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Issue Date: October 22, 2006
AnimalSmart
Does your dog have what it takes?
Tips for getting Fido into show business
By Judy Mandell
You've got the cutest dog. Everyone says he should be in the movies. If Benji and the Shaggy Dog can do it, why not yours?
Being cute isn't the only requirement for success.
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Joe Camp, producer of the Benji movies, says it's more difficult than you may think. "Dogs need more than looks and special training," he says. "They need a friendly demeanor, focus and intuitiveness. And the odds of a private citizen getting a pet into movies are very, very slim."
Dogs that Hollywood trainers own get most of the roles, he says. If a trainer doesn't have the perfect pooch, he may just adopt or buy one.
Still, an extraordinary pup can get "discovered." Here, expert tips for raising the next doggie star:
Know what filmmakers want. Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and spaniels are favored for their beauty; Jack Russell terriers get hired for their personality. Scruffy mixed breeds with bright coloring also are popular.
Assess your dog's temperament. Great-looking dogs are plentiful, says Andrea Arden, director of the Dog Actors Guild. "But not many are well-socialized enough to perform reliably." That means staying focused for long periods around strangers and activity.
Get acting classes. Obedience training should cover what Bowser needs for modeling. But for the movies, he will need a tricks class. Plus, "many jobs require specific behaviors that we teach right before a gig," Arden says.
Hire handlers. You're more likely to get work if your dog has an agent, Arden says. Firms like the Dog Actors Guild and Dawn Animal Agency link furry thespians and filmmakers. But agencies will charge a fee or a percentage of the dog's pay.
Get national exposure. If your dog has star quality, bring him to an audition for WE TV's new competition show, "America's Cutest Puppies," to air next year. Like an "American Idol" for the canine set, the cable show will feature 4- to 8-month-old pups being judged on looks, playfulness and personality. The winner gets prizes and airtime. Catch auditions next Saturday in New York and Nov. 4 in Chicago; for other cities, check we.tv.
Keep your day job. Dogs can earn $25 to $500 for commercials and $500 to $2,500 a day on a movie shoot. But even the most marketable dog may get only two to three jobs a year.
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