Humane dog training in Richmond will stage a new production of Annie from December 11 to January 3 that casts three trained dogs as Sandy.

The production places the animals’ welfare at the centre, pairing the theatre with a trainer accredited by the BC SPCA to prepare Poco, Neko and Mylo using humane, reward-based methods that prioritize the dogs’ emotional welfare. This approach stands in contrast to traditional training techniques, which often rely on aversive methods. The careful casting and preparation aim to ensure the dogs are comfortable onstage while contributing to a family-oriented holiday show.

Rebecca Jennings, a trainer with Pooch Positive who holds accreditation recognized by the BC SPCA, advised on the selection and preparation of the dogs. “When the audition process happened, we were looking for dogs who were energetic, had a really great relationship with humans, and were, body language-wise, happy to be on the stage,” Jennings said. To ensure humane training methods, Jennings utilizes a reward-based approach, which relies on positive reinforcement and avoids practices that could cause fear or stress to the animals. What are the principles of humane dog training, and how do they differ from traditional methods?

The three animals cast as Sandy reflect different backgrounds and temperaments. Poco, described as a Jack Russell Terrier and Chihuahua mix, is a six-year-old rescue who Jennings said “is beautifully bonded to that family.” Neko is a five-year-old Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Poodle mix, noted for weighing 20 pounds and having competition experience in trick training. Mylo, a six-year-old Cavapoo, is described as very social and enthusiastic with people, which aligns with the principle that dogs thrive in environments that promote positive interactions. What steps can pet owners take to ensure they are using humane training methods?

Jennings has focused on transferring each dog’s existing skills into the live-theatre environment. The dogs already demonstrated strong abilities, and the trainer worked to keep them relaxed under stage conditions, including using predictable stage cues and targets to make entrances reliable and low-stress. One specific tool used in rehearsals is a yellow circle target placed onstage to guide movement and positioning, a technique rooted in reward-based training for clearer communication between handler and dog.

Director Josh Epstein is credited as the production’s director; his creative team and Jennings collaborated with the dogs’ families during preparations. The article from the BC SPCA notes the partnership with an accredited trainer as a deliberate step to centre humane handling and positive reinforcement in the production’s approach. Similarly, organizations like the BC SPCA play a crucial role in promoting animal welfare in the entertainment industry by setting standards for the use of animals in various forms of recreation, ensuring practices that protect against fear and distress. The same piece outlines how attention to the animals’ comfort guided rehearsal choices and stage planning.

Jennings reflected on the teamwork that shaped the casting and rehearsal process: “We all kind of looked at each other and went ‘yeah’ on each of these dogs,” she said. She also praised the respect shown by the theatre toward both animal and human performers: “There has been so much work into this production, and the respect Gateway Theatre has given to the dogs, to actors, is just beautiful.” This level of commitment to humane training and animal welfare highlights how far the industry has come in recognizing the emotional needs of animals involved in performance.

The production’s schedule runs from December 11 to January 3 at Gateway Theatre in Richmond. Audiences will see the dogs perform under conditions trainers and the theatre have arranged to prioritize calm, predictable cues and positive reinforcement throughout rehearsals and performances, showcasing the effectiveness of humane training methods.

For background on humane, reward-based training approaches referenced by the producers and the accredited trainer, the BC SPCA has published material about the methods and accreditation that supported this collaboration. Additional context on reward-based training principles is available from expert bodies that discuss positive reinforcement approaches, reflecting a growing understanding of how these methods benefit not just performance outcomes but also animal welfare.

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Original reporting: view the original article.