Calvin Millan is ready to follow in his father’s footsteps, world renowned dog behaviorist Cesar Millan. Both father and son will stars in the newest Nickelodeon live-action preschool series, Mutt & Stuff premiering July 10.The stars will interact with a cast of both real dogs and puppets at its titular canine school.
The series will be helmed by TV legends Sid and Marty Krofft (Land of the Lost, H.R. Pufnstuf) while Cesar is on board as executive producer of the show. Variety Latino had the opportunity to speak with Calvin about his involvement with the project and what makes these four-legged, furry companions so entertaining.
How did you become involved in this project?
When I was 13 years-old my dad said that a television producer named Marty Krofft wanted to create and produce another kids show. Marty wanted almost 20 dogs in the show. I thought it was a great idea, so here we are four years later. I hope I get to do 127 seasons.
Where did your love of animals come from?
I’ve grown up with dogs my whole life, so having tons of dogs around the house is totally normal for me. As long as I can remember, my Dad and I have had pet dogs…and I love them all.
What is your favorite dog breed?
I love dogs. I’ve had every kind of dog you can imagine, and a lot of them are mixed breeds, so I guess my favorite type of dog is the kind with fur, a wet nose and a tail.
What do you think we can learn from dogs?
They teach you how to be a good friend. And you can learn how to stick by your friends, because dogs always want to be part of a pack. I love that about dogs. My dog is named Coco she’s my best friend.
Why should kids watch this show and what can they learn?
The show is funny. And it’s fun. There’s really nothing like it on TV. We have 13 dogs, 10 puppies, a giant 6-foot fuzzy dog named Stuff, 2 hilarious puppet cats that comment on the action, and a talking fire hydrant that the dogs love to sniff. And every episode we teach a great lesson about friendship, being kind, and respecting everyone, whether they have two or four legs.
