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While some pets enjoy the spotlight and even crash their owners’ photos just to get everyone’s attention, others don’t like their picture taken that much. Have you ever noticed that your dog or cat instinctively looks away the moment the camera comes out, despite you being incredibly stealthy about it?
It turns out that pets can be camera-shy and feel rather uncomfortable when it’s pointed at them. For example, dogs feel uneasy when someone is staring at them, so when they turn their head away, they’re signaling that they’re uncomfortable with what’s going on.
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Cameras themselves can be intimidating to pups, too, because they make noise when zooming or taking the shot. These sounds are usually too high for us to hear, but dogs can detect them. Such an unfamiliar noise can startle them, making them nervous about the experience. The camera might appear intrusive and unfamiliar to pets, with flashes and a camera lens that looks like eyes, causing them to be scared of it as well.
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Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t realize that an innocent photoshoot is causing pets stress, especially to more sensitive ones. So if they start to notice their furry friends acting nervously around a camera, it’s important not to pressure them into it, so as not to create a negative association with the camera.
What owners can do instead is let them investigate the camera and reward them for approaching it or checking it out. When a pet receives a reward for tolerating or holding still for the camera, they will associate the camera with a positive experience, which makes taking photos more pleasant for them.
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Pet care company Wag! also recommends being mindful of your own body language and tone of voice while trying to get your pet comfortable around a camera.
“Using a higher, calmer tone of voice shows your dog you’re not stressed and everything is okay. Dogs are extremely perceptive of different kinds of body language. If you’re uncomfortable, they will be too. If you project being calm and happy, they’re more likely to see the situation positively,” they write.
Something else that can make pets more comfortable around the camera is starting to introduce it to them early. “Taking pictures or video often throughout their youth is a great way to get them accustomed to it,” suggests Wag!
Overall, when taking a picture of your pet, be aware of their personal space and their body language. If they become nervous or uncomfortable, give them a break.
“Just like humans, taking a picture isn’t always a good choice. If your dog is already uncomfortable in a new environment or situation, adding more discomfort is exhausting and stressful for your dog, and they may react accordingly.
The next time you want to lean in and wrap your arms around your dog for a selfie, consider how they’re feeling first. If they can’t get past you using a traditional camera, try a cell phone instead, which is probably more familiar to them,” Wag! recommends.
