What Happens If My Dog Won’t Cooperate During Their Photoshoot?
One of the biggest worries I hear from dog owners is, “What if my dog doesn’t cooperate?”
Maybe they don’t have the best recall. Maybe they can’t sit still for more than two seconds. Maybe they’re easily distracted by squirrels, people, or literally anything happening around them.
The good news? Your dog does not need to be perfectly trained for a photography session.
Your Dog Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
I’m not expecting your dog to sit perfectly, stare at the camera, and hold a pose for an entire session. Honestly, that wouldn’t be very realistic!
Dogs are dogs, and I want to photograph them as they are.
Some dogs are calm and naturally attentive, while others are full of energy and constantly on the move. I work with both. Instead of trying to force your dog into a specific pose, I use their natural behaviour to create photos that actually feel like them.
I Let Dogs Be Dogs
A lot of the best photos happen in between the poses.
Running, sniffing, looking around, walking toward me, or giving you that goofy expression you know and love can all make amazing photographs.
I’ll give you simple instructions throughout the session, but I’m also watching your dog and adjusting my approach based on what they’re comfortable with.
What If They Won’t Look at the Camera?
That’s completely okay!
I have plenty of tricks to help get your dog’s attention when I need it. Sometimes it’s a sound, sometimes it’s movement, and sometimes it’s simply waiting for the right moment.
And I’m not looking for your dog to stare at me for minutes at a time. I just need that split second when their eyes, ears, and expression all come together.
What If They’re Nervous?
Some dogs need a little more time to warm up, especially in a new environment.
I never want to rush that process.
We can take breaks, let them sniff around, and give them time to get comfortable. Once they start relaxing, I can work with them to capture their personality naturally.
My background in animal behaviour has taught me that paying attention to a dog’s body language is just as important as knowing how to use my camera.
And What If Nothing Goes According to Plan?
Sometimes things just don't go perfectly and that's okay too!
Maybe your dog decides they would rather explore than pose. Maybe they suddenly forget every command they've ever learned. Maybe they’re having an especially energetic day.
I’m prepared to adapt.
I can change locations, switch up what we’re doing, take a break, or simply photograph them while they’re moving around.
My goal isn’t to force your dog into doing something they’re uncomfortable with. It’s to create an experience where they can relax and be themselves while I capture the moments that make them who they are.
You Don’t Need a Perfectly Trained Dog
If you’ve been putting off booking a dog photography session because you’re worried your dog won’t behave, I hope this gives you a little reassurance.
Your dog doesn’t need to be perfectly trained, they don’t need to know a dozen commands, and they definitely don’t need to sit still for an entire hour.
They just need to show up as themselves and I’ll take care of the rest.
