When it comes to dog models, there are some specific things that most pet brands prefer to have in their models. Just like human models need to have particular qualifications and qualities to be considered for a gig, canine models need to have certain unique characteristics too!
After all, not every dog can become a supermodel, right? But, there has to be something unique about a pooch that can help them make it big into the fashion and entertainment world.
Do you want to put your adorable furry companion into the limelight? If yes, the first thing you must know is what exactly do pet brands and agencies expect from canine models. This will help you make your pooch model-ready and market them effectively.
So, if you are serious about dog modeling and willing to put in the work for your pooch, this article is for you (and for your four-pawed companion). Read on!
Four Qualities that will Make It Easier for You to Promote Your Dog
People love to see pets in magazines, social media, and television. Pets, specifically dogs, generate a happy and positive feeling in people's minds. You might be having a stressful day, but a cute video of a pooch doing goofy things will always make you smile and forget your worries for a while, isn't it?
This is the reason pets are so successful in the entertainment world! They are much easier to connect with than their human counterparts, and they almost always look adorable.
With this said, being cute isn't the only thing your dog will need to make it big into the modeling world. So here are the top four qualities that your pooch must have to get started in the modeling world.
1. Healthy and Well-Groomed
Think about all the famous dog influencers on social media like Jiff Pom, Doug the Pug, Tucker, etc. Go through their social media handles once. What is the one thing that all of them have in common apart from looking cute?
Well, let us answer that for you. They all are healthy and very well-groomed. The basic criteria for a canine model are good health and grooming. Your dog can be the most lovely pooch in the world, but if they appear sick, overweight, or shabby, brands will not work with them.
So, make sure your dog is healthy, has taken all its required vaccines, and is fit for a career in modeling. Make regular visits to your dog's vet to seek guidance and advice.
You should also work on your pup's grooming. Give them a regular bath, brush their teeth, comb their fur regularly, and take care of their nails. You can also take your pooch to a pet salon to get their hair trimmed. They may appear to be small things, but they can significantly impact your dog's career.
2. Temperament
Does your dog get skittish when surrounded by a lot of people? Is your pooch camera-shy, scared of loud noises and commotion? If yes, you would need to work a lot on their temperament.
Studios and sets are always bustling with people. There are bright lights, loud noises, and commotion all around. To be a successful model, your dog would not only have to adjust but also thrive in such places.
On top of that, photographers and casting directors are very demanding people. After all, they want nothing but the best shot for their project. So, they want a dog model that can follow commands quickly, respond to voice and hand gestures, and work for a longer duration.
Thus, you need to ensure that your dog remains calm and comfortable in a crowded space. They should be friendly and obedient and not be lazy. Take them on walks and try to introduce them to new people. Teach them some basic tricks. Include exercise and playtimes in their routine. Start small, and then slowly work your way up from there.
3. Professional Training
Professional canine models and actors have impeccable training. This is a key factor that sets them apart from other pet dogs. They undergo rigorous training sessions that prepare them for demanding jobs like modeling and acting. As a result, well-trained dogs are super easy to market as well.
Professional training can help your dog learn several essential skills and tricks in the modeling industry. For example, with training, your dog will learn how to be comfortable before a camera, how to understand and follow hand gestures, how to "sit," "walk", and "lay down" on command, and so on. Your dog will also learn to be comfortable and work with other models and actors.
Enrolling your pooch in training classes will also help you enhance your dog's resume. Casting directors and photographers do not prefer dogs who lack professional training. So, make sure to check out some good pet training classes nearby and get your dog enrolled in one!
4. Desire to Perform Tasks in Return for Treats
This is one of the lesser-known personality traits that most casting directors look for in dog models. It is easier to work with pooches willing to be on their best behavior and perform as asked in return for treats.
According to the director or photographer, if your dog doesn't show any interest in working in return for treats, it can become difficult to persuade them to act. This becomes a huge obstacle as the director would not be able to make your dog obey commands or perform tasks.
Pooches that are difficult to pursue and handle are neither preferred by talent agencies nor casting directors. So, try to make your dog perform tasks in exchange for their favorite food or toy. Then, whenever your pup obeys your command, try to reward them with something they like.
Summing Up
Apart from the things mentioned above, several other criteria will determine whether or not your dog will get a modeling gig. Many of these criteria will depend on the type and requirements of the project.
However, these four are the basic qualities that every brand expects from their dog models. So, if you are willing to work on these traits with your dog, marketing them to brands will become several times easier!
If you have a well-trained dog and want to get in touch with some famous dog brands, Dogfluence.com is the perfect place to begin your search. Check out Dogfluence.com, participate in campaigns and kickstart your dog's modeling career!