Dog Actors
Dogs trained in obedience and used to the set environment for film and series shoots, plus on-set support for scenes with dogs.
For a dog to work in a film or series, it is not enough to know commands: the dog must stay calm and reliable on a crowded, distracting set. At Hause of İstanbul, actor dog training prepares for this step by step, and we also support production teams on scenes with dogs.
How does actor dog training work?
- The dog must complete basic and advanced obedience training without problems.
- A temperament test is used to assess the dog’s suitability for this work.
- Behavior on a film set is practiced, such as not damaging cameras, cables and props.
- During trial shoots the trainer accompanies the dog on set.
- If needed, advanced training is added to improve the success rate.
Which dogs are suitable?
The breed we find most suitable is the Border Collie; Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, shepherd dogs and White Terriers are also frequently chosen. What decides suitability, though, is not the breed but the dog’s character and level of socialization: a dog that is not fully socialized cannot work on a set. We decide on suitability together after the temperament test.
For production teams
We know that time is valuable on series and film shoots. To help the dog work calmly and without mistakes on set, the trainer coordinates with the crew; where a scene requires it, stand-in support is also provided for the scenes with dogs. If you are planning a scene with a dog, please get in touch.
Examples of our work
For photos from our shoots and set work see the album On Film Sets, and for videos see the Video Gallery.
Frequently asked questions
- Can any dog become a dog actor?
- What decides it is not the breed but the dog’s character and level of socialization. A dog that is not fully socialized cannot work on a set; we decide on suitability together after the temperament test.
- Will the trainer be with the dog on set?
- Yes. During trial shoots the trainer accompanies the dog on set; because a set is full of distractions, the trainer’s presence matters.
- What does my dog need to know before actor training?
- The dog must first complete basic and advanced obedience training without problems. Suitability is then assessed with a temperament test and set behavior is practiced.