Could Your Dog Be a Dog Model? What Pet Brands Really Look For.

phoebexmarker
Dec 19, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Kerry Jordan is the photographer behind Fur & Fables, a pet and commercial photography studio specialising in natural, dog-led imagery. After starting her career as a wedding photographer over 12 years ago, her work naturally shifted toward pets and brands rooted in nature, sustainability, and authentic storytelling.

Kerry very kindly shared her top tips from years of working with dogs and brands, giving us a glimpse into what makes a dog ready for the camera.

Could Your Dog Be a Dog Model?

“If you’ve ever looked at a pet brand’s website or Instagram feed and thought, ‘My dog could totally do that…’, you might be right.

As a commercial pet photographer, I’ve worked with hundreds of dogs, from seasoned dog model pros who have photographed for the likes of Jimmy Choo, to first-timers who’ve submitted their dog for one of my casting calls.

So how do you know if your dog could be the next star of a pet brand photoshoot?”

They Don’t Need Formal Training

“Contrary to what many people think, I’m not looking for Crufts-level obedience.

What helps most is:

A friendly, confident temperament
Being comfortable and well socialised around new people and dogs
A good sit, stand, and the ability to stay in one area (ish) off lead
A dog who enjoys treats or toys
No resource guarding of food, toys, people, or space

Basically, if your dog is happy, curious, and food-motivated, we’re off to a great start.”

Can They Sit (Even Briefly)?

“A sit, stand, or ‘wait’ for a few seconds is helpful for many shoots. But if your dog is the right fit for the brand and you’re worried they might not perform, don’t panic. I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve.

I’ve photographed:

Dogs who don’t sit, even though they usually can
Dogs who don’t stay and get distracted easily
Dogs who’ve decided everything smells far more interesting than sitting in one place
Dogs who believe the props are purely for eating

It’s all about working with your dog’s personality, rather than forcing poses.”

Body Language Matters

“I’m always conscious of how a dog is feeling on set. I’m constantly checking whether they look relaxed and comfortable. I want them to enjoy the experience, because it shows in the images.

That’s why I always prioritise:

Stress-free handling
Regular breaks
Reading subtle signals
Making the experience fun

If your dog tends to feel overwhelmed in busy or unfamiliar environments, that’s okay. Indoor, quieter, or one-to-one shoots may suit them far better.”

All Breeds, All Sizes, All Ages

“Brands sometimes need a specific ‘look’, terriers for harnesses, spaniels for outdoor gear, and so on. But I cast for every type of dog, depending on the brief.

Puppies, seniors, small breeds, giant breeds, they all have their moment on set.

And no, they don’t need a perfect coat. Quirky features? Even better.”

A Reliable Human Helps Too

“Behind every great dog model is a calm human holding the treats.

What makes a pet parent ideal for model work?

Patience. It can be frustrating if your dog isn’t doing what they usually do, but that’s okay. I’ll always pivot to work with the dog, not against them.
The ability to follow small directions
Staying relaxed, even if your dog decides chaos is more fun
Willingness to bring plenty of snacks”

What Happens During a Real Shoot

“No two shoots are ever the same, but typically:

You arrive and your dog gets time to explore and interact with me and the camera
We work in short bursts so they don’t get tired
There are treats. Lots of treats. Or fuss and play, if that’s your dog’s love language
We adapt to your dog, never the other way around
Some images are planned, others are happy accidents

Half the magic is simply letting dogs be dogs.”

Want Your Dog to Take Part in a Future Shoot?

“I often run casting calls for brands who need specific breeds, sizes, or temperaments. These can include:

Harness fittings
Lifestyle shots
Food or treat interactions
Bed testing
Dog-friendly venue shoots

You can also look at registering your dog with a dog model agency. They have access to a wider client database and often work with some big-name brands.”