What If My Dog Doesn’t Sit Still?
Let’s be real...most dogs aren’t exactly known for sitting still. Yet, time after time, I hear the same worry from loving dog moms:
“I’d love to book a session, but my dog’s way too hyper.”
“She never listens outside the house.”
“He won’t sit for more than a second!”
Sound familiar? If this is you, take a breath. You’re not alone, and no, your furbaby does not need to be perfectly behaved to get stunning photos.
Here’s the truth: Most of the dogs I photograph don’t sit still.
It’s part of my job to work with their energy and not against it. I’ve photographed the jumpers, the sniffers, the zoomers, the barkers, and the “what is sit?” crowd… and they’ve all ended up with frame-worthy photos that truly capture who they are.
This isn’t studio work with stiff poses and high-pressure commands. This is real life, outdoors, full of movement, curiosity, and play and that’s what makes the photos feel so honest and joyful.
So what happens when your dog doesn’t sit still?
I come prepared. Here’s what I use to make the magic happen:
- Loud, silly sounds to get those head tilts
- Toys or squeakers to catch attention in short bursts
- Fast shutter + experience, I can catch split-second moments you won’t even notice happened
- Leashes stay on (I remove them in editing)
- A relaxed approach. The more fun we’re having, the better the photos
Still nervous? Here’s what I want you to know.
You’re not doing anything wrong, your dog isn’t too much, and this experience isn’t about perfect obedience.
The chaos? That’s part of the charm. The wiggly butt? Adorable. The derpy run? Pure joy.
We’ll work together to meet your dog where they’re at, and I’ll guide you every step of the way. Whether they’re a confident poser or a free-spirited tornado, we’ll create something beautiful together.
Still nervous? Here’s what I want you to know.
Let’s chat. I’m always happy to talk about your dog, your concerns, and what a session could look like for your unique pup. No pressure...just dog people helping dog people.
