How to Take Your Dog's Picture

Taking a picture of your dog does not have to be a difficult task. Finding the right place, getting your dog in the right position and taking the shot is all you need to do--and here is how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera
• Patience
• Good place to take the photo
• Treats
• Squeak toy

1. Teach your dog a good, solid stay command. This will make the photo shoot go much more smoothly. Check Resources below for a link to my article on teaching your dog the stay command.

2. Once your dog does a good stay command, find a good place to take the picture. A nice spot in a scenic park, the beach, a room set up with some lighting and a back drop.

3. Put your dog in a sit, down or stand position and give the command "Stay." This is where some patience on your part comes in. If you put too much pressure on your dog there is a good chance that your dog will start to pick up on your vibes and the whole shot could be much more difficult than it has to be. The best thing to do is relax and have fun with the whole process.

4. Once you have your dog in the stay position and you're ready to take the photo, say your dog's name. To get a really good photo you want your dog to look at the camera. To get the best shot, say your dog's name and squeak the toy. This will usually get your dog's attention.
   
   If your dog is not interested in the toy or it get your dog to excited wave the treat to get your dog's attention.

5. Once your dog is looking at you, take the picture. With a little practice you'll start getting great photos of your dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a good digital camera to take the pictures. As you practice, the digital photos can be deleted and it won't cost you any money.
• Don't yell or get angry with your dog when you are taking the pictures. This will only make things worse. Sometimes having a helper is a good way to take the pictures.

Resources

• FREE Dog Training Videos, Articles and More
• How to Teach Your Dog the Stay Command
• Dog Pictures

[ladyofthelake]

on 8/16/2009 Thanks! Great ideas. I will try it. Now if I could only get my dogs to stay. They are so bad but sooooo cute!