Why Does My Dog Act So Different at Home vs. in Public?

Chantell Schulz • July 2, 2025

At home, your dog is relaxed. Playful. Maybe a little goofy. You know their quirks, their routines, and the way they light up your life without even trying.


But outside? Things shift. They might get overwhelmed. Overexcited or suddenly unsure of everything.


If you’ve ever thought, “This isn’t the dog I know…” You’re not alone. And more importantly, your dog isn’t doing anything wrong.

What I See Through the Lens

As a dog photographer, I’ve met dogs who arrive at sessions full of zoomies and sass, and others who need space, quiet, and time. Some don’t want to sit, some don’t want to stop sniffing, and some want to stay tucked beside their person, unsure of what to make of it all.


And the thing is… I love them all. I don’t look for the “perfect pose.” I’m looking for the tiny moments that make your dog your dog. The head tilts. The spark in their eye when they spot their favourite treat. The softness that comes when they finally feel safe enough to just be.

What if They Don’t “Behave”?

Then we take breaks, we sniff, we reset, and we laugh.
My sessions aren’t about obedience, they’re about connection. They’re built around your dog’s personality, their pace, and their needs. This isn’t a photoshoot where they have to perform. It’s a space where they get to be.


Through all of that, we’ll capture something real, something honest, and something you’ll want to hold onto forever because one day, you’ll miss even the “hard” parts.

Final Thoughts: From One Dog-Lover to Another

Maybe your dog acts differently in public. Maybe they don’t come when called, or bark more than you'd like, or have never once sat still for more than 0.5 seconds.

That doesn’t make them any less lovable. It doesn’t make your bond any less worthy of being documented.


At the end of the day, your dog...just as they are...is a story worth telling that I’d be honoured to help you tell it.

Ready to capture

furever memories?

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Ready to capture furever memories?

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Ready to capture furever memories?

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