MovieChat Forums > A Dog's Purpose (2017) Discussion > Just because the dog recovered, doesn't ...

Just because the dog recovered, doesn't excuse what happened.


To prevent repeating myself in every other thread, I'm just going to post this here.

As a veterinarian and animal behaviourist who works with dogs and other animals in various situations, I disapprove of what this dog was subjected to. I also disapprove of the people who are justifying it by saying the dog recovered.

Firstly, in training, if an animal has to be physically forced into the situation you are trying to get them into, you're doing it wrong. The Shepherd in question is clearly balking and anxious, and trying to get out every time it's placed in the water. It does not want to be there, and is agitated. Yes, you CAN train a dog to tolerate these conditions, but it takes time - and this is something most movie studios want to keep to a minimum, because of cost. Whoever was overseeing this aspect of it failed to have appropriate training time to avoid this situation.

Secondly, the set design is flawed. In sets I've been around with animals in flowing water situations, the end is usually a ramp, slope no more than 30 degrees, that is porous or a grid such that water flows through it, with a surface the animal can climb out of their own accord, usually a form of carpeting or other surface with grip. This pool, with a flat vertical wall at the end, means the top-flowing water current has nowhere to go but down, and you see clearly in the video the Shepherd being pulled under by the down-current. This is inexcusable in regards to set safety, as it doesn't take long for a dog - or a human - to aspirate water into their lungs, which can cause significant problems if not death, either immediately or from secondary infections.

Finally, just because the dog recovered from this, doesn't excuse the first two failures above - they shouldn't have happened in the first place. Animals and people are subject to different kinds of abuse, but we don't overlook it because "they got over it and are okay now". That sort of sweep-it-under-the-rug mentality is not the way to address these situations. Also, just because one kind of abuse seems lesser to another, doesn't make the lesser situation non-abusive. If this is how you can justify abuse, there's something wrong with you.

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yes the dog recovered from getting wet.

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blablabla. You're a week late. We've had all kinds of armchair experts here, we've seen it all already. Move on with your life.

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Well written and explained. I have noticed there are many intolerant, some illiterate and just stupid people on these bulletin boards. But there are also some very intelligent people as well. Consider the former as just rabble rousing trolls who find enjoyment in the upset of others and ignore them as best you can. The rest will appreciate posts that are well written and thoughtful, including me.

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Ellen DeGeneres says it's alright to go and watch it.

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Ellen DeGeneres says it's alright to go and watch it.

she is a jackass who cares what she says

OP that is a strong post thank you

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Excellent post, thank you. We have a Shepherd, he is awesome, but he hates the water. When I think of that poor Shepherd in distress like that I feel sick.

Thanks for this.

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Amen! I've had rescue dogs for the last 35 years and this kind of trauma is the kind of abuse that no animal should be subjected to. Being forced into turbulent waters and nearly drowned is not what I call entertainment. Iit's not just PETA boycotting this movie, it's pet owners like myself who would never consider watching this movie, even if they sent a limo for me. Those of us who rescue dogs know how long it takes for our pets to overcome this betrayal of trust, not to mention their fears which are valid!

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Recovered from what? Being wet? The dog was and is fine.

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The footage was doctored.

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