Talk to My Dog
About Jon Van Dyke
Founder of Talk To My DogMy name is Jon Van Dyke. I'm a writer, director, and professional animal trainer with over 35 years
of experience working on some of the biggest film and television sets in the world.
I've trained exotic animals like tigers, leopards, and cougars. I've handled dogs, ducks,
pigeons-even alligators-for everything from sitcoms and commercials to major Hollywood
blockbusters. My job was to get the shot-safely, ethically, and consistently.I've worked with directors like Tim Burton and Richard Donner and trained animals for actors like
Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Al Pacino, and Antonio Banderas.In 2023, I relocated to North Texas and transitioned from set life to real life. Today, I use everything I learned in the high-pressure world of Hollywood to help everyday dog owners build calm, clear,
respectful relationships with their pets.At Talk To My Dog, my mission is simple:
Listen to the dog. Educate the owner. Transform the relationship.
Because life with your dog should feel connected-not chaotic.What I Believe:
- Dog training isn't magic. It's clarity, consistency and understanding 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 delight and enlighten both you and your dog.I work with private clients throughout North Dallas offering in-home sessions, board & train
programs, and group classes that focus on real-world obedience, impulse control, and household
harmony. If you're ready to lead your dog with confidence, I'd love to help.Film Highlights:
About Jon Van Dyke
- My Best Friend's Exorcism - Dog Trainer
- Think Like a Dog - Hero Dog Trainer
- Unchained / Bullet Head - Animal Coordinator / Hero Dog Trainer
- Mars Attacks, Point Break, Twister, Terminator 2, Iron Will, Lethal Weapon 2, Frankie & Johnny -
Dog Trainer / Animal Coordinator
- Not Today - Writer/Director (Lionsgate Films - Limited Theatrical Release)TV Highlights:
- Star Trek: Picard - Dog Trainer for "Number One"
- Euphoria, Lone Star 911, Modern Family, Fear the Walking Dead, Fresh Off the Boat, Frasier,
Friends, ER, Doogie Howser M.D., Lambchop's Playhouse - Dog Trainer
- Personal Dog Trainer to Tim Burton (1994-2003)Commercial & Photo Clients:
- Amazon Alexa, Subaru, Verizon, PetSmart, Milkbone, Target, Garmin, Coffee Bean, Hallmark
Channel, and more.Want to work together?
I'd be honored to help you and your dog build something legendary.
Visit www.talk2mydog.com to learn more.
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