Getting a Dogs Attention
A cute little Boston terrier
Getting a dog to look directly at the camera is one of the biggest challenges in pet photography. The key is grabbing their attention for just a second—then being ready to shoot. 🐕📸
Here are the techniques photographers use most often:
1. Use Interesting Sounds
Dogs react instantly to unfamiliar sounds.
Try:
squeaky toys
clicking your tongue
a whistle
saying a word they don’t hear often
Make the sound right behind or above the camera so they look directly into the lens.
⚠️ Don’t repeat it too much or the dog will lose interest.
2. Hold a Treat Above the Lens
Food works extremely well for many dogs.
How to do it:
Hold a small treat right above the camera.
Wait until the dog focuses on it.
Take several photos quickly.
Then reward the dog immediately.
3. Use the “What’s That?” Trick
Say a phrase dogs find intriguing:
Examples:
“What’s that?”
“Where’s the cat?”
“Walk?”
Say it in an excited tone and be ready to shoot when their ears perk up.
4. Use Burst Mode
Dogs only hold eye contact for a second.
Use continuous shooting so you capture:
the first moment they look
ear movement
head tilts
Often the second or third frame is the best.
5. Get Help From Another Person
If possible, have someone stand behind you.
They can:
hold a toy
call the dog’s name
wave something interesting
This keeps the dog’s attention toward the camera.
6. Try a Head Tilt Trigger
Many dogs tilt their head when hearing strange sounds.
Common triggers:
squeaky toy
whistle
saying something unusual
The head tilt creates adorable, expressive photos.
7. Photograph When They’re Calm
A hyper dog won’t hold attention long.
Best times:
after a walk
after playtime
when they’re relaxed but alert
💡 Pro tip used by pet photographers:
Make the attention sound only once, then shoot a quick burst. Repeating it constantly makes dogs ignore it.
