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Now that the story is a little more up to date, I can tell you how workingwith dogs finally came about.In 2012, I was living in Brentwood, Essex with my new wife, Karen, andher two daughters, Ellie and Melodie. As we had been together for 4 or 5years, we discussed getting a dog from rescue to complete the ‘happyfamily’. Now, as part of my love of anything countryside, nature, animals,and particularly dogs, my attention had been drawn to a series onNational Geographic TV called The Dog Whisperer. Out of Town hadlong since finished, and although there were a few nature and fishingprogrammes on TV, this particular dog-related programme reallygrabbed me. Also, the guy presenting it was quite mesmerising,entertaining, and seemed to have a magical touch with dogs. Enter,Cesar Millan.But back to the idea of getting a dog from rescue. As usual, I waswatching The Dog Whisperer, and at the end of one particular episode, itrequested that anyone considering getting a rescue dog might like to getin touch with the producers of the programme as they were puttingtogether an idea for a new show which involved rescue dogs.Without further ado, I sent an email to the address provided at the end ofthe programme and stated that we were indeed considering homing arescue dog. It was only a matter of a couple of days before I had a replyfrom the producers who asked if I could put together a 5-minute video ofmyself, the family, the home, the garden, and anything that illustratedwhat our family life was like. I dutifully obliged. With my mobile phone inhand, I videoed the youngest daughter leaping around in her bedroom,the eldest daughter slaving over her homework, my better-half gettingdinner ready, and finally, myself in the garden with the chickens,pigeons, rabbits, and vegetable patch. (Yes, even though we lived in afirst-floor flat with a 40x40ft garden, I still managed to bring a little ‘out oftown’, into town.) And in hindsight, my wife at the time was more than9

tolerant of my indulgences. I know it’s too late now, but thank you,Karen.So, I sent off the video and they asked me if they could send round alocal video production company to film the home life more professionallyfor the producers to consider, as apparently, we had been put on the‘shortlist’. They also asked if we could get the kids out of school shouldthey want to use us in the new TV programme. And we answered yes,and yes.And that’s when the roller coaster started.Within 2 weeks, we had been whisked off to Madrid to be included in thisnew show, which we later learned was to be called Leader of the Pack.We knew nothing about the programme. Nothing about the format, whatwe were supposed to do, or any details. But hey, we were in Spain, wehad been booked into a lovely mountain hotel that happened to bealmost empty, the kids couldn’t wait to jump in the swimming pool, wewere getting picked up by car for filming each morning, and of course,the big cherry on the cake we were going to meet my new hero,CESAR MILLAN. I will tell you about Cesar in a little bit.So, on the first morning in Spain, we were collected by a car thatbombed off down country roads to the filming location. We didn’t knowwhat to expect, but it was all very exciting, and the kids were buzzingwith anticipation. Of course, I was calm NO, I was as bad as them!After about 20 minutes, the car entered through a stone archway into acompound that was obviously related to some kind of dog centre. It wasa rural setting in the countryside of Madrid. We were then ushered to anoutside community area where there were tables and chairs, and the filmcrew were buzzing around sorting out the filming schedule, the make-up,and making sure everything was in place. We were eventually told thepremise of the show, and what part we had to play in it. Apparently, itwas a kind of competition to win a rescue dog that Cesar had selectedfor rehoming. In this case, it happened to be a young bouncy black lab,or Lab x, that was having problems staying homed because of hisexcessive excitement and obsession with squeaky toys. Anyway, theformat of the programme was that a young couple, a lady who alreadyhad a few dogs, and us, were to see how we did on trials involving thedog. Basic stuff like putting the lead on the dog and removing it from anenclosure, and attempting to get the dog to relinquish a squeaky toy thatit was crazy about, and little challenges like that.10

The girls thought it was great having their make-up done prior to filming,and although Karen isn’t really the ‘spotlight’ type, I think she enjoyed ittoo. And then we were off to film the first scenes.We were taken to the location of the first scene, we were ‘wired forsound’, and we waited patiently for things to get organised, and thecameras to roll.“ACTION” And off we go!Around the corner comes that familiar figure that I had been watching soclosely at every opportunity for 5 years Cesar Millan.The trademark Californian sun tan, the pearly white ‘glow in the dark’teeth, the stature, the posture, the body movements, and the accent, allexactly like they are on TV. Well, I suppose they would be, wouldn’tthey?Big smiles all round as everyone finally sees the Dog Whisperer for real,in the flesh. and so, the week continued. Filming scenes, interviews, trials, makeup, lunch, back to the hotel for swimming, and picked up the followingday to carry on. I loved it, and if nothing else, I’m pleased Karen agreedto the experience so that we all shared something new. I hope the girlswill remember it as one of the fun times we had.Now, for the man himself, Cesar. We were between shooting on oneparticular day, and I approached Cesar, not really knowing what Iwanted to say, but just trying to make the most of this wonderfulopportunity. In about 30 seconds, I approached and explained in somefumbled fashion, that if possible, I would like to talk to him about ideasthat I had to take back to the UK, and if he wouldn’t mind “Could I have 5 minutes of your time?” I asked. To which he replied,“yeah sure, we can catch up later.”Nothing further was said that day, but we were at lunch the following daywhen suddenly, a voice from the other side of the dining area shouted “Hey, Glen,”I looked over, and there was Cesar, beckoning me over. I didn’t hesitate,I just grabbed my plate of food, abandoned my loving family, and11

navigated my way through the tables to where he was eating. I sat downat his table and he said “So, what do you need to talk about?”Once again, I wasn’t really prepared with any kind of speech, neitherhad I planned what my objectives were, so I just spoke from the heart,and hoped it sounded sensible.I explained that I wanted to return to the UK, and apart from singing atthe weekends, I wanted to move into working with dogs, and basicallycopy what he does. I said I wanted to work with rescue dogs so that Icould help dogs that were running out of chances, and I also wanted toearn a living through solving problems for the general public, just like hedoes on The Dog Whisperer TV show.His answer was to change my life.He said “You have very good intuition, and you could do well workingwith dogs. You just need to raise your skill level, so what I suggest isthat you come to California, to one of my courses, and we can see afterthat. You will have to sort out your own flights and accommodation, butyou will be my guest.”Now, these courses are around 5000 per student.YES THAT’S FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS. EACH!So, as you can imagine, I was pretty stunned. Not just at the 5000 Iwas saving, but the kind gesture from a man I had known all of 5minutes.But as time was to prove, Cesar really is a very kind, generous man,who has an honest, and sometimes spiritual way of approaching life.This persona isn’t just for TV, he really is a great guy. Very thoughtfuland has great humility. And if you think I am bound to say that because of his generous offer,then you would be wrong. Anyone who knows me will no doubt tell youthat I am a bit too honest for my own good, and my mouth sometimesspeaks before my brain actually thinks it through. Honesty cansometimes hurt other people, and I’m one of those who has hurt otherpeople with my opinions and observations in the past. Just being correctdoesn’t excuse hurting someone unnecessarily, and it can come acrossas arrogant or even obnoxious. It is something I have been trying to be12

more aware of since working with the general public, and my apologiesto those I have been less than diplomatic with.Do you remember the TV programme ‘House’, with Hugh Laurie whoplayed a miserable sociopathic diagnostic doctor that didn’t care who heupset, just as long as he could take all the clues and eventually solve theproblem? Well, that was me, but I am working on rectifying it!And the final outcome of the Leader of the Pack Show?The young couple were knocked out of the competition first, and Cesargave them a dog collar to take home.The lady with the pack of dogs won Jet, the Labrador, and so she shouldhave. She had plenty of space where she lived, and Jet would havewrecked our 2-bed first-floor flat.And I got to go to California, and learn from one of the best dogpsychologists in the world.As we say in Essex . Result!13

Here is Cesar and myself during filming of the TV show, Leader of the Pack.If you would like to see the edited episode that my family appeared in,then click on this link and go to the videos on my websitehttp://www.theukdogwhisperer.com/videos/Or the full episode may still be on the internet. It was Series 1, episode1, and was titled, Leader of the Pack ‘Jet Power’.14

I had met Cesar in June of 2012, and here I was, only 4 months later,heading to sunny California. If life is about taking opportunities andrunning with them, then this was a ‘Biggy’ and I wanted to make themost of it. I have never been intimidated by travelling alone orexperiencing new countries alone, but this somehow felt different. Thiswasn’t a holiday, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and notknowing what was ahead of me made me both excited, and also a littlenervous.There is something exciting and invigorating about arriving at a newdestination alone. It’s all a bit ‘James Bond’, if you know what I mean.There are other holiday makers trying to find their way in a new country,and they are looking a little disorientated. Families dragging theirbaggage behind them, while their kids are tripping over their own feet,and grandad is wandering off in the wrong direction. A young couplegazing at their mobile phones while not speaking a word, and a youngdreadlocked white guy with a massive backpack asking everyone wherethey are going in the hope that he can catch a free ride with them.But not me. I can confidently walk straight through the arrival loungewhere there is a guy holding a piece of paper with my name on it, justlike in the movies.“The names Stanford Glen Stanford.”Anyway, enough of the day dreaming. After a 2-hour car ride throughLos Angeles, (where I saw the famous HOLLYWOOD sign and CapitolRecords) I arrived at my hotel, and very nice it was. There were a few ofthe other students staying there as well, so it was nice to share theexcitement of the anticipated experience ahead.15

And so, to the first day at Cesar’s Dog Psychology Center (DPC). Set inthe hills of California, Cesar had purchased this 35-acre plot and was inthe beginning stages of building his dream home, and dog facility.I think there were about 38 of us at this event, and I was later told that Iwas the first English person to attend. So, first episode of Leader of thePack, and first English student in California. Not bad at all. Around halfof the students had brought their dog with them (at an additional 500)and we were using a big marquee that had been erected as a classroomfor the duration of our stay. The first activity on the agenda was a packwalk. We all walked along the trails that wind around the hills, with about8 of Cesar’s dogs and another dozen of the student’s dogs, and guesswho was first to be asked if he wanted to walk a pack alone? Yep youguessed it.My first day at the DPC walking the pack. I tried to look confident!16

And I let Cesar have a go too!And so, our tuition continued. Every day we would meet at the DPCwhere the principals, fundamentals, the philosophy, and the practicalapplication of what Cesar had learned over the years, was passed on tous, the first generation of Dog Whisperers. Whether we understood it,would use it, or be good at it was another matter. Remember Imentioned earlier that there is a vital ingredient you need to possess ifyou want to help dogs? Well, this was becoming apparent on the course,and would also prove to be true with most dog owners that I would meetwhen I eventually started working with the general public. Once again, Iwill save this for a little later when I give you the actual theory and‘hands-on’ advice that is yet to come in later chapters.17

Here is the man himself, imparting his knowledge.18

And me, intently listening to every word.On the second day of the course, I happened to see Cesar coming outfrom a trailer that he used as a changing room. Once again, just like inMadrid, I seized the moment and approached him for a chat. And onceagain, he met me with his familiar smile and happy demeanour.He greeted me “Hey, man, how you doing? You seem to have lost some weight since Isaw you last.”We exchanged the normal pleasantries, and I asked him “Can we have a talk later? I want to run a few things past you before Ireturn.”He replied “Yeah sure, later, though, I have to take the class now.”And that’s how we left it. The next day, just as lunchtime wasapproaching, one of his staff came into the marquee and found me. Hesaid 19

“Cesar wants to see you.”It was like a scene from a large budget Hollywood movie. Maybe Ishould be wearing a toga!So, I made my way to the Spanish style villa he lives in, and approachedthe metal roller gate that is at the entrance to the short driveway, andinto the small courtyard. The gate had a sign for visitors, “No Look, NoTalk, No touch” it read. I had seen it on the Dog Whisperer show, andsomehow, it seemed a little surreal to actually be entering into thishallowed area.Cesar greeted me, offered me a drink and some food that was on thetable, and we sat down to have a talk. We hadn’t long started when aguy turned up to discuss a pond that Cesar wanted to incorporate intothe landscape. So, he leapt onto a quad bike and disappeared off toarrange this latest garden feature, and left me in the company of hisabsolutely lovely girlfriend, Jahira. What a fabulous lady she is.Beautiful, intelligent, friendly, and great company. I was more thanhappy to chat with her until Cesar returned. When he did, I explained tohim my plans on my return to the UK, and asked if there was anything Ishould or shouldn’t do, as I didn’t want to personally upset him, and Idefinitely didn’t want a Hollywood lawyer after me. In his typical style, hereplied “Hey, man. You do whatever you want, and if there is a problem, we willdeal with it then.”Cesar is a very competent businessman, but he still maintains the‘human’ element that makes him very endearing and likeable.And so, the Californian experience was coming to an end, and my returnto ‘sunny’ England was imminent.20

Here is the ga g e joyi g the e d of terparty. And I will let you into a little secret,Cesar is really good at street style da ci g. I was surprised a d i pressed.And here is me receiving my certificate. Another achievement crossed off the bucket list!21

With my head full of plans and goals, I landed at Heathrow airport, andyou could say that I ‘hit the ground running’, as I put the first phase intoaction.First, it was essential that I put the theory into practice. I ran Facebookposts and Google adverts, offering my services as an ‘advanced studentof dog psychology’, and also offered these assessments of a dogproblem for FREE. The response was quite impressive. In total, I visited,assessed, and gave advice on over 200 case studies IN LESS THAN 3MONTHS. I can be very obsessive, but sometimes these character traitscome in useful when goals are to be met. So now I felt a lot moreconfident in my abilities, and I had been involved in a wide array of dogproblems. It didn’t make me an expert, but it gave me a good foundationto work from.NOTE: On the dog psychology courses that I now offer dog enthusiastsin the United Kingdom, I request from students who have completed thelevel 1 introductory course (which is the theory of dog psychology, withdemonstrations regarding dog problems) and the level 2 PracticalApplication Workshop (which is the ‘hands on’ practical side of dogpsychology) to have at least 100 personal case studies behind thembefore moving further with the syllabus. I strongly believe that you needthe correct balance of written knowledge and practical ability to be ableto offer the full benefit to a problem-solving exercise.22

Remember, if you are in the United Kingdom, and you would like tobegin learning about dog psychology, you can see where my coursesare located by clicking below.CLICK HERE to find out more about my Dog Psychology andBehaviour Courses.Now it was time to put my newly acquired skills to the test. Was I goingto sink or swim? Was there actually a demand for my services? After all,if no one wanted to pay for my help, then earning a living was not goingto happen, and I would be out of business before I had even started thebusiness! There was also the consideration regarding price. It is alwayssomething that troubles a new business. When I researched what thetypical fee that some individuals and companies charged, it was quiteshocking. Anything from 40 - 300, and the service they providedvaried a lot from one dog trainer to the next. The stories I have heardsince these early days are even more shocking, such as A trainer who didn’t even see the dog, wrote a 5-page article with advicefor the problem, and charged the client 150 for the service.Come on! Is that really going to be of benefit to either the dog or theowner?And another case, where a trainer locked the dog in the customer’stoilet, then proceeded to flick biscuits through a crack in the door for halfan hour, and again wrote a glossy summary of what the owner should donext.Another 200! And let’s be honest, if no improvement was made, thenno money should have been handed over.And trust me, I have stories that have run up costs of THOUSANDS inan attempt to solve a dog problem. It’s just not ethical.NOTE: If I cannot make any improvement to the situation at all, or thecustomer doesn’t understand my assessment and my strategy, then Ihave not done my job properly, and there should be NO CHARGE. It isas simple as that.23

To continue .I felt I had to offer my abilities at a sensible starting price, and hopefullyincrease the cost over time. So, I started off with free evaluations of aproblem, with the optional follow-up of a correctional strategy for around 50, surmising the dog owner wanted me to begin the actual problemsolving process. There was no time limit, but I always wanted the dog toimprove in an obvious way, I wanted the owner to recognise this, and Ialso wanted the owner to understand WHY I had used the methods Iused, WHY they helped, and that they were confident that it wassomething they could continue to use, to keep moving the improvementforward. It is a template that I still use today, and again, part of thesyllabus that is taught on my courses.Throughout this practical guide, I will be offering ‘Top Tips’ for the dogowners, and for the trainee dog psychologists. Here is the first You will notice that I underlined theword ‘WHY’ in the previouspassage. That is for a simplereason.Because the owner may have researched several ways of solvingtheir particular problem, and as you will no doubt find out, manystrategies

Chapter 2. Meeting Cesar Millan Page 9 Chapter 3. California, Here I Come. Page 15 Chapter 4. Becoming the U.K. Dog Whisperer. Page 22 Chapter 5. It’s Time for YOU to Get Started. Page 32 Chapter 6. Dogs Without Humans, Urban Dogs, and Domesticated Dogs. Page 54 Chapter 7. Follow the Leader.