Dogs are a man’s best friend. They’ll cheer you up when you’ve had a ruff day, remind you that they paw-sitively have your back and love you fur-ever. But sometimes, your pet needs a bit of extra love and patience to be heard and understood. That’s where Cesar Millan comes in.
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He is a household name, a three-time Emmy-nominated star of several internationally acclaimed TV series streamed in over 120 countries. This year marks the 54-year-old Mexican-American dog trainer’s 20th consecutive year on TV, with his most recent show, “Better Human, Better Dog,” available on Hulu or Disney+.
During the show, he trains both owners and dogs to rehabilitate their relationships, mannerisms, and tendencies. The Dog Whisperer believes that training starts with the human. Often, we blame the dog for acting out, but he assures us this is because we need to “listen.” A dog’s actions are “almost like the dog is talking to you.”
If dogs acted like humans, “there would be a lot of dogs smoking and drinking in America,” he told The Post in an exclusive interview.
- Millan’s Favorite Dog Collar: Halo 3 Wireless Collar with Cesar Millan
- Millan’s Favorite Dog No-Pull Leash: PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No-Pull Dog Headcollar
- Millan’s Favorite Anxiety Vest: ThunderShirt Anxiety Vest for Dogs
- Millan’s Favorite Dog Toy: Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy
- Millan’s Favorite Dog Treat: Stewart Pro-Treat Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats
- Millan’s Favorite Chew Toy: Best Bully Beef Sticks
We need to take a “holistic” approach. The key is exercise and mental stimulation.” He recommends running the pooch out with good old-fashioned exercise and engaging with your four-legged friend through interactive toys.
He provides tips on rollerblading with dogs, training tools, and bully sticks. Read more about Millan’s canine insight and shop his 2024 recommendations below.
Millan’s Favorite Dog Collar: Halo 3 Wireless Collar with Cesar Millan
Pros:
- A portable fence that only requires a collar and a smartphone
- Can use 20 maps per collar
- Tracks your dog’s location from anywhere
Cons:
- Cost may be a barrier to entry
Millan believes you should “never work against the evolution of humankind.” In this case, it’s about society being technologically driven. Therefore, he partnered alongside Halo Collar, the effective dog containment solution.
“The most exciting thing about Halo is that the whole world is going to be able to feel safe, [peaceful], consistent, connected and have fun with their dog,” Millan told the New York Post.
Furthermore, the Halo collar isn’t just a pet tech device but also features built-in training by Millan, connectivity and durability. Essentially, it replaces your dated dog fence, GPS collar, activity tracker and training collar with one product.
This extraordinary collar is easy to use by instantly drawing a fence line on your phone where you’d like to contain your pet. It can hold up to 20 different configurations on one collar. Is it worth the price? 100 percent. Take it wherever you go and keep your dog safe and protected.
Millan’s Favorite Dog No-Pull Leash: PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No-Pull Dog Headcollar
Pros:
- Great for training your dog to focus on your commands
Cons:
- None we can find
Cesar Millan strongly believes in behavioral change and highly recommends the Gentle Leader. Millan recommends you remove the nose away from the ground to keep it focused on you. “Sixty percent of the brain is controlled by the nose,” said Millan.
The beauty of this leash is that it guides your dog to focus on you and your commands by redirecting the dog’s gaze toward you. It’ll help encourage the dog to concentrate on your instructions. He’s not a big fan of harnesses because they allow the dog to lead instead of you leading the dog.
Available in eight different colors and ranging from petit to extra large sizes.
Millan’s Favorite Type of Leash: Frisco Solid Nylon Dog Leash
Pros:
- Lots of colors and lengths to choose from
Cons:
- Not indestructible
“I always have used a simple leash,” Millan told The Post. Great for all ages and stages of life, this durable nylon leash is a budget-friendly option and comes in multiple lengths, from extra small to large.
The dog trainer told us he loves rollerblading with canines and recommends using a 4-foot leash when doing so. He believes it’s a great way to work out a dog’s energy and allow it to be its true self.
Millan’s Favorite Anxiety Vest:ThunderShirt Anxiety Vest for Dogs
Pros:
- Calms your dog
- Proven effective in over 80 percent of dogs, according to the brand
Cons:
- One color
“Thundershirt is great to help with excitement, anxiety and fear,” Millan said.
It comes in a variety of sizes, is recommended by veterinarians and trainers, and helps ease the fear of thunder, fireworks, separation, travel, and vet visits.
Millan’s Favorite Dog Toy: Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy
Pros:
- Balls are easy to spot
- Indestructible
Cons:
- None we can list
Millan explains that these rubber ball dog toys have two purposes. First, their colors were specifically chosen so that humans could easily spot them. Second, they were created to be almost indestructible.
They are also high bouncing, can be used in the water, designed for the game of fetch and are compatible with the Chuckit! Ball Launchers. Find them at your favorite dog store online or click below!
Millan’s Favorite Dog Treat: Stewart Pro-Treat Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats
Pros:
- Great for dogs with sensitivities
- Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Smells good
- Gluten-free and grain-free
Cons:
- Pricey
It can be hard to find the best dog food that vets approve of and that your furry friend finds palitable. Made with 100% pure beef liver and perfect for pups with food allergies and sensitivities, these treats are next-level and are great for new pet owners.
Millan even gave them his stamp of approval saying they are “safe,” have a “great smell” and are “easy to digest.”
Millan’s Favorite Chew Toy: Best Bully Beef Sticks
Pros:
- 100 percent beef
- Helps work out remaining energy
Cons:
- None we can list
“They are great for draining extra energy,” said Millan. “They might be a little expensive, but they are perfect for chewing and releasing the energy from the jaw.”
The sticks are ideal for dogs of all sizes, are high in chondroitin for joint health and are only made with one ingredient: bone-a-fide beef gullet.
Millan’s Favorite Fitness Vest: XDOG Weight & Fitness Vest
Pros:
- Designed to combat obesity
- Can promote calmness
- Lots of colors to choose from
Cons:
- Price may be a barrier to entry
“X fit is for fitness, exercise, and to drain physical energy,” said Millan, and he got it right. It’s better than a dog coat and works your canine to the core.
The vest comes in sizes XXX-small to XX-large, is available in various prints, and helps combat obesity in overweight dogs, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces energy. They may need a proper wash afterward with your favorite dog shampoo and conditioner.
Millan’s Favorite Dog Pack: Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack
Pros:
- Allows your dog to carry its own necessities
- Comes in small, medium, large, and extra large
Cons:
- Price may be a barrier to entry
Instead of putting your dog in a carrying case, put your pup to work with this Ruffwear dog pack. Pack kibble, water, treats, and some personal belongings in this durable pouch and harness. Millan even states that this backpack “helps give the dog a purpose,” “mental stimulation,” and disciplines their mind.
Millan’s Favorite Dog Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
Pros:
- Good for dogs and humans
Cons:
- Price may be a barrier to entry
A treadmill for dogs? That’s right!
“They are great to rehabilitate fear, anxiety and remove excitement,” Millan said. “Also, they are very useful and instrumental for hot and cold weather areas, or for humans who don’t seem to have enough time to take their dog for a walk.”
After its workout, it can enjoy a rejuvenating lie-down on its favorite bed.
Millan’s Favorite Lead: Flat Black Simple Slip Lead
“It is the most natural, simple and profound way to guide, stop and park a dog,” Millan shared with The Post.
The guide is made of durable, mildew-resistant kernmantle rope, doesn’t stretch or bungee, features a spring-loaded metal stopper and is handmade in the USA.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Reporter. Proud dog mom to a Mini Sheepadoodle named Lucy, Emma routinely tests top-rated pet products with her pup to find the best recommendations for fellow pet owners. In search of the best dog food brands, leashes, harnesses and more, Emma taps veterinarians and experts like Cesar Millan, better known as the “Dog Whisperer,” for pet health advice, FAQs and training secrets. In addition to her work at the Post, Emma’s byline has appeared in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.