This is an article I came across on AKC website. I knew it all along by listening Mal’s owners, but this article confirmed it even more. See highlighted paragraph.
The new Warner Brothers/MGM film, Max (coming out this Friday), tells the story of a Belgian Malinois of the same name: Max is a working military dog whose handler is killed in action in Afghanistan, setting off a series of dramatic events. Stricken with post-traumatic stress disorder from the loss, Max returns to the United States to live with the soldier’s heartbroken family. Together, Max and his handler’s young brother try to pick up the pieces and heal themselves through a newfound friendship. On the screen is a seemingly damaged dog who must overcome aggression and severe stress. But playing the role is not one, but five, stable and gentle Malinois.
The dogs’ trainer, Mark Forbes, reveals what went into preparing these dogs for their role, and what pet owners can learn from the film.
Tell us about the background of the five dogs who played Max. Are they all professional “actors�
How did you prepare them for the movie?
One important aspect of training a dog who has never been on a movie set is to help them get over the fear of a new situation. We take them to stores or a theme park so when they are on set, it’s just another new, busy place to them. I always say that a big part of our job is making it fun for the dogs. I can’t give them a bigger paycheck, so instead I make sure they enjoy doing whatever is required of them in the script.
How did you prepare the actors for working with the dogs?
To get a relationship that shows up on camera as a bond, you need a bit of time. This was important, especially with Josh, who plays the little boy in the film. Sometimes the dogs will be following the trainer’s direction from off camera, but there are a few scenes in the movie where Josh is in the scene working the dog himself. For instance, there’s one scene where Josh’s character is training Max—that was all real.
What training tips do you have for the average pet owner?
It’s not rocket science. There’s no substitute for time, so spend a lot of time with your dogs. And be consistent. Dogs want to know what the rules are in the pack, and they get confused when the rules change. They really do want to do what you want them to do. If you’re clear about your expectations with very little gray area, that will cut training time down quite a bit. We use treats on set as motivation because there are distractions, but you’ll find a pat on the head means just as much as the treat. Praise them even when you’re teaching them not to do something. Make it fun, and make it positive.
What was it like working with Belgian Malinois?
This was the first time I worked with Belgian Malinois, and although it’s a great breed, it’s not for everybody. They have a motor that never stops. There’s a reason they use them for this kind of work. They’ll go all day, and they need a physical job that challenges them. This is not your Golden Retriever you can leave at home all day and expect the home to be in one piece when you get back if they’re not doing a job on a regular basis. They’re an amazing dog and breed. But they’re intense and are not going to make a great pet for the average person.
What’s the takeaway from this movie?
There is redemption for everybody and everything. The “bad dog†today doesn’t have to be a bad dog tomorrow. The dog in the film was affected by circumstances, and with the help of humans, he found his purpose again. It shows that with rehabilitation and the right environment, anyone can come back.
Original article can be found here