not balanced, and owners were often unaware their own behavior contributed to problems. This led him to redefine his role, focusing on rehabilitating dogs by addressing their state of mind and fulfilling their needs, while training owners to understand and communicate effectively with their pets.

Filling a gap. Cesar saw a need for professionals who focused on the human-dog relationship and the dog's basic needs, not just commands. His work with clients, including early celebrity clients like Jada Pinkett, highlighted the owner's crucial role in achieving a well-behaved dog. This solidified his mission: to train people to be calm, assertive leaders who understand dog psychology, enabling them to build trust and respect with their dogs.

2. Balance is the Foundation: Fulfilling the Dog's Needs First

I think of a balanced dog as one that is comfortable in his own skin.

Defining balance. A balanced dog is mentally and physically healthy, comfortable in its environment, gets along with others, and is not hindered by fear, anxiety, or obsession. This state of being is crucial before any formal training can be truly effective. Unbalanced dogs, even if trained, can still exhibit problematic behaviors rooted in their unfulfilled needs or state of mind, as seen with highly trained but fearful dogs like Gavin and Viper.

The fulfillment formula. Achieving balance requires fulfilling the dog's needs in a specific order:

• Exercise: Structured walks (30-45+ mins, 1-2 times daily) are paramount, fulfilling the dog's migration instinct and building the human-dog bond.
• Discipline: Clear rules, boundaries, and limitations provide structure and security, essential for a dog to understand its place in the pack.
• Affection: This is the reward, built on trust and respect, expressed through shared activities, play, and calm physical touch, but only after exercise and discipline needs are met.

Prioritizing needs. Thinking of a dog first as an animal, then a species (dog), then a breed, and finally as an individual (name) helps owners prioritize fulfillment. Addressing the dog's primal needs allows them to relax and become receptive to learning and human requests. A dog whose basic needs are met is naturally more inclined to want to please its owner.

3. The Human Factor: Calm-Assertive Energy and Self-Awareness

To influence your dog’s behavior, you must always begin by being a positive, confident, calm, and assertive human.

Energy speaks volumes. Dogs are highly intuitive and read human energy, body language, and even subtle physiological changes. Projecting calm-assertive energy – a state of relaxed confidence – is key to effective leadership. This energy is rooted in the balance between the sympathetic (assertive) and parasympathetic (calming) nervous systems.

Self-awareness is crucial. Owners must be aware of their own emotional state, as dogs mirror human feelings. Frustration, fear, or anger hinder communication and training. As trainer Mark Harden advises, "Be yourself first, but be your best self." Consistency in demeanor is vital; dogs need predictable leadership.

Positive reinforcement starts with you. True positive reinforcement isn't just about treats; it's about the owner's positive state of mind and the quality of the human-dog bond. Using calm, positive energy reinforces desired behaviors more effectively than overexcitement or negativity. The ultimate positive reinforcement is a strong bond where both human and dog find joy in pleasing each other.

4. Understanding Learning: Rewards, Punishment, and Communication

I believe the least intrusive procedure needed to get a behavior or to stop a behavior is best for the trainer and for the animal...

Operant conditioning basics. Animal learning is fundamentally based on consequences: behaviors followed by good consequences increase (reinforcement), and those followed by bad consequences decrease (punishment). This happens naturally (porcupine quills = punishment) and intentionally (treats for sitting = reinforcement). Understanding this helps owners avoid unintentionally reinforcing unwanted behaviors.

Beyond aversive punishment. While punishment scientifically means decreasing behavior, it doesn't have to be painful or scary. Non-aversive punishments include:

• Calm, instructive verbal reprimands (Ian Dunbar's method)
• Subtle body language or sounds ("Tssst!")
• Firm, non-aggressive touch (Cesar's method)
• Withholding attention or rewards (negative punishment)
  Aversive punishment (causing pain/fear) should be a last resort, used rarely and correctly, as ineffective use is harassment or abuse.

The power of reinforcement. Positive reinforcement (adding something desired) is the most humane and effective way to teach new behaviors. This includes:

• Food treats (especially high-value ones for motivation)
• Praise (calmly delivered)
• Play (tug, fetch, sniffing)
• Affection (calm petting)
• Access to desired activities ("life rewards")

Communication is key. Effective training requires clear, consistent communication. Dogs read body language, energy, and scent before sound. While verbal commands are useful, especially off-leash, they must be paired consistently with other cues. The goal is for the dog to understand what you want and, ideally, want to do it.

5. Honoring Instinct: Learning from What Dogs Do Naturally

Far beyond finding a better way to get a dog to sit or roll over or stop jumping on visitors at the door, it is my belief that the future of dog training will look more like the way this art and science might have begun—with our dogs, using their amazing inborn talents, teaching us.

Instinctive roots. Many behaviors humans train dogs to do are rooted in their natural instincts, such as herding (modified hunting pack behavior), hunting (scenting, tracking, retrieving), and protection (warning, defending). These instincts are deeply ingrained and fulfilling for dogs. Problems often arise when these natural drives are suppressed or channeled inappropriately in modern human environments.

Fulfilling instincts. Instead of just trying to eliminate instinctive behaviors, owners should find ways to fulfill them constructively. This honors the dog's nature and reduces frustration. Examples include:

• Herding dogs: Participate in herding classes, Flyball, agility, or Frisbee.
• Hunting dogs: Engage in scent work games, tracking, or retrieving.
• Protection dogs: Provide structured activities that allow them to use their alertness and loyalty positively.

Dogs as teachers. Dogs possess abilities far beyond human capacity, particularly their sense of smell. This innate talent can be harnessed for human benefit in ways we are only beginning to fully appreciate, such as detecting cancer or explosives. The future of the human-dog partnership lies in learning from dogs and finding better ways for them to communicate their natural knowledge to us.

6. Prevention is Key: Starting Early and Being Consistent

Prevention is a million times easier than cure.

Crucial puppyhood. The socialization period (3-12 weeks) is vital for shaping a dog's future behavior. Early exposure to various people, environments, and other balanced dogs, combined with gentle handling and basic discipline from the mother or human leader, builds a foundation for a well-behaved adult. Puppy classes, like those pioneered by Ian Dunbar, should focus on socialization, bite inhibition, and early off-leash obedience.

Building good habits early. It's much easier to instill desired behaviors from the start than to correct ingrained bad habits later. Consistency is paramount from day one. Every interaction is a learning opportunity for the dog. Owners must be mindful of the messages they send, ensuring they are consistent with rules and expectations.

Older dogs can learn. While puppyhood is ideal, older dogs are still capable of learning and changing behavior. They may have established habits or fears that require patience and understanding to overcome. Shelter dogs, in particular, benefit from structured training and positive experiences to build confidence and overcome past traumas or environmental stress. The key is adapting methods to the individual dog's history and temperament.

7. Mastering the Walk: The Primal Bond and Practical Skills

To me, however, walking side by side is also the activity that forges the deepest kind of bond between human and dog.

More than exercise. The walk is a fundamental activity that connects humans and dogs to their shared history of migration and cooperation. It's the primary way to fulfill a dog's need for exercise and provides a crucial opportunity to reinforce leadership and build trust. A structured walk, with the dog beside or behind the owner, is essential.

Walking on a lead. Teaching a dog to walk calmly on a leash is a vital skill in modern society. This starts with positive conditioning to make the leash a pleasant association, especially for puppies or fearful dogs. Techniques for preventing pulling include:

• Stopping when the dog pulls ahead.
• Changing direction frequently.
• Using a quick, gentle "pop" or touch for correction (if comfortable with this method).
• Using tools like slip leads, martingales, or head halters correctly.

Off-leash goals. While not always possible, aiming for off-leash reliability is ideal. Ian Dunbar's method focuses on using verbal commands and "life rewards" (like sniffing or playing) to reinforce responsiveness off-leash. The goal is for the dog to choose to stay near and check in with the owner because the owner is the source of good things and security.

8. Basic Obedience: Sit, Down, and Stay

All dogs can sit and obviously do it all the time on their own.

Capturing natural behavior. Teaching basic commands like sit, down, and stay involves capturing behaviors dogs do naturally and associating them with a cue (word, sound, or signal). This can be done through:

• Natural capture: Rewarding the behavior when the dog does it on its own.
• Luring: Using a treat or toy to guide the dog into the desired position.
• Physical guidance: Gently using hands or a leash to prompt the movement (requires trust and care).
• Clicker training: Marking the exact moment of the desired behavior with a click followed by a reward.

The "Sit" command. Often the easiest to teach, the sit can be taught using food lures, physical guidance, or by capturing the behavior during routine activities like feeding time or waiting at the door. Consistency and positive association are key.

The "Down" command. This command puts the dog in a calm, submissive posture. It can be taught using lures, gentle pressure, or by capturing the behavior at rest times. It's often harder than "sit" as it's less intuitive to do on command. Patience is required, and finding the right motivator (food, toy) is crucial.

The "Stay" command. Teaching a dog to remain in a position (sit or down) until released requires building trust and understanding that the owner will return. Start with short durations and distances, gradually increasing them. Techniques include using a leash, a long line, or practicing disappearing from sight. A clear release command is essential.

9. The Reliable Recall: Building Trust and Making Coming Back Rewarding

Consistent recall is built on the relationship you have with your dog, the leadership qualities you possess, the pleasures and rewards you provide, the limits and boundaries you have set, the consequences for your dog of not doing as asked, and, most important of all, your dog’s innate desire to be with you—to be part of your team and your pack.

Foundation of trust. A dog that comes when called does so because it trusts its owner, sees them as a reliable leader, and finds being near them more rewarding than wandering off. This starts in puppyhood by being the source of security and fun, utilizing the puppy's natural instinct to follow.

Making coming back rewarding. Never punish a dog for taking a long time to come back; this creates a negative association with returning. Instead, make coming to you a consistently positive experience. Techniques include:

• Using high-value treats or favorite toys as rewards.
• Playing hide-and-seek games where finding you is the reward.
• Using "life rewards" like access to play or sniffing after coming when called.
• Practicing in low-distraction environments first, gradually adding challenges.

Consistent practice. Recall needs to be practiced frequently in various locations and with different distractions. Using a long line initially provides control while allowing distance practice. Ian Dunbar's method emphasizes off-leash verbal recall, using the "sit" command as an emergency stop if the dog doesn't come immediately. The goal is for the dog to respond reliably to its name and the recall command regardless of distractions.

10. Tools are Just Tools: Energy and Knowledge Matter Most

Tools—leashes, collars, and other aids that dog owners use—are inanimate objects invented by humans to help humans handle dogs.

Neutral objects. Leashes, collars, harnesses, and other training aids are simply tools. They are neither inherently good nor bad. Their effectiveness and humaneness depend entirely on the knowledge, skill, and energy of the person using them.

Matching tool to situation. Different tools serve different purposes and may be more suitable depending on the dog's temperament, size, training level, and the owner's comfort and skill. Examples include:

• Simple flat collars/slip leads: Ideal for well-behaved dogs or those conditioned early.
• Martingale collars: Good for preventing escape without excessive tightening.
• Head halters: Can provide more control for strong pullers or reactive dogs.
• Choke/Prong collars: Can be effective for corrections when used correctly and sparingly by a trained handler, but carry risks if misused.
• e-Collars: Advanced tools, primarily for blocking dangerous prey drive, requiring professional instruction due to potential for abuse.

Beyond the tool. The most important factors in successful dog handling are the owner's calm-assertive energy, clear communication, and the strength of the human-dog bond. Relying solely on a tool without addressing these foundational elements will likely be ineffective and potentially harmful to the relationship. As Hollywood trainer Mark Harden notes, control comes from earning the animal's attention and trust, not just from the device used.

Last updated: June 10, 2025