Behind the Scenes: Inside the Controversial Training Techniques Used in Strays' Adult-themed Sequences

Summary

Dog trainers for the movie "Strays" taught the dog actors to hump objects on command, leading to funny moments during filming.

The R-rated comedy "Strays" appeals to mature audiences with its raunchy humor, featuring dogs engaging in explicit behavior with lawn statues and trash. The film's long-awaited release has built anticipation due to its absurd concept and the promise of additional adult comedy.

Strays director Josh Greenbaum has shared the behind-the-scenes details on how the dog actors in the movie were trained to perform R-rated scenes. In this comedy film, Will Ferrell lends his voice to Reggie, a Border Terrier abandoned by his owner Doug (played by Will Forte). Reggie teams up with other stray dogs Bug (Jamie Foxx), Maggie (Isla Fisher), and Hunter (Randall Park) as they seek revenge on Doug for leaving them behind.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Greenbaum discussed how the dog trainers for Strays taught the canine cast to engage in inappropriate behavior for the film. The dogs were trained to hump objects on command, resulting in hilarious moments during filming. Read on to hear Greenbaum's own words on the matter:

There were multiple scenes with dogs engaging in humping behavior. [Laughs] However, this occurred early on during our shoot, where we had four dogs actually humping lawn ornaments. At one point, I couldn't help but exclaim to the crew, 'Yes, this is really our job. We're actually doing this, everyone.' This was another behavior that I questioned the trainers about, asking them if it could be trained. They assured me it was possible, and they developed various techniques to accomplish it.

There was a specific moment in Atlanta, around 4 in the morning during our night shoots. Our set was silent as we were waiting for Bug to hump a pile of trash, as a part of his attempt to convince some larger dogs that he's crazy. In that moment, you could hear the trainer softly saying 'humpity humpity,' which was the command they had chosen to use. Those are the instances where you truly comprehend the absurdity of what you're doing. [Laughs]

Everything To Expect From Strays

Strays is a humorous parody of talking dog films like Homeward Bound. The film's adult-oriented content, featuring dogs engaging in raunchy comedy like humping lawn statues and trash, caters specifically to mature audiences. The R-rating of the film leaves us wondering about the other comedic situations that the dog cast of Strays will find themselves in.

In the Strays trailer, it was revealed that Reggie and his friends will consume hallucinogenic mushrooms, leading to amusing and trippy moments. Additionally, Reggie's crude desire for revenge against Doug promises to deliver some laugh-out-loud jokes throughout the movie. It is evident that Greenbaum's vision for an R-rated Strays was meticulously crafted, as evidenced by the involvement of trainers to facilitate the dogs' interactions with various objects.

Strays is set to hit theaters on August 18, after being pushed back from its initial release date of June 9. Despite facing competition from Blue Beetle, this comedy, led by Ferrell and Foxx, is sure to capture audiences' interest with its outlandish storyline. Fans can anticipate an abundance of adult humor in Strays, which will become apparent upon its theatrical debut.