What kind of Puppy should the Obama's get? That's the question on everyone's mind -- including Cesar Millan, the star of National Geographic Channel's Dog Whisperer, who has some advice for the Obamas. When it comes to recommending a breed, Millan echoes Obama's campaign when he says not to judge a dog by its looks. "You could look for a rottweiler who is a medium level energy dog or a poodle who is a mid level energy dog."
Other advice he offers: don't expect the canine to be impressed by the commander-in-chief just because of his resume. "The dog won't know he's Barack Obama and won the presidency," says Millan. "Dogs don't know if they live in Beverly Hills or the White House. They don't know what you do for a living."
The entire family should "play pack leader roles and greet [the dog] in a calm assertive way," says Millan. And because they have such busy lives, Millan suggests a "medium energy level" dog for the family.
Joking about his own background, Millan, who is from Mexico, adds, "In Mexicans we have low, medium or high level energy [people]. So it's not a race or a breed. It's an energy you are born with."
As for what to teach Malia and Sasha about welcoming a new pet into the family, Millan says, "I teach my kids when you meet a dog, no touch, no talk no eye contact. Let the dog come to you. And keep a calm and stay assertive energy."
That calm assertive energy is something Millan sees "coming out of Barack during his speeches" and advises him to maintain it – not just with dogs but with world leaders as well. "Animal leadership and human leadership goes together," he says.
One last piece of advice: "Read my book Member of the Family," says Millan of his latest work, which includes a step-by-step guide on how to introduce a new dog into a family.
--Marla Lehner
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