Training Team | Cesar's Way

meet the Team

Over 100+ Years of Experience

The Owner

CESAR MILLAN

CEO @ CESARSWAY

In December of 1990, 21-year-old Cesar Millan crossed the border from Mexico into California. He lived on the streets of San Diego, landed a job grooming dogs, and soon gained a reputation for his calming effect on even the most difficult cases. With a few dollars in his pocket, he moved north to Los Angeles and took a job washing cars.

With the money he saved, he started a freelance dog rehabilitation service, primarily offering his expertise with extreme cases. This led him to open his first Dog Psychology Center, which eventually became the current 43-acre site in the Santa Clarita Valley, now including a sheep herding area, air conditioned kennels, swimming pool, obstacle course, and hiking trails.

In addition to co-authoring six books, Cesar has created numerous instructional DVDs and continues to host a popular series of seminars where attendees learn how to apply his extensive knowledge of dog psychology and rehabilitation techniques. With the courses and workshops of Training Cesar’s Way, he shares his invaluable experience and insights in a more intimate setting and a more in-depth way.

In Fundamentals of Dog Behavior and Training I, Cesar Millan personally brings his exceptional insights into dog psychology to a hands-on training course ideal for dog owners and trainers alike.

TODD LANGSTON

Trainer

Todd Langston is a canine behavior expert and owner of Pack Life K-9 Behavior Solutions in Orlando, FL. Todd has helped thousands of dogs by teaching their owners how to be the best pack leaders they can be through an easy to follow method that emphasizes the power of balanced energy and proper communication. While Todd believes the best teachers are his clients and their dogs, he has also had a chance to learn and work with some of the best minds in the business. Todd is a Trainer for Fundamentals I and Trainer for Fundamentals II.

STEVE DEL SAVIO

Trainer

Steve Del Savio is a dog psychology and behavior expert in the New York City metropolitan area where he is well known for his expertise in dealing with canine behavior problems and proficiency with aggression. Steve has successfully rehabilitated thousands of dogs, some of which were deemed untrainable or even recommended for euthanasia. The founder of Pack Leader Dogs in Hoboken, New Jersey, Steve gives people the knowledge and a blueprint for achieving balance with their dogs. Steve is a Trainer for Fundamentals I.

HEATHER MICKELSON

Trainer

Working with dogs since 2004, Heather Mickelson is founder and owner of “Barking Wagon” and “Balance and Harmony Dog”. “In order to transform your dog,” says Heather, “you must first be willing to transform yourself” — and it is her passion and honor to lead people in this journey. By helping others understand energy and how to be a pack leader, Heather helps bring balance and harmony into their lives. Heather is a Trainer for Fundamentals I and II — and in 2016 was named Trainer at the Santa Clarita DPC.

YOACIEL CRISTOBAL

Trainer

Yoaciel Cristobal is the founder of Pawmily, a family-owned company offering dog training and other services in Puerto Rico. Yoa began his work with dogs at local shelters where he quickly became recognized as the “go-to” trainer, especially for families with difficult cases. He now has three vans picking up dogs daily for camp and dog-sitting services — and plans to open the first Dog Psychology Center in the Caribbean. Yoa is a Trainer for Fundamentals I.

ART ORTIZ

Trainer

Art Ortiz is the founder of DogFit Dallas. Art believes that “dogs should live in a world where we, the humans, create balance and harmony.” Art is well known around the Dallas/Fort Worth Texas Metroplex for his training, ranging from basic leash skills to the rehabilitation of fearful or aggressive dogs. As a former student of Training Cesar’s Way, Art is a Trainer for Fundamentals I and II.

LISA PORTER

Trainer

Lisa Porter began her canine career ten years ago through rehabilitating her aggressive pit bull, Stitch. The process changed her life. She has a long history in dog rescue, particularly in preparing troubled dogs for adoption. “My passion is working with owners to teach their dogs how to be social creatures again,” says Lisa. “It’s wonderful to be able to empower people through the rehabilitation process of their dogs.” Lisa is a Trainer for Fundamentals I.

MICHAEL BURKE

MEDITATION DIRECTOR

Michael Burke is a certified life coach, meditation teacher, and dog behavior consultant in Los Angeles who helps people create calm within their lives to provide calm, confident leadership for their animals. Michael’s mission is to guide people on improving their energy, finding balance, clearing blocks, achieving their goals, and unleashing their ultimate potential. He also helps people to better understand and communicate with their animals and overcome behavior challenges. Michael is a former student of Fundamentals I and II and is now the Meditation Director of Training Cesar’s Way.

Who teaches the course?

Cesar Millan is the trainer for this program, teaching in-depth sessions each day. He actively participates in the hands-on afternoon sessions, assisted by his trainers.

Where are the courses held?

Most Fundamentals I sessions are held at Cesar’s famous Dog Psychology Center, just outside Los Angeles, California.

How many attend each course?

Each class includes 50 participants – 20 with their dogs, 30 without.

Are there any prerequisites?

No, we welcome all students over the age of 18, regardless of their level of experience with dogs.

WHO TEACHES THE FUNDAMENTALS I COURSE?

Cesar Millan is the instructor for four of the five days of this program, teaching in-depth sessions each morning. He actively participates in the hands-on afternoon sessions, assisted by his trainers.

WHERE ARE THE COURSES HELD?

Fundamentals I is held at Cesar’s two Dog Psychology Centers – the first just outside Los Angeles, California and the other at the Country Inn Pet Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ATTEND EACH SESSION?

Each class includes up to 45 participants – typically 20 with their dogs, 25 without.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES FOR ATTENDING FUNDAMENTALS I?

No, we welcome all students over the age of 18, regardless of their level of experience with dogs.

ARE THERE ANY PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FUNDAMENTALS I?

Fundamentals I involves many physical activities, including Pack Walks and hands-on activities with dogs. Because many are outdoors, you should be comfortable in warm, bright sun for up to 30 minutes.

ENGLISH IS NOT MY NATIVE LANGUAGE. DO YOU OFFER TRANSLATION SERVICES?

Fundamentals I is taught entirely in English. We are unable to provide translation services.

CAN I BRING MORE THAN ONE DOG? DO YOU HAVE SPECIAL PRICING IF I BRING MORE THAN ONE DOG?

Due to space limitations, we can only accommodate one dog per person, up to a maximum of 20 dogs per session.

IF I BRING A DOG, WHAT VACCINATION RECORDS ARE REQUIRED? HOW DO I GET THEM TO YOU?

We must have proof of current vaccination records for rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus). For our Florida facility, we also need H3N8 inoculation plus a fecal test. Proof of vaccination must be received by us before you attend the course. Your dog must be spayed or neutered to attend Fundamentals I. No exceptions, please. We will provide you with instructions for sending proof of vaccination after you have registered.

IF I BRING A DOG, DO I HAVE TO BRING A CRATE?

WILL PARTICIPATING IN FUNDAMENTALS I RESOLVE MY DOG'S MISBEHAVIOR OR ISSUES?

Fundamentals I is not a dog rehabilitation program, but a human-centered educational program. It is not designed to resolve a dog’s issues during the program (although many dogs are helped). Rather, the purpose is to teach you the Pack Leader skills so that you can be the leader your dog seeks and needs.

IF I DON’T BRING A DOG, WILL I GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH DOGS?

Although you may have opportunities for hands-on experience with dogs, we cannot guarantee it. The majority of our students do not bring dogs yet report the same satisfaction and benefit from the program as those who do.

WHEN WILL I KNOW THAT I’M ACCEPTED FOR FUNDAMENTALS I?

For those not bringing a dog, we routinely approve participants within 24 – 48 hours of registration. Your credit card is not charged for the deposit until you are approved. If you wish to bring a dog, your registration will be pending while we review your dog’s suitability for the program. This may take up to one week. We will not charge your credit card for the deposit until your dog is approved. If your dog is not approved for attendance, we may offer you a non-dog spot in the course (if available).

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COURSE PRICE?

The price includes program tuition, all program materials, four hot lunches and gala graduation banquet. Accommodations, transportation and other meals are not included.

DO YOU ARRANGE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS?

We typically work with a local hotel that offers special rates for Fundamentals I participants – but you are responsible for making your own arrangements for lodging. We will provide you with hotel information when your registration for the course is approved. You are not required to stay at the recommended hotel.

DO YOU OFFER A SHUTTLE OR OTHER TRANSPORTATION?

No, we do not. We suggest that you rent a car since you are responsible for your own transportation to and from the airport as well as between the hotel and the DPC. Many participants organize carpools among themselves for traveling to and from the DPC each day. We encourage these carpools, but do not organize them.

DO YOU OFFER SPECIAL PRICING FOR COUPLES OR FAMILIES?

While we welcome participation by couples or families, we do not offer family or group discounts. The program fee covers only one human (or human with dog).

DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS OR REDUCED RATES?

We may occasionally offer discounts on course fees for various purposes. For example, we offer a 10% discount to those who register at least 90 days in advance. Should we offer discounts, only one discount may be applied to an individual course. The Cesar Millan PACK Project occasionally makes scholarship grants to qualified individuals. Please visit its site for more information

CAN I GET A DISCOUNT BY VOLUNTEERING OR WORKING AT THE DOG PSYCHOLOGY CENTER?

DO YOU OFFER A PAYMENT PLAN?

We offer a convenient payment schedule. If you register more than 90 days before the course, you will pay $500 at confirmation of registration, $2000 at 90 days before the course start date, with the remaining balance due at 45 days before the course start date. If you register between 90 and 60 days before the course start date, you will pay $2500 at confirmation of registration with the balance due 45 days before course start date. And if you register 60 days or less before the course start date, you will pay the entire course fee at confirmation of registration.

WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?

Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to 30 days before the course begins. If you must cancel within 30 days of the course, we will work with you and schedule you for another session.

MAY I BRING MY SPOUSE, PARTNER OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBER TO THE GRADUATION DINNER?

Yes, you may bring one guest to the graduation dinner for a nominal cost. Please refer to the registration form for details. We will politely decline requests for more than one guest.

IF I AM APPROVED FOR ONE PARTICULAR SESSION OF FUNDAMENTALS I, CAN I SWITCH TO ANOTHER ONE?

We will do our best to meet your request, but cannot guarantee space in a particular session other than the one where you originally registered.

WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO MEET YOUR REQUEST, BUT CANNOT GUARANTEE SPACE IN A PARTICULAR SESSION OTHER THAN THE ONE WHERE YOU ORIGINALLY REGISTERED.

We will do our best to meet your request, but cannot guarantee space in a particular session other than the one where you originally registered.

DOES TRAINING CESAR'S WAY OFFER OTHER TRAINING PROGRAMS? HOW CAN I SIGN UP?

Yes, we do! We offer a number of six-week (one meeting per week) Training Courses taught by Cesar’s trainers at the California and Florida DPCs. Topics include Mastering the Walk, Socialization, Obedience — even Search and Rescue! Check out the Courses here.

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