If you think that a dog model has to be perfectly behaved, endlessly obedient, or able to perform a long list of tricks on command, then you couldn’t be more wrong. In reality, that’s not what makes a great dog model at all.

 

Some of the best dogs I’ve worked with have been wonderfully goofy, slightly chaotic, sensitive, or full of personality. What matters most is whether the dog is comfortable, happy, and the right fit for the type for the brand.

 

Over the years, I’ve built a dog model database across the UK, working with dogs of all breeds, ages, personalities, and energy levels. And one of the things I’ve learned is this: a successful dog modelling shoot is far less about perfection, and far more about pairing the right dog with the right brand, environment, and managing expectations.

When I put out a casting call, there are a few core things I usually look for.

 

A dog doesn’t need to be “competition trained,” but having some basic skills makes shoots smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

 

Typically, I look for dogs who:

If a shoot requires specific tricks or skills, I’ll always mention that clearly in the casting call beforehand.

 

The more cues or tricks a dog knows, the more flexibility we have creatively during a shoot, but honestly, personality and comfort matter far more to me than perfection.

 

This surprises people sometimes. I don’t actually need every dog to be ultra-bold or overconfident. In fact, sometimes that can make shoots harder.

 

What I’m really looking for is a dog who feels safe enough in the environment to engage, explore, and work with us at their own pace.

 

I’ve worked with anxious or sensitive dogs before because they were absolutely the right fit for the client or campaign. Sometimes a softer expression or calmer body language suits a brand far better than an hyper alert, energetic dog – it’s about matching the dog to the story we’re trying to tell.

 

 

This is probably one of the biggest parts of my process, and something many clients mention in testimonials afterwards – no image is more important than a dog’s wellbeing.

 

I pay very close attention to canine body language throughout a shoot. If a dog is uncomfortable, overwhelmed, tired, frustrated, or simply not enjoying something, we stop and reassess. Sometimes we pivot completely, take a break or sometimes we change the shot idea altogether.

 

That isn’t failure, it’s simply working with dogs in a realistic way – there are dogs who usually have a solid sit and wait who just decide on the day that isn’t something they would like to do!

 

I also stagger my shoots carefully so dogs aren’t left waiting around unnecessarily or crossing over with lots of unfamiliar dogs. That keeps the environment calmer and more manageable, especially for sensitive dogs.

 

The goal is always for the shoot to feel fun and positive for the dog as well as the owner, because I really believe you can see the difference in the final images. Relaxed, engaged dogs create far more authentic photographs than stressed or uncomfortable ones ever could.

 

 

This is the part many people don’t think about before booking a commercial shoot -n ot every dog is right for every brand, and that’s completely okay.

 

When I’m planning a shoot for a client, I’m not just looking for the right breed,  I’m looking for dogs whose personalities, energy levels, skills, and comfort zones suit the products and campaign.

 

For example:

 

For treat companies, I usually look for dogs who are food motivated, but not so obsessed with food that they become frustrated or overwhelmed during the shoot.

 

For toy campaigns, I need dogs who genuinely enjoy play and interaction. If a dog naturally loves tug, chasing, or engaging with toys, the images immediately feel more dynamic.

 

If we’re photographing  dog coats, jumpers, harnesses, or accessories, it helps massively if the dogs are already used to wearing products comfortably beforehand – a dog freezing or looking uncomfortable in clothing translates straight into the final images.

 

For brands who ideal client is outdoor/adventure and need running or action-heavy shoots, dogs need to physically enjoy that style of movement and be able to safely participate. Age, fitness, and enthusiasm all come into play here. Same with brands who want to sure their durability in water – if I need to photograph dogs in lakes, rivers, or at the beach, I specifically look for dogs who genuinely enjoy water. You can’t fake that kind of enthusiasm.

 

 

One of the hardest parts of commercial pet photography is finding the right dogs for the right projects which is why I have gradually built a dog model database across the UK. It allows me to match dogs to brands, products, campaigns, and locations rather than simply using whoever happens to be available nearby.

 

It also means I can accommodate a huge variety of briefs, from high-energy outdoor adventure campaigns to calm lifestyle imagery, cosy cottage scenes, senior dogs, puppies, scent work, water-loving dogs, and everything in between. The right dog genuinely changes the outcome of a shoot. If I’m shooting for a larger brand, they sometimes would prefer to use agencies like Urban Paws who have a larger database, or Pets on Set who can train animals specifically for a brief.

 

 

If you’ve ever looked at a brand shoot and thought, “My dog could never do that,” there’s a good chance you’re being far harder on yourself than necessary.

 

Most commercial shoots aren’t about creating perfection. They’re about capturing genuine personality, connection, and emotion in a safe and positive environment and often, the little quirks are what make the images memorable.

 

If your dog is happy around people, enjoys new experiences, and can manage some basic cues, they may already be far more suitable than you realise.

 

And if I ever think a dog isn’t the right fit for a particular shoot, that’s never a judgement on the dog or owner. It simply means the brand, environment, or campaign requires something different.

 

Good commercial pet photography is about finding the dogs who naturally fit the story already being told. Want to be considered for my dog model database? Drop me a WhatsApp to 07810 541 685