Fear of Dogs

I’m a very strong believer that you don’t always get the dog you want; you get the dog you need. And even if the dog doesn’t work out for you, you still take something from the experience.

Chinese Crested Louis was a dog we rescued in Texas. We had traveled to the Lone Star State for a seminar, and it was there that I was offered this unique-looking dog. Louis had been rejected by his previous owners and was found on the freeway. He seemed fragile and very skittish, but my wife Ilusion immediately took a liking to the dog. I knew I could help him achieve balance. So, we rescued him.

Fast-forward two years later. I met a man named Ernesto who suffered from cynophobia: the fear of dogs. The two of us had been working on alleviating his fear and were even progressing to the point where I was able to bring a few of my dogs around Ernesto. When his kids came to the center, Louis gravitated to them right away, behaving calmly and submissively, like a balanced dog is supposed to.

Eventually, Ernesto and his family went looking for the perfect dog, and I felt that the chemistry and the energy between Louis and the Robles family worked. The next step was to convince my children to do what we do as a rescue group; you love them, but you also have to learn to detach from them. Louis came into our family for a reason. Now he was ready to be a balanced gift for others.

Categories: S4:Ep:425 Fear of Dogs
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21 Comments

Congrats for helping the dog, and the family.

We're all proud of you and yout team.

John.

I thought this was a fantastic episode and it was so poignant regarding what role our dog plays in our family.

It takes a great amount of love and sacrifice to let a canine family member go to someone who needed Louis more than Cesar's family. I have never looked up to any celebrity with one exception: Cesar Millan. I have the utmost respect and admiration for what you do for animals and how you train people. You are my hero!

Cesar..you and your family have topped yourselves..after two years I am sure that as a member of your family Louis will be missed..but you have all given generously to another..and Louis will continue that giving..

I believe that what goes around comes around..and I sincerely believe you will all recieve many blessing in return..

Thanks Cesar..

Being a breeder of chinese Crested, I was very happy to see louis featured on this DW episode.Nice to see a handsome Chinese Crested. Louis is proof that all Chinese Cresteds are not ugly. I would like to see an update on how the Robles family is doing with Louis.

I watched this show last night and I was in tears at the conclusion. I don't think that Ernesto was ready to take Louis nor did he deserve him. When he asked if the was an "outside dog" or an "inside dog," it was clear to me he had no personal desire to have a dog in his life. It was his kids who were promoting the idea. To think it would be fair to put Louis in the yard to live a solitary life, tells me Ernesto and his wife didn't understand what the dog's needs are and shouldn't have a dog, at least at this time.

Hi ceaser,
My family and I love your show. We have a dog that named Roxy and she charges at dogs when she see's them. Also when we go on a short walk Roxy barks and tries to go after the person. Thats are promblem with our dog. Do you have any suggestions we could use?

Aww, what a sweet story. I hope Ernesto and his family are doing well and I wish them the best of luck.

I was so moved by this episode! I related to Ernesto(as I have a snake phobia that bad). Cesar...you are the BEST! You helped me save my dog. I am forever greatful!

I have to say that this is probably the episode that has touched me the most. The other episode that touched me like this was with AJ and Sparky.
Cesar, you do more than rehabilitate dogs and train people, you change people's whole lives. You help humans conquer their fears. What an amazing human being you are and equally amazing and giving is your beautiful family. I felt every minute of this episode as I always do and I thank you for contribution to this world. You make it a better place not just for dogs, but humans too.

To cross the bridge to acceptance from fear is an extraordinary accomplishment for most people and the crossing of that bridge is often not able to be accomplished. Emesto conquered his fears with a selfless bravery that is to be commended, but it is clear to me that Cesar being the guiding light was the only way it would happen. I believe Emesto realizes that and his gratitude was very apparent. I only hope that Louis does not have distress from the separation from Cesar’s pack. There will never be any doubt in my mind that Cesar is the living patron saint of the canine world.

I just wanted to say that the situation with Louis is just like a parent and a child, you teach them all you can and sometimes they leave to move on in their life. When Louis went to a new home where he was needed and could share all that you have taught him he is spreading the joy and happiness you shared with him with others. Even though he left your pack it doesnt mean that you stop loving him, you have let him move on. Thank you for all you do Cesar and especially thank you for saving all those wonderful dogs and teaching them to be happy and enjoy their lives.

What an amazing show. I sure will miss seeing Louis on a regular basis now that he has his forever home.

I am soooo happy for both Ernesto and Louis. I too had (have) fear of dogs, even though I have a dog. This episode did help me with dogs that are restrained. I would like to see or hear information about the loose aggresive dogs I'm doing my best with what I know from Cesar. Many thanks.

I will miss not seeing Louis on future shows. I think Cesar did a good job of hiding his feelings as he walked away after dropping off Louis. I hope Ernesto and his family provide a rewarding life for Louis.

I'd like to know what is the best line of defense for having a strange loose dog charge you while walking your own dog with the intent of killing you and / or your dog. Obviously a dangerous thing to demonstrate on a show, but nevertheless, any advice could help those of us that could be potential targets on our daily walks. Would love to see this addressed somewhere in the future as well as more examples of how to read dog's different barks. Thanks Cesar for a great show.

hi ceaser, my husband, my three kids, and my shihtzu (PHANTOM OFBTHE OPERAH) watched this episode... yes, my shihtzu sits there and watches your show....my schanuzer mix (SUGAR PIE) doesn't but my shihtzu does... anyway... we watched this episode as a family, and I was in tears when I saw this episode. I have two small dogs, but I am really scared of big dogs. I can relate to how Ernesto felt. When I saw you at the San Gabriel Humane society shelter, my kids and I laughed because two years ago when we brought Sugar home, we visited that shelter, trying to find a dog to fit in with our family, I was terrified when I saw the larger dogs in their cages... I knew that I wasnt ready to get a "PITBULL" or a "ROT" even if it was a puppy. I adopted a small Westie which I fell in love with. she was an older dog who was very well behaved, but I had to take her back because I was not told she had a large tumor on her stomach. I had a really hard time taking her back, but I could notafford to pay for the treatment. Snowball changed my view about dogs, i love my dogs ... but I still have that extreme fear when I see larger dogs. I just wanted to remind you of how your show affects many of us, and learn how to face situations which are not comfortable... You are such an inspiration to many of us here in the city we live in... Thank you

I have two dogs, one elderly(14yrs but very spry), one eight years and neither willing to put up with impolite dogs. My neighborhood has a few dogs that manage to "escape" on a regular basis. I cannot possibly project all the calm assertive energy necessary to control these situations and have found myself and my dogs literally running for our lives. I own my house, bond with many of my neighbors(including the responsible dog owners), and can't afford vet bills from dog fights. How can I become stronger in my calm assertive energy? I picture the wolf but, as soon as a real problem arises I seem to lose my mental state.

I agree with Carol Roman (comment July 19).... I saw Louis back in the pack on Oct 22, 7pm on the episode with Marley and Piper!!!

I loved this episode! Brought me to tears when you gave them Louis! After reading above comments I would like to know if you have Louis back and why? He seems like a great little dog.
I feel that not only do you help dogs and their families, I feel there is a much deeper thing going on. I watch your show as much as possible and have put into practice as much as possible. I have not only noticed a huge difference in the dogs but also in myself and my partner! The whole calm assertive energy thing and the advice about staying present, it is like we have become different in all areas of our lives now because of the dogs and your advice. We have a wolf, border collie cross (Chris) and a beagle puppy (Dixie), now 6 months old. When we got the puppy she was a very nervous timid dog and with your advice i have noticed the nervousness improving dramatically! You should see how we walk together, it's nice, calm and awesome! People stare at us alot and smile. You are not just helping the dogs, I think you help the people who own the dogs more, if they are totally open to listening to your advice and can find a way to be calm and assertive you change them for the better. So thanks we think you are a gift from god!

Thanks alot and

Every since i have started watching Ceaser on Dog Whisperer, i have realized how our attitude can make the dogs react... having said this, i wish that Ceaser had the power to fix the minds of some aggressive humans as well... Ceaser we admire u...

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