Dog Trainer Reviews Superman: Why I Loved Krypto's "Behavioral Issues"

Not all heroes wear capes! Rescue dog Lulu has the unconditional love of her family.

Although I was drawn in from the beginning by the appearance of Krypto, it was the very end of the Superman movie that made me love it. Krypto's last scene and Superman's comment explaining the root of Krypto's "behavioral issues" was spot on.

We get more of the behaviors we reinforce -- and behavioral "issues" are in the eye of the beholder. As a dog trainer, I personally, love an enthusiastic greeter. While I appreciate that that behavior can be a big problem if someone is getting pushed over, bruised, or chewed on, I also know that a dog who jumps up is generally happy to see me and confident.

I can teach this dog a preferred way to greet -- four paws on the floor, sit to be patted, go grab a toy -- quite quickly. Whereas it can take more time to teach a fearful dog that it's OK to approach and that new people are not scary. Fear, once installed, takes longer to unlearn.

At first, I wasn’t too excited when I heard about yet another Superman movie. Usually when I am in a movie theater about to watch a superhero movie I will say, “Make mine Marvel!” as the opening credits begin. I’m a big comic book fan and while I gravitated to a lot of indie comics over the years, I also read a lot of Spiderman, arguably my favorite superhero, “With great power comes great responsibility!”.

However, after my spouse showed me the Superman trailer, I said, “OK, I’m in!”

What changed my mind? Krypto. The movie looked bright and fun and – it had a dog. As a dog trainer, I am nothing if not consistent. I am easily motivated by dogs!

I was not disappointed by the movie – tight storytelling, great soundtrack, and lots of heart. My spouse and I agreed this is our favorite Superman movie (even beating out nostalgia for the Christopher Reeve Superman flicks).

And Krypto? Well, I was delighted every time he was on screen. I’d love to see more of Krypto, and I think we will!

It was great to read that Krypto is based on director James Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu, who helped shape the script. This explains why Krypto’s character felt so truly dog and his relationship with Superman felt true, too. It didn’t hurt my feelings that actor David Corenswet brought his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ira, with him to the set, either. My Lily and Tish heartily approve.

It makes sense, of course, that Superman would risk everything to rescue his dog, who wouldn’t?

But I loved that Krypto is Superman’s foster dog and Superman acknowledges that he isn’t even “a very good” dog. Krypto doesn’t respond to cues right away. He doesn’t get everything right. He can be A LOT. I have loved, trained, and worked with a lot of dogs just like that!

Superman and Krypto have a strong bond – and unconditional love. Superman knows that Krytpo is “probably scared” and that matters to him and he’s going to do something to help. Swoon!

Do you have an overly enthusiastic greeter in your home? This is something I can help with. Dogs jump up because they are excited to see us and want to be near us. This behavior often gets inadvertently reinforced, becoming more difficult over time. The solution is to teach them what we'd prefer, reinforce that, and then ask for the desired behavior instead. Dogs do what works. Then, everyone's happy!

Do you have a dog who is scared? There are things you can do. Training can helpI See my posts on Fearful Dogs Part One and Fearful Dogs: Part Two.

Does the dog in your life have “behavioral issues”? I’m here for it. I can help make your life together less trouble and more fun while strengthening your relationship. Or, if the "issue" isn't a problem for you, I am happy to reassure you that it's OK to let your dog be a dog in whatever way works for you and your family — and give you some strategies to help everyone feel confident, at ease, playful, and safe together.

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