Best Friend, Bodyguard (Full Episode) | Cesar Millan: Better Human Better Dog

Cesar, known as the dog whisperer, aims to teach people that there are no bad dogs, only misunderstood ones. Despite the world changing and the increase in dog adoptions, he continues his mission to help both dogs and their owners. He emphasizes the importance of the pack code: honesty, integrity, and loyalty. Amanda and Gil introduce themselves as a married couple who adopted Simba during the pandemic. Simba, a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, initially was playful and sweet but developed behavioral issues around six to eight months, becoming aggressive and fearful.

Simba's behavioral issues have escalated to the point where he lunges at other dogs and acts aggressively towards people. Amanda and Gil struggle with the guilt and fear associated with having a dog that is not friendly and difficult to approach. Family gatherings have become challenging, and they worry about the potential need for euthanasia if Simba's behavior does not improve. Cesar offers to help and emphasizes the importance of trust and leadership in managing Simba's behavior.

Cesar meets Simba and observes his nervous and aggressive behavior. He notes that Simba's pet parents are also nervous, which exacerbates Simba's behavior. Cesar advises them to use less verbal communication and more silence, as silence can be healing. He demonstrates how to handle Simba calmly and confidently, showing that a calm leader can help the dog remain calm as well. Cesar also plans to take the family for a walk to further assess Simba's behavior and their handling skills.

During the walk, Cesar observes that Gil handles Simba well, but Amanda struggles due to her nervousness, which Simba picks up on. Cesar teaches Amanda how to walk Simba confidently, emphasizing the importance of a short leash and calm energy. Despite Amanda's efforts, Simba bites her out of nervousness. Cesar reassures Amanda that this is a learning experience and not a failure, highlighting the importance of trust and confidence in handling a nervous dog like Simba.

Amanda and Jay introduce Otto, their mini schnauzer mix, who suffers from separation anxiety. Otto's destructive behavior and inability to self-soothe when alone have made Amanda and Jay feel like hostages in their own home. Cesar explains that the constant attention and codependency created by working from home during the pandemic have contributed to Otto's anxiety. He suggests that they need to establish a state of calm surrender in Otto and address the root cause of his anxiety.

Amanda and Jay perform an elaborate ritual to make Otto believe it's bedtime whenever they need to leave the house, involving curtains, blankets, and pretending to go to sleep. Cesar is shocked by this approach and explains that it's confusing for Otto. He emphasizes the need for clear guidance and calm surrender, suggesting that they should face the situation head-on without creating a false sense of security for Otto.

Cesar invites Amanda and Simba to his ranch to work on building trust. He uses exercises involving other dogs to show Amanda that Simba can be calm and friendly. Through interactions with well-behaved dogs like Sophia, Simba begins to show signs of trust and calmness. Amanda learns that her nervousness contributes to Simba's aggression and that she needs to be a confident leader for him.

Cesar sets up a hide and seek exercise for Simba to use his nose to find Amanda. This exercise is designed to help Simba learn that Amanda can be safe and happy without his constant protection. As Simba successfully finds Amanda, he begins to trust that she doesn't need his protection, which helps in building a healthy bond of trust between them.

Cesar uses the DPC Annex to simulate Amanda's home office and teaches her and Jay how to keep Otto in a state of calm surrender. They practice having Otto stay on his bed while Amanda pretends to work. Cesar emphasizes the importance of clear guidance and confidence in their commands. Otto shows progress in staying calm when left alone, which is crucial for Amanda's career.

Amanda and Jay visit Cesar's ranch with Otto, who has made significant progress in overcoming his separation anxiety. They practice maintaining calm and confident energy with Otto, which helps him stay calm during their sessions. Cesar is impressed with Otto's transformation and the changes in his pet parents' approach. Amanda and Jay express their gratitude for the help they've received in managing Otto's behavior.

Cesar returns to Amanda and Gil's home to check on their progress with Simba. They work on walks and handling Simba's reactions to other dogs. Despite some initial nervousness, Amanda manages to maintain control and confidence. Cesar sets up a final challenge where family members visit, and Simba remains calm, showing the progress made in building trust and a peaceful environment.