Top Three Fears Dog Owners Share with Me
So often when dog owners reach out to me about getting professional photos of their dogs, I hear one of three things holding them back. They have a dog that won’t stand still (and can’t be off leash), or their dog is really nervous and uncomfortable in new surroundings, or they have an extremely reactive dog that is easily set off by other dogs or people. And sometimes one dog qualifies for all three! These are the top three fears that dog owners share with me. These dog owners cannot imagine their dog ever cooperating to allow for any photos at all. I’m here to let you in on a little secret. As a dog photographer, a large percentage of the dogs I work with fall into one or more of the above categories. So often in fact, I’m always pleasantly surprised when I have an “easy” dog.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these issues:
“My Dog Isn’t an Obedience Champion!”
For many dog owners, their pets won’t just stay in place for a photo. They can’t put their pup in a spot, drop the leash and walk away, fully confident their dog will still be there when they turn around. Many owners can’t even get their dogs to perk up their ears, or stand still for a moment. Well it’s time to breath a sigh of relief, very few dogs will do any of these things without help!
Since all of my portrait sessions are outdoors in a natural, fun, and sometimes “wild” setting, it’s perfectly normal for dogs to have the urge to run off and explore their new surroundings. Safety is always top priority, and that means the leash is on almost all of the time. Have you noticed images where a dog looks to be standing alone, gazing off into the distance, as if to suggest the dog is part of the natural setting? Not a person, leash or collar to be found? Probably didn’t start out that way, just look at these images below. They show a fun before and after, just to give you an idea of how we set up for that final look.
Jakob was still leashed while he stood on the log
Now it looks as though Jakob was standing on his own, out in the woods.
“My Dog Gets Way Too Stressed!”
Is your dog really nervous in new settings or around other people? Often pet owners worry this will prevent them from ever getting that one beautiful photo of their four legged best friend. Luckily I am very familiar with this, and never pressure a dog to perform! Our portrait sessions are always led by the dog, and we go at a pace that allows each dog to become comfortable (often these dogs even begin to have fun). I always read the dog’s cues, and take breaks whenever necessary.
Riley was comfortable between the trees, so I had to capture a photo of her!
“Oh No, My Dog is Far Too Aggressive Around Other Dogs!”
Owners of reactive or aggressive dogs sometimes think they’ll never qualify for a portrait session. Good news, even these pet parents deserve gorgeous keepsake portraits, and I am no stranger to these tough personalities. This is just another example of reading the dog’s cues and body language, and showing a great deal of respect.
The image below is of Zeus, and he definitely likes his own personal space. At no time did I threaten to encroach on his “bubble”, and I certainly didn’t stare into his eyes. By the end of our session he had accepted me quite happily, and we might have even become friends. Zeus is a good boy, and I truly love and respect his big personality!
Dogs like Zeus need their space, and that is totally okay!
Don’t Worry About Those Top Three Fears!
So there you have it. Never worry that your dog isn’t obedient enough, or brave enough, or friendly enough for a custom portrait session. Every dog (and owner) is treated to an experience that is a unique, fun adventure, and always full of surprises. There are no personality or obedience expectations. I hope this discussion about dog owners’ top three fears has helped you see that your dog more than likely would in fact be a perfect candidate for a photo session of his own. You deserve to have artwork of your pup to enjoy long after your best friend is no longer with you.
Haylee, Reba, Stella and Lexi had fun during their session.
No worries what so ever. Our golden, Toby, is the most laid back, loving people and other dogs. The best dog we have ever had.
Hi Rick, I can’t wait to meet Toby (and you too of course). We’re going to have a fun, relaxed, adventure-filled afternoon. See you soon! ~Jan
Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Feel free to surf to my webpage: Simple Keto Burn
Hi! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all
your posts! Keep up the great work!
my blog … Rimuovi frame
I’m still learning from you, as I’m improving
myself. I certainly enjoy reading all that is written on your website.Keep the aarticles coming.
I liked it!
Here is my blog … https://purespectracbd.com/
Very instructive and good body structure of content, now that’s user friendly (:.
Feel free to surf to my web blog :: Keto Advance Pills
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this fantastic
blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google
account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group.
Talk soon!
Also visit my site; https://owenleija910121.hatenablog.com/entry/2020/11/23/165623
I besides believe so, perfectly pent post!
My web site – Self Cam Pro
Thank you for the good writeup. It in truth used to be a leisure account it.
Glance advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way,
how can we be in contact?
Ahaa, its fastidious conversation regarding this post at this place at this web site,
I have read all that, so now me also commenting at this place.
My webpage; http://www.articledude.com/classifieds/user/profile/329533
Rattling excellent info can be found on weblog.
Also visit my blog Alpha 360 Testo
It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of info. I am happy that you simply shared this helpful information with
us. Please keep us up to date like this.
Thanks for sharing.
Here is my webpage – Keto Advanced
Very quickly this web page will be famous among all blog visitors, due to it’s fastidious articles or reviews
Here is my blog post … Full Releaf CBD Price
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you
may be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and
may come back in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage that
you continue your great job, have a nice holiday
weekend!
Also visit my homepage https://fitnessketodiet.net/
In fact when someone doesn’t know afterward its up to
other people that they will assist, so here it takes place.
Here is my homepage … Laurelle Serum
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You obviously know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence
on just posting videos to your blog when you could be
giving us something enlightening to read?
my page – EdivaDerm Skin Care
Hi there, its pleasant piece of writing on the topic of
media print, we all know media is a impressive source of data.
Feel free to surf to my website … https://ads.wealthxo.com/user/profile/144012
Some truly select posts on this website, saved to favorites.
My blog; DivaTrim Keto Review
Piece of writing writing is also a excitement, if you be familiar with after that you can write otherwise it is complicated to write.
Here is my web-site: http://ultimateketofuel.org/
Hi to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this website;
this web site carries amazing and genuinely good material in favor of
readers.
Feel free to visit my homepage – http://selfcampro.com/
Loving the information on this web site, you have done great job
on the blog posts.
Look into my website :: Green Leaf Healing CBD Reviews