Welcome to our "Answers Page" . Well, it's titled the
"Frequently Asked Questions Page", but we know you came here for
the "Answers"! If you don't see your question answered, check
Bob's Blog page, or use our Contact page to ask. Either Bob or one
of his assistants will do their best to respond.
Why isn't Bob Weatherwax with "Lassie"?
For the past four years, Classic Media, a subsidiary of Entertainment Rights, which owns the rights to the character and name of Lassie, has chosen not
to use a Weatherwax Lassie dog for its corporate ventures, despite the fact
that Bob is the exclusive legal owner of the Lassie dogs and their bloodline.
Where will Bob and Laddie be appearing next?
Place a bookmark for our News page. All upcoming appearances will be
noted there. And be sure to check out archived pages of past appearances.
What other dogs are the Weatherwax family of dog
trainers known for?
It has been widely stated that "most of the dogs in Hollywood" for many
years were Weatherwax trained. Well known dogs such as Corky, Asta,
Petey, Cyclone, Daisy, Chief, Toto, Rommy, Rip and many others achieved
Hollywood stardom as Weatherwax trained dogs. Check the Credits page
on this web site, also Rudd's page, Bob's page, and the Family page for
more details.
What is “The Weatherwax Way”?
The Weatherwax Way is a system of dog training, applicable to all breeds, devised by Rudd Weatherwax and handed down to his son,
Bob Weatherwax. It differs from other dog training methods in that the goal
is to create a fluid flow of movement that creates the suggestion of acting
and emoting. Still based in a step-by-step approach to behavior, it goes
beyond obedience standards and incorporates voice inflection,
hand signals, eye contact, and a unique kind of choreography between
trainer and dog.
I know at one time, Lassie had a friend named Mel.
Does Laddie have a special friend too?
Correct on both counts! Lassie VIII's best friend was a Jack Russell terrier named Mel. Laddie has a special pal too. He is a Cairn terrier (maybe with a
bit of Silky mixed in) named Throttle. You can see him on Laddie's Page on
this web site. Both Rudd and Bob always liked to have a big dog/little dog
team. Just about every Lassie dog has had a small dog to pal around with.
Is it historically correct that Lassie never got involved in politics? Why is Laddie getting involved now?
Neither Rudd nor Bob involved themselves or their dogs in politics. But times have changed, and dogs and cats are now being used as political tools by people who have the extreme belief that we should have no pets. They decry
the human/animal bond, at least in the way that so many people cherish and practice it. California AB 1634, (mislabeled the "Healthy Pets Act"), was really
a direct threat to the survival of domestic dogs and cats in this state. Under
the terms of AB 1634, which both Bob Weatherwax and Jon Provost read and studied very carefully, Laddie, who resides in California, would have to be surgically sterilized as a consequence of the passage of this law, thus ending the Weatherwax Lassie dog bloodline. Laddie's presence in Sacramento represented the targeted victims of this bill, of which he was unquestionably
one. Just as Lassie got involved in the "clean up the environment" campaign
in the 1960's and went to Washington DC to have his picture taken with then First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, Laddie went to Sacramento to fight this
anti-pet extermination campaign.
Among Bob's family or acquaintances, whom does he endorse to speak on his or his Lassie dogs behalf?
Only the personal and business associates you will find on the
Contact Page of this web site
Will Bob ever write a book about the incredible
years of breeding and training the Lassie dogs?
You bet'cha! It's in the works! Stay tuned to this web site!
Where does Laddie sleep? Does he have a special
room for himself?
In past Weatherwax homes, the Lassie dogs had their own bedroom. Now in cosier, more casual times, Laddie thinks of Bob's bed as his own. Laddie also has his own room that is filled with memorabilia of his family – all the past Lassie dogs. He also likes to lie down on a big, overstuffed chair that his
father, Lassie VIII, loved. You just might be seeinge Laddie's special spots
on Laddie's page on this website.
What is Laddie’s favorite treat?
Laddie adores chicken.... and anything else he can get his teeth on.
What can we expect to see on the web site
in the future?
The website will continue to grow and expand, just as the generational
line of Weatherwax collies will continue. You'll also find more than just
collie dogs. Bob has a wealth of information to share on training all breeds
of dogs and many other topics. Look for more ways to participate - webinars,
blog opportunities, contests, sharing photos and great dog stories. And
we're always interested to hear from friends and fans what they would like to
see on the website.
Is it possible to ask Bob some training questions, and
will he make more training videos?
Yes! You will find and appropriate link on the HOME page!
Did Bob ever have any other dogs that were special
like Lassie?
Just like Rudd, Bob has worked with a large number of dogs of a variety of
pure breeds as well as good old-fashioned mutts. Each one had special characteristics and unique talents that allowed him to show the dog off to its best potential.
This page was last updated: September 17, 2009
