Feature-film Maudie needs a canine star: Does your dog have what it takes?

If you're a dog owner, you most likely think your pooch is the best in the world. But do they have what it takes to be in the movies?

Rinkrat Productions has been auditioning dogs for the upcoming feature film, Maudie, which is being shot in Newfoundland and Labrador this summer.

The movie is based on the life story of renowned Nova Scotia folk artist Maud Lewis, and will star Academy award nominee Ethan Hawke.

Local dog trainer Glenn Redmond was hired to conduct the auditioning process in St. John's. So far, he's tested about 30 dogs. Two dogs will be selected.

 He told CBC that he's looking for very specific requirements.

The dogs cannot be purebred, and must be either mostly black or brown in colour.

Redmond said, beyond that, the dogs must be quick learners with plenty of energy.

"Lots of dogs will sit down and stay for their owners and have really nice obedience for a pet. The problem is what we often refer to as drive," he said.

"That's the desire to do it six or seven times over and over, and the seventh time just as enthusiastically as the first time. And that's what makes for a really good film dog ... and most pets really don't have that because it would drive their owners nuts."

Deon House and Deannie Coady brought their dog, Brandy to audition for Redmond on Tuesday.

Redmond said Brandy is similar to the type of dog he's looking for.

"Brandy has really extreme focus on the toy. It's the dog's focus," he said.

"She's an agility dog, and the owners have practiced a fair bit with her. When Brandy came in, the camera was here and she didn't even take notice. She was just happy to come in and just work. Brandy, in particular, is so focused on her owner."

Redmond added that it helps if the dog is highly food-motivated.

"I'm looking for dogs that will do anything for food," he said. 

"Any dogs that will play ball all day — certainly not the role for the couch potato. I'm looking for active, highly-trainable, highly-motivated dogs."

The dog's role

In terms of what an owner can expect, should their dog get one of the two canine roles in the film, Redmond said he will spend several hours a day working with the animal. 

"Basically, we'll have a good month of prep work, we'll go through the script. It will all be fun for the dog," he said.

"I still have some more dogs to see ... and there's new emails coming in. By July 20, I need to make a decision with the two dogs chosen."

Redmond's own dog, Finn, has been trained to work in television and film.

Finn most recently appeared in the CBC Television series, Republic of Doyle.