DOGS IN THE CIRCUS

For many centuries, dogs have been faithful and devoted companions of circus performers.

At first glance, circus training may seem like a fun and exciting game between owner and dog. In reality, this easy-to-follow appearance is based on hours of rehearsal and the trainer's intense desire to show off their dog's abilities.
In Russia, circus programs have never been complete without the presence of trained dogs.

The most famous trainers of the early 20th century in Russia were the brothers VLADIMIR AND ANATOLY DUROV.

Vladimir Leonidovich Durov was the first to use a painless incentive method based on Ivan Petrovich Pavlov's theory of conditioned reflexes. The essence of Durov's method, which he called emotional, lies in directly influencing the animal's psyche; taming is achieved through affection, not pain, so as not to induce depression, fear, or anger through punishment. Durov himself, when motivating an animal to do something, gave it a sound or a physical (gesture) signal.

A signal was given and simultaneously rewarded with a tasty treat. This developed the desired reflex in the animal, causing it to respond to a given conditioned stimulus and precisely perform the assigned actions on the trainer's command. Gradually, the animal's actions became a habit. Vladimir Durov called this technique "tasting encouragement."

V.L. Durov placed great importance on selecting animals and studying their individual characteristics. He proceeded from the premise that each animal has its own character, susceptibility, and temperament. This method has gained wide recognition and is used in dog training.

The traditions of the DUROV brothers were continued by Soviet and Russian circus trainers: KARANDASH (RUMYANTSEV), K. BERMAN, B. VYATKIN, A. POPOV, N. ERMAKOV Sr., N. ERMAKOV Jr., E. MAIKHROVSKY, P. PROSTETSOV, M. LAPIADO and many others.

Clown KARANDASH (Pencil) (N. RUMYANTSEV) and his dog, stage name KLYAKSA, are a unique phenomenon in world circus arts and an entire era in the history of the Soviet circus. KARANDASH's mere appearance in the circus arena delighted the audience, and they laughed until they cried. KARANDASH's dog was a black Scottish terrier. Clown Boris Vyatkin's routines were distinguished by their liveliness, direct contact with the audience, and their involvement in the clowning. Sometimes, his clowning reflected the topicality of a particular issue. His numerous dogs, named MANYUNYA, were his constant companions in clowning. Boris Vyatkin himself came up with the name MANYUNYA. Audiences loved it so much that he called all his dogs MANYUNYA. All MANYUNYA were mongrels.

Alexander Popov created the unusual act "Doctor Aibolit." What makes it unusual is that it's not just a set of tricks, but a narrative performance featuring one main character, Doctor Aibolit, and seven patients. From start to finish, they all remain in character, just as Alexander Popov remains in character as Doctor Aibolit, patiently and compassionately speaking with his patients. The roles of the patients who come to see Doctor Aibolit are played by dogs. Doctor Aibolit "replaces" one dog's sore tail, heals another's gordo, and a third's dads...

MARINA LAPIADO is a brilliant figure skater who combines bicycle balancing with training a large group of dogs. The signature trick of M. LAPIADO's unique act has long been a stunt in which two dogs simultaneously perform an "ameika" between the spokes of bicycle wheels.

For over 70 years, the "DOG SCHOOL" program has graced the circus arena. It was created by Nikolai Ermakov Sr., who performed this program for over 40 years. Nikolai Ermakov Jr., Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, will continue the tradition of his grandfather and father.