Learn the insider basics for working your dog in media, entertainment & advertising. Participate in the fascinating and sometimes lucrative world of motion and still imagery which abounds in the NY, NJ & CT areas: from Hollywood and independent film making to local and national TV advertising, TV programs, magazine ads and Broadway theatre.

What skills are needed for acting in TV, commercials, print ads and movies? What are advertisers looking for? With a balance of working sessions, lecture, creative problem solving, demonstrations, and Q & A time, get the inside scoop on this hidden gem of canine activity.

The specific training that is needed for film and how it differs from any other kind of training, both in specific behaviors and how it is executed. In film we need to build as much distance between the trainer and dog as possible and as silent as possible. Every behavior is cued with both a hand and verbal, so either can be dropped at any time. You also need to be flexible and ready for change. Unlike agility or obedience where you always know exactly what behaviors to train for, in film there seems to always be some element of surprise, sometimes minor. Other times the director completely changes his mind about what behavior he wants, so flexibility is the key.

Anne introduces about 15-20 behaviors and demos them and then lets you practice. She will go around and check up on each team as they are practicing. Some of the behaviors worked on are: Mark- hitting a small mark on the floor, the most important film behavior. Head Down- laying down and being able to put their head down on paws or the floor on cue and lifting only the head again. Speak-something every film dog should know. Go To- Walk to an actor, Go With- walking with an actor off leash, and Not in heel position, with the actor never giving cues. Bond- making eye contact with an actor, cues given by trainer. These are a few of the behaviors and are used in film and television very often.

We do a practice film / TV set run through with some of the behaviors we have learned and Anne acts like a "typical" director. She plays completely ignorant of dogs to give them a feel for the job. She also does a still photography run through and pretends we have a very finicky model who is terrified of dogs or allergic; so we have to have the dogs pose near, but not touch, the model.

Lastly she talks about how to get into the business and some of the realities of working on set and how to best market your pet and how to prepare yourself for a job and how to act on set. Included is a discussion of agents: who, what and why you want one. How to package and present your dog's talents to an agent.

Anne Gordon worked on films like: "Homeward Bound", "Air Bud: Spikes Back", "Air Buddies" , and many others where the animals were not the stars like: "Legends of the Fall", "Bad Moon", "Vanilla Sky", "Men of Honor", "Open Range" and "Practical Magic".

She also worked on hundreds of TV commercials and still photo sessions, many for the Iams and Eukanuba Company, and supplied all the animals for the TV series "Northern Exposure". She was also the official trainer of the "New Benji" for 1 & 1/2 years.

She uses all positive methods, and clicker training to both capture and shape behaviors. Traditionally, movie trainers are not willing to share their training "secrets" for fear of creating competition. But for Anne it is all about sharing and helping motivate dog owners to spend fun and positive training time with their pets.

DOG STUFF
Participants will each bring one dog for this training.

PEOPLE ETIQUETTE
During the lectures, please turn off all cell phone and pager audio alerts. Please take all private conversations outside while the speakers are presenting.

VIDEOTAPING
No videotaping or audiotaping is permitted. A selection of videotapes and books will be available for sale

BOOKS & TOYS, ETC. FOR SALE
A selection of books, videos and toys will be available for sale.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Thursday, June 12, 2008.

REFUND POLICY
A full refund (excluding food orders) will be issued if requested before Wednesday, June 11. No refunds or credits issued after 12:00 pm on Friday, June 13. All refunds must be requested by email or phone. There are no exceptions to this policy.

New York State Thruway (I-87) to Exit 19 Kingston (91 miles north of New York City or 51 miles south of Albany, NY). After toll, stay to the farthest right at the round-about, and follow signs for Route 28 to Route 209. After about 1/4 mile on Route 28 go through one light and almost immediately thereafter take Route 209 South in the direction of Ellenville. Stay on Route 209 South for exactly 13 miles, and just past Sparrow Hawk Bed and Breakfast, you will come to Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption on the right. Seminar will be held in the large blue training building closest to the road.

SUPERLODGE At Exit 19, NYS Thruway Kingston, NY 845-338-4200 15 miles away NO DOGS ECONO LODGE At Exit 18, NYS Thruway New Paltz, NY 845-255-6200 NO DOGS ALLOWED HOLIDAY INN - KINGSTON 503 Washington Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 845-338-0400 Toll free: 800-HOLIDAY (465-4329) PETS ALLOWED www.hikingston.com QUALITY INN 114 Route 28 Kingston, NY 12401 845-339-3900 Toll-free: 800-2-RAMADA (272-6232)

HIGH FALLS MOTEL Route 213 High Falls, NY 845-687-2095 4 miles away DOGS ALLOWED SPARROW HAWK BED & BREAKFAST Route 209 Accord, NY 845-687-4492 Walking Distance NO DOGS ALLOWED Mention Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption for special room rates. SKY TOP MOTEL 30 Forest Hill Drive Kingston, NY 12401 845-331-2900 Dogs Allowed