About Cheri Lucas

In 1999, Cheri Lucas met and began mentoring under Cesar Millan, the famed dog behaviorist of National Geographic’s hit series, The Dog Whisperer. She has appeared on five episodes of The Dog Whisperer and has co-hosted Sessions with Cesar. At public appearances and in private consultations Cheri presents the same life-changing and impacting message to her clients that Millan once brought to her. Through clear, concise, and enlightening demonstrations and effective question and answer periods, she is able to connect with dog owners on a personal level, addressing their unique challenges and reassuring them that their case is not hopeless.

Cheri Lucas has a very unique gift: she has command of the silent, subtle, yet powerful physical language of canines—but more importantly, she can communicate her insights to humans. As a frequent speaker on dog behavior issues, Cheri brings to frustrated pet owners a message that is finally loud and clear--and full of hope.

Cheri’s goal is to put her clients into high gear, as they realize that they are actually capable of having the relationship they’ve always longed for with their dogs. She teaches people to see their dogs as the animals they are, and thus unleashes a power that exists within each dog owner. Her ability to reframe challenges and reveal the basic root of seemingly hopeless obstacles allows her clients to leave with immediately relevant and applicable results.

Second Chance at Love Humane Society is an organization founded in 1994 by Cheri Lucas. Her mission has grown from rescuing dogs one-by-one on her own, to housing and caring for as many as 60 dogs at a time at the spacious, oak-studded shelter on her private property in Templeton, California. Second Chance at Love Humane Society is a no-kill dog rescue program that has rescued and placed more than 3,000 dogs.

Cheri is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and is a contributing editor for NBC Universal. She frequently travels the country giving dog behavior seminars to countless organizations.

Cheri's Philosophy

The primary error we make when relating to our dogs is that we "humanize" them. We forget dogs are a different species with different needs. No amount of playing “mommy” or “daddy” will ever make them our children. They still have canine DNA and are hardwired to be dogs. Once we realize the disservice we do them by not allowing them to be fulfilled as dogs, the task of rehabilitation is made easier.

Dogs are pack animals. They require a pack leader to keep them in line. If the dog perceives that his owner is NOT the leader, then he is forced to take on the leadership role. That's when the problems begin.

Any unacceptable dog behavior can be resolved once leadership is established and exercise and discipline are included in the dog's life. In fact, the ability to resolve a dog's behavior issues really has more to do with the owner's behavior than the dogs!

We encourage you to consider re-defining what love means to your DOG. If you strive to fulfill your dog based on HIS needs, you will be able to experience the possibility of a wonderful, fulfilling relationship with your best friend!