Common Sense Media Review
Peril, lots of potty humor in animated canine comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dog Gone Trouble
What's the Story?
Trouble the dog (voiced by Sean "Big Sean" Anderson) lives a pampered life in DOG GONE TROUBLE. He has a therapist whispering self affirmations in his ear, a stylist coiffing his fur, and a butler who mists his bottom. But that all changes after his beloved human, Mrs. Vanderwhoozie (Betty White), dies, and her greedy niece and nephew barge in demanding their inheritance, tossing Trouble out with the rest of their aunt's prized possessions. When Trouble falls out of a moving van, he finds himself lost in the woods and threatened by a gang of dancing squirrels. He befriends tough-as-nails stray Rousey (Pamela Adlon) and a pack of dogs at a local dog park, but little does he know he's being hunted by a hired animal tracker (Wilmer Valderrama). One day, struggling musician Zoe (Lucy Hale) finds Trouble on the road and takes him home. Will she be able to keep him?
Is It Any Good?
Animated dog films can feel a dime a dozen, but this one might stand out thanks to its diverse cast, star cameos, and sly humor. Starring Big Sean, Lucy Hale and Wilmer Valderrama, among others, Dog Gone Trouble also features appearances (and some singing) by Snoop Dogg, Jason Mraz, Betty White, chef Ludo Lefebvre, dog whisperer Cesar Millan, and Damon Wayans Jr. as a hilariously paranoid pooch. This is a feel-good film with a positive message and some laugh-out-loud silliness, especially the gang of choreographed dancing squirrels (which one dog slams as "off-Broadway beavers") and the supernaturally talented animal tracker ("Thurman always gets his vermin!"). There are familiar city scares, dog pound threats, stray vs domesticated dog taunts, dog-human affection, and a happy rags-to-riches ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the stipulations in Mrs. Vanderwhoozie's will in Dog Gone Trouble that whoever cares for her dog gets her estate. Can you imagine loving a pet so much that you would link your inheritance to him or her? Why or why not?
What other animated films about dogs have you seen? How were they similar to or different from this one?
Why are dog movies so popular? What do you think is the appeal?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 8, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : May 28, 2021
- Cast : Sean "Big Sean" Anderson , Pamela Adlon , Lucy Hale
- Director : Kevin Johnson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals , Friendship
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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