Dear Star Struck: There are many different factors to consider besides just “being cute” before you attempt a Hollywood or Madison Avenue career for your dog. Having “the look” is only a small part of the total picture.

However, even if your dog is the world’s cutest or coolest looking canine on the planet, if he is not somewhat obedience trained you can forget about the limelight. At the very least, your dog should have mastered sit, stay and come. Many trainers will work with you to train your dog for a specific shoot but knowing obedience basics as well as good manners will go a long way to landing him a modeling or acting job.

Most dogs appear on television, in movies or in print ads through animal talent agencies. Agencies typically have a database with “clients” or “talent” they show prospective producers, photographers or company representatives. Some agencies such as www.hollywoodanimals.com out of California will register your dog for $25 in their database. Along with your fee you send two photos of your dog – a head shot and a body shot – to be featured on their website of talent. People looking for talent go to www.animalactorsagency.com to browse. Other agencies, such as All Creatures Great and Small of New York at www.animalagent.com do not charge a listing fee, however, a screening process may be required before listing.

Another aspect of dog modeling you must consider is how well your dog handles stress and new situations. At a photo shoot for example, your dog may have to wait several hours before he is “on” and then be relaxed and obedient under the bright, hot lights. Some dogs can’t handle this. So before you become a stage mother to your dog think about his level of obedience, willingness to learn new routines and manners around strangers and other dogs. If he ranks high in these areas, is cute or very handsome and has some talent or tricks in his repertoire then by all means get him ready for his close-up!

Lisa’s Pick of the Litter

Everyday a “RealAge Tip of the Day” appears in my e-mail inbox with hints to keep me younger than I really am. When I took their “RealAge” quiz with questions based on my lifestyle, health and medical history, I learned my “RealAge” is 35, not my biological 42. Did you know that if you floss regularly you can shave up to one year off your age?

Now our dogs can benefit from the same formula that made me seven years (one dog year) younger than reality by taking the new “DogAge” test. According to their website, “DogAge is the biological age of your dog, measured in people years. Based on breed, weight, lifestyle, and behavior, the DogAge Test measures whether your dog is younger or older than the average dog of the same breed.”

Intrigued, I took the test for my older Norwegian Elkhound. I was asked questions based on his vaccine schedule, whether I walk him on a leash or not and how many treats per day I feed him. There were no questions about flossing. Bruno’s actual age is 11 human years. This normally equates to 77 human years in dog age. His “DogAge” score lowered his “real” dog age to 50 human years. Did you follow that?

For more information visit www.Dogage.com and take the test. Your dog may be younger than you think.

Lisa Peterson, a breeder and exhibitor of Norwegian Elkhounds, is a Delegate to the American Kennel Club. Send questions to ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.