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Rob Archer
What were your first impressions of doggy dancing?
I was pretty freaked out. I was up for a challenge but when I understood what it was, I thought 'Oh no, I don't want to dress up and dance around on TV.' I'd hoped for something cooler. [laughs]
I also had a moral problem. It seemed like a circus act. Talking to Attila [the Czech animal expert] put my mind at rest. He said dogs really benefit from it.
What were the biggest obstacles that you had to overcome?
There were two. Firstly, Bobster was untrained and turned out to be a free spirit. She wasn't easy to train like a Collie would have been. You had to work hard to keep her interested. Secondly, I wasn't up for dancing. Going into the studio and dancing in front of people who I want to respect me, that's my definition of hell.
What was the lowest point in the four weeks?
Early on we went to the Dogs in Need show. It is doggy Glastonbury. My mentors had organised a barbecue and I was supposed to be fitting into this close-knit community. They tried to get me to dance and I absolutely hated it. I just had to get away. I went and took the Bobster for a walk.
Where you surprised you could bond with a dog?
I was really pleased. I had no idea if I'd be able to.
Did you find it ridiculous communicating with a dog?
Not at all, my first reaction has always been to treat dogs well. My problem was that I was happy to be the dog's friend. I was there with laughs and livers. Dogs are descended from wolves and have got some instincts that need to be respected. The best dog trainers establish a mastery over their dogs. The Bobster looked at me as an equal not as a master.
How did you feel leaving the Bobster?
I was gutted. We had all been working hard towards the test. And as soon as we succeeded, the Bobster was taken away from me. The next day I was back at work, with no dogs around. It really hit me.
Did Faking It change you?
Normally I am quite a serious character, especially at work. I realised early on that we couldn't heap pressure on a dog, so I made a decision not to take it too seriously. We treated it as a laugh. I think that is how we managed to Fake It. We weren't up to the standard of the other competitors but we looked like we were having fun. I am trying to maintain that light-hearted approach to work.
What did you think of the Faking It experience?
I think about those four weeks everyday, and I always remember something brilliant. I am very grateful to my mentors. They were fantastic.
Mary Ray
What's the biggest difficulty with doggy dancing?
It's hard because there are three things you have got to concentrate on simultaneously. You've got to concentrate on yourself, the music and the dog.
Before you started the challenge, how hard did you think it was going to be?
I thought it was impossible. The biggest problem was that the dog had never done anything. If the dog had been trained it would have been much easier. Also, it is such a short amount of time. Even with my experience I wouldn't want to learn a new routine in four weeks.
What was the biggest crisis during the four weeks?
Bobby would learn a move really well and we all thought we were making great progress. Then she'd go off it. The problem was keeping her interested.
How did you feel immediately before the test?
I didn't think we'd do it. Rob pulled it off because he was able to appear confident despite being nervous underneath.
How would you evaluate Rob's dog handling skills?
The dogs thought he was a natural. Dogs can tell. Men often don't vary their voice when they talk to dogs. You need to talk to a dog the way a woman talks to a baby. Rob was a natural at that.
Do you think you could fake it as a management consultant?
I know I couldn't do. I can't talk posh. I'd hate all that travel. Dogs are the world I know.
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