Review: Graeme Hall – The Dogfather Live on Stage at Leeds City Varieties

Graeme Hall’s status as the nation’s favourite dog trainer seems assured after four much-viewed series of his Channel 5 show Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly.
Graeme Hall brought his Dogfather Live on Stage show to Leeds.Graeme Hall brought his Dogfather Live on Stage show to Leeds.
Graeme Hall brought his Dogfather Live on Stage show to Leeds.

His first ever live show takes things a step further, with the 55-year-old Yorkshire-born star bringing his bonhomie and insights into what makes a successful partnership between canines and humans to theatres across the country.

If the first half of a 90-minute show lacks a little polish, with Hall at one stage losing his place in the script, it should be remembered that it is only his third ever “gig” and tonight’s nearly sold-out house is forgiving, quickly warming to his references to Yorkshire Tea, his Selby roots and a couple of gentle digs at the Red Rose county’s expense.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The fact that he also dishes out custard creams to audience members who answer questions correctly – in the style of pantomimes he recalls watching as a child at this very venue – seems an added bonus.

Hall talks about anthropomorphism and Thorndike’s Law of Effect, explaining how it has influenced his own ‘Three and a Half Golden Rules’ of dog training, which posit that any behaviour that feels rewarding will increase, any behaviour that feels uncomfortable will decrease, some behaviours that are ignored will fade away and, crucially, practice doesn’t always make perfect.

He illustrates each one with clips from his TV series, helping dog owners to win over their unruly pets by maintaining a calm demeanour and being consistent.

He also reveals that he was once a prize-winning amateur ballroom dancer – with footage to prove it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The second half of the show flows more naturally, with an appearance from Bex, from the PDSA in Bradford, and her rescue dog Bear, a lovable Staffordshire bull terrier who nervously barks at strangers, followed by questions from the audience which Hall does his best to answer with good humour and a healthy dose of pragmatism.

Whether it’s a German shepherd dog that barks on car journeys, a cockapoo that’s aggressive towards puppies or a labrador that loves to chew shoes, there’s useful advice aplenty.

All in all, it’s a fun evening out. Strictly Come Dancing producers might also want to note The Dogfather is rather fleet of foot.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.