How to train dogs: for the home, stage and moving pictures

"If you care to launch your dog successfully on a motion-picture career, it is necessary to remember that he must do what he is told---when he is told.  Motion-picture producers do not like to waste time and film on an animal who is uncertain about his action.  No matter how clever a dog he may be, he will be useless as a picture performer unless his actions are under your control at all times.  New things will be asked of him in each picture; but if your dog has been well-grounded in obedience, he will learn any new piece of picture business in a very short while.

Even though you and your dog understand each other thoroughly after learning the lessons contained in this book, you can, and should, think of new things to teach him each day.  When you have the fundamental ideas of dog training, and know how the dog should be handled to get the best results, you are perfectly equipped to carry his education farther. 

If he begs by waving his paws while he sits up, cue him "Beg!"

Plan routines for him to do.  Make up a motion-picture scene of your own and have someone help you by portraying a part with the dog. Place a box or chair to represent a motion-picture camera and mark out lines from the camera to show which area is being registered in the scene. Then place boxes where they will designate entrances and exits.  Rehearse your action several times and be sure that you do not get within the lines while you are working the dog.  When you think the scene is perfected, pretend that you are ready for a "take."  Keep in mind that you must waste as little film as possible, and try to make your dog perform his part correctly the first time. 

It is well to have your dog make the acquaintance of cats, mice, squirrels, rabbits, chickens, goats and horses.  Do not allow him to harm any of them.

Let your dog ride on the back of a gentle horse and hold the bridle reins in his mouth.  Also teach him to lead a horse by the reins or by a rope."
An excerpt from Henry R. East's 1933 dog training masterpiece.

As soon as I saw this book in the garbage pile, I HAD TO HAVE IT. I think I've said that before about titles, but this book is not only a vintage gem, but it's actually practical! If, of course, I had a dog to train. 

I tried to find more information on Mr. Henry R. East, but alas found none. I would not be surprised, however, if he was in some Hollywood archive...

 See, even a child can train a dog! Even if said child, is Jackie Cooper.

Sometimes, they just do it themselves...

I think my favorite chapter of this book, is the chapter on Admonition.

DON'T WHIP YOUR DOG!
I love this because not only is he stating, that it's wrong, but that it shows that you are a douche bag if you do it. "You want your dog to work for you because he loves you, and not because he fears you."


Will Rogers would never beat a dog, and neither should you.

SIT

Get on the box! (This definitely won't lead to getting on the counter).

SHAKE!

Take a ride! and stuff...

More than SHAKE, you have SHAKE IT UP... pre-Elvis naturally

HOWL! (followed by shhhhhh) 

Eat your foot and go to sleep

In 1936, Miss Mary Kelly wrote the book, "How to make a pageant" and mentions East's book, "HOW TO TRAIN DOGS 

For the Home, Stage, and Moving Pictures. 

Large crown 8vo, cloth, 196 pp., fully illustrated. 5s. net. 

By HENRY R. EAST, Owner and Trainer of Many Famous 

Motion-picture Dogs. 

Makes the training of the household pet an enjoyable task. 

With information on the choice of breed, and instructions 

fpr teaching many amusing tricks." 

Because nothing says PAGEANT like a dog trained to howl and put himself to bed!

Now if you want this awesome book for yourself, you can buy a copy... Or you can download a copy. NOTE: I do not know ANYTHING regarding the validity of this download link, or its quality, OR its legality. 

Now get the hell out there and TRAIN THAT DOG!