Cesar Millan's success with unbalanced dogs on Dog Whisperer can sometimes seem too good to be true. In some cases, when a dog's energy and behavior begin to improve the moment he steps on the scene, fans will write in to say that they can scarcely believe their own eyes. So, to get at the truth behind Cesar's remarkable talent, we asked our own eyes - professional cameraman Chris Komives.

Chris is certainly not new to the world of television. He has worked on camera and lighting on numerous television shows and low-budget films, and was a cameraman and engineer for ABC News before joining the Dog Whisperer crew midway through Season 1. His job is to capture the bad behavior on video first, then shoot the initial meeting and the consultation. Now in the midst of shooting the 6th season, Chris assures us that though the time-frame must be condensed to fit the show's time-slot, the effects of Cesar's calm-assertive energy are not the result of camera tricks or clever editing... the change is genuine and happens incredibly fast.

"Dog Whisperer is a very personally rewarding show of which to be a part," says Chris. "We meet people at the end of their ropes, and Cesar is able to help them change their relationship with their dog to be more healthy and happy for everyone... I've seen it work case after case, every day."

Off the set, like many of the other members of the crew, Chris has succumbed to the allure of canine companionship. Having never raised a dog themselves, Chris and his wife Johanna were eager to bring one into their lives, and turned to Cesar for help and advice. Knowing that the Komives wanted a purebred puppy to maximize the time they would spend with her and minimize the potentiality for expensive vet bills down the road, and after having identified their energy levels and learning what specific qualities they were looking for in a dog, Cesar recommended a breed (a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier) and several reputable breeders to visit.

"Working with Cesar also gave us credibility with some of the breeders with whom we were applying," says Chris. "Some breeders are reluctant to give a purebred like a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to a first-time dog owner because of their concern for the quality of life for the puppy.  When I answered the application question so specifically, the breeder wanted to know how I had such specific dog knowledge.  When I told her I was a cameraman on Dog Whisperer, the deal was done."

His work on the show has also given Chris a deep well of information from which to draw when dealing with his brand-new 18-month-old puppy Eliza and her problem behaviors, as well as issues of proper upbringing.

"Nervous about the vacuum? Just like the two Yorkies in Long Beach! We waited for her to be calm and then turned the vacuum on and off.  When she stayed calm, she got a treat.  After doing this for a few minutes every day for a week, she was fine. Too excited at the dog park? Just like the two great Danes in Studio City and Sasha, the German shepherd mix. I took her to the dog park and made her wait in the car until she was calm. Then we’d walk to the gate and only enter when she was calm. Then we’d wait in between the inner and outer gates until she was calm before entering the park. Now she’s very social and playful with the other dogs!"

If seeing is believing, then Chris Komives is truly an impeccable reference. As a man who makes his living seeing the world on behalf of a nationwide audience, the reality of reality television is rarely much further from him than the end of his camera lens. So if you simply cannot trust your own eyes when you see how quickly and efficiently Cesar brings the balance... trust ours!