The Berrie Center hosted “Mutts Gone Nuts” on Saturday, a comedy show featuring “world-class stunt dogs.”
Hosted and run by Scott and Joan Houghton, who created the show in 2005, the pair rescue and adopt animals from shelters to include in their act. Dog lovers might initially have concerns about the ethics of these performances, but they emphasize that they “use all positive, reward-based training methods” and that their dogs “travel in large, padded, climate-controlled kennels for their safety when on tour.”
When they’re not performing, the dogs have two acres of fenced land to run around in, live indoors and are never kept outside in kennels. The group is also registered with the United States Department of Agriculture and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that act as an animal welfare group. When they are performing? They’re absolutely amazing.
The audience was first introduced to five talented dogs: a border collie mix named Pixel, an Australian shepherd named Siri, a greyhound named Feather, a border collie named Rocky and Toodles, whose breed was not specified but appeared to also be a border collie mix.
Dog lovers might initially have concerns about the ethics of these performances, but they emphasize that they “use all positive, reward-based training methods” and that their dogs “travel in large, padded, climate-controlled kennels for their safety when on tour.”
While all of these dogs were talented, Feather is actually the Guinness World Record holder for highest jump by a dog at 75.5 inches. Although we were not able to see this gorgeous girl in action due to old age, she was still a fabulous addition to the show.
Rocky won over the audience with his “shy” trick, where he covered his face with his paws as if embarrassed. He then performed alongside Pixel, Siri and Toodles in a thrilling barrel act. They pushed the barrel, ran on it as it moved and even used it like a hamster wheel.
“Mutts Gone Nuts” also features Alexandra Côté, a dog trainer and performer from Quebec, Canada. In 2021, she and her border collies, Tesla and Louka, earned a standing ovation on “America’s Got Talent.” She trained her dogs to dance with her in mesmerizing routines. At one point, Tesla even “sang” for the audience. Côté also showcased a high jump act with her third border collie, Lumina, and performed a spectacular frisbee routine.
Bonnie Scott, another trainer, wowed the crowd with her dog Kiddo’s dynamic frisbee act. These weren’t just simple toss-and-catch performances but high-energy, athletic routines that kept the audience clapping.
Between dog acts, The Great Kaplan, a magician with a flair for comedy, entertained the audience with his tricks, ensuring there was never a dull moment.
Houghton also took the time to emphasize the importance of rescuing and adopting, particularly senior dogs. He even provided an inside look into their training process, which was both fascinating and heartwarming.
“Mutts Gone Nuts” showcased incredible canine talent but also promoted a meaningful message about animal rescue. It was an unforgettable experience for dog lovers and families alike.
ajones11@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Eric Forberger
