NAT GEO WILD GREENLIGHTS LEADER OF THE PACK WITH CESAR MILLAN FROM POWWOW MEDIA PARTNERS
New 12-Part Series Marks First Global Production Featuring Cesar Millan with Episodes Filmed in the U.K., Italy, Netherlands and Spain
28 March 2012 − Nat Geo Wild announced today that it has commissioned the 12-part series Leader of the Pack with world-renowned Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan. In the new series produced by POWWOW Media Partners, Millan combats the global issue of canine abandonment, giving “unadoptable” dogs a second chance and coaching families from across Europe who are vying for the opportunity to adopt these lucky pups. The announcement was made today by National Geographic Channels President Howard T. Owens and Nat Geo WILD Senior Vice President Geoff Daniels.
With countless dogs abandoned across the globe and carrying scars from their experiences that make them poor candidates for adoption, Millan steps in to rehabilitate those dogs whose uncertain futures are threatened with lifelong incarceration or euthanasia. Transferring extreme cases to his Dog Psychology Center — this time in Spain — Millan will rely on his framework dog behavioral expertise as well as his instincts to isolate each dog’s problem issues, reverse bad habits and give dogs the confidence and ability to join their new “pack”. Cesar will employ his “exercise, discipline and affection” method, overcoming hurdles with dogs that are particularly skittish or aggressive to painstakingly rehabilitate each pup at his center and prepare them for adoption.
But, Millan’s biggest challenge may be training the families from the U.K., Italy and the Netherlands who are hoping to give the dogs a new lease on life. Three families from each country will travel to Spain for each episode to compete for the chance to adopt one special pup, and their dog skills will be put to the test. Millan will evaluate each potential adoptee through a series of assessments designed to gauge their canine compatibility — and identify any red flags — before choosing the dog’s best match.
“Cesar Millan’s unparalleled insight into the unique behavior of dogs — and their less-than-obedient humans — has sparked a worldwide phenomenon and transformed the way we understand man’s best friend. Leader of the Pack represents the next step in the evolution of Nat Geo Wild’s relationship with Cesar, and we are pleased to provide our audience with a new franchise from a Nat Geo face they love on a global scale,” said Daniels.
“Being part of NatGeo and Cesar Millan’s worldwide campaign to change the destiny of thousands of dogs and human beings is our privilege as well as our challenge. Cesar’s magnetic onscreen performance, as teacher and behaviorist, has captivated audiences around the world, and now in Leader of the Pack he will also act as a matchmaker creating lifelong love stories, nurtured by interspecies knowledge and highly emotional payoffs,” added Daniel Gutman, POWWOW’s CEO.
Renowned dog behaviour expert and New York Times best-selling author Millan is one of the most sought-after specialists working in the field of dog rehabilitation. With more than 20 years of experience working with canines, Millan has been called “a Dr. Phil for dogs,” and for good reason. He amazingly rehabilitates aggressive, scared, lazy, compulsive and jealous dogs, as well as the families who are usually in the dark about how their own behavior contributes to their dogs’ quirky traits.
“All dogs deserve a second chance; an opportunity to thrive in a stable and balanced environment,” said Millan. “Giving these dogs the ability to live a happy and healthy life with a new family is the greatest reward to working with canines, and I am thrilled to work with Nat Geo Wild on this global partnership.”
Leader of the Pack is produced or Nat Geo Wild by POWWOW Media Partners. For POWWOW, Marcela Campos and Leo Lavazza are series producers and Gregory Vanger Executive Producer. For Nat Geo Wild, Executive Producer is Jenny Apostol and Senior Vice President is Geoff Daniels.
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About Nat Geo Wild
Experience the best, most intimate encounters with wildlife ever seen on television. Backed by its unparalleled reputation for quality and blue-chip programming, Nat Geo Wild is dedicated to providing a unique insight into the natural world, the environment and the amazing creatures that inhabit it. From the most remote environments, to the forbidding depths of our oceans, to the protected parks on our doorsteps, Nat Geo Wild will use spectacular cinematography and compelling storytelling to take viewers on unforgettable journeys into the wild world. Launched in 2006, Nat Geo Wild is part of National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and is available in more than 90 countries and 100 million homes. Nat Geo Wild HD launched in the UK in March 2009, and is also available in Greece, Latin America, Poland, Spain and Russia. Further expansion is expected globally. For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.
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