Perhaps you have found yourself watching TV one day and thought that your dog is just as cute, just a smart or even better than the dog on your favorite show or a commercial that you were looking at. In reality there is a great demand for dogs that are well trained, smart and well socialized to act on various types of TV projects both in local markets as well as in the big times.
Most of the time the large television shows and companies will use dogs that are contracted through specific trainers. These trainers are very aware of what TV dog stars need to be able to do, as well as the qualities that television producers and directors are looking for in their dogs. It is amazing how many dogs are actually used in television shows, just take a closer look next time you are watching and see how many shows, commercials and movies have canine actors.
Training
Before you even think about having your dog or puppy appear on camera you do have to ensure that your dog is fully trained. Puppies, of course, are not going to be trained and typically they will be held or shown as part of the activity in the commercial or in the picture, not as a central part of the action where they have a specific movement or command to complete. In some cases the puppy will have to come or respond at a cue, so if your puppy can already come, sit and stay that is a great start.
Training your dog means that they are competent with the basic commands of come, sit, stay, down and possibly speak. Any additional commands such as shake a paw, roll over, play dead, sit up, crawl, howl or anything else you can train them to do on command is only going to add to their talents to offer. Dogs that have something completely unique that they do are also a great idea. Training your dog to spin around in a circle, cover his nose with his paws or even answering a phone are all ways that you can draw attention to your dog's ability if you get a chance to audition.
Trying to decide what you can train your dog to do that is unique is often a function of just watching your dog. Do they do something different than other dogs? If they do, simply give it a command name and start working to have the dog do it when you ask. Another option is to watch what dogs on TV, commercials and movies are doing and make sure that your dog can do the same things on command. Remember those actions aren't by accident and that dog may have to repeat that particular action many times before everything is right.
The next step is to make sure that your dog is unflappable in any type of situation. Take your dog as many places as you can to get him or her used to crowds, noise, movement and strange places. The calmer and more relaxed your dog appears the more he or she can shine at an audition or on the stage. The best trained dog that can't handle distractions isn't going to be suitable for a TV studio or a photo shoot, no matter how smart or cute he or she is.
Socialize your dog extensively. He or she should love to be around new people and immediately accept others petting, touching and moving around the dog. The dog also has to be non-aggressive towards other dogs and animals, especially cats, birds or other smaller animals.
Getting The Audition
Basically if you want your dog to get into TV, the movies, in advertising or to be used in print then you first have to get an in to the business. Most owners try to do this themselves, in effect becoming their dog's agent. If you aren't familiar with the television industry this can be a very steep learning curve and you will probably make more mistakes than you even realized before you actually get your dog into an audition. For those dog owners that aren't familiar with how an agent works and what he or she does, hiring a professional is the first big step.
To get an agent or be listed with a agency you should get some professional photographs of your dog, both still shots as well as some shots of him or her in action. Using a professional photographer will help get the high quality pictures that will draw attention to the pet. You may also want to make or have made a video presentation of your dog running through his or her tricks. Try to have some type of sequence and showmanship in the video that highlights the dog's performance.
Once you are listed with an agent or agency, the next step is to keep practicing and increasing your dog's behavior repertoire. You should also make sure your dog is always well groomed and clipped, ready to head out to an audition at any time. While waiting for that phone call get your dog out in public as much as possible, take him or her to shows, enter them in competitions and continue to work on agility and obedience training in addition to specific tricks.
On the day of the audition be sure to have the dog looking his or her best and avoid feeding the dog for about 3-4 hours before the audition. This is particularly important if the dog is going to have to advertise a type of dog food where they will be required to take a few bites. If your dog is a picky eater you may even want to withhold food a bit longer, just to make sure they have an appetite at the audition. Walk them and give them outside time before the audition, then prepare to take them through their routine in a normal, positive and fun fashion for the dog.
Other articles under "Careers with Dogs"
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