pamperedpuppy // luxury lifestyles for dogs

Introduction

Think your dog has what it takes to be the next big thing? You're not alone. Pet parents across the globe have gone bonkers for Hollywood. Pet agencies say they're inundated with calls. It seems everyone thinks their pup should be a star.

More than one billion people worldwide watched Benji on television. Why not your pet, right? Unfortunately, you (or your pet we should say) have some competition. Sixty-three percent of American homes own a pet; of those, more than 43 million are dogs. And that's just in the United States! Then there's Canada, Europe, South America... you get the picture. OK, so not all of those pets are destined for the red carpet. But what if you seriously think your dog truly is a diva in waiting? Well, then get ready for some long, hard, hours.

"Cuteness doesn't quite cut it. The dog has to be able to perform," says Heather Long, animal coordinator and trainer with Hollywood Animals Animal Actors Agency (www.HollywoodAnimals.com). Pets with Hollywood Animals have been featured in movies like Soul Plane, Breaking All The Rules, I am Sam and in commercials for Petco, Ford, and many others.

Heather says she gets lots of calls from people who think their pet should or could be a star. "Lately it's kind of exploded where everyone wants to get their dog into the movies." This wave is often sparked by a new film, TV show, or commercial featuring a dog. The latest craze hit after box office success Because of Winn Dixie, featuring a Picadily Shepherd.

"When people tell me 'I think my dog would have fun' I know they're doing the right thing. It's all about your dog. Your dog should enjoy doing it. Good intentions are the number one most important thing," says Heather.

Bash Dibra, celebrity dog trainer to the pets of human superstars like Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, and author of StarPet (www.StarPet.com) holds pet acting workshops across the country. He says pet owners often come in and try to convince him that their pet is the only dog that should be looked at.

Bash says he loves the enthusiasm pet parents bring but he reminds them it's not what they bring to the table but what their dog brings. "It's like this: while it's nice you want to tell me, I need you to show me."

While he finds most pet parents have good intentions, they're goals don't always pan out. That's why he holds a casting call to screen pets before an acting workshop. He likes to make the dogs are ready for the work ahead. "If you're dog is shaking and goes into a convulsion, I'll tell you 'I don't think he should do this. Why do you want to torture this dog?' The dog has to enjoy it."

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