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July 1, 2022 by Terran 2 Comments

How to Make it as a Dog Model

Let’s face it — every dog parent enjoys taking photos of their canine companions. I bet you have at least eleventy billion photos of your dog on your phone, am I right? Whether you want to up your dog’s Instagram game or figure out how to get your dog in campaigns for big pet brands, you have to start somewhere.

I suggest you start from a place that feels the most natural to you and your dog! Have fun taking photos and discovering your dog’s personality, voice, and style.

But to try to help your dog’s modeling or influencing career catch fire, there are a few things you can do now to get started.


Invest in training

A successful dog model is well-trained and comfortable in new environments.The basics are an absolute necessity for dogs who want to work with brands or for pet parents who want to get the perfect at-home shots.

At the very least, dog models should know sit & stay, down & stay, stand & stay, have the ability to walk calmly on a loose leash, and a bullet-proof off-leash recall.

Training above and beyond these basics are what will really make you stand out. My clients and I often love to see a dog have the ability to hold something in his mouth on command, sit pretty, high-five, play bow, balance treats on her nose, rest his head on the ground or a surface, or simply have a desire to be close to her person and get hugs.

Oftentimes when we are holding a model call, we already have specific shots in mind; applying with a dog who can perform the actions we need will put you at the top of the consideration list!


Practice Makes Perfect

If your dog wants to model, you might want to invest in some gear to practice your dog’s poses and actions! Different styles of leashes and collars, toys, and clothing. If your dog doesn’t like dressing up or wearing clothes, don’t force it. Lean into what your dog does best naturally. Even if your pet has that special something that makes them shine in front of the camera, never force them to model or pose for photos if it makes them uncomfortable. If your dog isn’t happy, it’s not worth it.

Another big thing to practice is making sure your dog is desensitized to having a camera pointed at her! If she always looks away or has aggression toward a big camera lens next to her face, modeling probably isn’t her career of choice.


Build Your Dog’s Network

Once you have a portfolio of photos and videos that show off your dog’s looks and personality — whether you’ve taken them yourself (use these tips!) or had them professionally created, use them to reach out to brands or agencies. And definitely don’t forget to follow your fav commercial pet photographer on Instagram or Facebook to see when we have model calls!

Spend time engaging on social media. Dedicate time to respond to comments, follow people or pets back, and answer questions.

Connect with people offline. Once you have a portfolio and social media presence, run it by people whose opinions you trust. Don’t be afraid to take the conversation offline and meet people face-to-face.


Pro Tip: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t land a modeling gig right away. There are always factors at play beyond your control. Oftentimes, we’re casting multiple dogs and need to weigh which dogs can perform certain behaviors and which ones will provide us with the widest variety of looks.


Like it, love it, want some more of it?

Be sure to check out how I find the perfect dog models for my commercial shoots.

 

Filed Under: commercial blog post

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sheri Santucci says

    August 12, 2022 at 8:46 am

    Hi! It’s me, Sheri. I’m sure that you remember Vinnie. He passed away two years ago. We have a new puppy! She’s10 months old and is a rough coated Dutch Shepherd. She would be a great model for you! We’re still in pittsburgh! Sheri

    Reply
    • Terran says

      August 12, 2022 at 4:00 pm

      Sweet Vinnie! I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. :( I’ll let you know if we come through Pittsburgh. I would love to see you again and meet your new pup!

      Reply

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Wyoming better move on over and make some room bec Wyoming better move on over and make some room because Montana now shares my heart. We spent 45 days in the western half of the state this year and I did NOT want to leave.​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​On our last day, Roxy and I sat out by the Gallatin River together. I sipped my morning tea, we listened to the birds, and watched a little squirrel eat a nut in the tree next to us. It was pure perfection.⁣ 
My *TWO* Montana blogs are up on my website so head on over to westwaypets.com/blog or click the links in my IG bio!
We're officially back in San Diego but I'm still d We're officially back in San Diego but I'm still dreaming of Utah! Photographing Rey and her mom among the red rocks was one of the highlights of our trip. Rey's beautiful brindle tones worked so perfectly with the red rocks and I just loved the happy, natural smiles both mom & pup had when they were together!
I absolutely loved this peaceful spot in Jackson H I absolutely loved this peaceful spot in Jackson Hole. Down a gravel road, away from the tourist crowds, the Teton range stood nobly in the distance while tall trees, yellow wildflowers, and a friendly little chipmunk called this hilltop home. This was such a special evening and Mother Nature's dramatic sunset is not one I'll soon forget.
Here's a little Montana sunrise sparkle and a big Here's a little Montana sunrise sparkle and a big smile from Henry to start your day!
Hello, Las Vegas! Shutterhound starts TOMORROW!!!! Hello, Las Vegas! Shutterhound starts TOMORROW!!!! I know how hard the conference founders, Kaylee & Sam, have been working to pull this all together and I am 1,000,000% confident this will be an event to remember! I am honored to have been asked to teach two separate classes at the event and am so excited to get up there on stage and share what I've learned over the past 13 years as a pet photographer! Are any of my social followers here at the conference, too? Are you ready to have your socks knocked off????? I am!!!
Who's ready to go have some fun this weekend??? Who's ready to go have some fun this weekend???
We wrapped up this year's road trip in Big Sky, Mo We wrapped up this year's road trip in Big Sky, Montana and this was our final hike. Roxy rode in her carriage and was as happy as a little clam the whole time. She loves being out in nature and I'm just so glad we can still provide her with special outings like this one.
This year's Great American Road trip flew by way t This year's Great American Road trip flew by way too quickly. It feels like we were in Wyoming just yesterday, staring out at my favorite mountain range in awe, and photographing the amazing Harley and his mom.​​​​​​​​​ 
I'm flying out to Las Vegas next week to teach at Shutterhound, *the* conference for pet photographers. I'm excited to see old friends, meet new ones, and teach two classes! I am so honored to be part of the "rockstar speaker" lineup, which includes some of the very best, most iconic, and talented pet photographers from across the globe! Can Vegas even contain so much talent? As the conference founders are telling us, expect your socks to be blown right off more than once!
Montana taught me that I can plan and plan and pla Montana taught me that I can plan and plan and plan — but Mother Nature likes to have a little fun with those who get a little too confident in the weather! ➡️ We got completely drenched at one of our photo shoots this month and it will be one of my favorite memories from our entire road trip!
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