Show Photographer(s):
Randy Roberts • Website: www.randyrobertsphotos.com

Elaine Russell Rushton • Website: www.photosbyelaine.com

Dog Reg: GCHB Flintcrest Five Star General CGC TKN [Dog]
Breed: Spaniel (Irish Water)
Handler: Stacy Duncan
Owner: Stacy Duncan & Cat Shelby

Reserve Dog Reg: GCHB Karolaska Guardian Of The Moonlight [Dog]
Reserve Breed: Great Pyrenees
Reserve Handler: Kimberly Kentopp
Reserve Owner: K Kentopp & P Natividad
Breeder: Kimberly Kentopp

Sporting Judge’s Name: Mr. Robert L. Robinson

Total Entry: 358
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHB Flintcrest Five Star General CGC TKN [Dog]
Breed: Spaniel (Irish Water)
Handler: Stacy Duncan
Owner: Stacy Duncan & Cat Shelby
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHS Ramblewood Time In A Bottle [Dog]
Breed: Spaniel (English Springer)
Handler: Lynda OConnor-Schneider
Owner: L Riedel, P Holt, S Perreira & A Oberle
Breeder: Pamela Holt & Linda M Riedel
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHG Simpatico Journey Of Thrills [Dog]
Breed: Weimaraner
Handler: Keith Pautz
Owner: Dr. B & J Rosenberg
Breeder: Jennifer Martin
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHS Atlantics Thunder Road At Ghoststone [Dog]
Breed: Retriever (Labrador)
Handler:
Owner: J Chambers & D Weinman

Hound Judge’s Name: Mr. Charles L. Olvis

Total Entry: 228
#1-
Dog Reg: GCH Justart Majenkir Status Symbol [Dog]
Breed: Borzoi
Handler: Stuart McGraw
Owner: S McGraw, J Spiers, R Cartabona & K Staudt-Cartabona
Breeder: Stuart McGraw, Justine Spiers & Karen Staudt-Cartabona
#2-
Dog Reg: GCH Kimera This Side Of Paradise [Bitch]
Breed: Whippet
Handler:
Owner: Melissa Bates, Cheryl Grubaugh & Erin Campbell
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHB Windbourne Remy Martin [Bitch]
Breed: Black & Tan Coonhound
Handler: Tiffany Skinner
Owner: Shelley Campbell & Tiffany & Shea Skinner
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHB Blythmoor Sheez-Beez Tell Me No Tales [Bitch]
Breed: Harrier
Handler: Megan Honari
Owner: S Allen
Breeder: Margie Dykstra

Working Judge’s Name: Mr. William C. Stebbins

Total Entry: 330
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHB Karolaska Guardian Of The Moonlight [Dog]
Breed: Great Pyrenees
Handler: Kimberly Kentopp
Owner: K Kentopp & P Natividad
Breeder: Kimberly Kentopp
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHS Crivitz Humphrey Bogart Von Diable [Dog]
Breed: Standard Schnauzer
Handler: Tiffany Skinner
Owner: A Shaffer, J Low, W Matthews III & T Skinner
Breeder: Amy Shaffer
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHG Vicdorys Unleash The Dark Knight RN CGCA [Dog]
Breed: Saint Bernard
Handler: Kristen Scott
Owner: V Graves, K Scott, D Jaeger & L Holberg
Breeder: Vicki J Graves, M DeVault & R & S Boldt
#4-
Dog Reg: CH Happyheart Bear To Be Born To Qoncuire [Bitch]
Breed: Siberian Husky
Handler:
Owner: Naomi & George Kahn

Terrier Judge’s Name: Mr. Robert E. Hutton

Total Entry: 172
#1-
Dog Reg: CH Aimhi Head Dover Heels [Bitch]
Breed: Smooth Fox Terrier
Handler: Amy Rutherford
Owner: Amy Rutherford, Barbara Miller & Peter Holson
#2-
Dog Reg: GCH Arbroaths Sagacity [Dog]
Breed: West Highland White Terrier
Handler: Tiffany Skinner
Owner: John Low & William Matthews III
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHG Bachis Play Without Mercy [Dog]
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Handler:
Owner: Alberto Montila & Carol Hafner
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHG LBKs Rebel and Proud Party Crasher [Dog]
Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier
Handler: Blair Aguillard Commisso
Owner: Lacey and Luisma Benitez, Ion Ispas &  Jessica Branch

Toy Judge’s Name: Richard Paquette

Total Entry: 206
#1-
Dog Reg: GCH Wishing Well Bobcats Peace, Love & Pixie Dust [Dog]
Breed: Brussels Griffon
Handler: Patricia Keenan
Owner: Patricia A Keenan, Paul Catterson & Edward Boyes
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHB Dunkirk Just One More Time [Dog]
Breed: Pekingese
Handler: Tim Reese
Owner: L. Delgado, JC DeLuna, T Reese & R Winters
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHB Touches Judgement Call [Dog]
Breed: Japanese Chin
Handler: Rowan Baggenstos
Owner: Dale Martenson
#4-
Dog Reg: CH RMB World Outrageously Vain [Bitch]
Breed: Shih Tzu
Handler:
Owner: Noriko Yamada

Non-Sporting Judge’s Name: Ekarat Sangkunakup

Total Entry: 216
#1-
Dog Reg: CH Treasure & Tramac Absolutely In The Spotlight [Dog]
Breed: Dalmatian
Handler:
Owner: Crystal Beam, Meg Callea & Jennifer Meisch
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHB Djbs Hooray For Hollywood [Dog]
Breed: Boston Terrier
Handler: Luke Baggenstos
Owner: Jeanne & Dennis Bertsch & Theresa Janzen
#3-
Dog Reg: GCH Emerald Citys Midnight Hour [Dog]
Breed: American Eskimo Dog
Handler:
Owner: K Oliversen
Breeder: Kris E Oliversen
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHG Dv9k9s Talvi Lahja [Dog]
Breed: Finnish Spitz
Handler: Tony Carter
Owner: W Whiteley
Breeder: Michelle Leathers & April C Bruce

Herding Judge’s Name: Mr. Charles L. Olvis

Total Entry: 240
#1-
Dog Reg: GCH Mistybrooks Panic At The Disco [Dog]
Breed: Shetland Sheepdog
Handler:
Owner: Jan Williams
#2-
Dog Reg: GCH Moxies Rockrolla [Dog]
Breed: Collie (Rough)
Handler:
Owner: Melinda Barber
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHB Remedys Perfectly Paired BN RN CGC [Bitch]
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Handler:
Owner: Katie Knudtson
#4-
Dog Reg: GCH Sugarok Magic Mike UD MX MXJ MJB NF [Dog]
Breed: Finnish Lapphund
Handler: Lesli Smith
Owner: L Paglini & B Barnett
Breeder: Linda Marden

Please note these results are not official and may be subject to change once official results are submitted to AKC.
The Canine Chronicle is not responsible for any errors or inadvertent omissions in the information reported on this site.
All information on www.caninechronicle.com is the sole property of The Canine Chronicle and Endeavor Publications, Inc. Reproduction of contents,either whole or in part is not permitted without consent of the publisher.

WeBuildU is located in Ames, Iowa and builds life sized statues of people and dogs made entirely out of LEGOs.

Since Westminster, Chris has been busy creating more life sized dogs out of LEGOs. He shared some of his recent projects with us which include a Papillon and Terrier. Check out his awesome work below!

Show Name: Champaign Illinois Kennel Club
Location: Springfield, IL
Show Date: Saturday, April 27, 2019
Total Entry: 618
Best In Show Judge: Mrs. Lorraine Bisso
Show Photographer(s):
Robert Skibinski • Email: skibinski2@aol.com

Dog Reg: GCHP Cinnibons Bedrock Bombshell [Bitch]
Breed: Boxer
Handler: Michael Shepherd
Owner: K & C Robbins, B Wagaman & D Caywood
Breeder: Bonnie Wagaman & Nicole Manna

Reserve Dog Reg: GCHS Dawin Steal My Heart [Dog]
Reserve Breed: Poodle (Standard)
Reserve Handler: Sarah Perchick
Reserve Owner: L Campbell
Breeder: Linda Campbell

Sporting Judge’s Name: Mr. Carl Gene Liepmann

Total Entry: 88
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHG Chesterhope Never Ask Why For Daykeyne [Dog]
Breed: Pointer
Handler: Mark Bettis
Owner: T Buckley
Breeder: Diane O’Neill
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHG Brightwater Gilchrist Dreaming Out Loud [Dog]
Breed: Spaniel (English Springer)
Handler: Robin Novack
Owner: E Fink, T Lowe, N Siver & C Racey
Breeder: Nancy Siver, Dr. Erin Kerfoot, Mrs. Ruth Kirby & Kathie Milne
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHS Summits DonT Cry Over Spilled Milk [Bitch]
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Handler: Beth Johnson
Owner: B Johnson & G Dinges
Breeder: Beth Johnson, Jeff & Kathy Sedivec & George Dinges
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHG Silhouettes Spellbound [Dog]
Breed: Weimaraner
Handler: Michael Pitts
Owner: C Cassidy
Breeder: Cindy Cassidy

Hound Judge’s Name: Mrs. Debbie Campbell-Freeman

Total Entry: 80
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHS Crown Jewel Valetina Of Majenkir CA [Bitch]
Breed: Borzoi
Handler: Alfonso Escobedo
Owner: J Durdin
Breeder: Jean Durdin
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHS Hunderbar Hundeleben Druids Fluid SL [Dog]
Breed: Dachshund (Longhaired)
Handler: Carlos Puig
Owner: C Taylor & C Puig
Breeder: Mary Feibert & Amber Leonard
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHS Elgwood N Highpoints Summit [Dog]
Breed: Norwegian Elkhound
Handler: Paul Catterson
Owner: K Molloy & D Weeks
Breeder: Donna Weeks
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHG Hajjis Dancing In The Moon Light JC [Dog]
Breed: Saluki
Handler: Gerry Thornton
Owner: G Thornton, L May & M McCowen
Breeder: Lori May, Gerry Thornton & Marinell McCowen

Working Judge’s Name: Mrs. Patricia Sosa

Total Entry: 118
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHP Cinnibons Bedrock Bombshell [Bitch]
Breed: Boxer
Handler: Michael Shepherd
Owner: K & C Robbins, B Wagaman & D Caywood
Breeder: Bonnie Wagaman & Nicole Manna
#2-
Dog Reg: GCh Edera Glacier The Power of Mone [Bitch]
Breed: Kuvasz
Handler: Caroline Clegg
Owner: C & M Clegg & M Arechaederra
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHP Elbas Aristo Presto BN RN CGCA [Dog]
Breed: Saint Bernard
Handler: Melody “Snooki” Salmi
Owner: L & E Baker
Breeder: Yvette Foster
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHG Von Engels Designated Driver From Indian Hill [Dog]
Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog
Handler: Kasey Von Engel
Owner: S & K Von Engel & D Reams
Breeder: Joanne Gerow & Sherry & Kasey Von Engel

Terrier Judge’s Name: Mrs. Debbie Campbell-Freeman

Total Entry: 48
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHG Arbroaths Pride [Dog]
Breed: West Highland White Terrier
Handler: Shari Boyd
Owner: J Low & W Matthews
Breeder: John Low M.D. & William Matthews M.D.
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHB Moxxy Shandalee Hello Gorgeous [Bitch]
Breed: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Handler: Laura King
Owner: D Sealy & N Bailey
Breeder: Sue & Harvey Goldberg, Dawn Sealy & Nancee Bailey
#3-
Dog Reg: GCH Abberann Black Velvet Band By Galore [Bitch]
Breed: Glen of Imaal Terrier
Handler: Carlos Puig
Owner: K Murphy, T Nesbitt & K Murphy
Breeder: Theresa Nesbitt, Ann White & Amanda & Van Purcell
#4-
Dog Reg: GCH Meadowlake I’m No Angel [Bitch]
Breed: Border Terrier
Handler: Amanda Myers
Owner: K Fitzpatrick
Breeder: Karen Fitzpatrick & Patty Martin

Toy Judge’s Name: Ms. Claudia J. Seaberg

Total Entry: 91
#1-
Dog Reg: GCH Ouachitah Talisman [Dog]
Breed: Chihuahua (Long Coat)
Handler: Carlos Puig
Owner: L George & M Blank
Breeder:
#2-
Dog Reg: GCH Martins Time Bomb Puff [Dog]
Breed: Maltese
Handler: Daryl Martin
Owner: R Kusumoto, D Martin & J Kusumoto
Breeder: Daryl Martin
#3-
Dog Reg: GCH Southdown Ready Set Reign [Dog]
Breed: English Toy Spaniel Bl & PC
Handler: Michael R Pitts
Owner: B Van Deman & G Jones
Breeder: B Van Deman & G Jones
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHS New Years Somerset Single Barrel Batch [Dog]
Breed: Brussels Griffon
Handler: Paul Catterson
Owner: R Pereira, R Vandermeer & R Peralta
Breeder: Keith Jacobson & Rhonda Vandermeer

Non-Sporting Judge’s Name: Mrs. Debbie Campbell-Freeman

Total Entry: 109
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHS Dawin Steal My Heart [Dog]
Breed: Poodle (Standard)
Handler: Sarah Perchick
Owner: L Campbell
Breeder: Linda Campbell
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHP Rivendels Barefoot Bandit [Dog]
Breed: Schipperke
Handler: Christa Cook
Owner: A Halterman, S Middlebrooks & Z & W Truesdale
Breeder: Amy Halterman & Laura Halterman
#3-
Dog Reg: GCH Morninglows New York Man [Dog]
Breed: Coton de Tulear
Handler: Laura L King
Owner: L & E Machado
Breeder: Leslie Machado
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHP Dakotas into the woods [Dog]
Breed: Dalmatian
Handler: John Benoit
Owner: M & G Iwaoka & K Benoit

Herding Judge’s Name: Mr. Carl Gene Liepmann

Total Entry: 84
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHG Marquis Hermes V Kenlyn [Dog]
Breed: German Shepherd Dog
Handler: Kent Boyles
Owner: L Oster & K Boyles
Breeder: Liz Oster & Kent Boyles
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHB Aussberns Show No Quarter “Gideon” [Dog]
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Handler: Megan Hof
Owner: A & J Weber
Breeder: Alexis & Jodie Weber
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHB Mezok Ramanok CD BN RE HT NAJ NAP OJP NFP RATN CGCA [Dog]
Breed: Pulik
Handler: Holley Eldred
Owner: J & I Schuh
Breeder: Diane H Fields
#4-
Dog Reg: Reatas Lambluv Times Square [Dog]
Breed: Old English Sheepdog
Handler: Jere Marder
Owner: J Marder & K Richardson
Breeder: Andrea & Davor Javor

Misc Judge: Ms. Claudia Seaberg
Misc Dog Reg: Cruzyn Butterflies R Free to Fly TKN
Misc Breed: Mudi

Jr Judge: Mr. Luis Sosa
Jr Handler: Erika Nergard
Jr Breed: German Shepherd Pointer

Please note these results are not official and may be subject to change once official results are submitted to AKC.
The Canine Chronicle is not responsible for any errors or inadvertent omissions in the information reported on this site.
All information on www.caninechronicle.com is the sole property of The Canine Chronicle and Endeavor Publications, Inc. Reproduction of contents,either whole or in part is not permitted without consent of the publisher.

Westminster isn’t complete without a new show at the Secord Gallery. We’ve not only come to expect it, this annual ritual has turned us into rather savvy art connoisseurs. Needless to say, it’s also ramped up our expectations.

You won’t be disappointed this time. The inaugural show at the gallery’s new location is a visual delight. Canine Masters; The Nineteenth Century offers a dazzling glimpse of the unmatched bounty produced during that unparalleled era. In terms of subject matter, technical virtuosity, and historical importance, it is justly considered the pinnacle of dog painting.

Although this is Secord’s area of expertise, he admits, “Finding the best quality nineteenth century dog paintings has become increasingly difficult.  We are fortunate, for instance, to have four fine paintings by Arthur Wardle- two of Wire Fox Terriers and two of Bulldogs.  One of my favorites is of the Bulldog puppy watching chicks play in a shallow bowl of water.”

The Bulldog is a prime example of the radical transformation that occurred in many breeds during this period. Much of that evolution has been documented in art. And for that reason, this show will be particularly appealing to students of purebred history.

Among the 24 works by 18 different artists, Secord mentions a few of his favorites, such as Percival Leonard Rosseau’s 1919 Portrait of Transue Bill and Glensale Happy on Point. “The Rosseau is the finest example of his work that we have ever had the pleasure of exhibiting over the years. The English Setter in the front is on an intense point, which the one in the back is honoring.  Having studied in France at the Salon de Beaux Arts in the late nineteenth century, Rosseau’s work is clearly influenced by the masters of the French Barbizon School.”

Toy and Terrier breeds are generously represented in the show, including some wonderful paintings of lesser-known breeds such as Brussels Griffons, Dandies, and Skyes.  Both are depicted in Playmates another of Secord’s favorites. Painted by Maud Earl in 1902, “It’s an impressive size, and characteristic of her best work, showing the interrelationship of the two breeds.”

Another superlative depiction of expression and breed character is captured in A Close Call. Thomas Earl, another member of that celebrated family of artists, portrays a pair of terriers peering down at a rabbit emerging from its burrow. Secord considers it “an especially endearing example. The beige dog is an early Dandie Dinmont Terrier, a breed of which I am especially fond.”

The entire exhibition can be viewed online at www.dogpainting.com. But that cannot compare to seeing the pictures. The gallery’s new location at 29 West 15^th Street is just minutes from the Garden.  It’s definitely worth the trip!

]]> https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/19th-century-masters-on-display/feed/ 0 https://caninechronicle.com/art-entertainment/the-sarah-evans-collection/ https://caninechronicle.com/art-entertainment/the-sarah-evans-collection/#comments Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:35:21 +0000 Amyfernandez http://caninechronicle.com/?p=15976

In case you haven’t spent enough money this weekend, I’ve got a suggestion for you. Before you head home, you must stop at the Secord Gallery and check out the new show. The Sarah Evans Collection opened Saturday and several pieces had been sold by the end of the day. There is plenty to tempt dog lovers in every breed. The show featuring over 100 bronzes, paintings, etchings, porcelain, and some truly irresistible dog jewelry by artists like George Earl and Arthur Wardle.

Bill Secord’s favorite piece is the 25 x 30 inches oil on canvas by English artist Maud Earl. Painted in  1890, it depicts a Field Spaniel in a landscape. He notes that it’s not only beautifully painted, it is a historic depiction of the breed, before it was revised into the leggier, lighter boned type that we are familiar with today.

He describes Sarah Evans as “one of the old guard of the dog world. I was very fond of her.”  Evans was a devoted a Field Spaniel fancier and her dedication to her breed’s history inspired her collection. It initially focused on bronzes and drawings of her breed. Over the years, it expanded to include fine books and artwork featuring many breeds.  Secord explains that “Her art collection formed an illustrated history of her breed’s evolution.  She did not want nineteenth -century paintings of dogs that looked like her modern dogs.  She wanted beautiful paintings of dogs the way they looked at the time.”

This is a dazzling display of gorgeous artwork. Don’t miss it. My favorites include the absolutely precious oil on board portrait of an Italian Greyhound by Edwin Holt, a pair of 1932 Hound and Fox etchings by Marguerite Kirmse, and all of the Greyhound bronzes.

And that’s far from all the eye candy waiting for you at the William Secord Gallery. You will find works of every size in price ranges to fit every budget. The gallery is located at 52 East 76 Street. For more information call 212-249-0075 or visit www.dogpainting.com

For Light Fare and Fine Art –

New York, NY – Bring your ‘best friend’ to the “Barkfest at Bonhams” for a rare opportunity to socialize with a canine celebrity, view exquisite fine dog art and support the charitable works of the AKC Humane Fund, Inc. on Sunday, February 10, 2013 from 10 am to noon at Bonhams, 580 Madison Avenue, NY, NY.

Meet Reigning AKC/Eukanuba National Champion Wire Fox Terrier GCH AfterAll Painting the Sky, affectionately known as“Sky,” before she and handler Gabriel Rangel prepare for their appearance at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

“Our annual “Barkfest at Bonhams” Charity Brunch: A Celebration of the Dog in Art gives dog lovers a chance to experience beautiful dogs in fine art with their own canine companions by their side while furthering the Humane Fund’s mission to provide education, outreach and grant-making to deserving organizations,” said AKC Humane Fund Chairman and President Dennis Sprung.

Wait ‘til the clouds roll by – William Henry Hamilton Trood

Barkfest at Bonhams is an exclusive preview of Dogs in Show and Field: The Fine Art Sale, held February 13, 2013 atBonhams Auction House. This fun event gives attendees time to enjoy a light brunch while viewing the entire collection featuring a wide range of dog breeds before the auction. Featured works include:

• William Henry Hamilton Trood’s 19^th century piece Wait ‘til the clouds roll by
• John Sargent Noble’s 19^th century work titled The Faithful Servant
• Setters in John Martin Tracy’s Dog Talk
• Thomas Blinks’ terriers in At their master’s call

All proceeds from Barkfest at Bonhams will benefit the AKC Humane Fund, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charity promoting the joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach and grant-making. Admission to the brunch is a $50 advance donation ($60 at the door) to the AKC Humane Fund. For reservations, contact AKC’s reservation line at 212-696-8306 or reserve your spot online at https://classic.akc.org/humane_fund/donations/index.cfm.

by Bonnie Buchanan

Have you ever wondered how dogs get to be stars in movies, TV series, commercials, print ads for magazines, billboards and even greeting cards?

Cash, a Norfolk Terrier, would like to share his first experience as a dog model in personal terms.

Even though I’m fairly new to the modeling world I’d like to give you some advice. First, and most importantly you need the right look, a cute personality, proper grooming and you must be able to work under various circumstances. One of my earliest experiences was modeling for an ad campaign for Burt’s Bees® products. No problem, piece of cake, or so I thought. Just sit for a minute, get my picture taken, and then off to the world of sniffing and playing. Boy was I WRONG!!!!

I arrived on set and watched the crew set up for the scene. The make-up artist escorted me into a trailer and fitted me with a really neat costume. It was kind of bulky but very cute. I had to remain very still for the fitting and hooking of all the straps and buttons. We were shooting outdoors and it was very hot, especially in the costume. The director provided me an air-conditioned trailer to wait in so I would be comfortable – which was very nice. Soon I was called to the set and the fun began. I had to sit very still and look up, down, right and left for various pictures. We worked for about an hour and then I was given a break while the crew reset for the next shot. There were lots of cameras, monitors, and special equipment used for lighting and at least 10 crew members assisted with this process. Several more hours passed and then I heard the director say, “That’s a wrap! Great job!” My first job had been a great success thanks to all the preparations and training provided by my handler. Okay, I am going to find me some treats, and let my handler tell you about some of the skills needed to make any dog into a star.

Cash, the Norfolk, is pictured in his ad for Burt’s Bees® products

“SO YOU WANT YOUR DOG TO BE IN THE MOVIES”

Exactly what is a “Canine Actor”? Does your dog have what it takes? So your dog is cute, very photogenic and does a variety of tricks. Not to be discouraging, but those are not the only qualifications needed for the big screen. Here are a few skills every acting dog needs to know. One of the most important canine skills is patience and the willingness to perform the same job over and over. It is unbelievable how many times a scene may be repeated before the blessed words, “That’s a wrap.”

A second important canine skill is the ” Stay” command. In the dog world, “stay” means your dog will stop or halt, and remain in that position until released. Recently, several of my dogs worked on an ad campaign for Thunder Shirts. My Border Collie, Rap, was filmed sitting, standing, and laying down with his head down and eyes shut, This was repeated on various surfaces such as a couch and bean bag chair as well as the floor. He also had to walk forward and then stop and stay in a standing position.

Canine actors should not be sound sensitive, as they will be exposed to all types of sounds and noises. I would suggest taking your dog to as many different places as possible to get them used to various noises. Several years ago, my Golden Retriever filmed a scene for a series of commercials produced by a company in Los Angeles. The company is Nascar World and her job was to ride in a race car with her head out the window enjoying the breeze. You can imagine the noise a race car makes. Of course, none of my dogs are ever allowed to sit in the front seat with their head out the window, but remember this is acting! Did you know that race cars do not have front seats or even doors? One of my assistants climbed into the car and hid on the floor giving the dog support, while I directed her from the outside. I have to tell you it is pretty tough trying to out run a race car!

Rap, on location filming a commercial for Central Carolina Bank

Another valuable skill for a canine actor to have is the “Take it, Hold and Give” commands. Dogs need to understand each of these tasks separately. A good example is when my Border Collie, Rap, was filming a commercial for Sun Trust Banks. His job was to unveil their new logo, which was a huge sign. He had to walk up to the sign which was covered by a white tarp, take the corner of the tarp and pull it off the sign. Immediately, once the sign was revealed, he had to drop the tarp and go stand in front of the sign as if he was reading it.

A fifth skill for an acting dog is to be able to perform before a live audience. This is probably one of the hardest tasks because, unlike movies and commercials, you do not have a second or third take. Liberty, a Terrier mix, was cast as Sandy in the play “Annie.” On opening night, I was so proud of her and she was doing really well. During the curtain call, much to the surprise of the actress playing Annie, my dog decided that all the clapping must be for her, so off she went into the audience to visit. The actress calmly went down the steps, singing her song, and dog and actress had a great visit with the audience.

Your dog must also be willing to work with an actor or actress. To accomplish this, I teach the command “Go Visit.” This is a very important skill to teach an acting dog. The dog will go to another person on my command and stay with that person until the scene is over. The actor may be walking, singing, dancing or just hanging out, but the dog’s job is to stay with him until released.

An often-asked question is “How do I get my first job?” The best way to begin your dog’s acting career is to work with an animal trainer called a Wrangler. Wranglers are people who provide the animal talent for films, commercials, and stills and have all the necessary contracts in place. My dogs work under the name “Bon-Clyde Canine Professionals” and you can get more information and a talent form to list your animal from my website www.bon-clyde.com. There are also animal talent agencies which you can find listed in most major cities. A listing can be found by searching the internet for agencies or animal wranglers in your area. You would need to contact them and see what they require to represent your animal.

Rap the Border Collie on Hollywood Blvd.

Working on a movie set is not an easy job and requires lots of hours, time and preparation before the actual filming. Two Bon-Clyde Canines, Rap and Kaos, both Border Collies, recently filmed a movie called “Sleeping Around”. This is a comedy directed by Leslie Greif from Los Angeles and most of the filming took place in North Carolina and the Hamptons, in New York. The filming was so much fun and the actors and crew were great to work with. However, due to the extent of the action required of Rap, I had to also train another Border Collie, Kaos, as his double. I spent weeks preparing them for their scenes, and filming was required during the day and at night. This will be a movie you will not want to miss.

Training a dog for the world of film involves a lot of work. My training philosophy is to expose your dog to as much of the world as you can. Let the dog become a part of your family and learn how to communicate with your dog in a positive and motivational way. Listen to what your dog’s body language is telling you and learn how to read your dog. No animal can work in Obedience, Agility, Conformation or Acting if they are afraid to make a mistake or try. While on the set for the Central Carolina Bank commercials, I received the most impressive compliment ever. One of the actors, while watching the filming on a monitor, noticed that when Rap, my Border Collie, had moved from his position. I quietly walked into the scene, petted him and helped him return to his mark. This person was so impressed that positive motivational methods worked with dogs. Imagine the stress on actors if every time they forgot a line or missed their mark someone reprimanded them!

This picture was taken on the set of the movie “Sleeping Around”

Training a dog for the world of film is a lot of fun and extremely rewarding. Whether you land that big job or just improve your relationship with your dog it is a win-win situation.

That’s a Wrap,

Bonnie Buchanan