The Olate Dogs: Canine performers from ‘America’s Got Talent’ bring their show to Loveland
By Michelle Vendegna
Reporter-Herald Staff Writer
The winners of the 2012 season of “America’s Got Talent” will be making a stop at the Rialto Theater Center on Saturday. The Olate Dogs will be performing their high-energy variety act with Richard and Nicholas Olate leading the pack.
“It’s not your typical dog show. There is no Frisbee-throwing or anything like that. It’s very unique in itself,” said Nicholas Olate.
Richard began the show 49 years ago. Nicholas has been part of the act for 17 years, starting when he was 5. The group received national recognition in 2012 when took the top spot on “America’s Got Talent.” Since then, the group has been traveling nonstop from big cities to small towns.
“That for me has been the most exciting thing,” Nicholas said of the response they get even in small towns. “I like the fact that so many people like the dogs and want to see the show.”
The Olates travel with about 14 or 15 dogs at any given time. There are 11 in the show and then three or four that are training or retired.
“You have to stop and get them water, you have to walk them, get them their play time. It’s definitely time-consuming, but it’s really enjoyable,” he said. They always have to account for the extra time it takes when traveling.
It only adds to the fun that the Olates never look for easygoing dogs to join the act.
“I have had people come up and ask if we look for dogs that are relaxed and stuff, but not really,” Nicholas said. They try to find the most rambunctious dogs they can.
“When you actually give them something to do like a trick or something and you train them the way that we do, they get excited and they can get all the energy out when they’re performing,” he said.
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