by 7 people |
Dog modeling is a fun way to earn some extra cash to offset some of the expenses of owning a dog. It takes a well-trained dog, plenty of patience and loads of luck. You won't get rich, but you'll have some fun with your dog.
I own two dogs, Speak and Mazie and both have done modeling. Speak has appeared in Target's Sunday sales flier three times and on the packaging for several Target dog Halloween costumes. Mazie did a photo shoot for the cover of a Target sales flier, but it ultimately wasn't used.
This lens is written from my experience of basically amateur dog modeling. We were paid, but let's be real, Speak's not appearing in commercials and jet-setting across the country. He's just a dog. A cute dog, but still just a dog.
Grooming Products
Keep your dog pretty!
FURminator Large Yellow deShedding Tool with 4-Inch Edge
Amazon Price: $199.99 (as of 07/12/2009) 
Peticure Petite Pet Nail Trimmer
Amazon Price: $21.90 (as of 07/12/2009)
Mars Coat King Stripper 10 Blade Medium
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
Step 1: The Right Dog
Let's face it, your dog better be cute. Certainly everybody thinks their dog is cute and every job requires just the right dog, but more often than not they're going to want a certain look. And it's probably not an ugly dog.Black colored dogs also usually don't make the best models because they don't photograph well.
Dog Collars
Nylon Pet Collar with Customized Personalized Embroidery
Custom dog collar so your dogs can go tagless!
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/12/2009)
Step 2: Training
Your dog needs to be well-trained. No photographer is going to put up with a dog chewing the doggie jacket and peeing on the doggie bed. Your dog needs to be able to hold a sit and a down and respond to basic commands. If you really want to get good at dog modeling, train your dog to do very specific commands, like step forward, put their head down, back up, etc. These will come in handy when a photographer is working to get just the right look.Some obedience schools offer modeling classes, and while these aren't required (Speak never took them), it is a great way to learn what the professional dogs learn.
Cesar Milan Can Help Your Dog
Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life
Amazon Price: $17.13 (as of 07/12/2009)
Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan - The Complete First Season
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
Step 3: Head Shots
This is actually how you get into dog modeling. Agents will put together books of head shots to shop around to clients. The clients simply go through the book and find the dog they want. They agent calls you up and you're in business.That's how it's worked for us. There certainly may be other ways to get connected, but this was how Speak got his start. Once you're connected, a client may ask for you by name.
Getting into an agent's book of head shots may be the harder part. Here's where it helps to take a dog modeling class. While Speak didn't take that class, the school let anyone bring their dog in for head shots. So try contacting some obedience schools and asking about modeling classes and head shots.
You can also contact modeling agents directly. Try contacting your state's film board and asking for a list of animal acting agencies.
Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog
Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog
Amazon Price: $17.12 (as of 07/12/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Step 4: Be Patient
Just because you have your dog's head shot doesn't mean the phone will start ringing. It took six months before Speak got his first call. You may never get a call.And if you do get a call, just have fun. While we were paid fairly well, it's not like Speak has paid for all his own expenses yet. So enjoy it while it lasts and don't expect to retire and live off your pet.
Travel for Your Dog
Medium Fold N Go Collapsible Crate
Amazon Price: $44.97 (as of 07/12/2009)
Solvit Med Pet Vehicle Safety Harness
Amazon Price: $24.17 (as of 07/12/2009)
Finding an Agent
Your best bet for finding a local agency is to talk to a local obedience school that offers modeling classes. They should be able to help you find a local agent.
Dog Toys
Keep your pet happy.
Booda Tuff Plush Rug Dog Hound
Amazon Price: $11.24 (as of 07/12/2009)
Booda Tuff Plush Rug Dog Dalmatian
Amazon Price: $11.19 (as of 07/12/2009)
Aspen Pet Squatter Medium Hedge Hog Toy 53602
Amazon Price: $1.86 (as of 07/12/2009)
Speak the Dog Model
Modeling Speak
Sweater-vest Speak
Simply Shabby Speak
Speak the Fairy
Speak Modeling for T...
Speak's First Modeli...
Close-Up of Speak
Speak's End Cap
Speak at Target
Woof Sticker
Woof Sticker (Oval)
Price: 4.49
A Little Levity
Best in Show
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
Used Price: $4.25
I Can't Get Your Dog Into Modeling
I [Heart] Dogs T-shirt
I Heart (LOVE) Weiner Dachshund Dog Women's Babydoll tee Shirt in 6 Colors Small thru XL
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Princess Dog Shirt
Princess Dog T-Shirt
Price: 19.99
