I always get a lot of questions when I tell people that Wynston models for PetSmart. It’s as fun as it sounds, but not as easy at it sounds. There is a lot of training and time that goes into teaching your dog to sit and stay for an hour in a certain position with an outfit on. People think “Oh my gosh! I want my dog to model!” But does your dog have a sit-stay? Are they okay around a bunch of people with flashing lights and cameras? Many times, the answer is no.
Wynston is not always a fan of photos shoots. He’ll have really great days where he doesn’t mind six outfit changes and an hour of camera time. Other days, after one outfit he’s thinking “Okay, I’m done. Get me out of here.” It’s no different than if your child was a model or a pageant competitor. Sometimes they are tired and need naps, other times they are perfect angels.
Think your dog has what it takes to be a model or actor in commercials and movies? Find an animal talent agency near you! They work similarly to human modeling agencies. When there is a job, the agency submits photos of dogs who may be a good fit, then the client chooses which dogs they want. And yes, Wynston does get paid 😉
Typically we are not allowed to disclose details or behind the scenes footage of photo shoots. With the permission of PetSmart and Arizona Animal Actors, I was able to post the above picture. A big thanks to them for allowing me to share it!
How do you think your pet would do as a model?
Lauren Miller (ZoePhee) says
Wynston is SO cute! He sounds so much like Zoe. Some days she’s perfectly okay with doing a photoshoot and other days she’s like NOPE. Luckily Phoenix is always up for whatever so she can do it if Zoe doesn’t want to.
Emmy Scammahorn says
I don’t have what it takes to get my hamster to stay still, not even for a second! I look at hamster calendars and wonder how in the heck they did it. Congratulations with your success with Wynston. I know you’ve worked hard.
Amanda says
I bet it’s difficult to train hamsters! That’s a really good point – I wonder how they manage with those calendars!
Kristen–well minded says
Thanks for sharing that behind-the scenes pic. That looks fun! I’m sure it’s a whole lot of work and sometimes stressful, too. LOVE the bow tie, BTW. Great look for Wynston!
Amanda says
It does get stressful, especially when he’s having a bad day. I try really hard to remain calm when he’s not cooperating, but sometimes it’s difficult and I have to remind myself that he’s a dog! Luckily the photographers and PetSmart crew realize that they ARE dogs, so it may take some extra time and patience.
Jody Miller-Young says
Really interesting, Amanda! I think Sophie wouldn’t like it. I know because she’s done photo shoots for her Couture by Sophie brand and, not only does she not like the camera (she either turns away or gives me that “I’m so being put upon” look), but she also doesn’t like wearing clothes. Go figure!
Jasper would be a great model. He looks very debonair in clothes, doesn’t mind wearing them or cameras. But, his issue is he’s unpredictable around strangers.
So, all in all, my two babies aren’t idea candidates, at least at this point in time. Boo hoo, as it looks like something I’d want to experience.
Wynston is a cutie and seems like a great model!
Amanda says
Most days he’s a great model Jody LOL! Honestly he doesn’t like clothes either but for the photo shoots he doesn’t mind as much. I think it’s because he just has to sit there. A couple years ago he wouldn’t have been okay with the noises and people, so I understand that. It is fun though!