The Fame of Dog Trainers on TV

The world of television has always been fascinated by talented dog trainers who can make our furry friends perform amazing tricks and stunts. But have you ever wondered what it takes to become a famous dog trainer like those seen on your favorite TV shows? In this article, we'll delve into the industry standards, skills required, and tips for breaking into the competitive world of commercial animal training.

Industry Standards

Training animals with a clicker is a commonly used method in the industry, considered more humane than other techniques. Positive reinforcement is also an essential part of the process. According to Clifford, a well-known dog trainer, these methods are the industry standard. To get an animal ready for film or television, trainers must ensure their charges know how to hit their marks, ignore distractions, mirror human behavior, and perform tricks and stunts before stepping foot on set.

Skills Required

While being good at training skills is essential, it's not enough to make you a good trainer for film work. Brauner, another experienced dog trainer, emphasized that the two disciplines intersect, and many of the basics of obedience training are necessary for commercial animal trainers to know. These basics include persuading a dog to sit, speak, or shake hands.

Breaking into the Industry

So, how do you become a famous dog trainer like those seen on TV? Clifford's story is an inspiration. She began by rescuing a dog from a shelter and teaching herself animal training skills through research and self-study. With experience under her belt, she returned to companies that had previously rejected her and eventually landed a break.

Connections and Volunteering

Many people start their journey in commercial animal training by volunteering at training companies. Clifford didn't attend Moorpark College's program but volunteered at an animal training company instead. While some companies require employees and volunteers to complete the program, not all do. In fact, all three professionals interviewed for this piece began as volunteers.

New Paths to Success

In recent years, social media platforms like TikTok, Twitch, and Patreon have become popular alternatives for aspiring dog trainers. McElhatton emphasizes that having a solid animal background is essential, regardless of whether it's training-related or not. Exposure to and experience with animals are key.

Becoming a famous dog trainer on TV requires dedication, hard work, and passion. By understanding the industry standards, skills required, and tips for breaking into the competitive world of commercial animal training, you can increase your chances of success. Whether it's through volunteering, self-study, or social media platforms, there are many paths to achieving your goal.

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