A Siberian Husky named Caleb is the star of a new movie called The Year of the Dog about a man who struggles with sanity and his relationship with an athletic rescue dog. . The film, which began as a standalone feature film, premiered at the 2022 Chelsea Film Festival in New York, and in February will open in theaters nationwide.
What made rescue dog Caleb such a hit on screen?
Before taking on the role of Yup’ik, Caleb moved from a shelter to a foster home, often deemed too playful and energetic to be adopted. It was that courage that first caught the attention of the California-based Animal Show, then producer and actor Rob Grabow, and dog trainer Jon Van Dyke, who knew that the That quality often makes for the most memorable on-screen dogs.
What dog training was involved?
Jon, who enjoys working with a dog for at least six months to build trust, had about six weeks to work with Caleb, a 1-year-old puppy with barely any training. Jon said: “He could barely sit when I met him, but he was so cute that it melted your heart.
The first few days focus on relationship building. Jon and Caleb ate, watched movies, and played together to establish a bond of trust. They work on basic cues and then move on to more specific training for the footage.
“All of the things other people see as his imperfections — his abundance of energy, his sense of humor, his stubbornness — are precisely what makes him possible,” says Rob. a lot of things in this movie.
What’s in store for Caleb’s film career?
Caleb lives with his adoptive family in California and is focusing on Petco advertising and TV. There’s talk of him getting a role in another movie.
Where can readers learn more about The Year of the Dog?
Visit theyearofthedogmovie.com or follow the cast of the movie on Instagram and Facebook @theyearofthedogmovie
