Taking a K9 Actor to the Set: A Rare Skill in the Industry
In the world of entertainment, where every second on set counts, the ability to seamlessly integrate an animal into a scene requires a level of expertise few possess. Bringing a well-trained K9 actor onto a film, television, or commercial set is a rare and specialized skill—one that is often misunderstood or poorly executed by those unfamiliar with the intricacies involved. At Ohana K9 Actors, we pride ourselves on delivering not just dogs, but highly skilled canine performers that are ready to save time and elevate any production.
Beck protects child actors from the “bad guys” on the set of R.A.D.A.R. The Adventures of The Bionic Dog.
One of the biggest challenges in this industry is separating the true professionals from the imposters. We’ve seen plenty of examples where people claim to know how to work with dogs on set, but in reality, they fall short of the standard that directors and producers expect. Handling dogs in front of the camera is not just about basic obedience; it’s about preparing the dog for highly specific, script-ready behaviors that fit seamlessly into the narrative of the production.
Take, for example, Beck, our remarkable Belgian Malinois, who recently starred in the Lionsgate/Grindstone film RADAR: The Adventures of The Bionic Dog. By the time Beck stepped foot on set, she was already camera-ready. Her extensive training included complex commands like digging on cue, barking at precise moments, and even playing dead—all with impeccable timing. The result? Directors on set would often turn to us and say, “Wow, this dog is really good and saved us hours on our shoot today.” Hearing comments like that makes us incredibly proud and fulfilled, because that’s exactly what we love to do.
Cassie and Atlas take a break with the crew on a commercial set for John Deere. Yes, he wore the sunglasses for the spot.
These moments of recognition and appreciation reflect the dedication and preparation we put into every one of our K9 actors. Whether it’s a high-action scene or a simple interaction, our dogs perform as true professionals, contributing to a smooth and efficient filming process.
Another shining example is our Golden Retriever, Atlas, who has an upcoming release titled Love Unleashed, and we couldn’t be more excited about his performance. Atlas, much like Beck, has been carefully trained and conditioned to understand the nuances of on-camera behavior, ensuring that he delivers top-tier performances every time.
Our success extends beyond the world of film. Ohana K9 Actors has worked with some of the biggest brands in the industry, including Wells Fargo, Publix, John Deere, Bay First Bank, Beneva Insurance, LG Electronics, Mirada, The Tradewinds Resort, and many more. These projects highlight the trust major brands place in us to bring their vision to life with our exceptional K9 talent.
At Ohana K9 Actors, we don’t just deliver dogs—we deliver elite performers who are meticulously trained and expertly handled to meet the demands of the most challenging productions. Cassie Kennedy, my daughter and our chief wrangler, is widely regarded as one of the top dog trainers in the industry. Her expertise ensures that each dog we bring to set is not only obedient but possesses the versatility and responsiveness needed for the unique demands of film and television work.
Author, Eric Kennedy on set with Murphy for VH1’s My True Crime series where Murphy played the part of working law enforcement K9.
As the manager and agent of Ohana K9 Actors, I’m honored to be part of an organization that’s at the forefront of canine performance in the entertainment industry. While we always aim for excellence, we approach each project with a sense of humility, knowing that we are fortunate to do what we love every day—bringing the best K9 actors to the forefront of the entertainment world.