Cesar Millan returned from a tour of Europe in May of 2011 and the man who teaches dogs, and their owners, about getting along and about life, said he learned a few things himself while visiting and performing in six European cities.
The dog man from the U.S. via Mexico toured in Europe from May 2 through to May 14 of 2011, doing shows in Madrid, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Oslo, Stockholm and Malmo. Six cities in 12 nights doesn't rival a rock band tour but the affable trainer and star of 'The Dog Whisperer' on the National Geographic Channel said he is grateful to get the chance to take his show on the road.
"I feel so lucky and grateful to be able to visit places in the world where people are passionate about their dogs and living fulfilling lives," Millan says on his website. "They want to know about dog psychology and dog training, but more than anything, they want balanced dogs and lives, even if it’s a subconscious desire that they can’t quite put into words."
The Dog Whisperer: Whispering in Spanish
He too, he says, must respond to challenges in his life, as dogs and owners do in theirs to negotiate through successful lives. A big challenge for Millan was the two shows he did in Madrid, Spain, the first two shows of the tour, on May 2 and 3. He found himself extremely nervous about doing shows for the first time in that country and in Spanish.
"I was nervous about the shows in Spain because even though I speak Spanish it was going to be my first time performing a live show in Spanish and I wanted to make sure I did a great job. To be completely honest, I was terrified. I couldn’t eat for a day. But I got over it by just doing it. Like I tell people with dog training and dog behavior problems: just act. Don’t over-think it," he writes.
"For the first show, I felt like I couldn’t even hear myself, like I was dreaming it happened and it didn’t feel real. The show went great and I was happy and excited to do it. I know the Spanish-speaking fans wanted it and have been asking for it, so I was honored to be able to deliver!"
Love for Millan on Loss of Daddy
Another challenge was to tour after the recent loss of his beloved pit bull, Daddy, who died on Feb. 19 at the age of 16. He notes the passing of the dog was not lost on fans and was grateful for the many kind words he received. "The people were so kind everywhere we went and as always, I was humbled by the outpouring of love for Daddy. A woman in Amsterdam even gave me a statue she made of Daddy."
A great plus for Millan was taking one of his sons on tour, Calvin, who helped on stage and, his Dad says, did a great job. "I was proud of him for being such a professional," Millan said. He said that it takes time for him to absorb all that he has felt and learned on his tours and that he enjoys not just the tour itself, but the process of learning.
"Over the coming days and weeks as this journey sets in, I will continue to bask in the joy of the tour and spirit of spreading this message of balance with the world."
Reference Used in this Story:
- Cesar's Way website.
