Finding the Perfect Commercial Dog: A Paw-some Selection Process
The pet food industry is a competitive landscape, filled with brands vying for the attention and loyalty of pet owners. Among the prominent players, Blue Dog Food has consistently stood out, not only for its focus on natural ingredients but also for its memorable and emotionally resonant commercials. These commercials often feature happy, healthy dogs, seemingly thriving on the brand’s offerings. But have you ever wondered about the furry stars of these ads? This article delves into the world of the Blue Dog Food commercial dog, exploring the behind-the-scenes aspects of their selection, training, and the significant impact they have on how pet food is advertised and perceived. Understanding this process provides valuable insights into the marketing strategies of major brands and the portrayal of animals within advertising.
Qualities Searched in a Commercial Dog
The journey of a dog becoming a Blue Dog Food commercial dog begins with a meticulous selection process. Blue Dog Food, like many companies, works closely with advertising agencies and casting directors to find the ideal canine representation for their brand. The qualities they seek are multifaceted, encompassing not only physical appearance but also temperament, trainability, and the ability to connect with viewers on an emotional level.
Breed Considerations
While specific breed preferences might vary depending on the advertising campaign and target audience, certain breeds are more commonly seen in pet food commercials. This can include breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Border Collies – all known for their intelligence, eagerness to please, and generally friendly dispositions. These breeds often align well with the image of a happy, healthy, and active dog that many pet owners aspire to have.
The Importantance of Temperament and Trainability
Temperament and trainability are arguably even more crucial factors. Commercial dogs need to be comfortable working in a busy environment with lights, cameras, and numerous people. They must be able to remain calm and focused, follow instructions, and perform specific actions on cue. A dog with a naturally anxious or easily distracted personality would likely struggle in such a setting.
How Appearance Plays a Role
Physical appearance also plays a role, although perhaps not as significantly as other qualities. The ideal Blue Dog Food commercial dog is typically well-groomed, healthy-looking, and possesses a certain “star quality” that captures the viewer’s attention. The specific desired look may vary depending on the campaign, but a clean and appealing appearance is generally essential.
The Audition Process
The audition process for a Blue Dog Food commercial dog is similar to that of human actors. Dogs are often invited to casting calls, where they are assessed on their ability to perform basic commands, interact with strangers, and remain calm under pressure. Trainers and handlers are present to guide the dogs and ensure their well-being throughout the audition. Agencies might ask for videos showcasing the dog’s skills in agility or basic obedience. This process allows the ad agency to pre-screen various dogs to find the most promising candidates for the role.
Preparation for Commercials: Paw-some Training
Once a Blue Dog Food commercial dog has been selected, the real work begins: training. The level of training required for these commercials can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the role and the specific behaviors the dog needs to exhibit. However, even for seemingly simple actions, extensive preparation is usually necessary.
Commands and Training
Commercial dogs need to be able to perform a range of commands and behaviors on cue, including sit, stay, come, lie down, and even more complex actions like fetching specific items or interacting with human actors in a natural and believable way. This requires consistent reinforcement, patience, and a strong bond between the dog and its trainer.
The Role of Professional Dog Trainers
Professional dog trainers are almost always involved in preparing dogs for commercials. These trainers have extensive experience working with animals and understand how to motivate them to perform desired behaviors using positive reinforcement techniques. They are also skilled at identifying and addressing any behavioral issues that might arise during the training process.
The Timeline for Commercial Training
The time it takes to train a dog for a commercial can vary depending on the dog’s prior training, its natural abilities, and the complexity of the role. However, it’s not uncommon for dogs to undergo several weeks or even months of intensive training before they are ready for filming.
Maintaining a Positive Environment
Maintaining a positive and stress-free environment for the dogs during training is of paramount importance. Trainers use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and toys, to motivate the dogs and make the training process enjoyable. They also ensure that the dogs have plenty of breaks and opportunities to rest and play.
Ethical Training Considerations
Ethical considerations are crucial when it comes to training methods. Reputable trainers avoid using any techniques that could cause pain, fear, or distress to the dogs. They prioritize the dogs’ well-being above all else and ensure that the training process is conducted in a humane and ethical manner.
The Filming Process: Tail-Wagging Time
A behind-the-scenes look at a Blue Dog Food commercial dog shoot reveals a carefully orchestrated process designed to ensure the dog’s safety, comfort, and ability to perform. The filming of a Blue Dog Food commercial is a complex and collaborative effort involving directors, camera operators, lighting technicians, sound engineers, and, of course, the dog and its handler.
The Importance of the Dog Handler
The dog handler plays a critical role on set, acting as the dog’s advocate and ensuring that its needs are met. The handler is responsible for keeping the dog calm, focused, and safe throughout the filming process. They work closely with the director to coordinate the dog’s movements and ensure that it performs the desired behaviors on cue.
Ensuring a Dog’s Safety During Filming
Ensuring the dog’s safety and well-being is of utmost importance during filming. The set is carefully checked for any potential hazards, and the dog is always closely supervised. Breaks are frequent, and the dog is given ample opportunities to rest and hydrate.
Managing Filming Takes
Takes are carefully managed to keep the dog engaged and happy. Directors often use short, focused takes to minimize the dog’s stress and prevent it from becoming bored or fatigued. They also rely on the dog handler to provide cues and encouragement throughout the process.
Rewarding the Dogs
Treats and rewards are used extensively to motivate the Blue Dog Food commercial dog. These rewards are carefully chosen to be highly appealing to the dog and are used sparingly to maintain its focus and enthusiasm.
The Impact of Commercial Dogs: Influencing Pet Food Marketing
The Blue Dog Food commercial dog plays a significant role in shaping the brand’s image and conveying its message to consumers. These commercials often depict dogs as active, healthy, and happy companions, reinforcing the idea that Blue Dog Food can contribute to their overall well-being.
Connecting with Viewers
The emotional connection that viewers feel with the dogs in the commercials is a powerful marketing tool. Seeing a happy, healthy dog enjoying Blue Dog Food can create a positive association with the brand and encourage pet owners to consider purchasing it for their own furry friends.
Trend-Setting Dogs
These commercial dogs influence trends in pet ownership. If a dog is seen in ads, it is highly likely that people will seek out that breed. This impacts the dog breeding industry, and it affects adoption rates from local shelters.
Promoting Pet Ownership Responsibly
These commercials can promote responsible pet ownership, depending on the overall message. Dogs are shown being active with their owners, and this can create the sense that adopting a pet is a commitment that should be taken seriously.
Brand Comparison
Comparisons to other pet food commercials and their use of animals are often made. Blue Dog Food often showcases dogs that are well-groomed and seem to have healthy coats. This reinforces the quality of their product.
Beyond the Commercial: What Happens After Filming?
The question of what happens to the Blue Dog Food commercial dog after filming is a common one. In most cases, the dogs return to their owners or trainers after completing their work on the commercial.
Future Work
These dogs may be offered additional work in other commercials, television shows, or movies. Their experience and training make them valuable assets in the entertainment industry.
Becoming Celebrities
In some instances, dogs that have appeared in Blue Dog Food commercials have become minor celebrities, gaining a following on social media and making appearances at public events.
Conclusion
The Blue Dog Food commercial dog is an integral part of the brand’s advertising strategy, playing a crucial role in shaping its image, conveying its message, and connecting with consumers on an emotional level. Understanding the selection, training, and impact of these commercial dogs provides valuable insights into the world of pet food marketing and the portrayal of animals in advertising. While commercials focus on food quality and ingredients, having a charismatic Blue Dog Food commercial dog can be what drives consumers to choose a specific brand. As viewers, we are left to consider how the use of animals in advertising influences our perceptions of them and our understanding of responsible pet ownership, a question worth pondering as we continue to be bombarded with heartwarming (and strategic) canine imagery.
