STUDIO TRAINER/ANIMAL ACTOR FAQS
- How do I get my dog into show business?
Your pet must be well trained to be eligible for any entertainment work – even still photos. Hollywood Paws offers comprehensive workshops and also serves as an agency for animal actors. You can try to contact local film animal trainers without taking these steps, but it’s unlikely that they will be interested in your dog.
- How well-trained does my dog have to be?
A dog can never be too well trained for the film business. To be considered for film, TV or even a photo shoot, an animal must be solid on all off-leash basic obedience – with distractions. The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizenship test is a good measure; a dog with CGC certification has a foundation to begin training for entertainment. HollywoodPaws classes emphasize specific behaviors that are not found in your basic obedience school, which is why it’s the perfect place to prepare your dog for possible work in film, TV and commercials.
- How do I find an agent for my dog?
There’s no such thing as a “true” animal agent. As with a human agency, there are schools, like HollywoodPaws, that help train owners and their dogs to prepare for film work and then promote and market these animals. Other film-animal companies generally have their own kennels and rarely use private pets. There are exceptions, but your pet must be extremely well trained and unique to merit consideration.
- What are the basic tricks dogs need to know to become actors?
Solid off-leash obedience with heavy distractions, as well as basic film behaviors, like “go to a mark,” “head down,” “speak,” “on your side,” “go with,” etc. HollywoodPaws classes can provide a foundation in all of these and much more.
- What are the most popular breeds used in films, TV and commercials?
golden retrievers, yellow labs, border collies, Jack Russell terriers and bulldogs are all popular breeds. But scripts frequently call for an unexceptional-looking mutt. What’s more, breed popularity tends to follow fads; a trainer might go for two years without a single call for Huskies and then get five Husky jobs in one month.
- At what age can a dog start training for entertainment?
As early as eight weeks old. But dogs can begin learning as adults.
- I have the cutest dog. What are his chances of becoming a star?
Directors often choose dogs for their look, but a dog cannot be submitted for any kind of role or shoot unless he or she is very solid with all off-leash obedience behaviors and basic film behaviors. HollywoodPaws workshops offer the required foundation.
- How do we know dogs are treated well and work under safe conditions on set?
The American Humane Association watches over all animal action on film sets. They are there to ensure that producers, directors and others don’t pressure the trainer to jeopardize a dog’s safety. Professional trainers welcome the AHA rep on set, because his or her presence helps keep the dogs safe.
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CONVENTIONAL TRAINING FAQS
- Why should I train my dog?
Even if you aren’t planning to turn your dog into a movie star, you’re still going to want a well-mannered pet. That perfect, naturally potty-trained dog who never does anything wrong is rare indeed. Training will give you a very well-behaved pet – as well as establish you as the alpha dog, the leader of the pack at home, in a fun way. It will help forge a strong, trust-based bond between you and your pet.
- How do I get my dog to stop peeing on the rug, chewing the sofa, barking and/or jumping on people?
Most pet behavior problems result from a lack of consistency and discipline in the home. Like kids, dogs need to know their boundaries; when we coddle our pets and fail to hold them to consistent rules, they get confused and act out – expressing their desire for clearly defined limits. Crate training can help with potty training, for example. HollywoodPaws classes help address these behavior issues. It all boils down to being the alpha dog in your home and giving your dog fair, consistently applied rules and boundaries.
- I have a rescue dog – what do I need to know to train her?
Most rescue dogs come with some baggage or behavioral issues. But once she settles in at home, our positive, treat-based and fun training can help build a strong bond between you.
- Do you have advice for integrating new animals with my older pets?
Take it slow – and introduce them in a neutral place, if possible. Also, respect the first pet’s place in the home; don’t put the new puppy in an established pet’s favorite bed or let him play with the older animal’s favorite toys. Make sure to give equal attention to older pets, so they don’t feel they’re being replaced.
- What’s the proper collar for dog training?
It’s a good idea to start with a nylon or leather buckle collar and see how they do. If they’re unresponsive, it’s sometimes appropriate to switch to a choke chain – for training sessions only. Avoid pinch or prong collars – they’re quite harsh and tragically overused. Bear in mind that a qualified trainer makes far more “corrections” in training with tone of voice than with a collar.
- I want a dog but don’t know which breed to pick. Advice?
There’s no easy answer to this question. Several excellent manuals offer guidance on the subject, but the bottom line is that you need to do your homework. Are you a mellow person whose idea of a perfect evening involves curling up with a good book? Then a Jack Russell or Border collie is NOT for you; you’ll be happier with a basset hound, a Great Dane or a greyhound. Keep your lifestyle in mind and choose a breed that will complement it.
- What’s the ideal age to start a dog’s training?
The best time to start is around eight weeks of age. Rather than waiting for bad habits to emerge and changing them, owners are best advised to create and reinforce good behavior to begin with.
- Why is it important for the owner to train the dog, rather than just sending the dog off somewhere to be trained?
Any good professional trainer can train a dog. But as the person living under the same roof with the animal, the owner will need to reinforce the training. Imagine getting a car without having any idea how to drive it, rather than taking a Driver’s Education course first.
- What do you recommend regarding diet and exercise?
We recommend a complete, balanced food appropriate for your dog's breed and energy level. Schedule regular meals once or twice a day rather than allowing free feeding, so you can monitor your dog's food intake. A regular exercise regimen is important for both you and your pet. A daily walk, a romp at the beach or dog park, ball- or Frisbee-chasing sessions and other activities are important contributors to health and well-being.
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