If you are working with dogs in any capacity, I want to share some key things that can be really detrimental or even dangerous when working with dogs for a photoshoot.

So, in this video, I’m sharing some key things to avoid doing when working with dogs that will hopefully help you have a more stress-free, enjoyable session for both pets and people that results in really lovely images.

Let’s get started!

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Avoid These Mistakes When Working With Dogs For A Photoshoot

RUSHING THE GREETING

First, I see where people rush the greeting. So, greeting the dog on their terms allowing them to come to you and sniff you, your equipment, and get used to the location can really set your session up for success or failure.

In other words, you want to take time to get that dog comfortable with you and what’s going on. Forcing them into position too soon or immediately pulling out the camera and getting in their face is a surefire way to cause them more duress and stress than is necessary.

I will give them lots of treats and praise even getting down on their level in a sit or squat. If need be, I will take out my camera and allow them to sniff it while clicking the shutter and rewarding them after each click with a treat. Once I see they are loose, happy, wiggly, and enjoying themselves is when I start the session, but not before then if possible.

Obviously, every dog is different. Some are what we like to call ‘bomb-proof’ and really enjoy anything new or exciting, such as the camera, whereas others will be very wary of you and this whole photographic experience.

So, take your time and give the dog the space they need to feel comfortable with you, so you can in turn get a better resulting photo and everyone has a great time.

BORING THEM TO TEARS

Another thing I see photographers doing in general with dogs during a session is boring them to tears. I happened to walk by a family session in a popular spot recently where the photographer simply kept repeating to the dog: sit, sit, sit, sit.

The dog was so over it and was clearly disengaging from the whole thing.. In other words, the dog was bored and frustrated because they didn’t feel heard and clearly did not want to sit.

With dogs, novelty is very exciting. That means if you’re working with them, make it fun. Don’t be so repetitive that you’re boring them with the same noise or command. Utilize treats, toys, affection, and noises to keep them engaged and having a good time.

Break up the session with plenty of time to play and reset, so they can keep their focus and keep working alongside you to capture beautiful images.

NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO BODY LANGUAGE

A third thing to make sure you don’t do during a session with dogs is to ignore their body language. How dogs communicate is entirely by body language–the slightest shift backwards, lip lick, bark, or ear tuck are all indicators of different things.

If you are a photographer who regularly works with dogs or you are a pet photographer who wants to be successful, it’s important to study up on dog body language and behavior. This will be instrumental in keeping you safe, but also for capturing incredible images that don’t show a dog looking stressed, unhappy, or sad.

So, do your homework by taking a dog training course or online classes, going to a local dog park and watching dogs interact, volunteer your photography with shelter dogs, participate with playgroups, and even pay attention to your own dog – there are so many ways to start brushing up on understanding dog body language, so you can help them thrive and be stress-free during a session.

If you want a video all about negative and positive body language for dogs let me know in the comments below!

FOLLOWING FADS OF PET PHOTOGRAPHY

One thing that has come up for me in the past couple of years of owning my own business is figuring out that I don’t have to do all the pet photography fads and trends to stand out. In fact, some of what we see are the “popular” styles of pet photography that can actually be detrimental to the dogs themselves.

If you have followed me for any length of time, you know that I am a huge advocate of letting the dog lead the session. For instance, I would never force a dog to do a water session who hates water – it just wouldn’t work!

Recently, I’ve learned that holi powder sessions where dogs run through colored powder can cause respiratory issues and ingesting the powders can cause gastrointestinal issues, upset stomach, skin allergies, rashes, and even blindness.

The point is? Do what's best for your clients and their dogs and what feels good or right to you – not what’s trendy or a fad at that time.

You never want to put an animal in a situation where they can be harmed, stressed, or worse, because that will also speak badly on behalf of your business if something were to happen.

Do your own due diligence when it comes to these fads or trends and figure out something that you could do that would be unique to your business that helps the animal’s participate in innate behaviors they enjoy, not something they detest or that is harmful for them.

FORCING THEM INTO POSITION

And last but not least, I see this happen with both people and pet parents and that’s forcing the dog to do something they don’t want to do, like sit, for instance.

Again, I’m a big proponent of paying attention to the body language of a dog and if, for example, I’m working with a senior dog who has bad hips, I’m not going to make them sit, because I know it’s likely very uncomfortable for them. That’s a very specific example, but you get what I mean.

Forcing an animal into position especially when they are uncomfortable, stressed, or anxious can also lead to a dangerous situation for you causing the dog to lash out at you or even a bite scenario.

Where possible try to work with where the dog is most comfortable and pose the other pets or people around that dog. Sure, it’s not always what you envisioned or ideal, but it will be better for everyone in the long run.

With all that in mind, I hope these few insights help you with some things to consider when working with dogs for your own photography sessions.