Why Krypto Made Superman My New Favorite (From a Dog Trainer’s Point of View)
I didn’t expect to enjoy the new Superman movie. Honestly, I’ve always been more of a old-school DC guy. Usually, if I’m settling in for a superhero flick, I’ll joke: “Make mine more like the classics!” But that changed when I saw the trailer.
It had a dog. And not just any dog—Krypto, Superman’s four-legged sidekick. As a dog trainer, I’m predictable that way: put a dog in the story, and I’m in.
What followed was a film that surprised me in all the best ways, tight storytelling, a solid soundtrack, and a lot of dog! It may have even outshined the Christopher Reeve classics for us. But it was the last scene that really sealed it. Superman acknowledging the root of Krypto’s “behavioral issues”? That moment was spot on.
Behavior “Issues” Are Just Information
Krypto is enthusiastic, imperfect, and doesn’t always respond to cues the first time. He jumps up, resists commands, and occasionally creates chaos. But what I saw was a confident dog, eager to connect, what we trainers call “an enthusiastic greeter.”
At Alaska Dog Works, we see this every day. Dogs jump because they’re excited. And while that behavior can become problematic, especially if someone’s getting knocked over, bruised, or chewed on, it’s rooted in connection, not defiance. We get more of the behaviors we reinforce, so teaching a dog to greet with all four paws on the floor, sit politely, or grab a toy is often a fast fix.
Compare that to fear-based behavior. A fearful dog needs time, trust-building, and consistent positive reinforcement to learn that the world, and its people, are safe. Fear takes longer to unlearn. And as Superman beautifully illustrates, that fear is often invisible until we pay close attention.
Superman and Krypto’s bond reminded me of the most successful client-dog relationships we’ve helped foster at Alaska Dog Works: built on empathy, compassion for our K9 Buddies, and the desire to help, not control. When Superman says, “He’s probably scared,” I just about cried. That’s the kind of understanding that makes all the difference, on screen and in real life.
Real Fact: Did you know that the movie has led to a 500% increase in dog adoptions.
While that is great, as a dog trainer we must warn about impluse rescues. We have seen it all from Iron Will, 101 Dalmatians, Marley and Me, and Air Bud.
Krypto Felt Real, Because He Was Modeled on a Real Dog
It turns out Krypto was based on director James Gunn’s own rescue pup, Ozu, which explains why his behavior felt so authentic. Even Superman actor David Corenswet brought his own Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ira, to set. When dogs are part of the process from script to screen, it shows.
Krypto’s portrayal wasn’t sanitized. He’s “a lot.” He doesn’t always get it right. He’s a foster dog, still figuring things out, and Superman loves him anyway. That, more than any action sequence or superpower, is what made the film shine for me.
Real Dogs Aren’t Perfect…And That’s a Good Thing
At Alaska Dog Works, we believe that behavioral “issues” aren’t always problems, they’re just information. We work with dogs who bark, jump, pull, ignore, or overreact. Some are too excited. Some are shut down. And most, like Krypto, just need someone to understand them and guide them gently in the right direction.
We train using a positive reinforcement model that helps dogs and their people feel more confident, calm, and connected. Whether you have a wild greeter or a worried wallflower, we can help you build a relationship that works, without turning your dog into a robot. If something’s not a problem for you? That’s valid too. We’ll support you in finding what does work for your lifestyle.
From the Movies to the Trail: What Krypto Can Teach Us About Training
Superman risked everything to save his dog. That wasn’t just movie magic, it’s a reminder of the deep bond we share with our dogs. That bond is worth protecting, nurturing, and sometimes, training for.
If your dog’s behavior is causing stress, or you’re just not sure what’s normal, we’re here to help. At Alaska Dog Works, we’ve been training dogs (and their humans) for over 30 years. From enthusiastic greeters to anxious pups, we’ve seen it all, and we’re proud to be Alaska’s premier training resource for family dogs, therapy teams, and service dogs alike.
Did you see the new Superman movie? We want to hear what you thought of Krypto! Share your favorite moments with us on our social channels.
And if Krypto reminded you a little bit of your own dog, we’d love to meet them. Schedule a free strategy call today at AlaskaDogWorks.com or call us at 206-752-DOGS. Let’s turn those “behavioral issues” into superpowers.
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