Photo: Splash News/Corbis

Look, working with animals isn’t easy. They don’t listen to stage directions, and they’re always sniffing your pockets, and then, as the old adage reminds us, they always upstage you. Only a brave and patient actor would sign up for dog duty, but luckily, Tom Hardy is such a man. And if these photos from the set of Animal Rescue are any indication, he has already overcome major species barriers to form a bond with his canine co-star. It’s hard work, but someone has to hug puppies. Let Tom Hardy teach you how.

Step 1: Introduce yourself to the puppy and present him or her with a gift. Don’t crowd the puppy. Let the puppy come to you.

Photo: Splash News/Corbis

Step 2: Establish a physical connection to the puppy with a leash. Don’t put it on too tight — this is about mutual respect.

Photo: Splash News/Corbis

Step 3: Take the puppy to a quiet place so that you can bond privately, without any directors or crew members disturbing you.

Photo: Splash News/Corbis

Step 4: Pick up the puppy and hug it. Really hug it.

Photo: Splash News/Corbis

Step 5: Oh hell, give it a kiss while you’re at it.

Photo: Splash News/Corbis

Step 6: Keep hugging the puppy.

Photo: Splash News/Corbis

Step 7: Never let go of the puppy. It’s your puppy now.