If your dog’s greatest pleasure is scanning the world for marauding chipmunks – getting her to focus on look in just one direction for any length of time can seem like an impossible task. But, I have a couple tricks I rely on to get the squirrel patrol dog to look at the camera. 

• Unique Noises
• A Quick Game of Clicker Training
• Cat Toys for Dogs

For the majority of dogs sitting in front of my camera, a unique noise can direct their gaze right at that crazy sound! And while I consider myself an introvert and a bit quiet, I spend a lot time rolling on the ground making bizarre squeaking, whistling, meowing, and other noises that defy description getting the attention of dogs – and lots of strange looks by passersby – to get your dog to look right at the camera. And if my own ridiculous noises don’t work to get your dog to look at the camera – I also come fully equipped with a variety of game calls. The distressed rabbit or the turkey warbler is often a sound your dog has never heard before, and few dogs can resist a quick glance to see just what is making that noise!

If noises aren’t your dog’s thing – I can also use a little quick positive reinforcement training session. Do you know what a camera shutter sounds like? Yep, a clicker used in training dogs! I can usually teach your dog that it pays to look at the camera with just a few tiny treats and a couple repetitions of camera click & treat. I lure their gaze to the camera lens by holding a tasty morsel right at my lens, click, give treat. Pretty soon your dog is looking right at the camera waiting on that magic noise that means a treat is on the way!

I also keep a stash of cat wand style toys in my bag at all times. Flicking a feather toy over my head and then dropping it behind the camera gets a lot of dogs to look directly at the camera while they search for the “bird” that just flew behind me. 

But what if your dog is more shy than hyper? Don’t worry – I’ve got some more tricks up my sleeve. 

Tricks to get Nervous Nellie Dogs to Look at the Camera

When you are shy, timid, nervous, or anxious having a camera in your face isn’t exactly comforting. A lot of dogs (and people) need a little time to get comfortable and figure out exactly what we’re asking them to do during our session. I have three main tricks I use to help these dogs get comfortable looking at the camera. 

• Pregame
• Give Space
• Get Stinky

If you’re worried that your dog’s anxiety will make it hard for them to look at the camera – be sure to bring it up during the planning questionnaire so we can prepare together to set them up for success when preparing for your session. For dogs that are very nervous, I’ll plan to “start” our session 30 minutes early. While we won’t actually start photographing before the light is ready, your dog will have time to sniff me & my gear with zero pressure & plenty of tasty treats. Often just spending a little time pre-session can reduce your dog’s anxiety making her more comfortable through out the session. A comfortable & confident dog will be much more likely to look at the camera. 

The next trick I have for shy dogs is giving them some space. Me & my camera might be really scary 5 feet away from them.  But if I’m 25 feet away? Suddenly I’m something interesting to look at. Using a  telephoto lens like my favorite 70-200 mm or 105 mm lets me capture really gorgeous images (even close ups) while never invading your dog’s personal space. In fact, even for dogs that are pretty comfortable with me right from the beginning, I almost always start my sessions with a long lens to give everyone some time to get to know each other before I ask them look at the camera when it’s too close. 

Getting stinky might sounds like a weird trick to get dogs to look at the camera – and I promise to wear deodorant to our session. What I mean is that I use super stinky treats that dogs love. Your dog’s nose is roughly 40,000 times more sensitive than yours – and she’s likely a master at following that incredible canine nose. By using super odiferous treats like tuna, peanut butter, hot dogs, and liverwurst we can help point that nose (and eyes) right where we want them!