Yesterday, I went to Madison Square Park in New York City to watch Zak George and his Border collie Venus, six-years-old, perform tricks for the general public. It was pretty chilly, but it was loads of fun. Zak is an extreme pet trainer and with Venus, they have won five extreme dog-trick competitions during their first year competing. This launched his YouTube fan base, which is currently at three million views! It was really chilly out, but people loved it. Besides the fact that he’s a great trainer, as a person, Zak is very approachable and easy to talk to.

I was able to make a couple of videos and shoot tons of photos (hard to pick just a few) where he explains why the new show, Super Fetch is a show that actually teaches pets do perform tricks. Zak doesn’t promote teaching a pet from the outside, in but from the inside, out. He will never force a dog to perform a trick, but instead, he’ll harness a dog’s natural talent and let that talent shine.

Zak also emphasizes that the motivation for each dog is different. It could be food for one dog and playing for another.

“Working with people and their pets is a true passion of mine, and I believe that animals are capable of learning anything we take the time to teach them,” says host Zak George. “My goal in Super Fetch is not only to entertain but to help pet parents on the show and watching at home learn more about their relationship with their furry family members while picking up some useful training tips along the way.”

Tune in to “Super Fetch” which premieres on Animal Planet tomorrow, October 3, 2009 at 8 PM (ET/PT).

Zak George asked the audience to choose a number without Venus hearing or seeing the number.

Zak George trains a dog from the audience. This is Harrison.

Zak George trying to catch Harrison’s attention. BOL!

Zak George trains a dog from the audience.

Zak George showing a toy Ostrich, trying to find out what the motivation is (food or toy).

Venus, Zak George’s companion, now, six-years-old and looking beautiful!

Zak and Venus playing around.

Zak George trains a dog from the audience. This is Dawson.

Zak George threw a squeeky ball and Dawson went right after it and wouldn’t let go. BOL!

Zak George and a fan.

Zak George and Venus of Animal Planet’s Super Fetch.

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If you miss Animal Planet’s hit show “It’s Me or The Dog” with Victoria Stilwell and have seen all the re-runs, good news! “It’s Me or The Dog” has returned for new summer episodes. It began this weekend and will continue to run throughout the month.

During each episode, you’ll see Stilwell train a misbehaving dog with positive reinforcment. She’s a huge advocate of rescued animals, and teaches her clients how to maintain a healthy weight and diet for an obese dog. Each client gets a set of toys courtesy of Victoria and Animal Planet at the end of the show which is great because people who have similar problems with their pets can get a better understanding of where to start and how to positively engage their dog.

Image courtesy of Animal Planet

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