It’s a doggy, dog reality TV world

From lending its name to the fictional television show “Five Towns” on the HBO show “Entourage” to having at least two natives on current reality shows, the Five Towns area appears to be fertile ground for participants of these types of shows.

So when the producers of Animal Planet’s “It’s Me or the Dog” reality show starring world class animal trainer Victoria Stillwell sought a place to begin casting for season four they came to the Five Towns, specifically Woodmere, as they were at Fido Fitness on Railroad Avenue last Sunday.

For approximately three hours, would-be participants were interviewed to be on the show that tapes 10, one-hour episodes that feature a different family or couple that has an out-of-control dog, or one that is causing problems between those in the household.

“I would think if they are looking for drams they will find it here,” said Ellen Adler co-owner of Fido Fitness. “It all depends on who wants to get filmed.”

What the producers are looking for, according to Gina Marks, a casting coordinator for the IMOTOD Casting Team, is situation where the challenges of taking care of the dog goes beyond the typical housebreaking and leash training to issues that are having a significant negative impact on the people’s lives.

“If you happen to fall into a type, if two cops who can control the streets, but can’t control their own dogs, or a Manhattan couple with a pet that is destroying their lovely apartment, we are choosing that location,” Marks said.

Woodmere, where Fido Fitness is located, seems to be the most abundant of the Five Towns communities as natives Jill Zarin (“Housewives of New York City”) and David Cheeks (“Sweet Home Alabama”) are current reality TV stars.

“We had Jill Zarin on last year,” Marks said. “Housewives is doing well for a reason, they have a great wacky cast of housewives.”

At least 12 people were interviewed, which was the initial step in the process that includes being seen by casting producers, a phone interview, having a camera crew tape for on camera interview for executive producers, then a review by the network and Stillwell.

“We fly [Stillwell] in from Atlanta to do the show, so naturally we feel it’s the most desperate of cases that warrant her training,” Marks said. “Not to mention, its season four; we’ve seen a lot; she’s seen even more and we’re looking to give her a challenge!”

As for the experience of having a reality TV show focused on dogs and people at her business, Adler said she would do it again. “We had fun, there was more interest in the dog park (Fido Fitness is an indoor place for dogs to roam), but it was a good thing for the neighborhood.”