Photograph by: Ali Nasser
Dog Modeling
How do I get started and what does it take?
Getting your dog into modeling isn’t easy. Trust me, we know. Rune and I are currently working on pursuing this. If you want your dog to be in magazines, commercials and movies it’s going to take some work. To start with you’ll want to work on training some basic obedience. Your dog will need to have a reliable stay, be able to work at a distance, needs to be able to respond to silent cues, and will need to be able to work under all sorts of conditions.
The first thing you’ll want to do is enroll your dog into a few obedience classes. Training classes will help your dog learn to work with the three D’s: Distance, Distraction and Duration. Attending classes will help your dog to become a well mannered pet. This is important on a set because of all the equipment. Make sure you get a solid, “Watch me” command. Aim to have your dog hold this cue for a minimum of 30 seconds. It will help with getting your dog to look at the camera when it is required. Training classes also help with socialization. Your dog will need to be friendly towards other people and all sorts of animals.
You’ll always want to take your dog to as many pet friendly locations as possible. Don’t just work on training your dog at home and in class. You’ll want to expose them to as many locations as possible and work on your obedience and tricks while there. You never know where a modeling location will be so it’s best to be as prepared as possible. Working your dog in all sorts of environments will help to make their training more reliable and it helps to build both their confidence, as well as your own.
Be sure to check out modeling agencies. Rune has a profile with Got Pet-ential. The reason you’ll want to create a profile with a modeling agency is to be in the database. Companies will send the agency a list of dog types or behaviors they are looking for. If your dog meets those requirements the agency will reach out to you to see if you are interested. If you are interested they will send your profile to the company. The company will then review the profiles and select who best suits their needs. If you want your pup to be an animal actor then having an agent is the best route.
Once you have an agent, you are going to need some good head shots, side views, and other photos for your agent to use. Be sure to show off tricks in your photos too. While you can always take your own photos, it’s best to go to a professional. Remember when I mentioned exposure? What better way to prep for your modeling journey than to go to a professional photographer. You can get them use to the bright lights, the camera sounds, props, and other distractions that will be going on. If you live locally here in Orlando, Florida then contact Nasser Studios. This is where I take Rune. I highly recommend Ali Nasser. He is patient, willing to work with any ideas you have, treats your pup as if they are his own, and the photos are absolutely stunning.
If you are willing to put the time into training your dog, exposing them to new things, properly socializing them, and finding an agent then, your dog might just have what it takes to be a dog model. Rune and I wish you the best of luck on your journey!
Langel Tails 