As a pet photographer specialising in dog photography, I meet a lot of dogs in Canberra. In the last year alone I've photographed more than 200 dogs.
Being a pet photographer one of the most important things is to know how to approach and greet a dog, especially a new dog I've ever met. Understanding the appropriate way to greet a new dog is important as you want to create a safe environment for the dogs and for yourself.
Here are 3 tips I've found helpful when greeting a new dog.
1. Let the dog approach you first
I know it can be really hard to resist running up to an irresistible cute pup and just pat them but doing this will make the dog scared or feel threatened.
When I first come to any pet photography session, it's usually the first time I meet the dog. To make sure they get used to me and to greet them I would let them come to me and approach me first. This might take time which is why I say to come around 5-10 min earlier to your session as we usually spend the first 5 minutes getting to know each other.
If it's a small dog I would also get down low, kneel or sit on the ground with my camera and let the dog come to me and sniff me and my gears. To make myself look as friendly as possible, I would usually turn my body slightly to the side and not look at the dog directly and use your peripheral vision instead. To make them feel as comfortable just let them sniff you for a while.
2. Don't stand over the dog or reach out to their personal space
Us humans are much bigger than dogs so if we stand over and reach out into their personal space, this can feel threatening to most dogs, especially if we are strangers. A threatened dog can react either by cowering, growling or worse biting. So you always need to be careful. If it's a dog you haven't met before, make sure to ask permission before you pat them, let the dog come to you. If the dog then starts showing interest by sniffing you with a relaxed posture then slowly offer the dog your hand for them to sniff. Once they feel more comfortable you can maybe pat them softly on the chest, back or sides. Don't try to cuddle or hug them, especially if it's a dog you just met.
3. Watch their body language
You need to build trust when meeting a new dog and while they may start getting comfortable with you, this could change quickly. So always watch their body language. A dog's body language can tall you a lot.
For example if a dog has comfortably approached you, after some time he or she may decide that they have had enough interactions and want to retreat. If they start moving away, then let them, don't try to chase after them because you still want to pat them. A dog that is happy and comfortable will have a relaxed posture, softly wagging tails slowly swiping side to side (depending on how a dog's tail is wagging it could also indicate that they're alert or concerned of something). If a dog starts looking quite stiff, their ears are laid back, their body looks rigid, their tail is tucked under or they start smacking their lips or yawning then this might be a sign they could be anxious, scared or stressed.
Check out Canberra Vet's page on dog's body language with some images to demonstrate signs of a scared/stressed, angry or happy dog.
If you've got a dog that is not great with strangers, a reactive dog or an anxious dog, don't worry I can still capture beautiful photos and memories of them. We can talk on the phone, meet in person or over Zoom video conference to get to know your dog and you more so we can plan out your session to ensure it's a successful one. Although my standard session goes for up to an hour, each dog and circumstances are different and we can set aside more time for your session so that it allows your dog to get comfortable with me and ensures that they feel comfortable during and through out the session.
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This post is a part of the Pet Photographers blog circle I am in and this week's topic is "Hi, How are you?" - best practices on greeting a new dog. Next in the circle is Seattle Dog Photographer, Holly Cook, talks about what dogs have taught her about greeting them from the perspective of being a dog trainer, dog walker and dog photographer.
Make sure to follow along and click the link at the end of each post in the blog circle until you eventually find your way back here.
5 Comments
Feb 1, 2022, 9:31:18 PM
Nancy - Watching the body language is so important. My dog has very clear body language.
Jan 30, 2022, 1:15:48 PM
Darlene - These are great tips! And I love the dog running - wonderful image! Watching body language is so important!
Jan 28, 2022, 10:47:44 AM
Nicole - Great tips! Especially watch their body language. I think this is something we always need to be doing but is often overlooked.
Jan 28, 2022, 9:40:46 AM
Terri - Excellent points and simple to follow if people would educate themselves!
Jan 28, 2022, 6:15:31 AM
Tracy Allard - If people would only do these 3 simple things, we'd have so many more comfortable dogs in the world! It's great that you've studied body language so you can keep your furry clients happy and safe during their sessions.