Some people inherit money; I inherited knowledge: knowledge from my father and also from his father. Since the same rules, boundaries and limitations were taught to me from two generations, it reinforced each lesson they taught me. My father and my grandfather played important roles in my development. Without them, I would not be the man I am today.
My father was a big influence on my life. As a child, he called me "The Champion" and carried me around like a trophy. He gave me the pride and motivation to push myself to become the best I can be.
My grandfather passed along his understanding of Mother Nature to me. Through watching him interact with the dogs on the farm, I learned much of what I know about dog psychology.
I hope to share my inheritance with my two sons, Calvin and Andre. Humans, like dogs, are a pack-oriented species. I teach my boys that taking care of others is really about taking care of yourself. If you are selfish, you will feel incomplete and lonely; only by giving to others will you really feel good about yourself.
To me, being a good friend, being a good dog owner, and being good to Mother Nature -- these are all parts of being a good father. I hope that, through my example, I can add the knowledge from my own life experience to the inheritance I pass along to my children.
Stay calm and assertive!
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Cesar Millan is a best-selling author, a much-in-demand public speaker, a branded pet care product designer/entrepreneur and, not least of all, international star of Nat Geo WILD's "Cesar 911" and original host of the "Dog Whisperer" program. For more information, visit CesarsWay.com.