Dreaming Big...

Well as you know- I spent a lot of time training my dog. A few months back, just for fun, I emailed a few pet talent agencies just out of curiosity to see what skill level was required for a dog. Long term goal/dream, I think it would be fun to have Jaz do a commercial.

Just recently, a guy from http://www.hollywoodpaws.com/ in California emailed me back- just as a courtesy. He said to email him pics of Jaz. Instead I sent him the youtube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj4KsWgblWI so he could see her tricks. Since then, he's called me and emailed me- interested in having her come out there for a one week workshop to evaluate and learn the professional tricks. For example- working with distractions, taking cues from a distance, going to a "mark" (specific spot). I explained we're both still amateur's obviously, and she has a long way to go. I did let my brain started thinking about the "what if's.." for while though... but then practical side of my brain took over.

I called an animal talent agency here in AZ- http://www.a1animaltalent.com/ to ask their professional opinion. (If there was any work available in Arizona). The lady was VERY nice to me- answering all my questions. And very up-front, and honest too. She said a lot of talent agencies were more interested in getting your money for training classes (which I knew), and less about representation. She also said even if Jaz were represented with a California agency, she would be less likely to get work, because they usually use their own California dogs first. She said there was work available here in AZ- print work, commercials, and the occasional movie. But she was honest and said that black dogs were less likely to be chosen for print work (ads)- because they're hard to photograph. (which I know- Jaz is SO un-photogenic!) I explained I envisioned Jaz more doing commercials- because on live video her personality comes through. And because she has a large resume of tricks.

Long story short- the Arizona talent agency holds auditions twice a year- and we're going to audition this fall! And if we're not good enough then- oh well! We'll try again in 6 months!! This is just sort of a hobby for me anyway... it's all just for fun.

In the meantime, we're going to practice and/or learn:

-Targeting (going to a mark)
-Crawl
-Freeze (don't move)
-Commands from a distance

We're already in Advanced Obedience classes twice a week- so we're mastering off-lead (no leash) commands like heel, sit/stay, down/stay, and come. So far... so good! :)

Also- more dog news- I'm in the process of getting Jasmine certified as a Therapy Dog. So even if she doens't end up doing a commercial, she can still do her tricks for kids at a hospital, or elderly people in a nursing home. :) So either way- plenty of things to train for!! :D