Catching your dog on video being cute may be a one in a million chance. A sure thing is to train your dog to perform something cute on cue. The most popular YouTube Dog Stars have been trained to perform a variety of behaviors, nicely choreographed and edited by their human companions. Telling a story with their pet’s tricks tends to be far more popular than merely catching one act.
Some YouTube Dog Stars Are Chosen for National Media Productions
Sometimes, these YouTube videos catch the eye of producers searching for well trained dogs to perform in commercials or movies. A cute dog that can twirl or dance is not enough of a repertoire for popular longevity. Whereas a dog who can perform both basic behaviors and special tricks on cue, regardless of surrounding distractions has a better chance of actually earning income in the public eye.
What should all dog stars know?
· Sit/stay · Down/stay · Come · Hold and Fetch · Speak · Wear clothing items without fussing · Respond regardless of distractions
Looking Cute Isn’t Enough
Many dog owners like to dress up their dogs in the latest fashions. Some even enjoy outfits that match – human and dog. Production companies do not care about what your dog is wearing. They are more interested in how well your dog can respond to cues and on whether or not they are photogenic – come across clearly on camera.
The color or colors of your pet are also important. Rarely is a black dog used as the camera cannot focus in well on their facial expressions. Dogs with multiple colors or light color are more photogenic. Hence the commonality of dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers and unique mixed breeds in media productions.
Creativity Sells
Once your dog has a large repertoire of behaviors invent a story that encompasses and showcases your dog’s talents. For example: Your dog guarding the house by patrolling and searching corners, barking out the window at a passing cat or bird, greeting a visitor, walking the visitor to the door, looking both ways, then returning to his patrol. Or, a dog who helps with the housework (everybody’s dream) then puts himself to bed.
A cute story will need to be accompanied by music. Just make certain that the tunes you choose are not copyrighted. You can obtain royalty free music at www.incomputech.com. The music is critical in obtaining and maintaining the viewer’s attention.
Miriam Fields-Babineau is a Yahoo Featured Contributor, author of 42 pet books and animal actor agent.
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Teach Your Dog to Roll Over
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