My Dog Is a TV Star

At first glance, the idea of your dog being a TV star sounds glamorous and exciting—and in many ways, it is. But behind the cute moments and polished final product lies a world of hard work, long hours, and relentless dedication. Only a select few dogs (and trainers) are truly cut out for the job.

The Reality of Filming with Dogs

Whether it’s for a movie, TV show, or commercial, filming with dogs is no walk in the park. It’s one of the most challenging aspects of production. A single shot might require dozens of takes, and even when the dog performs perfectly, the entire sequence may need to be repeated due to other factors. Patience is key—for everyone involved.

Dogs in leading roles can be on set for 12 to 14 hours a day. They must be able to rest and relax during downtime, then shift into high-focus, high-energy mode when it’s time to perform. It’s mentally and physically demanding, not only for the dog but for the trainer too.

Flexibility Is a Must

Film sets are dynamic, unpredictable environments. Directors change their minds, scripts evolve, and suddenly your dog might be asked to perform something completely unplanned. With 20+ crew members bustling around, camera rigs, bright lights, and unfamiliar setups, the dog needs to remain calm, stable, and responsive throughout.

This is why only a handful of dogs are truly suited to more complex projects. It takes a special temperament and a high level of training to succeed in this environment.

From Simple to Extreme

Not all dog roles are created equal. Some scenes are simple—a dog walking on a leash or sleeping in a bed. Many pets can do that. But other shoots demand more: running alongside moving vehicles, jumping through windows, leaping into water, working with green screens, or even skateboarding.

Some of these stunts carry risk, which makes the trainer’s role absolutely crucial. It’s our job to ensure the safety of our dogs, adapting setups and training to make sure everything is as secure as possible.

Training Never Stops

Some dogs train for years before ever stepping onto a set. Others may start as everyday pets with a particular trick or personality trait needed for a specific project. But one thing is constant: training is always essential. And it doesn’t stop once filming begins.

Workdays often start hours before the first take, with test shots and rehearsals. The pressure is high—we all want to get the shot right as quickly as possible, ideally without needing multiple retakes due to a missed cue.

The Final Product

Watching the finished project on TV is always rewarding. It’s the polished, shining result of long days, tough conditions, and a lot of behind-the-scenes effort. While it might look effortless on screen, the truth is far from it.

I recently wrapped a demanding 3-day shoot with the amazing Fixx, who performed flawlessly every time. It was a reminder of just how much goes into making a great dog performance—and how rewarding it is when everything comes together.

Watch Fixx's commercial and tell me what you think!

https://ispot.tv/a/T5z3