The Training Secrets Behind Toto in The Wizard of Oz

The Dog that Played Toto,

Behind the scenes of one of Hollywood's most beloved classic films, The Wizard of Oz, is a fascinating story of dog training. The adorable little dog who played Toto in the film was named Terry. Terry, a real-life dalmatian, was trained by the legendary German-American trainer Carl Spitz.

About Carl Spitz

Carl Spitz, born in 1894, immigrated to the United States in 1926. With his training background from his early work in Germany, where he served under the renowned dog handler Konrad Most during World War I, Spitz brought his expertise to Hollywood. His innovative approach to canine education was centered on establishing a silent communication between himself and the dogs, allowing him to use hand signals during filming.

Spitz's training methods were not only innovative but also effective. In addition to his work on The Wizard of Oz, he trained another notable film's leading canine, Buck, for the movie The Call of the Wild with none other than the Hollywood heartthrob Clark Gable.

How Toto was Trained

Much of the training process was done in secret. The primary reason for using hand signals over vocal commands was to not disrupt filming. This approach allowed Spitz to work seamlessly with the cameras without having to remain on set for the entire duration.

Terry's performance in The Wizard of Oz was nothing short of remarkable. However, after Terry's stint in the film, he returned to Spitz's stables in Studio City. Sadly, the ranch where Terry lived was eventually bulldozed for the construction of the Ventura Freeway in 1958. Today, Toto lies buried beneath the Ventura Freeway, an ironic twist considering the famous "yellow brick road."

Paying Tribute: Toto's Legacy

A memorial to Terry was later constructed at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in 2011, ensuring that the memory of this assisting dog actor would live on. Carl Spitz, who passed away in 1976 at the age of 82, is remembered as a unique figure in the world of canine training. His service in both World Wars, his transition from an enemy trainer to an ally trainer, and his impact on Hollywood are truly remarkable.

For those interested in dog training techniques, it is highly recommended to read the book by Aljean Harmetz, Behind the Scenes: The Making of The Wizard of Oz. This detailed account can reveal the training secrets behind many of the dog actors in The Wizard of Oz.

Moreover, it's worth noting that the dog trainers in Los Angeles today continue to uphold the standards set by Spitz. Many dedicate their lives to professional training of animals for film, ensuring that each actor, whether they are feline, canine, or even equine, can perform flawlessly on screen.

Titles of Classic Film with Notable Dog Actors:

Different from the Forest (1947) - Basille the cat, trained by the Vaudeville-trained Cats during the silent film years. Lassie (1943-2005) - Lassie, the iconic collie. Sound of Music (1965) - Adorable puppy who joins the Von Trapp children and their family dog.

These names stand as testaments to the long history of canine training in Hollywood, a tradition that continues to this day, upholding the legacy of Carl Spitz and his groundbreaking methods.

Key Points to Remember:

Terry, the dog who played Toto in The Wizard of Oz, was trained by Carl Spitz. Carl Spitz's approach to training was innovative, using hand signals to work with the dogs silently. The dog actors in Hollywood today continue the tradition set by Spitz and his contemporaries.

By delving into the world of dog training techniques, we can appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into creating the perfect performance on Hollywood's big screen.