5 things you didn’t know about Cesar Millan, ‘the dog whisperer’

Caucus Hispano honors Cesar Millán

They award him the Medal of Excellence

He is internationally known for his dog training techniques

Cesar Millán, best known as ‘The Dog Whisperer,’ was recognized by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute of the United States.

The Mexican received the Medal of Excellence in Arts, Entertainment, Media, Music, and Sports, as reported by the Efe news agency.

These awards are the highest honors that the Caucus bestows upon Hispanics who contribute to American society and civic leadership.

Millán, 52, originally from Culiacán, gained national and international fame with his TV program «The Dog Whisperer,» which aired from 2004 to 2012.

He is the top Hispanic dog trainer in the USA

César Millán, the Dog Whisperer/PHOTO: Shutterstock

Currently, Cesar Millán hosts the National Geographic series «Better Human, Better Dog.»

He has been nominated for three Emmy Awards for television series broadcast in over 120 countries.

Millán arrived in the United States in 1990 as an undocumented immigrant and is the author of popular books and videos in which he demonstrates his dog training methods.

What else do you not know about Cesar Millán? Here’s a recap of his career as one of the most successful Latinos in the USA during Hispanic Heritage Month.

1. He discovered his passion at 13

PHOTO: Getty Images

Cesar Millán shared in an interview with CNN how he discovered his desire to become a dog trainer.

«One day, I was going to a judo championship, and on the way, I stopped at the Malecon in Mazatlán and said to my mom:»

«‘Do you think I can be the best dog trainer in the world?'»

«She didn’t even know what that was, but she said, ‘You can be whatever you want!'»

2. He arrived in the USA without documents

César Millán, the Dog Whisperer, with Jada Pinkett Smith/PHOTO: Shutterstock

Cesar Millán decided to emigrate to the USA in December 1991, traveling from his native Culiacán, Sinaloa, to the nearest border.

According to El Tiempo, he had only $100 in his wallet but a strong desire to make a better life for himself.

His first job in the USA, despite not knowing English, was as a dog groomer, where he met the person who changed his life.

Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith’s wife, offered to pay for his private English classes to help him learn the language and get ahead.

3. He opened a center to treat aggressive dogs

PHOTO: Shutterstock

In 2002, he finally opened a center to treat aggressive dogs, and the Los Angeles Times published his story.

This is when National Geographic discovered him and catapulted him to fame with the show «The Dog Whisperer.»

The program aired from 2004 to 2012, with Millán addressing dog behavioral problems and teaching owners to establish effective communication with their pets.

His focus on canine psychology and positive discipline set him apart in his field.

4. He has also excelled as an author

PHOTO: Shutterstock

In addition to his television program, Cesar Millán has written several successful books.

Among these books are «Cesar’s Way» and «Be the Pack Leader,» which have sold millions of copies worldwide.

They have also helped countless dog owners better understand their furry companions.

Other titles include «How to Raise the Perfect Dog» and «Lessons from the Pack.»

5. His toughest moment

PHOTO: Shutterstock

In 2010, Cesar Millán faced his toughest moment: the death of his beloved pitbull, Daddy.

Additionally, during that same time, his then-wife and the mother of his two children asked for a divorce.

Millán revealed that he went through a severe depression and even had suicidal thoughts.

After facing his darkest moment, Cesar returned in 2018, renewed and with a new show on Disney+: «Better Human, Better Dog.»