Dog Whisperer

Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan is a reality television series that featured dog trainer Cesar Millan's work with problem dogs. The series ran for nine seasons, from September 13, 2004, to September 15, 2012. Episodes of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan featured guests' problem dogs, introduced through documentary-style footage, and an interview with the owners. Millan offered suggestions on how the owners could become their pet's "pack leader," consistent with the theory that dogs are pack animals. He used behavior modification techniques and the philosophy that exercise, discipline, and affection are required "in that order" for dogs to be healthy and balanced. The series premiered on September 13, 2004, on the National Geographic Channel in half-hour episodes. In 2005, it was expanded to one hour and moved to prime time. In 2011, the series aired its seventh season broadcast in more than eighty countries worldwide. Produced by Sheila Emery and Kay Sumner in association with MPH Entertainment, Inc., the program had an estimated audience of 11 million American viewers per week. A number of entertainment-industry professionals have appeared on the program, including Virginia Madsen and Jada Pinkett Smith. On June 5, 2014, Litton Entertainment announced a family-oriented revival/spinoff of the show, Dog Whisperer: Family Edition, which aired on The CW Saturday mornings as part of Litton's One Magnificent Morning block. It began on October 4, 2014, and aired for three seasons, ending in May 2017. In 2019, all rights to the series were formally transferred to Dog Whisperer Productions. The library of over 160 episodes is jointly owned by Kay Sumner, Sheila Emery, and Melissa Jo Peltier. David Segura joined the executive team following the departure of Emery. Dog Whisperer Productions is the sole owner and operator of the series and manages all distribution and licensing of the library. Until 2022, international distribution was handled by Rive Gauche Television. Following Rive Gauche's bankruptcy filing on December 19, 2022, Dog Whisperer Productions began managing the library directly. The company now partners with Cineverse for digital and streaming distribution across the U.S., Canada, and select global territories.