Ep 1. City of Angels

Cesar Millan's Dog Nation season 1 episode 1, named "City of Angels," takes viewers on an adventure through Los Angeles. Cesar, along with his son Andre and their team of experts, embark on a mission to help dogs and their owners thrive in the bustling city.

The episode starts with Cesar's trademark calm assertiveness as he handles a dog that is anxious and aggressive towards strangers. He explains that many dog owners in Los Angeles face similar challenges due to the fast-paced lifestyle and high-stress environment of the city.

Next, the team visits a local rescue shelter and meets a group of dogs that are looking for their forever homes. Cesar emphasizes the importance of adopting dogs instead of buying them from breeders, as there are countless canines in shelters who need loving families.

The team then heads to a dog park in downtown LA, where they witness a common problem that many dog owners face - their dogs being overly aggressive towards other dogs. Cesar explains that dogs often sense their owners' anxiety and fear, which can lead to negative behaviors. He demonstrates how changing the owner's energy can make a difference in their dog's behavior.

Later, at a dog-friendly office space, Cesar and Andre meet with a professional dog trainer who helps companies create a more welcoming environment for dogs in the workplace. The trainer walks them through various techniques to teach dogs proper door etiquette and how to behave appropriately in the office.

The team also visits a doggie daycare facility, where they meet a dog that suffers from extreme separation anxiety. Cesar works with the dog's owner to create a routine that will help the dog feel more comfortable being left alone. Andre converses with the daycare facility's staff to understand their operational challenges of pet-sitting under time constraints.

At the end of the episode, Cesar and Andre head to a popular LA restaurant that welcomes dogs on their patio. While dining, they notice a group of dogs displaying problematic behaviors. Cesar offers his expertise to the owners and then demonstrates how to correct their behaviors in a non-confrontational manner, which pleasantly surprises the customers who are thrilled with the dogs being retrained.

Throughout the episode, Cesar reiterates the importance of dog owners being pack leaders and asserts that dogs ultimately thrive when they receive proper leadership and structure. He also emphasizes the importance of owners understanding their dog's specific needs and personalities and creating a routine that caters to those needs.

"City of Angels" delivers a helpful primer on how to handle many issues faced by dogs in large urban environments while reminding canine lovers of the importance of treating dogs with empathy and love. This episode successfully showcases the remarkable bond between humans and dogs.