About Casting Calls for Dog Models

Many people dream of becoming models. It is doubtful dogs dream of such things, but their owners definitely do. Some dog are convinced that their dogs could be stars. They take them to casting calls for dog models, hoping for that movie role or pet food commercial that will catapult them to stardom.

The dog has been "man's best friend" for hundreds of years. They have been depicted in etchings on cave walls, in paintings, in drawings and in books. When people started making movies and television programs, dogs were right there beside their masters, sometimes stealing the spotlight. Most dogs in these early appearances belonged to the directors, actors and other people affiliated with the production, but eventually those who made movies and television shows had to start holding casting calls for dogs, just like they were doing for humans.

The types of casting calls vary just as much as the types of dogs who come to them. The most common casting calls for dog models are for movies and pet food commercials, but dogs are also needed for television shows. Dogs can have modeling agency representation, just like people. There are agents who represent dogs exclusively. These agents know where the casting calls will be, through their contact with television and movie producers and studios. Some studios will request pictures of the dogs and narrow them down that way, only requesting certain dogs to be brought into the studio 'in person.' Others will want to see all the agency-represented dogs in a specific group, breed or size at the studio with their owners.

The actual time for the casting call is relatively short. Not all dogs who are asked to come in for a casting call will be selected, and a decision may or may not be made at the first casting call. Dogs can also get 'call backs' just like human models, where several dogs will be asked to return before a decision is made. One or more call backs can be made until the casting agents for a studio have made a final decision on which dog they feel would best fit the role that they are charged with filling.

When a dog comes to a casting call, either through a modeling agency or through an open opportunity, it will have to 'audition' just like a human model would. This consists of several stages. First, the dog will be considered based on its looks and whether it is the type of dog the casting agents want. If it is not the right size, color, breed, or if it has unattractive qualities (snarling, unkempt, etc.), it will not be considered for the role. Dogs who pass this first screening will also be judged on their temperament and their obedience to commands, because these are important when working around strangers. Whether the owner of the dog will be allowed to come with the animal during these 'tests' will be up to the casting agents who are looking for their dog model or actor. It will also depend to some extent on what type of role is being considered and whether the owner would be able to be with the dog during the actual filming. Sometimes a dog is selected at the casting call, and the other dogs are sent home. If agents are unsure about a decision, all dogs may be sent home and one or more dogs may receive a call back later to come back for more consideration.

Be aware that modeling can be a cutthroat world with dogs, just like it can with human models and actors. More specifically, it is the dog model's owner who makes it a difficult world. Most of the dogs are happy to be there and eager to do what is asked of them. Sometimes, though, there may be aggressive dogs at the audition, especially if the casting call is for a dog model that looks dangerous. Dog owners who decide to take a dog to a casting call for models will want to be aware of this and protect their dog from as much stress as possible, and make sure it is treated fairly and safely.