The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever
We are proud to announce that our first dog training book is now available, the “Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever” is authored by star trainer Chris Perondi and best selling author Larry Kay (@PositivelyWoof / Training the Best Dog Ever). A Step-by-Step guide to 118 amazing stunts and tricks. Use the power of positive reinforcement to have fun together and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. This book is perfect for puppies and adult dogs. You can train a dog at any age, it doesn’t matter the breed or size.
Using the secrets of professional dog trainers (Chris & Suhey Perondi), this fully illustrated guide with hundreds of step-by-step photos shows how to teach your dog 118 tricks and stunts. Organized from beginner level to pro, these tricks run the gamut from the kinds of things any well-behaved dog should know-fetch, paw shake, roll over-to stunts that will delight your friends and family, from dance routines to flying disc acrobatics. You’ll even learn to create your own movie dog magic and performance showstoppers. And there are benefits far beyond the wow factor. Teaching your dogs tricks will not only reveal more of your dog’s real personality, including hidden talents, it will also improve your pet’s behavior, reinforce socialization, prevent boredom and restlessness, and instill your pet with greater confidence. And dramatically enrich the relationship the two of you already share.
You can order our book direct from us here.
What is a “Stunt Dog”?
What is a “Stunt Dog”? Defined by Chris Perondi, The Stunt Dog Guy.
I am often asked what the difference is between a dog trick and a dog stunt? And what makes a dog who performs stunts into a stunt dog? Here are my thoughts. Let me know yours!
What is a Stunt Dog?
1. a dog who performs unique, difficult, or spectacular feats requiring great skill, unusual strength, acrobatics, or dexterity; especially during a live performance, or for a TV show or movie, or to gain attention or publicity.
2. a dog who performs a “daring behavior” that requires extensive training and conditioning, and which is typically performed with intention to wow an audience.
3. a dog who is trained to execute complex skills and multiple chained behaviors reliably and on cue for a live audience or recorded show.
4. A dog who performs any of the above from a distance, or with an actor who is not the trainer or handler, and typically during a live performance or recorded show.
I am also often asked to DEFINE a stunt dog live PERFORMANCE. Here are my thoughts. Please share yours!
“A stunt dog live performance” is a professional, non-demonstrational act for entertainment purposes with a unique, high-energy and entertaining format, having a written script, and including a professional presenter or emcee.
In our shows, the “Stunt Dog Experience” and the “All-Star Stunt Dog Show” (stuntdogshow.com) the “Stunt Dogs” perform acrobatic moves, dog sports, and advanced behaviors that include backflips, jumping rope, walking hand stands, behaviors from a distance, the use of props such as a tight rope, barrel, balance ball, riding a bicyle, or skateboard. Our live performances also include daring feats such as vaults (whereby a dog may jump off a trainer’s back to catch a flying disc), circus acrobatics, and highly-trained balancing skills.
REMEMBER: Dog stunts always require extensive dog training and conditioning. Always train safely and never force or lure your dog to do anything that he or she doesn’t want to do.
OUR NEW BOOK on Dog Tricks and Stunts will be published early next year by Workman Publishing with my best-selling and award-winning coauthor Larry Kay of PositivelyWoof.com . Stay tuned for details on pre-ordering!
Photos courtesy Matt O’ Harver taken at Silver Dollar City Theme Park
The Surprising Health Benefits of Owning a Pet Dog
The Surprising Health Benefits of Owning a Pet Dog
They say that a dog is man’s best friend and the two certainly seem to share a long and illustrious history of co-evolution but did you know there are a number of health benefits that come from owning a pet dog? Research suggests that the strong connection between man and dog comes from the mutual release of oxytocin upon interaction. This hormone is responsible for fostering strong feelings of love in the brain and is usually associated with the bonding process between newborn babies and their mothers. But what else does this mean for mental and physical wellbeing?
Immunity
Having a dog around from an early age means your immunity will get a boost. Over-sanitizing our homes is actually making us less resistant to germs and in turn we get sicker, quicker. A dog – notorious for carrying germs – can help build your immunity. They can also enhance your resilience to allergies.
Better Mental Health
Studies show that dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than those without a pet. This is partly down to the release of oxytocin and serotonin (another feel-good brain chemical) that comes from interaction and coevolution with the dog. However, the routine associated with a dog such as caring for them and taking them for walks is thought to improve a depressive episode even for those who suffer from clinical depression. Animal therapy is often used in rehabilitation programs because the presence of a dog is so calming and the act of bonding and caring for them is known to improve self-esteem.
Heart Health
Dog owners have also been proven to have lower stress levels (and consequently lower blood pressure) than those without a dog. This is great for cardiovascular health. In addition to this, dog owners are more likely to undertake regular exercise which is also good for keeping cholesterol down and reducing the risk of obesity – this is great for heart health and indeed general health.
Dogs Can Detect Cancer
There have been numerous case studies over the past two decades that seem to imply that dogs can sniff out cancer. These often involve incidents where dog owners have reported their animals continually sniffing at a lump, mole or part of the body that has later been proven to be cancerous. It is unclear whether or not the dog’s sensitive sense of smell is able to detect cancer cells in bodily fluids but, regardless, this could be one animal that may save your life one day.
– Jenny Holt, Freelance Writer
Meet Storm Shadow
This dog can fly! Meet our All-Star Stunt Dog “Storm Shadow”. She is a 3-year old mutt that is mixed between Australian Kelpie and Cattle Dog. She is nuts for her favorite Aerobie brand flying discs (aka Frisbees) Weighing in at only about 25 lbs she can certainly soar!
Chris Perondi’s “Stunt Dog Adventure”TM is the most educational and entertaining show of it’s kind! Featuring talented rescued dogs that show off their prey drive, intelligence, and athleticism. Every show includes a message of pet adoption and responsible pet ownership, while using positive training methods.
Every show script is professionally written and includes educational talking points about the similarities of domestic dogs and their wild cousins: foxes, jackals, wolves, and coyotes. The “Stunt Dog Adventure”TM show is also very entertaining with segments like the “Prey Drive Challenge”, high-jumping, flying disc, and audience participation. You won’t want to miss these domesticated canine stars in the world’s most exciting Zoo and wildlife park program.
The footage from this video was taken during our March through October Indianapolis Zoo production of 2015. It showcases the talents of the animal that has been coined in history as our best friend! Starring professional dog trainers Chris Perondi, Suhey Perondi, and Abby Cline.
Professionally filmed and edited by XYVector Media Services
World’s Greatest Dogs on NatGeo Wild
Stunt Dog Productions is honored to have their stunt dogs featured on NatGeo Wild’s “World’s Greatest Dogs” this weekend! (Check your local listing for exact air times). So it’s now official, our dogs are considered some of the world’s greatest dogs!
Stunt Dog Crazy Confetti was chosen for her unique talents and touching back story. She has been a feature star in the Perondi’s show since 2010. Confetti is known best for her 360 degree “paw-stand” in the palm of trainer Chris Perondi’s hand. However, she can dazzle the crowd with impressive back-flips, jumping rope, hoops through the arms, flying disc catching stunts, skateboarding, triathlon racing, balancing feats and backing up on cue.
Flashy Ferrari, Blazing Bentley, Crazy Confetti, & Captain Cooper
The filming took place during the winter months when the Perondi’s were not on tour. So for this feature they invited all their friends and family over for a private show to try out some of Confetti’s new stunts and tricks. Many family members showed up including Chris’s parents and cousins, Suhey’s sister, along with their pastor, neighbors, and close friends. It was a memorable day for everyone. The Perondi’s had the pleasure of working with Indigo Films on this feature project. The interviews were conducted inside the Perondi’s house, outside on the property, and even inside their 43 ft. touring RV/bus.
During the same week, the USA TODAY has also dedicated a special edition issue that all about dogs. The Perondi’s are proud to have a feature spread in this issue with multiple images of Crazy Confetti in action. Pick your copy up at your local newsstand from now until May 26th or purchase your copy online here: USA TODAY’S SPECIAL “DOGS” EDITION.
Have a flippin’ great day!
Be yourself, think positive, and dare to run with the big dogs. – Chris Perondi
New Branson Family Show features Amazing Stunt Dogs!
Are you looking for a show that is fun for the whole family in Branson Missouri this summer? Then look no further, as “Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience” is sure to entertain people of all ages. This new top show in Branson is super-sized compared to the 30-minute dog show they brought to Silver Dollar City last summer. During this 90 minute amazing pet show in Branson you will witness some of the most incredible stunts and tricks every performed by dogs! They soar, spin, jump, and fly in “five” separate challenges that make up the “Golden Bone Showdown”. The audience is split into two teams “Dixie Stampede style” as everyone cheers on their pack of stunt dogs. The challenges are scattered throughout the show in-between hilarious slap-stick comedy skits (starring Jim Herrington), choreographed doggy dancing, dogs jumping rope, and freestyle flying disc routines.
You won’t want to miss the “Fido’s Got Talent” semi-finals in Act 2 presented by host Chris Perondi. This skit features a memorable panel of judges (Monique La’Shay, Johnny Durango, and Debra Migenni) each with their own flair and hilarious comments. Not to mention the incredible performances by professional dog trainers Samantha Valle, Sara Carson, and the funny-man trainer Rick Kreston; played by comedian Joseph Herrington.
Diggy the Dog is also back in a couple fun show segments! Be sure to get in line during intermission to get your professional photo taken with him and one of the real four-legged stars. The show even feature two segments of kid participation, which is fun for the whole family. The kids will love to being turned into stunt dogs or compete in a round of doggy trivia. But the most important aspect of the show is the mission; which is to promote pet adoption, spay/neutering, and responsible pet ownership.
These celebrity dogs have even been featured on numerous talk shows including the Tonight Show, Ellen DeGeneres, Queen Latifah, David Letterman, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Harvey, CBS Early Show, Sabado Gigante, and the Today Show. Star trainer Samantha Valle also just broke a Guinness Book of World Records on the Today Show earlier this year, as her dog Geronimo double dutch jump roped 128 times in 60 seconds. These are also the same performing dogs you may have seen on a moving float (for the Lucy Pet Foundation) during the 2014 Annual Rose Parade, which was seen by millions worldwide.
This is a must see Branson show for kids and quite possibly the best new show in Branson this year sponsored by Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Pet Foods! Tickets are on sale now at http://claycoopertheatre.com/stunt-dogs/about-the-shows/ or you can reserve your seats by calling the Clay Cooper Theatre box office at 417-332-2529. Don’t forget to ask about our family pass (2 adults & up to 3 children ages 4 to 16). Children 3 and under are free!
Queen Latifah says we are “Paw-tastic!”
Check out the video from our appearance on the Queen Latifah show this month! It was “Paw-tastic!”
Lucy’s Amazing Rescue Dogs at the 2014 Rose Parade
Dreams do come true; that’s the theme and the truth! We are thrilled to announce we will be performing on a float during the 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade!!! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us. So keep your eyes peeled for the “Lucy Pet Foundation float” (http://www.lucypetfoundation.org) during the annual Rose Parade, as you will see our amazing rescue dogs performing live on a moving float.
Chris Perondi and Crazy Confetti in the LA TIMES!
We will be challenged on space with performing areas as small as a 13.9′ diameter circle in the front and down the middle stretch of less than 11 feet wide by 35 feet long. The entire performance area will be laid with real grass turf. There will also be a 4 foot high netted barrier around the entire float. This will ensure the dogs don’t fly off the float during any of the high energy stunts. This will be aired on national and worldwide television with an estimated 80+ million in viewership. We are told we will be on the float for around three hours, and our prime stretch in front of the major networks will be around 6 to 7 minutes.
Performing on the float will be professional trainers Chris Perondi from French Camp, CA and Samantha Valle from Long Island, NY; along with their amazing rescued stunt dogs. Mr Perondi will be performing with Flashy Ferrari (Border Collie/Cattle dog mix), Crazy Confetti (Terrier mix), and Spitfire Spinelli (Huskey/Cattle dog mix). Ms. Valle will be performing with Geronimo (Border Collie Mix) and Chuck Taylor (Border Collie). Assisting with the performances will be Suhey Perondi, Anthony Ortiz, and Steve Collier. You can read more about each performing dog on the float on our Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/stuntdogshow) over the next few days.
The idea behind our stunt dogs performing on a float at the Tournament of Roses Parade originated back in 2011, by Joey Herrick the President of the Lucy Pet Foundation. Mr. Herrick and Fiesta Floats have set and broke Guinness Book of world records, with multiple award winning float designs over the past few years. It is a dream come true to finally see our stunt dogs being apart of the Rose Parade! We are honored to bring in the new year promoting such a positive message with the Lucy Pet Foundation.
The Lucy Pet Foundation will be helping thousands nationwide as they offer mobile low cost spay/neutering this year. They hope to have multiple mobile spay/neuter buses on the road in the coming year. This will make a huge dent in the over population problem in our country. We encourage you to check your local pound, shelter, and rescue your next pet. Please also spay and neuter your pets as millions are euthanized each year.
Stunt Dog Experience Winter Theater Tour 2014
Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience ™ featuring the nations most amazing rescued stunt dogs will be at it again this coming winter! Starting January 23rd through February 15th, 2014 the Stunt Dog Experience will be touring on the west coast in the states of California, Colorado, and Washington. This high energy show is made up of rescue dogs whom “tales” or should I say “tails” will touch your heart and put a smile on your face! Besides entertaining and putting on a spectacular show their mission is to promote pet adoption, responsible pet ownership, and spay/neutering.
Crazy Confetti jumps rope with Chris and Suhey Perondi. Photo by Scott Norse
The show features a cast of over a dozen stunt dogs, including some big stars as “Geronimo” the famous double dutch jump rope dog who appeared on the David Letterman show and the Steve Harvey Show, “Flashy Ferrari” the high flying K9 Frisbee dog athlete that made an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show in 2008, and “Crazy Confetti” who dodged euthanasia at a pound in Northern California; now making headline news in just about every city she performs.
You are not going to want to miss these amazing rescue dogs in action this winter. Get your tickets now before they sell out! Check out the complete winter theater tour schedule below along with links to purchase your tickets *.
2014 Winter Theater Tour
1/23 – Thursday – Lincoln Center (Fort Collins, CO) @ 7:30pm
Tickets at: www.fcgov.com
1/26 – Sunday – Carpenter Performing Arts Center (Long Beach, CA) @ 1 pm & 4 pm
Tickets at: www.carpenterarts.org
1/28 – Tues – California State University Auditorium (Chico, CA) @ 11:30am & 7:30pm
1/29 – Wed – California State University Auditorium (Chico, CA) @ 9:30am
Tickets at: www.chicoperformances.com
1/30 – Thur – Gallo Center for the Arts (Modesto, CA) @ 7:00 pm
1/31 – Fri – Gallo Center for the Arts (Modesto, CA) @ 4:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Tickets at: www.galloarts.org
2/1 – Sat – Wells Fargo Center for the Arts (Santa Rosa, CA) @ 3:00 pm
Tickets at: www.wellsfargocenterarts.org
2/6 – Thur – Mount Baker Theatre (Bellingham, WA) @ 12:15 pm
2/7 – Fri – Mount Baker Theatre (Bellingham, WA) @ 10:00 am
* Part of their Education program series: www.mountbakertheatre.com
2/8 – Sat – Broadway Center for the Performing Arts (Tacoma, WA) @ 3 pm & 6:30 pm
Tickets at: www.broadwaycenter.org
2/9 – Sun – Admiral Theatre (Bremerton, WA) @ 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Tickets at: www.admiraltheatre.org
2/15 – Sat – Bob Hope Theatre (Stockton, CA) @ 2:00pm
Tickets at: www.stocktonlive.com
Performers on tour: Chris and Suhey Perondi, Samantha Valle, Steve Collier, and in Stockton Anthony Ortiz.
Featuring Suhey Velez, Chris Perondi, Samantha Valle and our stunt dogs: Geronimo, Flashy Ferrari, and Crazy Confetti.
The Stunt Dog Guy TM 