Mary Allen
Introduction: Stand by Me and the Scary Dog
Stand by Me is a coming-of-age film directed by Rob Reiner and based on a novel by Stephen King. The movie follows four teenage boys on a journey to find a dead body. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including a scary dog. The dog plays a pivotal role in the film, and its appearance has become a memorable part of the movie’s legacy.
The Role of the Dog in the Film
The scary dog in Stand by Me serves as a symbol of danger and the unknown. It is first introduced when the boys are walking along a railroad track, and they hear its menacing bark. The dog is later seen chasing the boys and causing them to run for their lives. Its presence adds tension and suspense to the movie and helps to heighten the sense of danger that the boys face on their journey.
Breed Identification: What Kind of Dog Was It?
The dog in Stand by Me was a Rottweiler. Rottweilers are a breed of dog known for their strength, loyalty, and protectiveness. They can be trained to be fierce guard dogs, but they are also known for their gentle and affectionate nature towards their owners.
Was the Dog Trained to be Scary?
Yes, the dog in Stand by Me was trained to be scary. It was trained to bark and growl on command and to chase the actors. The dog’s handler worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure that the dog’s behavior was safe and controlled on set.
How Was the Dog Trained for Filming?
The dog in Stand by Me was trained using positive reinforcement techniques. This involved rewarding the dog with treats and praise for good behavior. The dog’s handler also used a clicker to signal to the dog when it had performed the desired behavior.
Behind the Scenes: The Dog’s Handler
The dog in Stand by Me was handled by Karl Lewis Miller, who was a professional dog trainer. Miller has worked on many films and TV shows over the years, and he is known for his expertise in training dogs for the entertainment industry.
Did the Dog Have a Name?
The dog in Stand by Me did not have a name. It was simply referred to as “the dog” by the filmmakers and crew.
Was the Dog Harmful to the Actors?
No, the dog in Stand by Me was not harmful to the actors. The dog’s handler worked closely with the actors to ensure that they felt safe and comfortable on set. The dog was also trained to stop chasing the actors if they fell or were injured.
Actor Reactions: How Did They Really Feel?
The actors in Stand by Me have spoken about their experiences working with the dog. Corey Feldman, who played Teddy, has said that he was terrified of the dog and that he had nightmares about it for weeks after filming. River Phoenix, who played Chris, has said that he was not afraid of the dog and that he enjoyed working with it.
Public Perception: The Dog’s Legacy
The dog in Stand by Me has become an iconic part of the movie’s legacy. Its appearance has been parodied in other films and TV shows, and it is often cited as one of the scariest dogs in movie history. However, some animal rights activists have criticized the use of trained animals in the entertainment industry.
Other Scary Dogs in Film and TV
There have been many other scary dogs in film and TV over the years. Some notable examples include Cujo from the Stephen King novel and movie of the same name, and the Dobermans in the film The Omen.
Conclusion: The Scary Dog’s Impact on Stand by Me
The scary dog in Stand by Me has had a lasting impact on the movie’s legacy. Its appearance adds tension and suspense to the film and helps to heighten the sense of danger that the boys face on their journey. The dog’s trained behavior and the work of its handler ensured that the actors were safe and comfortable on set. While some may criticize the use of trained animals in the entertainment industry, the use of the dog in Stand by Me remains a memorable part of the movie’s history.