Rating: - The Happiest Show on TV
I defy anyone to watch Dog Whisperer and not get an uplifting surge of good feeling. The DVD sets make a good gift for anyone who is feeling down. Cesar and the gang* will cheer them up in no time.

The show's typical format might be termed "Better Homes & Gardens, So-so Dogs." Cesar climbs into his fire-engine-red Jeep to make emergency calls at dream homes to help dogs and their owners battle their demons.

The root of the problem is that dog owners do not assume the role of "pack leader." They're afraid of hurting the dog's feelings. Someone has to be in charge, however. It's not a democracy.

Dogs instinctively look to humans for leadership. The dog world doesn't have indulgent mommies and daddies, just leaders and followers. Dogs are not happy in the unwanted role of de facto pack leader in a human house, so they become unbalanced. They can become unruly monsters. They might be fearful, obsessive, aggressive, destructive, or insanely protective. It's fascinating to observe Cesar gently counsel dog and owner alike to assume their natural roles.

The show might get stale if it was just Cesar on one emergency call after another. Blended with these episodes are ones that show Cesar's other public-spirited exploits. He works with dogs rescued from Hurricane Katrina. He helps inmates of a women's prison prepare delinquent dogs for adoption. He helps develop "service" dogs.

An episode addresses the growing problem of unruly dogs and inconsiderate owners at dog parks. It may come as a surprise that there is such a thing as dog park etiquette. The main point: the dog park is not a substitute for the walk. Walk your dog, THEN visit the park. Don't think you can turn your dog loose to run amok while you catch up on phone calls.

The show has plenty of laughs, from the wacky antics of the dogs and Cesar himself as he mimics dog behavior and comical human body language.

Some of the episodes are real tear-jerkers, for example "Scared Sonny," featuring Cyndi Reynolds, who works at a center for humans with special needs (developmental disabilities). She has rescued a Sonny, a feral German Shepherd pup. Cesar helps Sonny conquer his paralyzing skittishness. Sonny warms up to the folks at Cyndi's job and starts filling a role as a therapy dog, or service dog, bringing joy to the lives of the center's clients. As tears well up in Cesar's eyes he says Sonny's story "will stay with me forever." Same here, Cesar.

In one episode Cesar shows two clients his "relaxation space," a special enclosure at the Dog Psychology Center replete with futon, buddha statue, plants, etc. I enjoy these glimpses into Cesar's personal life. I think a lot of viewers are curious. His life story would make a good movie.

I was surprised to see Cesar's relaxation enclosure because I assumed being with his dogs is all the relaxation he needs. Just watch him fixing doggie dinner. Note his blissful look. He seems so at peace and happy mixing the chow with his hands. He's proud of the feeding routine he has devised. You can't get more relaxed than that.

A minor gripe: The viewing experience with the season one DVD set is far better. National Geographic's excellence in photography is easier to appreciate. The season two widescreen format makes the picture look stretched or squashed and throws the framing off.

*Wife Ilusion, sons Calvin and Andre, and several canine regulars including Daddy the lovable Pit Bull.