A Dog's Perspective: Capturing Unique Views With My Camera

Many dog owners have wondered what their dogs see when they point a camera at them. Some dogs seem to have a sixth sense for when a camera is out, and will refuse to stay still or look at the camera. Others are happy to pose for the camera. There are a few possible explanations for this behaviour. One theory is that dogs rely on body language and non-verbal cues, and staring at them can make them uncomfortable. Another idea is that dogs associate circular openings with water being sprayed at them, so they look away from cameras to avoid this. Some dogs may also be reacting to the infrared light or noise that cameras emit.

How to get your dog to pose for the camera

Firstly, it's important to understand that dogs rely on body language a lot more than we might think. They can't communicate verbally, so they rely on nonverbal cues. Staring at dogs can make them uncomfortable, and they may interpret it as a sign of dominance. This is why they often turn away from cameras.

Step 1: Start with a Solid "Sit"

Teach your dog the "sit" command. This will be the foundation for posing. Ask your dog to sit throughout the day and reward them with treats when they obey. Over time, you can increase the duration of the sit and add distractions or new environments.

Step 2: Train "Watch Me"

Teach your dog a command such as "watch me" to get them to look at the camera. Start with treats and reward your dog as they improve. Practice this during mealtimes by asking your dog to maintain eye contact until they are released from the "watch me" command.

Step 3: Develop Your Patience

Taking photos of your dog can be frustrating, but it's important to remain calm and patient. Dogs can sense your irritation, which may make them anxious. Remember to have fun and appreciate the memories you're creating.

Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice

The more you practice taking photos of your dog, the better the results will be. Start in a familiar, distraction-free environment and gradually move to more challenging locations. Be sure to reward your dog with treats when they obey.

Step 5: Embrace Imperfection

Sometimes the best photos are the ones you least expect. Embrace the unexpected moments and capture the unique bond between you and your dog.

Step 6: Know When to Walk Away

Respect your dog's limits. If your dog is feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable, take a break. Every dog has its own boundaries, and it's important to understand and respect them.

Additionally, consider the following:

• Avoid using a flash, as it can be alarming and uncomfortable for your dog.
• Allow your dog to investigate the camera and get used to its sounds and appearance.
• Reward your dog for approaching the camera or holding still, helping them associate the camera with positive experiences.
• Be mindful of your dog's personal space and body language.
• Use a calm, positive tone of voice to project a relaxed and happy attitude.
• Start early! If possible, get your dog accustomed to the camera from puppyhood.
• Take pictures frequently so your dog becomes accustomed to it.
• Try using a cell phone instead of a traditional camera, as it may be more familiar and less intimidating.
• Pay attention to your dog's body language to understand when they are comfortable and when they would rather be left alone.

Why do dogs turn away from cameras?

Dogs are extremely perceptive of body language. They rely on body language a lot more than we think—nearly all of their language information comes from nonverbal cues. Staring at a dog can make it uncomfortable, and it may turn away from a camera because it doesn't like being stared at.

Dogs find staring unnerving and a sign of dominance or aggression. A camera, whether a digital camera, CCTV, or a smartphone, is a foreign object with a big eye on it looking at them. A dog may not know what a phone is or what it does, but it can comprehend that eyes are for looking. This foreign object is staring at them, and the dog feels uncomfortable.

Dogs don't like having their personal space invaded. Hugging a dog can be interpreted as a display of dominance. Similarly, the camera lens may be too close for the dog's comfort.

Cameras also make noises that are too high for humans to hear but are detectable to dogs, which have a more acute sense of hearing than humans. The flash can also scare dogs.

Some dogs are born to be in the spotlight and love being photographed. However, others may be less willing to hold still and look at the camera. Paying attention to a dog's body language will help you learn the difference: when it is okay to snap a picture and when they would rather be left alone.

Best pet cameras to monitor your dog

Capturing your dog's attention on camera can be challenging, but pet cameras can help you monitor your furry friend remotely. Here are some of the best pet cameras on the market:

Furbo 360 Dog Camera

The Furbo 360 Dog Camera is a top-rated pet camera that offers a sharp view of your dog with features such as 360-degree panning, automatic dog tracking, and silent treat tossing. It has 1080p video quality with colour night vision and two-way audio. While it lacks a local storage option and Google Assistant support, it is a reliable choice for monitoring and interacting with your dog remotely.

Petcube Bites 2 Lite

The Petcube Bites 2 Lite is a more affordable alternative to the Furbo 360, offering similar features such as treat tossing and 1080p video quality. It can be mounted on a wall, making it a good choice for playful pups. However, it occasionally experiences connection delays with its companion app.

Eufy E220 Indoor Cam

The Eufy E220 Indoor Cam is an affordable and versatile camera that supports remote pan and tilt movements, 2K video capture, and intelligent motion and sound detection. It can distinguish between human and animal movements and includes a Pet Command feature that plays prerecorded messages when your dog enters a designated area.

TP-Link Tapo Indoor/Outdoor Home Security Wi-Fi Camera C120

While not designed specifically for pets, the TP-Link Tapo C120 is a highly affordable option that offers 2K video, colour night vision, intelligent alerts, and built-in spotlights. It can be controlled with voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and offers local and cloud storage options.

Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired)

The Google Nest Cam is an attractive and sturdy camera that integrates well with other Nest devices. It has a dedicated pet-detection feature and a 135-degree field of view. However, it is more expensive than some other options and does not offer microSD storage.

In addition to these options, there are several other pet cameras available, such as the Blink Mini, Ring Stick Up Cam, and Wyze Cam Pan v3, which offer features like motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio.

Dog Optics App

If you're looking for a fun way to see the world from your dog's perspective, the Dog Optics app lets you toggle between dog vision and human vision while capturing photos and videos. It can also help you choose toys that your dog can easily see.

Apps that let you see through your dog's eyes

There are several apps that can give you an idea of what your dog sees. One is the Dog Vision app, which is available on the Apple App Store, Amazon Appstore, and Google Play. The app is a web-based image processing tool that allows you to upload a picture and see it through your dog's eyes. Dogs have a dichromatic colour perception, meaning they can see two colours. Unlike humans, who have three different colour-sensitive cone cells in their retina (red, green, and blue), dogs have only two (yellow and blue).

The Dog Vision app has been around for a few years and has received some positive reviews, with users finding it interesting and helpful. However, some reviews also mention that the app could use improvements, such as better instructions and the ability to take photos with the dog vision filters.

Another similar app is Pawspective, which is available on the Apple App Store. This app also allows you to see the world through your dog's eyes and discover the scents that captivate your four-legged companion. Pawspective offers a fun and educational experience for all ages and has received some positive reviews for its user-friendliness. However, some users have noted that the app could better represent the colours that dogs see.

These apps can give you a glimpse into how your dog perceives the world visually, but it's important to remember that dogs also rely heavily on their sense of smell, which is much stronger than ours. So, while these apps can be fun and informative, they only provide a partial understanding of your dog's sensory experience.

How to get your dog comfortable with the camera

Dogs rely on body language a lot more than we realise. They can't communicate like people, so they depend on nonverbal cues. Staring at your dog can make them uncomfortable, and they may interpret it as a display of dominance. Cameras can seem strange and intimidating to dogs, and they may be able to hear high-frequency noises that the camera makes that are inaudible to humans. Using a flash can also be alarming for dogs, and they may be scared of the bright light.

• Start early: Get your dog accustomed to the camera from puppyhood if possible. Let them investigate the camera, listen to the noises it makes, and reward them for approaching it.
• Avoid using a flash: Bright camera flashes can be alarming and uncomfortable for dogs.
• Use treats: Dogs love treats, and this can be a great way to reward your dog for tolerating the camera and holding still for pictures. Over time, they will begin to associate the camera with treats, making the experience more positive.
• Be mindful of body language: Dogs are extremely perceptive of body language. If you're uncomfortable, they will be too. Try to project a calm and happy energy to help your dog feel more positive about the situation.
• Use toys: Your dog's favourite toy can be a great way to get their attention and direct their eye-line towards the camera.
• Use noises: Noises can be an effective way to get your dog's attention and make for some adorable pictures. Try to figure out which noises work best for your dog, as each dog is different. You can use familiar noises like a doorbell or experiment with different mouth noises, such as popping sounds, rolling "R" sounds, or clicking your tongue.
• Be patient: Taking pictures of your dog is supposed to be fun! Remember to be patient and persistent, as it may take time for your dog to get comfortable with the camera.

By following these tips, you can help your dog feel more at ease around cameras and improve your chances of capturing some great photos!

Frequently asked questions