Need to get your dog comfortable with new people? Try this!

Do you want to know the number one question I get asked by new clients? "My dog is scared of new spaces and new people - can we still come in for a photoshoot?" Yes, Yes, Yes. All dogs are unique and we take an adaptive approach with each and every photography client. We give them space, time and positive reinforcement to get the dogs comfortable. And you know what we always hear at the end of the photoshoot? "Wow - I can't believe how calm, happy and playful my dog was when they are normally a little chicken". Yahoo!

Meet Aullie, the 4-month-old Mini Australian Shepherd. Her mom wanted to capture and celebrate the adorable but short-lived puppy stage in some keepsake photos. But mom was a little apprehensive - she only recently got Aullie who tended to be shy. Challenge accepted - professional dog photographer to the rescue!

With shy or anxious dogs, but really all dogs, we give lots of time and space to get them comfortable. I learned a little trick with my reactive rescue dog - act like a statue that dispenses free treats. Avoiding eye contact and quick movements, the dog quickly learns that there is no reason to be scared of this person - they are acting very predictably. Once the dog has time to smell around, I then toss treats on the ground. Next, I will extend my hand with a treat for the dog to smell and eat, while avoiding eye contact. Working at the dog's pace, I will gradually expend my hand less far from my body, and if they are comfortable, give them a pet and a 'sit'.

This approach worked wonders with Aullie. She was out of her shell in no time and we were having a blast. Eating treats, playing and chasing fluffy toys - her favourite. She was a ham for the camera, giving me many poses, adorable head tilts and bright beautiful eyes.

Pleased with the photos I was getting, I wanted to up the challenge a little. Next, I aimed to get some smiling pictures. Dogs fall into one of two camps - gaping big smiles with tongues hanging loose and tight-lipped pooches who express everything through their eyes. For the gaping big smiles, we keep the AC pumping and only get them warm once I have captured more composed shots. For the tight-lipped pooches, we work to get them warm. Lots of fetch and running around tends to do the trick. Aullie has been well trained in the art of fetch, so this was right up her alley. Her little pink puppy tongue finally made an appearance, and it melted my heart. 

We at Fido Foto are thrilled to help you celebrate your bond in beautiful artwork. I can't wait to see Aullie photos hung in her mom's home in downtown Toronto.

If you are interested in a session, visit www.fido-foto.com to book your Toronto studio photo shoot. Have any questions or want additional information? Feel free to give us a call or reach out on the contact page. We look forward to meeting your animal family.