Things I Learned as a Studio Trainer

I rescued a dog, Petal, from near death one night while working at as a veterinary technician at an animal emergency clinic.  She is adorable & had a unique look.  I was certain I could find her a home. I had done this several times before with others before her and many since her.  But Petal is special and offered me a whole new world of opportunity.

Although she is adorable, her personality was not so desirable.  A friend with a habit of naming cars, animals, and such as flowers; Violet, Sweet Pea, & Tulip as examples; was suggesting names for me to give her: Lily, Rose, Iris, Pansy, etc. etc.  Following her lead, I joking suggested Snap Dragon since it suited her personality. She shot me a dirty look.  So I then suggested “Petal” since being only 5 lbs., she isn’t big enough to be the whole flower. And Petal she became.

I worked hard at socialization so she could be adopted without the fear of her drawing blood from her new owners.  She is a brave and bossy little thing and had to be trained to accept people and other dogs. The dogs were not such a problem, but people she would snap at constantly. I’d never had a small dog before and fund small dogs have earned the reputation they have due to small dog owners.  I took her walking around town, at shopping malls, and hikes. I was fortunate to be able to take her to work where I would ask everyone to pet her. I am lucky that she is very food motivated. She’ll do most anything for food; a trait most little dogs do not possess.   It took some time but she finally realized that people led to food as long as she was friendly and that being petted wasn’t really so horrific.

While on this training journey it became obvious to me that Petal is an attention grabber. People are drawn to her. Some feel she is adorable. Others think she is crazy cute. Some just smile at her oddly and interestingly. Whatever they are thinking, they are drawn to her and forced to smile. My friend saw Petal’s potential and had some connections with a pet magazine. She actively sought out photographers to get Petal into print. At the same time I saw and add in a pet newspaper for Animal Actors. I submitted Petal & shortly got the call. Within weeks our career had begun. Ours meaning Petal’s & mine.

 

Part II will discuss animal agencies and how they work.