How to Train Your Dog to Act for Movies

Training your dog yourself with intent to get him into entertainment is not easy and just as he needs to be familiar with a range of commands, you need to know how to teach them. Read up on the latest training techniques and research methods that ensure your dog will succeed.

At a young age, your dog should be socialized and comfortable with both people and other animals. He should be up to date on vaccinations and should show enthusiasm for training. Skipping either of these steps is not an option.

Commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’, ‘down’, and other basic obedience commands are necessary for a strong foundation. Work on these first and foremost.

Move into more complicated commands that require your dog to perform in certain situations. Practice in public areas that are dog-friendly and practice in strange environments. Teach how to look in certain directions and convey certain expressions with head positions.

Complex obedience requires near constant reinforcement. Your dog can be much more successful with repetition.

Obedience competition is a good way to bring your dog’s skills into practice and test his understanding. It’s also a good way to network with other owners and trainers.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers the Canine Good Citizen Certification (CGC) which can let the world know that your dog is a master of everything you’ve taught him. It can also help you get spotted by an agency.

Once your dog has displayed a capacity for learning, it’s time to look for opportunities. Look both locally and in other areas for casting calls for animal actors. Apply and try out for as many openings as you and your dog can handle.

It’s difficult enough to find work as a human actor and finding work for animals can be doubly challenging. But if you persist and are dedicated to finding a spot for your dog to shine, you can succeed. Don’t give up and keep searching!

There are any number of training facilities out there that all promise to turn your dog into the perfect one, but not all of them are reputable or even safe. Do plenty of research and read reviews of each facility to find one that employs the appropriate training methods for your dog.

Most schools require up-to-date shots as well as having your dog spayed or neutered. They will also generally not admit a dog until it is at least eight weeks to a few months old. Be sure to read up on the requirements of the chosen school and set your dog up to meet them.

Training schools typically have a several week or month program. The costs may vary, depending on your program and the length of it. Attending every class is important for your dog’s success.

Training schools are not only there to teach your dog, but they are also there to teach you. Be present and invested in each session to ensure success.

Some training schools may have their own internal certification program where your dog performs commands that they’ve learned throughout the program. The certification may not be as prestigious as a national certification, but it certainly won’t hurt your dog’s chances of being noticed.

Acting commands are not typically found at the usual training facilities. You may need to find a specialized facility that coaches pets to take direction on a film set.

Create a website or social media profile for your dog that explains his accomplishments and his experience with the school or schools he was trained at. Get some good pictures that represent your dog well. Use this profile to apply for casting calls and auditions and keep looking until you nail that special role!

Being considered by an animal acting agency is difficult. Make sure your dog is always groomed and looking her best whenever you post images of her or take her out into public.

While an agency may do the bulk of the actor training with you, your dog may need to know basic obedience like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’. Get these commands down and she’ll have better chances of standing out.

Agencies are not as common as training schools and may have stringent requirements. Do enough research and be willing to travel to find the perfect one. Remember that an agency that promises to get your dog a role is likely just trying to get a fee from you. No dog is guaranteed a place in show business.

With an agency, your dog may be busy training and auditioning frequently. Be sure to devote enough time for normal dog activities like play and exercise. Your dog will appreciate the effort and affection.

Not all agencies may be perfect for your dog. Don’t be afraid to shop around for others if one doesn’t work out.

Hollywood can be difficult on both dog and owner. Never risk the welfare of your dog for the sake of landing a role. Be smart and look for the warning signs of poor handling. Your dog relies on you to help her navigate the working world.