How to take a picture of your dog

Do you want to take a cute picture of your dog like the cute ones you always see on the internet? Do you try everything and the pictures end up looking like this:

Photo credit: Dillon Freeman

Well, I'm here to tell you how to take better pictures of your dog. It is not done without a bit of training though. 

Step 1- Teach your dog the command "Watch Me"

Get some training treats or food nuggets and sit down with your dog. Put a treat in your hand and wave it by her nose. You should now have her attention. Once she knows the treat is in your hand, slowly rais your hand towards your eyes. When she looks at you, say, "Watch Me" and then give her the treat. Repeat this over and over again until they have it down. Depending on the dog, this step could take several minutes or several weeks. If you have a Yorkie, it may never work. :)

Step 2- Get ready for the shot

When you are ready, get the camera, get some treats and get the dog

Step 3- Take the picture

Once you are ready, call your dog over. Have them sit first. Then aim the camera and give the "watch me" command. If you have a slow camera, you may want to put it on "sports" setting and just keep clicking while giving this command. If you can, you want to adjust the camera so that the flash doesn't go off. The flash in their eyes will most likely deter them from looking at you the next time you say "Watch me".

Step 4- Most important step- Give them the treat

Make sure you give them the treat right away after you have taken the picture or they won't associate the treat with the "watch me" command. 

Hopefully, with a little practice you will be able to take great pictures of your dog!

Photo credit: Bellemore Photography