Kennedy Lecture Series welcomes Brandon McMillan, host of CBS show 'Lucky Dog'

Every year, Ohio University’s Kennedy Lecture Series invites speakers who appeal to a broad cross section of the OHIO community to the Athens Campus to discuss significant issues and topics in American life. The next speaker in this year’s series is expert dog trainer and host of CBS show “Lucky Dog,” Brandon McMillan. His lecture, “From Hopeless to Home,” will take place Oct. 28 at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

McMillan, a behaviorist known for having a diverse background with wild animals, has spent his life perfecting the art of dog training. Drawing from his years as a wild animal trainer for film and television, McMillan has created a unique hybrid training program where he applies his knowledge and experience from working with wild animals to the domestic world of dogs. His distinct methods can be seen on his Emmy-winning television show “Lucky Dog” on CBS, which popularized his Seven Common Commands training system (Sit, Stay, Down, Come, Off, Heel, No).

McMillan will have two special guests join him for the evening: Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient Tim Donley, and Sandy, his Golden Retriever. McMillan trained Sandy as a service dog for Donley, who was severely wounded while serving in Afghanistan.

OHIO’s Kennedy Lecture Series began in 1962 as a gift from OHIO alumni and stalwart supporters Edwin L. and Ruth Kennedy. Previous series speakers have included Julie Cohen, Gloria Steinem, Anita Hill and Ira Flatow.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Spaces are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit the Kennedy Lecture Series website for more details.