more than 75 dogs inside! dogs · dogs’ wild relatives, like foxes and wolves, have ears that...

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A Cobblestone Publication

Woof Woof! Read More!

MORE THAN

DOGSINSIDE!Dogs

Who LetWho Let

Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?Out?DogsDogs

Who LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho LetWho Let

Dogsthe DOGSDOGS

75

~APP_Apr12_Dogs_PASS4.indd 1 2/23/12 9:18 AM

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JOIN THE APPLECORPS!Want to write an AppleCorps Adventure

story? Want to tell us what you’d like

to read about in AppleSeeds? Write to

[email protected]

Welcome!

Now joining the AppleCorps areDeirdre Blackmore and her 4th grade students

from Langley Park McCormick Elementary School in Hyattsville, MD. AppleSeeds asked

them this question:

We have trained dogs to do many things. What would you

train a dog to do for you?Read their answers in this issue.

What’s Inside?

Find every issue of Appleseeds atCobblestoneOnline.net

Indexed and/or abstracted in: Children’s Magazine Guide, Primary Search and Middle Search, Readers’ Guide for Young People, Vertical File

Index and at www.CobblestoneOnline.net

APPLESEEDS STAFFSusan Buckley, EditorJoshua Banks, Art DirectorEllen Bingham, Copy Editor/ProofreaderLou Waryncia, Editorial DirectorAnn Dillon, Art Production DirectorSusan Ring, Rights & Permissions CoordinatorMarcia Amidon Lusted, Assistant Editor

EPALS PUBLISHING COMPANYJason Patenaude, PresidentMark Fagiano, Vice President of MarketingAmy Reisinger, Marketing ManagerTina Derby, Internet Marketing ManagerKaren Dudra, Educational & Institutional OutreachCathy Sutton, Customer Service Manager

Customer Service: 800-821-0115

ADVISORY BOARDDiane Brooks, Ed.D., Director (retired), Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Offi ce, California Department of Education

Sven Holch, Social Studies Coordinator, Brookwood School

P. Ann Kaupp, Anthropology OutreachOffi ce, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution

Maryann Manning, Professor, University ofAlabama at Birmingham

Robert D. San Souci, Children’s Author

Sandra Stotsky, Professor of Education Reform, 21st Century Chair in Teacher Quality, Universityof Arkansas

Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, Author, Anthropologist

Phillip J. VanFossen, Ph.D., Director, Ackerman Center for Democratic Citizenship, Purdue University

What’s Inside?

Marcia Amidon Lusted,Marcia Amidon Lusted, Rights & Permissions Coordinator

Marcia Amidon Lusted, Assistant EditorMarcia Amidon Lusted,Marcia Amidon Lusted, Assistant EditorMarcia Amidon Lusted, Assistant EditorMarcia Amidon Lusted,Marcia Amidon Lusted,

Phillip J. VanFossen, Ph.D.,Center for Democratic Citizenship, Purdue UniversityCenter for Democratic Citizenship, Purdue UniversityCenter for Democratic Citizenship, Purdue University

Before you read another word, I must tell you that I LOVE DOGS! I especially love my chocolate Labrador Retriever, Tobie, shown below on her favorite Maine pond. But I love almost all dogs —large or small, fluffy or smooth, young or old. In this issue of AppleSeeds, you can learn a lot about dogs from their wet noses to their wagging tails. You can read some stories about kids and their dogs. And you can find out some of the many jobs dogs have.

I hope that you know some wonderful dogs, too. Give them a pat for me.

Enjoy!Susan Buckley and Tobie, too

2 From Nose to Tail by Ella Kennen

4 FROM THE APPLE CORPS: Rescuing Schuler! by Everett Amstutz

7 5 Super Reasons to Adopt a Dog by Kathiann M. Kowalski

8 The Wolf on the Sofa by Laura McLain Madsen, DVM

10 Raising Sonic: From Playful Puppy to Perfect Partner (Stage One) by Gloria W. Lannom

Deirdre Blackmore and her 4th grade students Deirdre Blackmore and her 4th grade students from Langley Park McCormick Elementary

Puppy to Perfect PartnerTobie

Center for Democratic Citizenship, Purdue UniversityCenter for Democratic Citizenship, Purdue UniversityCenter for Democratic Citizenship, Purdue UniversityCenter for Democratic Citizenship, Purdue UniversityCenter for Democratic Citizenship, Purdue UniversityCenter for Democratic Citizenship, Purdue University

AbbeyZoey & Zeus

Amber & Taylor Tyson & Victoria Pippa

Utah

~APP_Apr12_Dogs_PASS4.indd 2 2/22/12 5:36 PM

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Laura McLain Madsen is a veterinarian in Utah. She has lived with dogs all her life, and has shown dogs in obedience, junior handling and breed competition. She is also a member of a search and rescue team and treats the medical problems of the search dogs. Her current pet dog is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Pippin.

Michael J. Rosen is the author of nearly 50 books for young readers, many of which involve companion animals. His most recent books are THE HOUND DOG’S HAIKU and Other Poems for Dog Lovers, and MY DOG! A Kid’s Guide to Keeping a Happy & Healthy Pet, with everything a family needs for sharing the good life with dogs. (Learn more at www.workman.com/mydog.) Michael’s farm is an ongoing haven for the cats and dog he rescues.

Consulting EditorsConsulting EditorsConsulting EditorsI love dogs, especially service dogs. It’s so

amazing to watch them working. They have such

drive and skill, and they have an extremely close

relationship with their human partners.-Laura McLain Madsen

Dogs welcomed me to the world, even more

than grown-ups. They talked my language, joined

in what I enjoyed, shared everything with me. I

understood dogs; adults are confusing! People

always ask, ‘So, your dogs must be like children to

you, aren’t they?’ But my answer is, ‘No, I am their

child.’ They keep me young. And they remind me

that I’m an animal, too.

-Michael J. Rosen

APRIL

2012

The AppleSeeds KidsMeet:

Joe

Mark

Aya

Huck

Jamie

13 How’s Tricks? by Kate Bradley-Ferrall

14 How Dogs Talk: The Scoop from an Expert by Elizabeth Armstrong Hall

17 YOUR TURN: Tips to Try by Elizabeth Armstrong Hall

18 The Nose Knows by Barbara Gowan

20 FUN STUFF: Teaching Any Dog New Tricks by Kate Bradley-Ferrall

22 Sit, Stay—and Win! by Madeleine Kuderick

25 THE ARTIST’S EYE: Meet William Wegman and Friends by Sarah Tibbetts

28 Let’s Get ‘Em, Hank! by Patricia Newman

30 Super Stars by Susan Washburn

32 CONTEST CORNER: Winner from You Are There… in the Rainforest

by Elizabeth Armstrong Hall

Teaching Any Dog New Tricks

Meet William Wegman and Friends by Sarah Tibbetts

28 by Patricia Newman

Pippa

Some of our Staff’s Pals!

written and illustrated by Annette Cate

~APP_Apr12_Dogs_PASS4.indd 3 2/23/12 9:50 AM

From Nose to Tailby Ella Kennen

Think you know dogs?It’s time you took a closer look.

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A dog tells tales with his tail—whether he is calm, excited, or scared. A tail also helps

with balance. And in a big dog like this lab, the tail is what

can knock things over!

If you could look through all the fur and muscle, you would see that a dog walks on his toes. The dog’s pads

protect the bottom of his feet. Toenails and pads also grip the ground to help the dog move and turn smoothly.

A dog’s fur helps him regulate his temperature. Fur also protects the dog from

an attacker or from bugs and other scratchy things.

Pelvis

Shoulder

Elbow

Knee

Toes


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A wet nose may just feel damp to you, but it may help a dog be a super-sniffer: The wetness deep inside the nose traps

odors.

A dog can’t sweat the way you do. Instead, the dog cools down by panting. Heat leaves

through his tongue.

Whether it’s long or squished, every dog has a muzzle. That’s just a fancy term for the dog’s

snout—the nose and mouth area in front of the eyes.

Dogs’ wild relatives, like foxes and wolves, have ears that stick straight up. But pet dogs have many different shaped ears. A dog’s ears can pick up higher-pitched sounds than human ears can. And they can hear

sounds four times farther away than we can.

Dogs don’t see colors as well as you do. Yet they see much better in the dark than

you can. They’re also better at seeing motion than you are, though they can’t see still objects as well or as far away.


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THE WOLF ON THE SOFAPerhaps wolves began being domesticated even earlier. Recently, scientists found a canine skull in Siberia that is a middle step on the pathway from wolf to dog. It’s about

33,000 years old!

Perhaps wolves began being domesticated even earlier. Recently, scientists found a canine skull in Siberia that is a middle step on the pathway from wolf to dog. It’s about

33,000 years old!


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As a veterinarian, I treat dogs of all sizes—from 2-pound Chihuahuas to 200-pound Mastiffs. Think of all the shapes of dogs we see: hotdog Dachshunds, sleek Greyhounds, fl at-faced Pugs—and lots of mixed breeds.

Every dog—big or small, shaggy or smooth, solid-colored or spotted—has wolves in his family tree. Dogs evolved from wolves at least 14,000 years ago, when humans were just learning about agriculture and huge mammoths still roamed North America.

Scientists used to think that ancient humans deliberately tamed wolves. But now we are learning that wolves domesticated themselves. (To domesticate an animal means to tame it so it will adapt to living with humans.) Imagine a group of people sitting around a fi re long ago, cooking meat and telling stories. Wolves lurk in the woods, but only one approaches the humans, who throw her a few scraps of meat. That brave and well-fed wolf then gives birth to cubs who share her friendliness. The cubs, too, stay near the humans who give them food.

THE WOLF ON THE SOFAOver many generations, the friendliest

wolves became tame. It wasn’t just their behavior that changed but their appearance also.

Over time, humans played a more active role in breeding the domesticated wolves. Imagine, for example, that you’re a sheepherder back in the time before cars or phones. You need help taking care of your sheep. So, from a litter of puppies, you pick the dog with the strongest instinct to gather up the fl ock. Then you breed that dog with other herding dogs. That’s how the livestock-herding breeds like Border Collies came to be.

Other breeds developed when humans selected dogs with other useful behaviors: Norwich Terriers for catching rats, Dobermans for guarding the home, Newfoundlands for rescuing people in the water, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for sitting on laps.

As humans bred dogs for specifi c reasons, most dogs began to look less and less like wolves. Nevertheless, all dogs are descendants of wolves. So, next time you play fetch with your dog, imagine the wolf inside him!

by Laura McLain Madsen, DVM

sizes—from 2-pound Chihuahuas to 200-pound Mastiffs. Think of all the shapes of dogs we see: hotdog Dachshunds, sleek Greyhounds, fl at-faced Pugs—and lots of mixed breeds.

Every dog—big or small, shaggy or smooth, solid-colored or spotted—has wolves in his family tree. Dogs evolved from wolves at least 14,000 years ago, when humans were just learning about agriculture and huge mammoths still roamed North America.

Scientists used to think that ancient humans deliberately tamed wolves. But now we are learning that wolves domesticated themselves. (To domesticate an animal means to tame it so it will adapt to living with humans.) Imagine a group of people sitting around a fi re long


14

HH ow well do you know your dog? H ow well do you know your dog? HWhen he wags his tail, does that HWhen he wags his tail, does that Hmean he’s happy? If he barks, is he angry? Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, a research scientist who has always lived with dogs, decided to fi nd out. She talked with AppleSeeds about AppleSeeds about AppleSeedsher discoveries.

Q. Why did you choose dogs for your research?

A. I wanted to study how animals play, so I could understand how they think. I picked dogs, because they play together, even as adults. Most other animals play only when they’re young. I realized that I lived with an animal who played all the time.

Q. The little black dog, Pumpernickel, in your book?

A. Yep.

How did you do your research?

I read everything I could about dogs. Then I watched dogs play. I took Pumpernickel to dog parks and fi lmed her with other dogs. Back home, I watched the videotapes in slow motion.

How Dogs Talk:How Dogs Talk:The Scoop from an ExpertThe Scoop from an ExpertHow Dogs Talk:The Scoop from an ExpertHow Dogs Talk:How Dogs Talk:The Scoop from an ExpertHow Dogs Talk:

by Elizabeth

The Scoop from an Expertby Elizabeth

The Scoop from an ExpertArmstrong Hall

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A. Yep.

Q. How did you do your research?

A. I read everything I could about dogs. Then I watched dogs play. I took Pumpernickel to dog parks and fi lmed her with other dogs. Back home, I watched the videotapes in slow motion.


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Q. Since dogs can’t speak, how can they talk?

A. Lots of ways—with different sounds, and not just barking. They purr, growl, moan, grunt, yelp, and howl. They use their ears, posture, mouth, and—especially—tail.

Q. Anything surprising about tails?

A. Dogs wag their tail a little more to the right when they see their owner or something that interests them. They wag their tail more to the left when they see a strange dog.

Q. Does a wagging tail mean a dog is friendly?

A. Not always. You have to look at the whole dog. For example, if he wags his tail high but he’s snarling with his mouth closed, he’s not friendly.

Since dogs can’t speak, how can they

Lots of ways—with different sounds, and not just barking. They purr, growl, moan, grunt, yelp, and howl. They use their ears, posture, mouth, and—

Dogs wag their tail a little more to the right

interests them. They wag their tail more to the left

Not always. You have to look at the whole dog. For example, if he wags his tail high but

“I turn on the bathwater, turn to her with a smile, and her tail drops and wags low, her ears flattening on her head. All this

talking and yet no talking at all.” ~Alexandra Horowitz,

Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know

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Jonathan: I would train a dog to jump in an obstacle course.


“Find it!” commands the handler. Tucker, a black Lab, crouches on the bow of the

research boat and sniffs the ocean air. The captain turns the boat in the direction Tucker’s black nose is pointing. This dog can smell the scent of killer whale, or orca, excrement (called “scat”) from more than a mile away. Biologists examine the scat to learn why the orca population is declining in Washington’s Puget Sound.

Super-snooper canines also help scientists in other ways. Some locate underground fungus that is killing pine trees, for example. And in Florida’s Everglades National Park, the beagle Python Pete has used his nose to fi nd exotic pythons preying on wildlife.

A dog’s keen sense of smell helps humans in many ways. A change in body odor of a person with diabetes can trigger a medical alert dog to bark to warn his owner that his or her blood sugar is dangerously low.

Did you know that a dog can have more than 220

million sensory cells in his nose, while humans have

only 5 million? Dogs have INCREDIBLE noses!

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Dogs have 40 times

more scent-processing

cells in their brains

than humans have.

Brian: I would train my dog to do a backflip.

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Service dogs protect kids who have peanut allergies by sniffi ng an area and blocking a child from entering if there is a danger. Trained dogs also can distinguish between breath samples of healthy people and patients with cancer. Scientists hope that man’s best friend can become a new tool in cancer screening.

Four-legged law enforcers protect our country. The Beagle Brigade inspects baggage at international airports. It’s a game of hide-and-seek as the hounds search for prohibited fruits, meats, and plants that

could be carrying harmful pests and diseases. German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois work with border-patrol agents as drug-sniffi ng specialists. They’ve discovered illegal drugs in tires, gas tanks, and even inside a car’s engine. Our subways, trains, and crowded city streets are safer because of the work of dogs who are trained to detect the moving scent of explosives.

All dogs have an amazing ability to collect scents and separate the parts of the odor. A person would smell chili cooking, but a dog can smell the meat, the beans, the tomatoes, and each seasoning. From a single drop of urine, a sniffi ng dog learns what animal it came from, its diet, its health, and whether it’s a friend or an enemy.

So, if you have a pet dog, watch him sniff. After all, a dog’s nose knows!

The length of a dog’s snout can have an

effect on his ability to

smell. Longer-nosed

dogs have more scent-

reception cells. In fact,

some dog breeds with

an exceptional sense of smell are called “scent hounds.”

by Barbara Gowan


smell. Longer-nosed






smell. Longer-nosed



The length of a dog’s effect on his ability to

smell. Longer-nosed






an exceptional sense of smell are called

of smell are called “scent hounds.”

“scent hounds.”

Catherine: I would train a dog to shake hands. When people

try to thank the dog for doing something, the dog will raise its paw and shake their hand.


❑ GETTING STARTEDPick a time and place when you and your dog can focus on one another. Learning tricks takes patience on your part and interest on your dog’s part. So be sure you have both. There probably are things you don’t like to do. Your dog feels the same way. So if your dog isn’t interested in learning a new trick, don’t force it!

❑ SHAKE1. Stand in front of your dog, close enough for his paw to reach your hand.2. Place your dog in a sit position facing you.3. Show your dog a treat in your hand. Close your hand, finger side up.4. Say “shake.”5. A dog will usually sniff, then paw your hand to figure out how to get the treat.6. When your dog touches your hand with his paw, say “good!” and reveal the treat in your palm. Give your dog the treat and praise him enthusiastically.7. Try this a few times, and then build on it a few hours later. Keep this up for a few days, gradually increasing the amount of time your dog’s paw touches your hand, before releasing the treat.8. Eventually, have your dog touch your open palm and give him the treat with your other hand.9. Practice often, and soon your dog will be ready to greet your friends!

Teaching Any DogNew Tricks

Teaching a dog new tricks can be lots of fun for you and for your dog!

Have a handful of small treats before you begin.

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by Kate Bradley-Ferrall

Pick a time and place when you and your

enough for his paw to reach your hand.2. Place your dog in a sit position facing

3. Show your dog a treat in your hand.

5. A dog will usually sniff, then paw

hand with his paw, say “good!” and

your dog’s paw touches your hand, before releasing the treat.8. Eventually, have your dog touch your open palm and give him the treat with your other hand.9. Practice often, and soon your dog will be ready to greet your friends!

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“BONE-A-FIDE” TIPS

❑ OFFER SPECIAL TREATS. For treats, use something nutritious and yummy (to your dog, that is). And use pea-sized bits, so your dog won’t get full.

❑ PRACTICE.Train in short sessions (5 to 10 minutes), two to three times a day for at least a week.

❑ HAVE PATIENCE. If your dog can’t figure out what you want him to do, start back at the beginning. Like people, dogs learn at different speeds.

❑ USE YOUR IMAGINATION. Dogs have been trained to do all kinds of amazing things: open doors, toast waffles, make phone calls. Clean up your room? Now THAT would be an awesome trick!

❑ CIRCLE1. Have your dog stand facing you.2. Hold a treat between two fingers, close to your dog’s nose.3. Slowly move the treat to the side of your dog’s head and say “circle.” Your dog should begin turning to follow the treat, like it’s a magnet.4. Make a full circle with the treat so that your dog follows it. Go slowly. If he stops following, reward that with praise and try again.5. When your dog has spun in a complete circle, say “good!” and give him the treat, along with more praise.6. Practice this a few times in a row, a few times a day for a few days. Once your dog can do it easily, try it a different way: Say your command (“circle”), and make the same two-finger gesture but without a treat. Move your dog in a circle, then offer a treat.7. Work toward having your dog respond to the hand signal and the command “circle” without needing to follow the treat. Always praise your dog for success!

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Evelin: I would train the dog to not bark at night or when there is a guest.

Patrick: I would train my dog to

protect humans and help them to be safe.


Stay—

When 15-year-old Mica Bender began teaching

her German Shepherd Dog, Ginger, to sit, heel, and stay, she never imagined it would lead to a national dog competition. But that’s exactly what happened. In 2011, Mica and Ginger are taking part in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) National Junior Obedience Competition in Orlando, Florida.

Ginger was a mischievous puppy. “She needed a job to do,” Mica says, “something to stop her from chasing bumblebees!”

Mica began training at a Memphis dog club and learned about AKC obedience. Junior handlers ages 9 to 18 can compete in this exciting sport.

Mica and Ginger began at the novice, or beginner, level hoping to earn the Companion Dog (CD) title. To do that, Ginger would have to heel on and off leash, stand for the judge’s examination, sit for one minute, lie down for three

In the dog world, obedience means “being able to behave in certain specific ways, such as sitting or staying on command”—and much more.

When dogs heel, they walk in a position close by the handler’s side.

Mica and Ginger at the national competition

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Stay—and Win!

Stay—Sit,

Mica and Ginger at the national competition

handlers ages 9 to 18 can compete in this exciting sport.

the novice, or beginner, level hoping to earn the Companion Dog (CD) title. To do that, Ginger would have to heel on and off leash, stand for the judge’s examination, sit for one minute, lie down for three

Gissel: I would train my dog to do all my chores and be like

my own maid.

Jesye: I will train a dog to protect me

when I am in danger.

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a dog to protect me when I am in danger.


Stay—

minutes, and come when called. That would take a lot of focus, especially if there happened to be a buzzing bee in the ring!

To get ready, Mica and Ginger attended ring preparation classes, practiced at home three times a week, and even went to pet stores to practice in unfamiliar settings.

“Obedience training teaches patience—for me and Ginger both,” Mica says. “It’s one of the best ways to bond with your dog.”

After months of hard work, they were ready to compete. But even the most well-rehearsed partners get nervous. Before their fi rst competition, Mica searched for an ice cream stand.

“I needed to freeze my nerves,” she says. When ice cream wasn’t available, Mica visualized moving through each exercise without mistakes. “Sometimes picturing a perfect performance can help.”

Mica trains Ginger to heel (above) and stay (below).

by Madeleine Kuderick

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by Madeleine Kuderick

and Win!

Joel: I would train a dog to listen to

what I said and then we could talk to

each other.


The technique worked! In their fi rst competition, Ginger earned 193.5 out of 200 points and took fi rst place. But how would they perform at the Nationals?

“It’s going to be ginormous!” Mica gasps.With nearly 4,000 dogs under one roof, the

Orange County Convention Center will be fi lled with clanking kennels, wagging tails, and plenty of busy spectators. Can they keep their focus with all that buzz?

To learn more about Junior Obedience, visit the AKC’s Web site at www.akc.org and click on the link for “juniors.”

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Mica and Ginger won First Place in their group (Beginner Novice Intermediate) at the 2011 National Junior Obedience Competition, with a high score of 490.5. And Ginger has earned her Companion Dog (CD) title. Mica plans to continue competing and wants to pursue a career in animal medicine when she gets older.

Stephanie: I would train a dog to

ride a scooter.

David S.: I would train a dog to be my lawyer and carry a briefcase.

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David S.: I would train I would train a dog to be my lawyer a dog to be my lawyer and carry a briefcase.and carry a briefcase.

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Q. How did you first get the idea to pose and photograph your dogs in costumes?

WW: At fi rst, I was against dressing up a dog as a human. Anthropomorphism, which means giving an animal the characteristics of a person, was not appealing to me. But when my fi rst dog, Man Ray, was nine or ten, I began to dress him up as other animals by using props like a sock, swim fi ns, or Christmas tinsel.

The Artist’s Eye

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Meet William Wegmanand Friends

Meet world-famous artist William Wegman. For over 40 years, he has been professionally photographing his Weimaraner dogs to the praise of the art world and the delight of people like you and me. In Wegman’s work, his dogs are often seen in complicated poses and sometimes in fancy costumes.

Recently, AppleSeeds asked Mr. Wegman about his work.

by Sarah Tibbetts

William Wegman, Tripod, 1989

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Then, I started using a special Polaroid camera. I began shooting with this camera frequently, especially with my second dog, Fay Ray. This camera allowed me to take large-scale, instant photographs. Most of my large Polaroids are portrait-style. That means they are taller than they are wide. So I needed to make Fay look taller too. I put Fay onto a small table and wrapped some fabric around her. My assistant, Andrea, was helping to steady her while I studied the situation. Lo and behold, it seemed as though Andrea’s arms had become Fay’s, and I took the picture. It reminded me of Egyptian mythology. The god Thoth has the body of a human and the head of a bird. Suddenly, anthropomorphism, seen in this light, seemed okay.

Q. How do you get your dogs to go along with it?

WW: I have noticed that dogs like to hang around me. They like to get involved with what I’m doing. It’s as simple as that.

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Part of the appeal of Wegman’s work with his dogs is the amazing collaboration between photographer and animal. How do you think he convinced this dog to hold a pose for the camera while standing on roller skates?

Mr. Wegman has a blog, and he would love to hear from you. Visit him at wegmanworld.typepad.com. If you have your own artwork inspired by his work, send it along. He just might post it.

Mr. Wegman is working on some new children’s books, so keep your eyes open for more wonderful Wegman dogs!

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You’ve heard of working dogs who herd cattle and working dogs who help the blind. But what about dogs who work as actors on stage and screen?

Recently, AppleSeeds interviewed animal trainer Bill Berloni. Berloni has probably trained more Broadway dogs than any other person, ever.

Q. How did you start training dogs for the stage?

BB: I was 19 years old and working in the startup of Annie, the play about Little Orphan Annie. They needed someone to fi nd and train the dog who plays Sandy in the play. So I went to a local shelter, found a wonderful dog, and fi gured out how to train him. He was in Annieon Broadway for eight years, until he retired. Since then, I have trained hundreds of dogs for many shows.

Q. What are the challenges in training a dog for the stage?

BB: Training means having your pet listen to you every time you ask him to do something. On stage, a dog has to perform eight times a week, and they have to listen to the actors, not the trainer. Sometimes

it’s tricky. The most stressful part for the dog is the noise. Any normal dog living in a

When he is not training dogs for

Broadway, Bill Berloni is the director of

animal behavior for the Humane Society

of New York.

30

You’ve heard of working dogs who herd cattle and working dogs who help the blind. But what about dogs who work as actors on stage and screen?

interviewed animal trainer Bill Berloni. Berloni has probably trained more Broadway dogs than any other person, ever.

How did you start training dogs for the

When he is not training dogs for

Broadway, Bill Berloni is the director of

animal behavior for the Humane Society

of New York.

Training means having your pet listen to you every time you ask him to do something. On stage, every time you ask him to do something. On stage, a dog has to perform eight times a week, and they a dog has to perform eight times a week, and they have to listen to the actors, not the trainer. Sometimes have to listen to the actors, not the trainer. Sometimes

it’s tricky. The most stressful part for the dog it’s tricky. The most stressful part for the dog is the noise. Any normal dog living in a is the noise. Any normal dog living in a

SUPER STARSSUPER STARSBroadway, Bill Berloni

by Susan Washburn

Xinyan: I would train a dog to buy

some things for me at the supermarket.

I was 19 years old and working in the startup of , the play about Little Orphan Annie. They needed

someone to fi nd and train the dog who plays Sandy in the play. So I went to a local shelter, found a wonderful

Annieon Broadway for eight years, until he retired. Since then, I have trained hundreds of dogs for many shows.

What are the challenges in training a dog

Training means having your pet listen to you every time you ask him to do something. On stage, a dog has to perform eight times a week, and they have to listen to the actors, not the trainer. Sometimes

it’s tricky. The most stressful part for the dog is the noise. Any normal dog living in a


home has never heard a 30-piece orchestra or 2,000 people laughing or applauding! We start out just by bringing the dog to a Broadway performance to see how he reacts.

Q. How long do you work with a dog before he’s ready for Broadway?

BB: We ask for six months now. (I had to train the fi rst Sandy in six weeks, but that was a long time ago!)

Q. What happens when the dogs aren’t working on Broadway?

BB: They come home to my farm. We have 20 dogs now, plus horses, llamas, chickens, a donkey, a pony, a bird, and cats!

Q. You find all your Broadway stars in animal shelters. Why?

BB: Why not? Whatever we do in the world, we can try to make it a little better place. So many animals need homes. Why not save their lives?

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home has never heard a 30-piece orchestra or 2,000 people laughing or applauding! We start out just by bringing the dog to a Broadway performance to see how he reacts.

Q. How long do you work with a dog before he’s ready for Broadway?

BB: We ask for six months now. (I had to train the fi rst Sandy in six weeks, but that was a long time ago!)

BB: Why not? Whatever we do in the world, we can try to make it a little better place. So many animals need homes. Why not save their lives?

SUPER STARSSUPER STARSby Susan Washburn

try to make it a little better place. So many animals need homes. Why not save their lives?

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try to make it a little better place. So many animals need homes. Why not save their lives?

A Sandy on stage and another in the wings.

Rafael: I would train my dog to take me on a skateboard so we could go anywhere.

Diana: I will train a dog to cook

hamburgers for me.

Q.working on Broadway?

BB:now, plus horses, llamas, chickens, a donkey, a pony, a bird, and cats!

Q. shelters. Why?

BB:try to make it a little better place. So many animals need homes. Why not save their lives?

a dog to cook hamburgers for me.


more than 75 dogs inside! dogs · dogs’ wild relatives, like foxes and wolves, have ears that...

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