Nat Geo WILD to Air DOGGIE NIGHTMARES Special with Cesar Millan, 11/3

World-renowned dog behaviorist Cesar Millan is back doing the work he feels most passionately about: helping difficult dogs find happy homes with loving families. There are millions of dogs in U.S. shelters just waiting for the right owner to walk in and scoop them up. Sadly, many adoptions fail within in the first two weeks when behavior patterns and dynamics between dog and owner don't gel.

Luckily for hopeful owners, Millan is on a mission to change that. In his new Nat Geo WILD special, Cesar Millan: Doggie Nightmares, premiering Sunday, November 3, 2013, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, he follows two households as they take the giant leap of adopting a new dog and walks them through the process, guiding them in the right direction.

The Nightmares:

First, a family's four-year-old son says he's ready for his very own pet, but with an existing dog in the house, not to mention an infant, his dream rescue soon turns into a doggie nightmare when the new pet lashes out and the boy retaliates. Next, a mother and daughter want to adopt a companion for their misbehaving Yorkshire terrier, but end up with a mutt with serious potty training issues and a crippling fear of the stairs.

The Investigation:

Millan lays down the framework for a trial adoption. The prospective owners have two weeks to get trained and ready to provide a forever home. Each of the families' houses are tricked out with a high-tech surveillance system that captures everyone's behavior and gets a clear picture of the situation. The surveillance offers a raw and real look at the natural dynamic between dog and owner when they aren't focused on performing for the cameras, often with surprising results.

The Process:

Halfway through the trial, both families meet with Millan to evaluate their progress in a state-of-the-art training center. He reviews the tapes to point out exactly what mistakes they made in these critical first few days. Then, Millan works his magic, identifying the problems and offering solutions before it's too late. Just when these pups' new parents are ready to throw in the leash, Millan offers them hope in the form of hands-on training and practical advice.

The Verdict:

Both families see huge improvements when Millan is around, but can they implement his advice at home? Watch the situations transform as a new relationship emerges between dog and owner. Some problems get better, while others are still a challenge. At the end of the two weeks, the families meet with Millan again to make a final decision. Can he turn these doggie nightmares into lifelong bonds, or are some relationships just not meant to be? Find out as the owners decide to either cement the adoption or hand Millan the leash and walk away.

Cesar Millan: Doggie Nightmares is produced for Nat Geo WILD by Ping Pong Productions. For Ping Pong Productions, co-executive producer is Josh Gates and executive producers are Brad Kuhlman and Casey Brumels. For Nat Geo WILD, executive producer is Jenny Apostol, senior Vice president of development and production is Janet Han Vissering, and executive Vice president and general manager is Geoff Daniels.

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