Cesar Millan is on a mission. He wants to "help the world connect back to mother nature through dogs." After five seasons of The Dog Whisperer he's well on his way. The show has made him famous - he's been parodied by the likes of South Park and SNL. But he's honoured by the attention, and when he takes his seminar tour to England in March (he promises to be in Canada this fall) he'll help Andrew Lloyd Webber choose a Toto for his new London musical.
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What's the biggest problem you see with dog owners?
In America ... they just give affection. They wake up, they give food, they go to work, [saying]'I'm so sorry!' and they give him more food. They get home from work, they give him more food! I always say, dogs in poorer countries, they're skinny but they don't have issues.
When was the last time you got bit?
Yesterday. I work with red zone cases, which means [owners]are going to kill the dog, or it's going to kill a human. ... I've never had stitches, so that's good news.
Never? How many bites in your lifetime?
No more than 20.
Does your 'calm energy' approach work with other animals?
In the show I have worked with cats where cats were bullying the dog. Cats were in control of the household, so I definitely have to approach the situation with the cat first ...The energy is something you can apply to any species.
Celebrities love your approach too, why?
Animals don't get it if you are a wealthy person or a famous person. Working with Charlize Theron, her dogs don't know. Working with Salma Hayek, her dogs don't know ... They really bring simplicity into our lives. I think that's one of the reasons we love dogs so much.
The Dog Whisperer, Season 5, Sat., 5 p.m. on National Geographic.