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.

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.

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.

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.

(And please don't contact me asking how to get your dog into dog modeling. I just told you everything I know.)