Barking at Hollywood’s door

Heidi learns restraint during an exercise with trainer Sue DiSesso in which a trained rat is used as a distraction.

RELATED: A stage mom and her top dog.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Trainer Forbes brought Jonah to the Johnny Carson Park in Burbank to meet Heidi and share training tips.

RELATED: A stage mom and her top dog.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times reporter Diane Haithman with Heidi and Jonah, whose trainer warned the writer that it’s rare for a privately owned dog to appear in a movie because of the long training time that separates owner from dog.

RELATED: A stage mom and her top dog.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Haithman and Heidi stroll the Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood before heading to the Kodak Theatre, where Heidi was to make her debut in the musical “Annie.” Despite the noise and distractions, and the stagehands and the “orphans,” Heidi did exactly what she needed to do onstage.

RELATED: A stage mom and her top dog.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Heidi gets attention from Bill Berloni, the head animal trainer for the touring production of “Annie,” and star Madison Kerth, 11, who plays the title character. Berloni has been a trainer for 32 years and trained the dog for the original production of Annie. He advised Haithman to get hired out as a “screen extra with pet.”

RELATED: A stage mom and her top dog.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Haithman and Heidi wait for their curtain call.

RELATED: A stage mom and her top dog.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Haithman’s role as a high society dame in the musical included walking across the stage with Heidi while making sure to keep her calm.

RELATED: A stage mom and her top dog.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)