Was just visiting Cesar Millan's website and saw that he has a new DVD out called "Your New Dog: The First Day and Beyond."

I love his work. It works when I work it. Imagine that.

A couple weeks ago I was off for a walk with Jacky and Velvet and decided that NO-MATTER-WHAT I would walk with them according to Cesar's Way. Although I am a Dog Whisperer junkie I haven't been walking his walk. I've been excusing me and my pups.

Jacky's excuses include: He's a Jack Russell Terrier. Oh course he is hyper. I have to let him run all over the place to burn off the extra energy. He's this way because I don't have a fenced backyard for him to run around in. He's just visiting for a couple days. I can't change anything.

Velvet's excuses ... She's getting old, just let her be. She's been this way for 11 years - can't teach an old dog new tricks. She doesn't pull or jerk THAT much ...

My excuses ... too many to list!

Anyway, on that fateful day I wrapped each leash around my hand so they had to walk at my heels. I pulled my shoulders back, held my head high, keep my focus on where I was walking and relaxed - relaxed - relaxed.

Velvet did o.k. Jacky pulled and whined and squealed and struggled for most of the 45 minute walk. I kept my focus on breathing, relaxing and moving forward. The next day we were out walking for awhile before I noticed my miracle. Jacky's leash was relaxed and he was trotting by my side. SWEET!

... tears in my eyes. It is an awesome feeling to be a pack leader. Even better is the joy I felt at seeing Jacky happy and relaxed vs. anxious, unhappy and straining.

You know how they say that a dog is "man's best friend?" Well, we (starting with me) have to learn, grow and be their best friend.

Final note. Last week I showed Jacky's mom how easy it is to walk Jacky the Cesar way.

Passing it on ...