5 Tricks to Make Your Pet Sit Still for a Photo Shoot
We all want to show off our amazing furry friends to the world.
In an ocean of selfies and food pictures, one category of photos emerges as the most adorable on the internet - dog pictures!
Flattering, well-lit photos of your pet in various poses such as wearing a top hat, trying a new variety of food, or just being themselves is a sight not to be missed, and definitely, to share with everyone!
However, if you’re a pet parent, you know that the behind-the-scenes work of getting even half a decent picture is a mammoth task and no joke.
If you can’t figure out how to keep them still when you click away pictures, here are five awesome tricks to ensure you have a reasonably smooth process -
#1 Keep Their Favourite Treats Handy
Dogs love food.
The most basic and obvious way to get your dog’s attention is to hold a treat in whichever direction you want them to look. Food is a great reward and resource to use when you want your pet to listen to you.
Lure your dog into a sit, and only hand them the treat if they listen to your instructions correctly.
If the dog pops, it’s completely okay. Lure them into a sit again, and give them a treat.
This will eventually build up to a longer sit, giving you ample time to take the photos you want.
A few suggestions for treats maybe cheese, chicken nuggets, chewies, peanut butter, jerky, turkey, and more.
If your dog won’t take food in a new environment, it’s okay, they might be distracted by a new environment. Just take some time to let your dog relax and sniff the place to get accustomed.
#2 Catchy Noises
Although squeaking toys and screaming at regular intervals trying relentlessly to get the dog’s attention may work for some time, it will not work at all times.
If anything, your dog will quickly ignore the repetitive, white noise and will most definitely become annoyed by it.
Squeakies should be used sparingly and thoughtfully.
Another effective method to get the dog’s attention is to have the squeaker from a dog’s toy in the mouth and to make it squeak once or twice. The dogs are typically curious and confused and will look in your direction, or may even give you an adorable head tilt.
Wait for a few seconds before trying out new noises to get the dog’s attention.
#3 Practice and Patience
Many people aren’t aware of this but, a lot of animals find cameras very threatening.
It is essentially a giant eye staring at them, which can be incredibly scary.
Practice taking your dog’s photos with shutters and camera snazzes on loud and every time you take a picture, reward them with a treat. Doing this consistently will help them get over their fear and understand that the loud ‘flash’ sound and light do not actually harm them.
It is vital to remember here that while practising, it does not matter if the images are blurry or your dog isn’t in an ideal posture - it is to make sure that your dog is comfortable around the camera.
#4 Say Hello to Another Great Distraction - Toys!
Does your dog have a favourite stuffed toy, frisbee, ballie, or other toys?
Use that to your advantage and get an amazing photo of your dog.
Take the toy and direct it to your dog’s eye line and bring its attention towards the camera, and then take a variety of great photographs.
#5 If All Else Fails, Just Have Fun with your Dog!
Is your dog not looking at you? Or, won’t sit still for ONE picture?
It’s okay, you’re there to have fun and capture your dog in its true element!
Capture some of their exciting energy in a fun action shot and frame them.
Sometimes, natural photos of your pet make the best photos!
If you’re looking to capture the best moments of your favourite furballs, book a shoot with us now!