Picture Paw-fect: How to Take a Selfie with Your Dog

Who doesn’t love a beautifully composed selfie with your dog? Whether you’re trying to snap the perfect picture for social media or for your annual holiday card, a good selfie with your dog is one of the most adorable photos you can share with your family and friends.

Unfortunately, dogs aren’t always ready for their closeup. While you may be ready to take that picture-perfect selfie, your dog might not cooperate and leave you with plenty of pictures with wayward glances or blurry backsides. Here are some handy tips to help you capture the perfect selfie with your precious pooch.

Don’t Make Them Move

A squirming dog is bad news for selfie success. Unless your dog is very comfortable with being picked up, it’s best to move to your furry friend when you want to take a picture. If your dog is sitting on the floor, get down to his level. If he’s allowed on the couch or bed, join him there. Your dog is less likely to fidget if you move to him instead of forcing him to pose, so take advantage of his current spot to keep him comfortable.

Make the Experience Worth Their While

You may want that selfie, but what’s in it for your fellow model? Without some incentive, your dog may look away from the camera or try to move somewhere else. When you’re ready to snap the perfect shot, have a few dog treats prepared to appease and guide your partner. Not only will this allow you to capture your furry friend’s attention, you can also use it to guide his eyes. Try holding your treat in the same hand as your phone so that your dog looks in the right direction for a spot-on selfie.

Think of Lighting Ahead of Time

It’s a sad sight when an otherwise perfect selfie is ruined by bad lighting. Before you start snapping shots, take a moment to consider if you can do anything ahead of time to improve the quality of your selfies. Take a quick pic of just you to check the lighting. If your room is too dark, consider turning on an extra light or opening a curtain. Indirect, natural light tends to work best, so try not to have any harsh lights directly in the background or right by your side. It’s also good to avoid using the flash on your phone. Flash can not only be an unpleasant experience for your dog, it can also ruin a good photo by giving your dog redeye.

Don’t Waste Time

You may have all the patience in the world to get the perfect photo, but your dog may not be nearly as willing to wait. You can’t guarantee how long your dog will cooperate, so try to move quickly when taking selfies. Have everything prepared when you pose with your pooch, focus your camera, and start snapping away. That way you can get some shots in right away in case your dog decides he’s not ready for a photoshoot.

More Photos Mean a Higher Chance for Success

You may be able to snap the perfect selfie on your first try, but it’s best not to bank on a perfect picture. Dogs aren’t the most predictable models, so you’re likely going to have more imperfect shots than beautiful ones. If you can, try to take rapid-fire images to increase your odds. Sure, you’ll have some blurry pictures and other less-than-optimal photos, but it’ll give you more options to choose from when it’s time to share your selfies.

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A good selfie is a great way to capture a happy moment in time with your favorite furry family member – trust us, you can never have too many pictures of your dog. Want to find out some other ways that you can treat your best friend? Join our Best Friends Club today to receive our exclusive email newsletter with informative articles, training tips, and members-only discounts on Bil-Jac dog food, treats, and other products.