Cesar Speaks

Back to School. Back to Basics. Reestablishing Boundaries.

This week, Andre and Calvin headed back to school after a great summer of time off! Without the routine of going to class everyday and doing homework, it takes some time to readjust to the demands of school. They have to get back into the everyday rules, boundaries, and limitations that school naturally gives them.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree?

I get questions about barking almost every day. And unlike other common behavior problems, with barking it’s almost always the same problem and solution. What I tell people is this – barking is natural! It’s one of the most important ways dogs communicate. Energy is their main form of communication, but some barking is normal. It can be a form of warning or protection; it can be to let others know “this is my territory;” and it can even be a form of excitement, such as when a dog barks when he wants a ball.

Animal, Species, Breed, Name

A few weeks ago, my friends from the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in New Mexico paid us a visit at the CMI offices in Los Angeles. They had just returned from Alaska, where they rescued a wolf from a terrible situation. It was an honor and a privilege to meet this wolf and made me think about how much we can learn from the wolf, as the animals and species from which dogs descended.

International Homeless Animals Day

August 21, 2010 marks the 19th Annual International Homeless Animals Day. In an effort to raise awareness about the extreme overpopulation affecting animal shelters, The International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR)will hold events and candlelight vigils across the world in honor of those animals that have lost their lives due to overpopulation.

What Do Your Roots Mean?

I visited my family in Mexico a couple of weeks ago. Every time I go “home” I connect with my roots. When I think about what it’s like to be there, I remember the relaxation and the feeling of connectedness, something that I felt Americans were lacking when I first came to this country. Now, I see a movement taking place around the world and people are connecting with nature and themselves. In Mexico, I don’t care about looks or physical appearance, most of the time wearing no shoes and no shirt. There are so many people around, music is playing, there’s not much quiet!

City Dogs

Live in the Moment

Dear Fans,

Life brings challenges, but I don’t look at any obstacle thrown my way as negative. I see it as an opportunity for growth, to learn, and see how perseverant you actually are. I look to the many dogs I’ve met in my life for inspiration during these times. In my work with rescues and dogs that have been neglected, abused, or victims of a man-made or natural disaster, they are a constant reminder to live in the present.

National Pet Fire Safety Day

Fans,

July 15 marks National Pet Fire Safety Day - this nationwide awareness day educates pet owners about potential risks when pets are left home alone. The campaign provides owners with proven prevention, escape and rescue tips to help ensure their pets’ safety. We commend the American Kennel Club and ADT Security for launching this important awareness day and support their efforts to reduce the estimated 500,000 pets affected by home fires each year.

Power of the Pack

I always say “calm assertive” is not a word, it’s a feeling. And I really felt it this past weekend during the first Great Dog Adventure. While the entire weekend was filled with fun activities for everyone to enjoy from the San Diego Zoo to the Live benefit performance show, the highlight of the weekend for me was the Pack Walk.

The Adventure of a Lifetime

By the time you read this, the Great Dog Adventure will be over. But today, the adventure is about it begin! This weekend represents a lot of dreams coming true. It’s been a longtime dream of mine to be lead fans and their dogs on a great Pack Walk. I’m excited to share my knowledge and see new faces, meet new pack leaders from all over the country and the world, and watching the transformation. It’s going to be living through the experience of watching – and feeling – many different people, dogs, and energy becoming one for the weekend, embracing the mentality of the dog.