By Jonathan Burton, Special to the Register

NEW HAVEN — Was there a rock star in New Haven Tuesday?

No, but Cesar Millan, host of television’s “Dog Whisperer,” got star treatment during his appearance at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale.

Folks crowded to get close to photo sessions, and there were many autographs and lots of applause as the man made famous by the National Geographic Channel talked about his favorite topics: exercise, discipline and affection for canine members of the family.

But it was the “Mutt-i-gree Curriculum” that Millan was also in the city to tout.

“The curriculum aims to enhance children’s self and social awareness, relationship skills, and ability to make ethical decisions that benefit people, animals and the environment,” said Matia Finn-Stevenson, director of Yale University’s School of the 21st Century.

The School of the 21st Century, also known as 21C, and the Pet Savers Foundation developed the curriculum

John Stevenson, president of the North Shore Animal League America and managing director of the Pet Savers Foundation, said the Mutt-i-gree Curriculum targets students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

According to a statement, the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation “graciously” funded the initial phase of the Mutt-i-gree Curriculum.

Providing healthy information to kids at a young age, Millan said, can prevent children from being hurt by dogs, and children from hurting dogs. Continued...

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Americans love dogs but some people really don’t know how to relate to them, according to Millan. “The Mutt-i-gree Curriculum will teach children at a young age how to relate to dogs,” he said.

Millan said the situation with NFL superstar Michael Vick, for instance, got him thinking about ways to teach people why dog fighting is wrong.

“You don’t blame an individual,” Millan said. “You create a solution.”

According to Millan and Stevenson, the Mutt-i-gree Curriculum is a solution. “This program is going to also educate kids about adopting dogs from shelters,” said Millan.

A major aim of the Pet Savers Foundation and North Shore Animal League America is to get dogs, especially mixed breeds, adopted, Stevenson said.

“We want people to realize that the mixed breed animal is just as lovable, valuable and smart as the purebred,” said Stevenson.

Allison Rivera and Kelly O’Leary, two representatives from St. Martin de Porres Academy, a middle school in New Haven, attended the panel discussion Tuesday.

“To hear these ideas of what works with animals, that’s what works with children,” O’Leary said. “So it makes a lot of sense.”

The schools teaching the curriculum do not have to use a real dog, Finn-Stevenson said.

“They can use a plush puppet as an instructional aide,” she said. “The children love the puppets.” Continued...

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Finn-Stevenson said lessons include role play, arts and crafts projects, games, as well as books and videos highlighting Mutt-i-grees.

Millan said his foundation leads everything for him. Though he has a television show and a full calendar, his belief in “giving back” made it possible for him to be present Tuesday.

“I’m a big believer in paying it forward,” Millan said. “That’s what’s important to me.”

Jonathan Burton is a Register intern.

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