G Hannelius and Dog with a Blog: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes

G Hannelius and Dog with a Blog: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes

When Dog with a Blog first premiered on Disney Channel back in 2012, people were skeptical. A talking dog who blogs? It sounded like the kind of low-budget concept that wouldn't last a season. Yet, the show became a massive hit, and G Hannelius—who played the overachieving, high-strung Avery Jennings—became the face of it.

Honestly, looking back at it in 2026, the show was weirder and more charming than we gave it credit for. It wasn't just about a dog typing on a laptop. It was a show about a blended family trying to survive each other, with a secret that could ruin everything if the wrong person found out.

Why G Hannelius was the perfect Avery Jennings

Before she was Avery, G Hannelius was already a Disney veteran. You probably remember her as the bratty Dakota Condor on Sonny with a Chance or the competitive Jo Keener on Good Luck Charlie. She had this specific energy—sharp, professional, but still relatable.

When she landed the lead in G Hannelius Dog with a Blog, she had to carry the emotional weight of the series. While Blake Michael’s Tyler was the "cool" brother and Francesca Capaldi’s Chloe was the cute wildcard, Avery was the glue. She was the one who actually cared about the rules.

A lot of fans don't realize that G was only 13 when the show started. She was essentially growing up on a set where her main co-star was a dog who occasionally refused to sit still. That takes a lot of patience.

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The truth about Stan (He wasn't just one dog)

The real star of the show, at least according to the title, was Stan. But who was he?

Most people think Stan was just one dog throughout the three seasons. He wasn't. For the first few episodes of season one, Stan was played by a dog named Kuma. Kuma was a talented rescue, but due to some behind-the-scenes logistical shifts, he was replaced by Mick.

Mick is the dog most of us remember. He was a Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, and Siberian Husky mix. He had that iconic "character look"—one ear up, one ear down.

Some wild facts about Mick:

  • He was naturally blonde but his fur was dyed with brown spots for the show.
  • To get him to "speak" (move his jaw), trainers used the command "Ssssssspeak."
  • He was a rescue from Apple Valley, California, and had a pretty rough start before becoming a TV star.
  • Trainers used a toy nicknamed "Mr. Hedgehog" to keep his attention, though sometimes it distracted him too much.

Stephen Full provided the voice for Stan, giving him that sarcastic, slightly cynical personality that made the blogging segments actually funny. It’s a bit trippy to think about, but the actors often had to film scenes reacting to a dog that wasn't actually saying anything back to them in the moment.

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Was the cast actually close?

In the world of Disney Channel, you hear a lot of stories about casts that didn't get along. Fortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case here. G Hannelius has often talked about how the cast felt like a real family.

They even spent New Year's together at Disneyland one year. G and Francesca Capaldi (Chloe) were especially tight—G used to treat her like a real little sister, even doing her nails between takes. That chemistry showed on screen. When the kids were huddled around the laptop helping Stan write his blog, it felt genuine.

The abrupt ending: Cancelled or finished?

Fans still debate whether Dog with a Blog was cancelled. Officially, the show ended after 78 episodes. Most Disney shows at the time followed a "three or four season" rule.

The series finale, "Stan's Secret Is Out," actually gave fans closure. Stan finally reveals he can talk to the parents, and the world finds out he's the famous blogger. It wasn't a cliffhanger. It felt like a natural stopping point because the kids were getting older and the "secret" premise couldn't last forever.

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Where is G Hannelius now?

After the show wrapped in 2015, G Hannelius didn't just disappear. She took some time to focus on school, eventually attending Sarah Lawrence College.

She also pivoted away from the "Disney girl" image. If you haven't seen her in the Netflix series American Vandal, you're missing out. She played Christa Carlyle, and it was a complete 180 from Avery Jennings. She’s also done a lot of voice work and recently starred in the comedy Sid is Dead.

Besides acting, she’s a huge entrepreneur. She launched a nail-wrap app called G Polish (formerly Make Me Nails) because she was obsessed with nail art during her Disney days.

Actionable insights for fans and collectors

If you're feeling nostalgic for G Hannelius Dog with a Blog, here is how you can dive back in:

  1. Streaming: The entire series is usually available on Disney+. It’s one of those shows that actually holds up better than you’d expect because of the writing.
  2. The "Stan" Breed: If you're looking for a dog with a similar vibe to Mick, look for Aussie-Husky mixes. They have high intelligence but need a ton of activity.
  3. Follow the Cast: Most of the cast is active on Instagram. G Hannelius often posts behind-the-scenes throwbacks that give you a glimpse of what life was like on the Pasadena-set house.
  4. Voice Acting: Check out Stephen Full’s other work. Once you hear Stan’s voice, you’ll start hearing him in dozens of other shows and commercials.

The show was a weird little blip in Disney history, but for a few years, it was the biggest thing on TV for a generation of kids. G Hannelius proved she could lead a hit series, and Mick proved that even a rescue dog with one floppy ear can become a superstar.