Talk to My Dog
Hi, I’m Jon Van Dyke.I’m a writer, director, and professional animal trainer with over 35 years of experience on some of the biggest film and TV sets in the world.
I’ve trained everything from tigers, leopards, and cougars to dogs, ducks, pigeons—even alligators—for Hollywood blockbusters, sitcoms, and commercials.My job was simple:
Get the shot—safely, ethically, and consistently.I’ve worked with directors like Tim Burton and Richard Donner, and trained animals to work alongside Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Al Pacino, and Antonio Banderas (just to name a few).In 2023, I traded the film set for North Texas—and started helping everyday dog owners build calm, clear, respectful relationships with their dogs.⸻At Talk To My Dog, I Believe:
• Dog training isn’t magic. It’s clarity, consistency, and learning to speak the same language.
• You don’t need to dominate your dog—but you do need to lead.
• The best dogs aren’t the most obedient. They’re the most understood.
• Good dog training should enlighten and delight both you and your dog.⸻Why Train With Me?
I’m not selling a magic collar or a cookie-cutter method.
I blend structured obedience, real-world proofing, and a lifetime of working with dogs under pressure on Hollywood sets.I teach dogs to think—not just react.
I teach owners to lead—not just correct.Where some trainers push domination or bribery, I stick with clarity, natural motivation, and fair leadership.If you want Instagram tricks or treat-based quick fixes… I’m not your guy.
If you want a reliable, calm, tuned-in dog? I can help.⸻What I Offer:
• Private in-home sessions
• Board & train programs
• Group classes in real-world obedience, impulse control, and household harmony⸻Film & TV Credits:
• My Best Friend’s Exorcism – Dog Trainer
• Think Like a Dog – Hero Dog Trainer
• Unchained, Bullet Head – Animal Coordinator / Dog Trainer
• Mars Attacks, Point Break, Twister, Terminator 2, Iron Will, Lethal Weapon 2 – Dog Trainer
• Star Trek: Picard (Dog Trainer for “Number One”)
• Friends, Frasier, ER, Euphoria, Lone Star 911 – Dog Trainer
• Personal Dog Trainer to Tim Burton (1994–2003)Commercials & Clients:
Amazon, Subaru, Verizon, PetSmart, Milkbone, Target, Garmin, Hallmark Channel, and more.⸻Ready to Work Together?
I’d be honored to help you and your dog build something legendary.
Visit www.talk2mydog.com
Tim Burton, Director
“I have used him exclusively as my dog trainer. I find his skills in this field to be exceptional, both professionally for my films, and personally. Jon is a person with outstanding character and also one with the capability of numerous talents as he extends himself graciously into the field of writing and directing.”
Gil Junger, writer/director “Think Like a Dog”
“I’m NOT looking for dogs to hit their marks and do tricks, I need these dogs to exhibit honest emotion while interacting with the actors instead of the trainers.” That was what I asked of Jon before starting my recent film, Think Like a Dog. He delivered a training style more natural and organic than I’d ever seen. His understanding of animal behavior, and how to coax them to engage directly with the actors was phenomenal. His work ethic is second to none. He spent every waking moment with the dogs building trust and comfort. Simply put, Jon is the best I’ve ever worked with.
Paul Solet, writer/director “Bullethead”
I’ve worked with animals on only one show previously on set but prepared extensively for this show – and in that preparation interviewed numerous trainers from all over the world. I had spent some time studying training myself, so while my own experience is nowhere remotely comparable to a trainer like Jon’s, I knew just enough to appreciate just how incredible what Jon was doing was.
Kelli Konop, Line Producer, on “Breakfast with Einstein”
On Jon serving as both 2nd Unit Director & Head Animal Trainer: “Our film was very demanding as we had elaborate scenes…at times he was running back and forth between two sets…delegated and communicated with the crew so well that we never missed a shot.” She particularly valued how “Jon operated in the solution… always focusing on how we could increase production value without increasing the budget.” On directing the actors with the animals “He seemed to anticipate the actor’s needs so well that the performances were right on.” “As a line producer I have the opportunity to work with many directors and Jon was a definite natural… animals & children is the genre Jon seems to have mastered.”
Jon graduated from Writer's Boot Camp under acclaimed novelist and screenwriter Gary Goldstein’s mentorship and studied screenwriting with renowned teacher Jeff Kitchen, and screenwriting author and instructor Bill Boyle (RIP).
Liz Bird and Odin
“Jon is such a wonderful coach. I say coach instead of trainer on purpose. He is so encouraging and enthusiastic when helping me with training my dog Odin. After talking me through how to teach something, he watches to see what I’m struggling with, then is able to see what might be the problem and leads me to the solution. He never makes me, or Odin feel like we’re doing something wrong. He just communicates so well with dogs, he’s able to understand where our breakdown in communication is and help us bridge the gap.Odin recently earned his AKC Performer Tricks title and Jon was a big part of helping us achieve that goal. I recommend him to my friends all the time. He is truly amazing!”
Ready to build a better relationship with your dog?
Whether it’s obedience, impulse control, or just getting your dog to stop running the house—I’m here to help. Let’s make life with your dog feel calm, connected, and a whole lot more fun.
www.talk2mydog.com