|
|
Movie Dog Training came to be because of a wonderful lady, Isabelle Brown. “Brownie” to her friends, was a great student. We trained her Dalmatian through all the classes and the two were a great team. Brownie had seen some of the behaviors our dogs did for movie work and said, “Ann, why don't you teach us what your dogs know?” It had never occurred to me --- friends are wonderful, and this remarkable lady set me on a new track that is the most joyous fun!!
I have trained animals, not just dogs, for movies, commercials, or live performances etc. for years. It is what Animal Actors is all about. Because dogs are the most likely pet, and very trainable, we offer this class for dogs and their adoring owners. There are no rules one must follow, so we are free to just have a giggling good time about the whole experience. I got most of my advice from Bill Koehler, who was Walt Disney's finest trainer, back in the days when what you saw on the screen really happened. None of the computer enhancements we see today. Bill was a genius with animals and he accomplished incredible things, which were captured on film --- often with the first take. He and his wife, Lillian were the most generous folks with their knowledge and expertise. I always knew Bill would gladly answer any question I had about how to do whatever was a challenge at the time. If I were limited to teaching just one thing, it would be the Movie Dog Class, because it's such fun and such a hoot to watch the people get a kick out of their dogs.
The Movie Dog Class has a prerequisite of Novice and Open Obedience. We draw on those skills, that are learned in Novice and Open for the things that are taught in the movie dog class. The dogs, and their handlers, are ready to learn new techniques that are entirely different from Obedience competition. I have use a “clicker” forever when working with the exotics. We refer to it as the “bridge.” The clicker indicates to the animal that the response was correct and now he gets paid. You have to pay an exotic, other wise he won't work. Food is the payment, and it works. Dogs, being pack animals, will work because you, the pack boss, asks them to. As far as I'm concerned, dogs are the only non-exotic animals I have encountered. We use food rewards in movie dog work, to a certain extent, as you can get “brilliance” and “expression” no other way. Food can be used, successfully, as a “lure”.
I do not act as an agent for anyone, as “agents” have been a source of contention over the years. Will leave that subject untouched. My students are prepared to offer their skills as they wish. Many have brightened the day for children and adults at hospitals, schools, churches and on T.V. We have several dogs who could play “Sandy” in Annie, on stage. It's all fun, wish all dog owners could have the fun we have with our dogs.