Trained Like
a Movie Dog
A practical dog training book from a professional film animal trainer. The exact six skills I use to prepare dogs for the camera — including a recall you can rely on — broken into 90‑second sessions you can do tonight, with the dog you already have.
Secure checkout via Payhip. 58-page PDF, instant download, readable on any device.
As seen on set
I spent decades getting dogs ready for the camera. This is the part that actually matters at home.
Every dog I bring to a set — whether it’s a lead role or a background pass — starts with the same foundation. Not tricks. Not a list of commands. A handful of skills that make a dog calm, focused, and easy to work with anywhere.
This book is that foundation, written for any dog owner. You don’t need a film career, an exotic-animal permit, or a special dog. You need 90 seconds and a willingness to pay attention to what actually works.
Professional training techniques for pet owners, in ninety-second sessions.
The same six skills I put under every dog I take to set — plus the four ideas that make them work, taught in short sessions that fit into the life you already have.
The Check In
Your dog voluntarily looks at your face, without being asked, at random moments — including in new places.
Heel as a Place, Not a Word
A specific position beside your leg that your dog finds rewarding to occupy.
The Station
A specific object — a mat, a low platform, an upturned crate, a step — that your dog goes to and stays on until released.
The Stay That Holds Under Pressure
A down or sit that survives things happening.
A Recall You Can Actually Cash
Recall training built the way it is on set: one word that means come here immediately, no matter what — practiced in short sessions.
One Trick That Calms
A single, fun, physical behaviour your dog genuinely loves, which you can ask for when he is stressed.
Secure checkout via Payhip. 58-page PDF, instant download, readable on any device.
“Food gets a dog’s attention. Your body tells the dog what to do with it. Trainers who lean on food alone end up with a dog that works for the treat — not with the handler.”
— from Trained Like a Movie Dog
Five stars from trainers and dog owners.
“Most effective training I’ve ever tried”
“Unlike other training methods I’ve tried, my dog really enjoys his training sessions now. He comes to me and asks to start a session. The value of this book far exceeds the price, and I’ve never had such a strong relationship with my dog. The Check In skill has been just life changing.”
Dog owner · Verified buyer
“Absolute Gold. Best Dog Training Ever, Bar None”
“I’ve been working with dogs for over 20 years and have taken countless courses, both in person and online. Without a doubt, the things that have taken my relationship and my work with dogs to the next level are the things Bonnie teaches. There is incredible value packed into this e-book.”
The Connection Canine Behaviour & Training · Verified buyer
Built for real dog owners, not just aspiring trainers.
If your dog already has the basics but you want a calmer, more connected relationship — or you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get a dog camera-ready — this is written for you.
- You want a calmer, more focused dog — not a longer list of tricks
- You’re curious what film-set training actually looks like
- You want short, doable sessions that fit real life
- You’re looking for a quick-fix trick tutorial
- Your dog has a serious behavior issue needing 1:1 support
Secure checkout via Payhip. 58-page PDF, instant download, readable on any device.
Bonnie Judd
Bonnie Judd is a professional animal trainer based in Abbotsford, BC, who has spent decades preparing animals for film, television, and commercial work — dogs, monkeys, wolves, coyotes, foxes, and pigs among them. Her credits include Puppy Love with Lucy Hale, Shiver, Dr. Dolittle 3 & 4, and the Subaru Ascent commercial campaign.
Through Canine Costars of Canada, she now teaches the same foundation she uses on set to everyday dog owners — starting with this book.
Follow @bonniejuddcaninecostarsWhat directors and producers say about working with Bonnie.
These letters are about Bonnie’s work preparing animals for film and TV, the same foundation skills this book teaches.
“Bonnie and her team delivered me absolute dog magic.”
“…she’s literally the best animal trainer I have ever worked with, and I have worked with quite a few, many of them very talented. … I trust Bonnie impeccably to maintain a safe set where the dogs truly have fun doing their work.”
Director & co-writer · A Dog’s Perfect Christmas (Netflix)
“The best animal trainer in the world.”
“Truly, she is a magician and has been able to render behaviours in her animal actors that I did not think were possible.”
Producer · Pariah
“I would give Bonnie the highest recommendation.”
“We never expected that our canine stars would be as prepared and easy to work with on-set as they are, thanks to Bonnie and her team.”
Producer · Good Boy! (The Jim Henson Company)
“He performed every action that was asked of him and more.”
“Raz’s ability to hit marks, stay with the actors and keep a correct eye-line made it easy to get the shots we needed.”
Director · A Christmas Tail
“I have never seen such amazing results.”
“Her gentle approach and patience provided animals capable of accomplishing everything that the script demanded. The crew and I watched with our mouths open in amazement.”
Director · Masters of Horror: The Black Cat (Showtime)
“Bonnie is always my first call when I have a project with animals in it.”
“She trains them extremely well and is great to work with both in prep and on set.”
Producer · PEACE
“I can unreservedly recommend Bonnie Judd.”
“Bonnie is a hard-working self-starter who invariably understands exactly what a project is all about from the outset, and how to get it done quickly and effectively.”
Director · Good Boy!
Frequently asked questions about the book
What is Trained Like a Movie Dog?
Trained Like a Movie Dog is a 58-page dog training book (PDF) by professional film and television animal trainer Bonnie Judd. It teaches the six foundation skills she uses to prepare dogs for film sets — the Check In, Heel as a Place, the Station, a Stay that holds under pressure, a reliable Recall, and One Trick That Calms — adapted for everyday pet owners.
Is this book for pet owners or for people who want to train dogs for film?
It is written for everyday dog owners. You do not need a film career or a special dog. The same professional animal-training techniques Bonnie uses on set are explained so any owner can practice them at home with the dog they already have.
Does the book cover recall training?
Yes. One of the six skills is “A Recall You Can Actually Cash” — one word that means come here immediately, no matter what. Like every skill in the book, it is practiced in short, 90-second sessions.
How long are the training sessions?
The skills are broken into 90-second sessions designed to fit into a normal day, so you can start practicing the same evening you read the book.
Who is Bonnie Judd?
Bonnie Judd is a professional animal trainer based in Abbotsford, British Columbia, and the founder of Canine Costars of Canada. She has spent decades preparing dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, monkeys and pigs for film, television and commercial work, with credits including Puppy Love (Lucy Hale), Shiver, Dr. Dolittle 3 & 4 and the Subaru Ascent campaign.
Does the book rely on treats?
Food is part of training, but the book emphasizes body positioning: food gets a dog’s attention, while your body tells the dog what to do with it. The goal is a dog that works with you, not just for the treat.
Is it right for a dog with serious behavior problems?
No. The book builds calm, focus and reliable foundation skills. A dog with a serious behavior issue should get one-on-one support from a qualified professional.
What format is it, and how much does it cost?
It is a 58-page PDF for $99 (USD), sold through secure Payhip checkout. You get an instant download that can be read on any device.
Get the foundation my film dogs start with.
$99 · 58-page PDF · Instant download · Read in an afternoon, start practicing tonight.
Secure checkout via Payhip. 58-page PDF, instant download, readable on any device.