June 2007

Some people inherit money; I inherited knowledge: knowledge from my father and also from his father. Since the same rules, boundaries and limitations were taught to me from two generations, it reinforced each lesson they taught me. My father and my grandfather played important roles in my development. Without them, I would not be the man I am today.

My father was a big influence on my life. As a child, he called me "The Champion" and carried me around like a trophy. He gave me the pride and motivation to push myself to become the best I can be.

My grandfather passed along his understanding of Mother Nature to me. Through watching him interact with the dogs on the farm, I learned much of what I know about dog psychology.

I hope to share my inheritance with my two sons, Calvin and Andre. Humans, like dogs, are a pack-oriented species. I teach my boys that taking care of others is really about taking care of yourself. If you are selfish, you will feel incomplete and lonely; only by giving to others will you really feel good about yourself.

I often talk about the one area in which my father was an example of what not to do. As a husband, he did not give my mother the support and affection she needed. I saw the negative effect this had on my mother. Today, I work hard to be a good husband.

To me, being a good husband, being a good friend, being a good dog owner, being good to Mother Nature--these are all parts of being a good father. I hope that, through my example, I can add the knowledge from my own life experience to the inheritance I pass along to my children.

I hope that the fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers who receive this newsletter find themselves surrounded by family and love on this Father's Day.

Stay calm and assertive!

Cesar Millan