Beneath the glitz and glamour of the film industry, there’s a role that often goes unnoticed but is crucial to the success of movies involving animals. I had the unique opportunity to step into this role recently, working on a hush-hush film project as a “dog wrangler.” My task? To ensure that our four-legged stars were well-prepared, healthy, and happy throughout the filming process. Here’s a peek behind the curtain.

It all began with a surprising phone call from a producer needing dogs to fit specific roles for their upcoming film. The search led them to me, thanks to my experience in training dogs in obedience—a key quality they were looking for. Following this call, I found myself at Lake Monger Dog Park, presenting my accomplished pups: Arlo and Buffy. Also joining us were Georgie Girl and Dougal – both black labs.

After a successful meetup, my new title was born: dog wrangler. This wasn’t just a fancy term for a dog sitter. My responsibilities spanned from liaising with the director and the first assistant director (1st AD) on all matters concerning dog training on set, to ensuring the health and safety of our canine actors. This meant preparing both the dogs and their on-screen human counterparts for each scene, keeping stress levels low, and yes, being the designated treat giver and water boy.

This role required more than just an understanding of dog behaviour; it demanded sensitivity towards the needs of the owners, and an ability to collaborate with the film crew to troubleshoot any issues that arose. Despite the challenges, it was undeniably rewarding. Seeing the dogs perform impeccably, knowing they felt comfortable and cared for, was a testament to the hard work and dedication behind the scenes.

The specifics of the film remain a closely guarded secret, but the experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. Working closely with the film’s director, producer, and first AD immersed me in the filmmaking process from a unique vantage point. It’s been an opportunity to not only showcase the talents of my trained dogs but to contribute significantly to a project that, I believe, will captivate audiences just as much as the performances of its four-legged stars.

This adventure as a dog wrangler has underscored the importance of behind-the-scenes roles in the film industry. It’s a reminder that every member of the crew, whether two-legged or four, contributes to the magic of movies. Stay tuned for the big reveal of the film, where the hard work of everyone involved, human and canine alike, will finally be brought to light.