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.
FAQs
Who teaches the course?
Where are the courses held?
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?
IF I BRING A DOG, DO I HAVE TO BRING A CRATE?
WILL PARTICIPATING IN FUNDAMENTALS I RESOLVE MY DOG'S MISBEHAVIOR OR ISSUES?
IF I DON’T BRING A DOG, WILL I GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH DOGS?
WHEN WILL I KNOW THAT I’M ACCEPTED FOR FUNDAMENTALS I?
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COURSE PRICE?
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).