Raising a Dog & Mastering Calm Assertive Energy | Cesar Millan

About this video

Huberman talks with dog trainer Cesar Millan about raising dogs and mastering calm, assertive energy. Millan argues that dogs are pack animals that respond to people’s energy and actions rather than words, so owners must understand hard-wired dog biology and psychology instead of treating dogs purely as human family members. He says real love for a dog means safety and security first, and warns that greeting an excited dog with affection can nurture anxiety: he gives an example of a hospital worker whose dogs, left alone on long shifts, toilet indoors, and whose guilt-driven cuddling on her return, he argues, is making them anxious rather than secure. Millan describes rewarding patience, calmness and an open mind, and aiming for good states of mind such as patience-calm-surrender or happy-go-lucky rather than fight, flight or avoidance. Huberman stresses that the lessons apply beyond dogs, to regulating one’s own energy in human relationships, and credits Millan’s book Be the Pack Leader with how he raised his own earlier dog.

Key takeaways

• Cesar Millan argues that dogs respond primarily to energy and actions, not words.
• Millan says safety and security should come first in how owners show love to a dog.
• Millan warns that affection given to an excited or anxious dog can reinforce that state.
• Millan describes patience-calm-surrender and happy-go-lucky as the good states of mind to aim for.
• Huberman frames Millan’s calm-energy tools as applicable to human relationships as well as dogs.

Episode details: published July 6, 2026 · 308.6K views · 2:38:24 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The science and protocols described are Andrew Huberman’s, presented for education — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your own health practices.

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