Canine Body Language & Dog Photography: Learning to Speak “Dog”
In 2011 I fostered a Siberian husky named Emma Grace for MUSH Rescue in Alpharetta, Georgia. I had only just begun fostering dogs the year before and I didn’t know much about canine body language – and nothing about dog photography. Emma spent the first month as our foster dog living under our bed. She was terrified of people and we had to slide her food bowl under the bed and leave the house for her to eat.
What Emma Taught Me About Canine Body Language
Eventually, Emma came to trust us. We could pet her. She’d sit on the couch with us. She played in the yard with the other dogs. But I wonder if we could have helped her faster if we had known more about canine body language.
Emma did go on to get adopted. And I got a super cute photo of her with my phone in the car after she met her forever family for the first time.
But here’s the thing.
After Emma, I knew I needed to learn more about canine body language to be a better foster dog mom (and eventually professional dog photographer.).
How I Learned More About Dog Body Language
Shortly after Emma was adopted I took my first dog training class with my dog Bella. We chose Canine Nose Work with Canine Country Academy in Lawrenceville, GA.
The super cool thing about canine nose work is that it’s really all about the dog – your job as the handler is to observe and begin recognizing your dog’s “tells” when they find the scent.
It’s truly fascinating learning to watch your dog’s body language and knowing when they have caught odor, when they are sourcing odor, and when they are saying, “Hey mom! It’s clearly right here in this box – what’s wrong with your nose?”
I really fell in love with understanding what Bella was saying in class – and I wanted to know more.
I began reading books about canine body language (I’ve included a few of my favorites below.). I attended seminars at the University of Georgia, listened to webinars by trainers like Suzanne Clothier (you’ll recognize her as an author of one of my recommended books), and went to talks about “What Your Dog is Saying” at Canine Country.
Recommended Reading - Canine Body Language
Why Canine Body Language Matters As A Professional Dog Photographer
Learning about the body language of dogs has done so much more than make me a better foster mom. I’m a better dog mom to my dogs. And I’m a better dog photographer.
Noticing the lip licks and look away behaviors my subject is giving me, I realize she’s telling me she’s a little nervous – and I can do something about it. We might take a break from the camera and play a little treat toss game. Or maybe I can try giving her extra space with a long lens.
Watching her soft eyes and wiggly body, I see that she is inviting play. We can start a fun game of fetch or catch to photograph.
When we can speak the same language, the entire session is easier for everyone involved – humane & canine alike. When it comes to photographing the furry love of your life – hiring someone who understands them should be at the top of your list of requirements.
Do you know what your dog is saying?
I hope I have inspired you to learn a little more about canine body language.
This blog is a part of a blog circle with pet photographers from across the globe! This week it’s all about canine body language – and several of the professional pet photographers in circle are also certified dog trainers. You won’t want to miss this week!
Be sure to keep clicking the link at the bottom to complete the circle until you wind up back here!
What to read next?
Learn Why A Sunrise Session Might Be Perfect for Your Dog
Let’s face it, getting up & camera ready before the sun comes up - especially on a day off work - might not be your idea of a good time. But what if I told you that a sunrise session might be perfect for your dog - and 100% worth snagging that extra cup of coffee?...
5 Must Have Photos from Your Pet Photography Session
What are the 5 Must Have Photos from your Pet Photography Session? Your camera roll is full of every possible pose from your dog you can imagine - sleeping, a running blur, sitting, tongue out, tongue in, etc and every single one is absolutely adorable! But, when it...
Yes, Even Your Dog Can Have Professional Pet Photos
How do you know if your dog can have professional pet photos? Maybe you worry that your dog is too: Hyperactive Reactive Untrained Blind or deaf Timid, Afraid, or Nervous In this blog, I’m going to share some tips & tricks I’ve learned as a professional pet...
3 Comments
Submit a Comment
Have More Questions?
Get in touch. I’d love to talk with you.
Wow, how awesome that nose work was your first training class! It’s such a great activity to start with for both the dog and the handler.
Your story of emma reminded me of our Danny. Although we started out fostering him, we ended up adopting him, as it was clear his rehab into the world of trusting humans again, was going to take a very long time.
I always have to explain why I’m not throwing myself at my training class students lest people be offended that I don’t want to pet Fluffy. I read the body language and in many cases, fluffy wants nothing to do with me in that moment. My goal, and it often happens this way, is that fluffy can’t wait to be petted by the end of the class series – and that’s because I listened to the body language and let the dog set the pace of interaction. So important that we also do that as dog photographers.